Why Headstones Take A Long Time To Create

Larsen Memorials Team • January 13, 2023

Uniquely crafted to commemorate the life of a loved one, headstones are a deeply personalized symbol. Creating a headstone can take a while as every element including size, shape, material, and customizations is perfected. Larsen’s Memorials outlines the six-step process that headstones undergo to achieve your vision for a lasting tribute for your loved one.


Step 1 – Consultation 


Whenever you’re ready to have a headstone created for your late loved one, call your memorial provider to schedule a consultation. Your provider will assist you with the following:


  • Present you with headstone design options that might feel overwhelming to handle on your own.
  • Design a headstone that honours your lost loved one best.
  • Answer your questions about the process.


Step 2 – Plan Headstone Design & Details


When you meet with a memorial specialist, they will show you a variety of design elements to personalize your loved one’s headstone. Families can choose from the following design factors:

  • Size and Shape – Larger and more intricate memorials will often take longer to produce. 
  • Granite Colour – A common granite colour is the best option if you’re interested in a headstone immediately.
  • Lettering and Images – Different etching methods can be used for this, extending the design process.


Step 3 – Payment & Next Steps 


The memorial specialist will create a mock-up of your memorial so that you can view it before it’s created. Before production, your memorial specialist will need some of the following:

  • Memorial Down Payment – The sooner you can make most of the payment, the sooner your memorial provider can start production.
  • Responsible Party Signature – We ask that a family member or representative signs off the headstone mock-up ensure that the memorial design meets your expectations.


Step 4 – Getting the Headstone Created


The memorial provider will move forward with production after the design is signed off. A stencil is made which gets taped to the stone and cut with a stencil knife. 


After hand-cutting, the headstone goes through a sandblasting machine where the design is cut into the stone. Once the sandblasting process is finished, it undergoes finishing and highlighting.


Step 5 – Headstone Arrives


Once the memorial is cleaned, you and your family will be notified that it’s ready to be delivered. The delivery process of headstones can take a while depending on the location of the cemetery and the weather.


Get A Free Consultation On Headstones


Larsen’s Memorials offers free consultations on headstones and memorials. Reach out to our team of professionals today.