Can't find the answers you're looking for? We've shared some of our most frequently asked questions to help you out!
Flat Markers
What is a flat marker?
A flat memorial is the most common type of memorial. They are also referred to as markers, flats, headstones, footstones or grass markers, as they are installed flat into the ground. They are most commonly about 3-4 inches thick and can have a wide range of widths and lengths.
Are flat markers cost-effective?
Yes. Flat grave markers are the most cost-effective granite memorial as they are often smaller than Uprights and do not require a base or foundation.
How much do your flat markers weigh?
A flat marker’s weight can vary based on the size. The smallest size is 30 lbs and the largest size is approximately 295 lbs. To view the weight of each marker we have available, select the size and look at the product description.
Why do you use granite for flat memorials?
Granite is the most common material used for cemetery markers for it's durability.
The material can withstand extreme weather conditions and will maintain its integrity for generations, making it excellent for cemeteries. Granite is also easier for engraving, and provides a beautiful contrast for the text and designs.
Can I purchase a vase or photo?
At this time, we do not offer vases or photos as add-ons for our flat markers.
Upright Monuments
What is an Upright Monument?
An Upright Monument is the second most common type of memorial. They are also referred to as headstones, tombstones or monuments. Most commonly, they are placed on a base that sits on top of a foundation. In the larger city cemeteries, the foundations are often prepared and provided by the cemetery. In rural cemeteries, it is more common for the customers or monument companies to provide the foundation.
How do I install them?
Although we are only offering smaller sized upright monuments, they are still very heavy. Installation often requires a picker crane, specialized hand wheeler and two people. A foundation will be required and can be precast granite or concrete. Most commonly, the foundation is 8" wider and 8" deeper than the base to provide a 4" surround and they are usually 4" thick.
The base will be placed on the foundation and small amounts of putty are placed underneath the base to ensure it doesn't move. If the foundation isn't level, shims may be required to ensure the base is level. Once the base is placed, the upright will be placed on top. Apply an epoxy adhesive to the base before setting the upright down. Once positioned correctly, it is recommend to apply a silicone seal around the edges of the upright to prevent water from getting underneath the upright. You can trim the access silicon with a putty knife.
Prairie Flat Memorials does not provide installation services. You will be required to coordinate installation on your own or with a local monument company
Engraving
How do you engrave granite?
Prairie Flat Memorials uses a traditional practice for engraving called sandblasting. Sandblasting uses a jet of sand driven by compressed air to remove the polish from the granite’s surface. By doing so, it exposes the contrast between the polished surface and the unpolished layers of the granite. Up to four shades or tones can be created on black granite using different sandblasting techniques, which enables the creation of beautiful designs.
For a double monument, how does the date of passing get added?
Added inscriptions are a common practice in the monument industry and are typically done onsite at the cemetery. Contact a local monument company to help you.
Why don't you offer laser etching?
Although beautiful, laser etching is an expensive process. To minimize our costs and keep our pricing low, we are not offering laser etchings at this time.
Can I provide my designs to engrave on the marker?
Our design team has created an online customization process that will eliminate human error and ensure the memorial will look exactly how the customer has designed it. Due to this, we have intentionally offered pre-designed templates of proven designs that engrave beautifully onto the granite. We are not permitting the use of custom designs, as in some cases, designs that look good on paper do not translate well onto granite when engraved.
Why can't I choose a different font?
Unfortunately, many fonts that look good on paper do not translate well onto granite. Because of this, our design team has chosen fonts that are proven to engrave beautifully onto granite.
Why can't I change the font size?
We intentionally made changing the font size inaccessible to ensure that our customers don’t accidentally select the wrong size or a size that wouldn’t show well when engraved onto the granite. If the font is too small, the letters may become distorted. If the font size is too large, it will look disproportionate or may not fit the monument. Our design team has meticulously chosen the perfect size of font to guarantee the final product will be legible and beautiful.
What do I do if my name doesn't fit?
If you notice that the name you’re entering isn’t fitting, try selecting a different template or go up in size.
Why isn’t my information saving when I switch templates?
We have not enabled the saving of text when you switch to a different template. However, you can create a PDF and reference it later to recreate the same design.
Why does the first letter remain when I'm editing text on my laptop or desktop?
This feature is a part of the design software. It makes sure that you always have a placeholder for the last letter typed. The letter will change as you input new letters or numbers.
Will the final product match the template I've created?
Yes it will. Our design team have created a selection of beautiful templates that will translate almost identically onto the granite. Restrictions have been incorporated into the design tool to ensure that the final product will fit the size of the marker and be clear and legible. If the final product does not match your template, please refer to our Refund Policy.
Shipping
What happens if you’re out of stock?
If it is available to be purchased on our website it is in-stock. We will remove the product from the website if we have run our of inventory. To alleviate this issue, we have invested in stockpiling our inventory to avoid the supply chain issues that the world has faced over the past few years. Prairie Flat Memorials ensures that we will always have enough stock and we will deliver your memorial promptly within 2 weeks of order.
Do you ship to all locations in Canada?
Yes we do! Prairie Flat Memorials will ship all over Canada. Free shipping ONLY applies to BC, AB, SK & MB. Additional charges may be incurred for remote locations or Provinces/Territories outside of the aforementioned. Please refer to our Shipping Policy for more information.
When will I receive my marker after I purchase it?
In 2 WEEKS or less! Our company understands the frustration of waiting 6 months to a year for a memorial. We have structured our delivery service to ensure that your marker will arrive to your shipping address within 2 weeks of purchase. You will receive a notification email once shipping has been booked with one of our carriers.
Please refer to our Shipping Policy for more details about this process.
What happens if my marker doesn’t arrive or is damaged during shipping?
If your marker appears to have been damaged during shipping we recommend that you reference the Refund Policy and Shipping Policy for information on our reimbursement procedures for damaged memorials. If your marker did not arrive at all, please contact the carrier on the information provided in the emailed shipping confirmation and double check the shipping address to make sure it is correct. If so, please refer to the Refund Policy and Shipping Policy for information on how we handle missing items.
Installation
Who will install the memorial?
You are responsible for arranging the installation of your monument. We do not provide installations for memorials. Please note that some cemeteries' do all of their own installations and will require you to arrange delivery with them. Be sure to ask about your cemetery’s procedures for installing markers prior to ordering.
Cemetery Regulations
Do all cemeteries allow any type of memorial?
Some cemeteries only allow certain types of memorials/monuments, therefore it is important to confirm with your cemetery to understand their regulations.
What are cemetery regulations?
Cemetery regulations are guidelines created by the cemetery to determine what sizes and types of memorials are allowed in a given location. As well, these can sometimes include guidelines on who is responsible for installing the memorial at the plot. Please reference Cemetery Regulations on our homepage for more information.
Do all cemeteries have regulations?
Not all cemeteries have regulations and some have fewer than others. Be sure to check with your cemetery before purchasing a memorial. Please reference Cemetery Regulations on our homepage for more information.
Is it necessary to purchase a memorial even if the person is cremated?
As cremation is becoming more common, cemeteries are increasingly adding space to their cremation sections. In many cases, cremated remains are interred in the ground similar to a traditional burial. The placement of a marker is done the same way as a traditional burial. A marker is often permitted on cremation plots.
