If you have a question that doesn’t appear below please let us know. We may need to add it to our list!
How much does the typical monument cost?
The price of a cemetery memorial depends on the material and the quality of the material used. Like diamonds, there are many different grades of granite available. Other elements will include the quanity of granite used and the craftsmenship that went into creating the memorial. A memorial can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
I have never had to purchase a cemetery monument, where do I begin?
This is a very good question. We tell our families to take time and walk around the cemetery and examine the many different sizes, colors and shapes of monuments available. Pay close attention to the craftsmanship and quality of the carvings, etchings and lettering fonts available. Understand that your memorial requires careful thought and planning.
Does Ottawa Monuments J.P. Laurin do all of their work in house?
We take great pride in having the ability to create your story in stone at our on-premise sand carving studio. We are proud to be able to implement 21st century technology with old world craftsmanship.
What type of stone is used?
Almost all monuments and markers are made of Granite. It is magnificently crystalline, polishes superbly and is an 8 on the MOHS (Measure of Hardness Scale) scale of hardness, making it the perfect choice.
What is Granite?
Granite and Marble are the oldest building materials of the Earth. Granite and Marble formed out of liquid magma millions of years ago when the molten rock found at the center of our planet began to cool and form one of the hardest, durable natural substances known to mankind. Overtime, natural occurrences in the Earth’s seismic activity caused great changes in the Earth’s crust, before long, massive veins of granite began to rise out of the Earth’s crust.
Granite is composed primarily of 3 essential minerals:
- Feldspar (50% or greater)
- Quartz (25% to 40%)
- Mica (3% to 10%)
The color, texture and strength are all determined according to the proportions of minerals present in the granite.
Are all monuments the same, in terms of quality?
Absolutely not. You truly need to compare and deal with a monument company that knows their stuff and their stone. We can’t stress this factor enough. Keep in mind that the same size and color DOES NOT mean the same quality. Like diamonds that come from the earth, there are many different grades of granite. The bottom-line is craftsmanship is key.
I don’t live in Ottawa. Can I still buy a monument?
No problem, using the online tools we have developed, many families find the out-of-town purchase of a memorial to be a pleasurable, stress-free experience. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will exceed all your expectations as we carefully work to accommodate your family from the initial stages of design through completion of your memorial. We will also send you a digital image of your memorial once it has been placed in the cemetery.
What affects the cost of a monument?
The total cost of your cemetery memorial is determined by five key drivers:
- Quantity of Granite used – Size of Stone.
- Quality and type of granite selected.
- The amount of polished surface.
- Finish and Craftsmanship incorporated into the memorial.
- Customization of the stone – Lasering, Photos, enameling etc.
No matter your choice. We will produce something meaningful and beautiful whatever your budget.
How Long Does it Take to Complete a Memorial?
We have a full-service shop where all of our work is completed. Our standard delivery time on items typically held in stock is about four to six weeks. Specialty monuments and markers that are special ordered may take up to a few months to complete. If you have a specific date by which you would like to have the monument set in the cemetery just let us know and we will work with you to understand important dates.
I am Looking to Mark an Old Grave. Do You Have Anything Small and Inexpensive I can Use?
Yes! We have a lot of smaller stones that can be engraved and would fill the need of any budget.
What are Some Common/Popular Epitaphs used on Memorials?
We have a library of epitaphs for you to look at. You are not limited to the epitaphs we have listed and it is our hope that they help you think of something beautifully appropriate. Please click here to view them.
How do I Know I am Making the Correct Decision in Purchasing Our Monument?
Your monument purchase is a major purchase and should be well thought-out and considered. Our staff is pleasant, caring, and willing to help guide you through the process of designing the perfect memorial for your loved one. You will be provided drawings of your memorial and given an opportunity to make any changes before any work is completed.
What are the terms and method of payment?
Upon purchase, we ask for a 50% deposit on the monument plus all relevant cemetery fees. (Foundation, Setting Costs etc.). The balance is due upon installation.
We accept Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard and online transfers.
What my add to the cost of a stone?
When purchasing a monument it’s important to consider the craftsmanship and intricacy of what is being produced. If additional work is required an extra expense may be incurred.
Why do some monument carvings and etchings cost more than others?
When purchasing a monument carefully consider the craftsmanship. Understand the types of carvings and artwork that are going to be incorporated into the monument you selected. Different types of processes yield different results in artistry, hence cost more than others to create.
We will always produce a rendering of your stone for full review and “Sign off”. This allows your family to see how large your carvings and lettering will be in proportion to the size of the memorial.