Frequently Asked Questions About Headstones & Memorials
Planning a memorial can come with a lot of questions, especially when it comes to pricing, cemetery rules, design options, timelines, and installation. At Austin Stone and Monument, we help families in Wichita Falls, Decatur, and the surrounding communities understand their options and make confident decisions about creating a meaningful memorial.
1 / How much does a headstone cost?
The cost of a headstone depends on the size, granite color, shape, design details, lettering, cemetery requirements, and installation. Because every memorial is different, we provide clear pricing after we understand what you need and where the memorial will be placed.
2 / How long does it take to get a headstone?
The timeline can vary depending on the design, cemetery approval, granite availability, production schedule, and installation. We will give you a realistic timeline before the order is placed and keep you updated throughout the process.
3 / Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are helpful, especially if you want to sit down and design a custom memorial, but walk-ins are welcome. You are welcome to visit our showroom, ask questions, and look through options.
4 / Can you help me design a custom memorial?
Yes. Custom memorial design is one of our strengths. We can help create a memorial that feels personal and meaningful instead of simply choosing from a standard template.
5 / Do you install the headstone?
Yes. We handle installation according to the cemetery’s rules and requirements. Before production, we help verify cemetery guidelines so the memorial is made correctly for that location.
6 / Do cemeteries have different rules?
Yes. Every cemetery may have its own rules regarding size, material, foundations, placement, vases, bronze, benches, and other memorial features. We help families work through those requirements before the memorial is ordered.
7 / Do you offer flat grave markers?
Yes. We offer single and companion flat granite markers with options for lettering, borders, emblems, designs, and personalization.
8 / Do you offer bronze memorials?
Yes. We offer bronze memorials and can help you understand the differences between bronze and granite options, including appearance, cemetery requirements, and long-term considerations.
9 / Do you offer cremation memorials?
Yes. Cremation memorials can include granite memorials, benches, columbarium-style options, or custom designs depending on the cemetery and the family’s preference.
10 / Can I choose the granite color?
Yes. Granite comes in many colors from around the world. The color you choose can affect the appearance, availability, and price of the memorial. We can help you compare options and choose what fits your design best.
11 / Can you add photos, emblems, or custom artwork?
Yes. Options may include porcelain photos, bronze emblems, carved artwork, laser etching on suitable granite, and other custom design elements. The best option depends on the granite, memorial style, and cemetery rules.
12 / Do you serve both Wichita Falls and Decatur?
Yes. Austin Stone and Monument serves families through our Wichita Falls and Decatur locations, as well as surrounding communities.
13 / What should I bring when I come in?
Helpful things to bring include the name and dates for the memorial, cemetery information, photos, design ideas, and any cemetery paperwork you may already have. If you do not have everything yet, that is okay. We can still help you get started.
14 / What is the first step?
The first step is to contact us, visit one of our locations, or send us information online. We will learn about the cemetery, the memorial you have in mind, and the design direction, then help guide you from there.
15 / Can a cemetery require me to buy a headstone from them?
No. A cemetery can have rules about the type, size, material, placement, and installation requirements for memorials in their cemetery, but they cannot restrict you from purchasing a headstone from the monument company of your choice. You have the right to choose who designs and supplies the memorial, as long as the memorial meets the cemetery’s published rules and requirements. If you are unsure what a cemetery allows, we can help review the requirements with you before you make a decision.
16 / Will you install a memorial purchased from an online provider?
No. We do not install memorials purchased from online providers or outside companies. When we install a memorial, we are also taking responsibility for the quality, fit, safety, cemetery compliance, and long-term stability of that memorial. Because we cannot verify the material, workmanship, shipping condition, or accuracy of a memorial we did not provide, we only install memorials purchased through Austin Stone and Monument.
