Why do headstones take so long to make?

Shape and Size. Larger, more intricate headstones take longer than ones that are smaller and more straightforward. For instance, upright monuments with unique shapes are going to take longer to craft than a lawn-level memorial that sits flush with the ground.

How long does it take for a headstone to be made?

Typically, it takes at least three or four weeks for the installer to completely create the headstone or grave marker and to place it upon the top of the grave. In some instances, the ground will need to settle before placing the headstone, depending on the climate, the time of year, and the weather.

Why are headstones taking so long?

Monument companies are struggling to meet demand in the wake of delays and shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as the supply chain has been impacted by lockdowns, production issues and labor shortages. What used to be a three-month wait for a headstone has turned into six months or a yearlong delay in delivery.

How long should you wait before placing a headstone?

It is recommended that vertical headstones should be placed no sooner than 6 months after the burial. This time will allow the rain, gravity, and other elements to compact the soil. Some cemeteries may require a full year to pass, while others might only recommend 6 to 8 weeks.

How long after a burial can a headstone be erected?

While there is no one specific rule around how long you need to wait before you can put a headstone on a burial grave, as a guideline figure it is recommended that you wait for at least six months, if not longer.

Adding a Date of Death to a Headstone, How Inscription of Headstones is Done in a Cemetery

How long does it take for a grave to sink?

Often, you have to wait for about three to six months to make sure that by the time you do place the memorials, any dirt around the grave would have settled. This is because a new grave takes time to settle and can move around, especially when there is a lot of rainfall.

Is there a tombstone shortage?

The pandemic-fueled upheaval in the global supply chain is roiling the nation's monument industry at a time when demand for memorials is skyrocketing. Crucial materials, including granite, saws and rubber stencils, are in short supply. Workers can be tough to find and truck drivers even harder.

Are headstones on backorder?

One shortage is leaving some families looking for answers when a loved one passes away. There's always been a short lag time between laying a loved one to rest and how long it takes for the headstone to be placed on the burial plot. That's no longer the case, and yes, the pandemic is to blame.

Can I put a headstone on a grave myself?

In public and private cemeteries alike, you usually need something called a grant deed before you can put up a headstone. A grant deed is a legal document that shows the sale or transfer of property from one person to another.

How much does a headstone cost?

How much does a headstone cost? Traditional headstones can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $20,000, depending on the size and style of the memorial – as well as various other factors.

Why do headstones sink?

An average grave marker can weigh roughly 100 pounds, When rain causes soil erosion, the headstones are prone to sink into that soil.

Can a headstone be refurbished?

Due to age, corrosion, vandalism, or weathering, headstones can become brittle over time and susceptible to damage. Fortunately, you can correct many issues and prevent further damage with headstone restoration.

What kind of glue is used on tombstones?

Epoxy.com Product #2005 was specifically designed for tombstone (monuments) and/or stone bonding, or repair. Epoxy.com Product #2005 is very strong yet it is has a "low modulus of elasticity: (semi-flexible).

Can you redo a headstone?

Memorials made of bronze can be refinished. Memorials made of either granite and marble can also be resurfaced.

Why is there a shortage in sandblast stencil?

The No. 1 issue for local companies is the shortage of a sandblast stencil. 3M, a main supplier of the thick, rubber stencil with Mylar backing, announced in October it was halting production due to increased material costs and a desire to focus efforts elsewhere.

Why are people buried 6 feet under?

Medical schools in the early 1800s bought cadavers for anatomical study and dissection, and some people supplied the demand by digging up fresh corpses. Gravesites reaching six feet helped prevent farmers from accidentally plowing up bodies.

Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

They cover the legs in a casket because the deceased is not wearing shoes in many cases due to the difficulty of putting them on stiff feet. Also, funeral directors may recommend it to save money, for religious reasons, in the event of trauma, for easier transportation, or with tall bodies.

Can you use Dawn to clean a headstone?

A gentle cleaner like DAWN dishsoap along with lots of water will safely clean any type of headstone.

How do professionals clean gravestones?

Scrub: With a soft-bristle brush, gently scrub the headstone in orbital motion from bottom to top. Avoid any cracks or flakes when scrubbing. You may want to avoid cleaning the entire stone if there is an excessive amount of scratches or flaking. Rinse: Avoid pressure washing the stone.

Can a name be changed on a headstone?

Contact cemetery officials and explain the situation. Tell them you had little success in getting a corrected gravestone to replace the incorrect one. Request permission to correct the gravestone yourself. If they agree, you will need to apply a patch to the incorrect information and chisel in the correct information.

How long does it take a coffin to collapse?

By 50 years in, your tissues will have liquefied and disappeared, leaving behind mummified skin and tendons. Eventually these too will disintegrate, and after 80 years in that coffin, your bones will crack as the soft collagen inside them deteriorates, leaving nothing but the brittle mineral frame behind.

What is a grave saver?

The Grave Saver™ is a low cost, low maintenance way to preserve and enhance your family's cemetery grave site. The Grave Saver™ has a patented design which prevents grave markers from sinking into the ground and being overgrown with grass.

Why do graves fall in?

What is grave subsidence? Grave subsidence refers to the appearance of graves 'sinking'. This is an entirely natural process caused by loosened soil settling into place and the natural process of the coffin collapsing overtime.