Frequently Asked Questions
Have a quick general question? Here’s the place to answer it. If you don’t see your question here, or if it’s more specific, give us a call at 605-343-3023 today and we’ll answer all the questions you have!
How long does the manufacturing process take?
On average, it’s 6-8 months. This depends on many factors like weather, how many times the client goes back and forth with the art team concerning the design, when final payment is received, and quarry schedules, among other things. So it’s best to plan ahead if you’re wanting on having a stone set on a specific date. To get this process started, give us a call today at 605-343-3023.
What is the average cost of a headstone?
On average, the cost is $8,000. This depends on several factors including size, shape, and color. In fact, those are really the only things price depends on. So once we figure out those 3 factors, it will be smooth sailing from there.
- Size: Bigger doesn’t always mean more expensive! In some cases a bevel can be more than an upright tablet.
- Shape: There are the most common and basic shapes, which are quarry norms. These will help cut down on cost. Once you start delving into more custom shapes that are outside quarry norms, it starts to get more expensive.
- Color: Some colors are more expensive than others. And just because a color comes from an international quarry doesn’t always means it’s more expensive, and vice versa – domestic quarry stones aren’t always going to be cheaper.
These are the nitty gritty details that can only be discussed with our sales representatives, so give us a call today at 605-343-3023!
My family member passed after they had a stone made and set. How do you put their final date on the stone?
The first thing we do is travel out to the stone site and utilize a technology that tells us exactly what font the existing text is, how big it is, and how deep it’s engraved. We then give the order to our art team who creates an engraving file based on this information. After that gets approved by the client, our fabrication team takes a portable sand blasting machine out to the stone and puts the final date on, right there on site! We don’t ever remove the stone to transport it back to our fabrication facility – once LifeSong places the stone, it never leaves. To learn more about this process, give us a call at 605-343-3023!
Do you install stones all year?
No. Our typical setting season is from April to October, weather dependent. This is because the ground becomes too hard in the colder months, making installing stones impossible. To find out the earliest you can get a stone placed, call us at 605-343-3023.
Are your stones good quality?
Granite is rated exactly like diamonds – there are A, B, and C grades. We only carry grade A granites. To see our vast selection of high grade granites, give us a call at 605-343-3023.
Do you have a warranty for the stones you install?
The quality and durability of our monuments are of the highest importance to us. LifeSong will warranty the items / services in the following list for the life of the company. It may not be all-inclusive, so we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your warranty.
- Levelling of the Monument: This refers to any adjustment that may have to be made due to the monument settling unevenly in the ground over time.
- Ceramic Photographs: The memorial portrait is fully guaranteed after installation for:
Vandalism (all sorts, photo required)
Breakage (Once already installed in cemetery, photo required)
Damaged during shipping to dealer (photo required) - Laser Etching & Sandblast Engraving: Any laser etching and sandblasted engraving will be repaired or replaced at our cost. Any changes to approved and completed work will be completed at additional cost.
- Lithochrome Paint: Lithochrome paint is not covered under warranty. LifeSong will make touch-ups at the customer’s request at an additional cost.
Can I watch the stone being created?
Yes you can absolutely watch your stone being made! Just let us know you’re interested and we’ll sort out the logistics from there. Once you arrive, we will have ear protection for you.
I heard that laser etching wears off faster than sandblast etching. Is this true?
This is absolutely not true! Both laser etching and traditional sandblasting involve removing the stone polish to create a permanent design – they’re just using different methods and materials to do it. While traditional sandblasting uses compressed air and sand to remove the stone polish, laser etching uses high powered lasers to remove the polish. No matter what method you choose, the design is going to last as long as the stone does…
Which brings us to the actual reason a design might not last as long: poor granite quality. Poor quality granite is more susceptible to the elements and will degrade faster, meaning the design will too. Fortunately, LifeSong only carries the highest quality granite available, which is Grade A. So you can rest assured that when you purchase from LifeSong, you’re getting the highest quality stone and that your design will last the longest.
If you have more questions about the laser engraving process or the quality of our stones, please give us a call at 605-343-3023.
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24" x 12" x 6" Bevel For Only
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