Headstones

In the past families had to wait several months after a burial to put up a headstone, but now you can proceed immediately as we install a foundation that bridges a recently opened grave.

We aim to complete the process in 8–10 weeks from ordering (for stock items) and 20 – 26 weeks (for custom-made items / imported stone). To check if a particular headstone is in stock simply contact us.

Planning permission can take up to 6 weeks*, however this will not usually affect the completion date. (We are not permitted to start any work until approval is granted). * Some Councils with staffing issues can occasionally take twice this time to issue planning in which case it will delay the work. We will update you immediately if any problems are encountered.

Yes, we can produce most of our catalogue headstone shapes in any stone colour listed. It may be possible to source other stone types / colours to your specification. Call or email us for more details.

Yes, we can produce custom–designed shapes or match existing headstones in any of our catalogue stone colours. Any custom-made headstone will be priced based on the amount of work and materials required. The lead time will be increased significantly and will be around 18 – 26 weeks from ordering. Please contact us for more details.

Yes in older Council cemeteries and most churchyards. Most modern Council–owned cemeteries are ‘lawn cemeteries’ which means they mow the grass and maintain all graves. Everything is open–plan and no grave surrounds are permitted. Grave surrounds are less popular now due to the initial cost and ease of being damaged when a grave is opened for burial.

Yes, lawn cemeteries generally allow a 12-24” strip in front of a headstone for vases, wedges or “garden surrounds”. Garden surrounds tend to sink over time and slope away from the headstone, leading to maintenance issues. Because we cannot guarantee them for our standard 6-years, we no longer supply them, but we can put you in contact with a contractor who does.

Yes, if in a Council–owned cemetery. (Most churchyards also require approval). To simplify things, we apply for permission and pay the appropriate fees on your behalf. These will be itemised in our quotation.

No, permission is usually not required in Council–owned cemeteries / most churchyards.

Yes, if in a Council–owned cemetery. Most churchyards do not require approval. To simplify things, we apply for planning and pay the fee (if applicable) on your behalf.

For all Council–owned cemeteries, you will be issued with a Grave Lease certificate that names the owner and usually has “GRANT RIGHT OF BURIAL” or similar at the top. Grave papers will be slightly different depending on which Council issued them.

Church Cemeteries will differ in height restrictions, as will different Councils. As a rule of thumb for Council cemeteries, it is generally 42” maximum height from ground level. (Council cemeteries will usually also limit memorials to be placed within 24” from the top of the grave.)

Technically the width can be to the very edges of the grave (often 48”) but generally 46” would be the maximum to allow for error. (Council cemeteries will usually also limit memorials to be placed within 24” from the top of the grave and their height to 42” maximum.)

YES, although marble being soft, it slowly dissolves in rain and white marbles weather to a dirty grey colour. To avoid these issues, most modern headstones are crafted in granite with a polished finish. Granite is a very hard stone which won’t erode and a polished finish prevents weathering / greening to ensure the stone will not be affected by the elements. (The only weathering that will occur will be to the lettering finish but it should last for 10-20+ years depending on the exposure or dampness of the stone. The letters can be easily refreshed at minimal cost to be brought back to looking like new.)

The price usually depends on the size / the type and colour of stone / how intricate the carving. Our headstones start from approximately £560 (including VAT, the foundation and installation). Additional to this will be the inscription (charged per letter) and a cemetery fee. There are optional extras that can be added to a headstone which can be chosen using our Online Headstone Builder.

We include this in the price of the headstone.

We include this in the price of the headstone.

We include this in the price of headstones erected in the Greater Belfast / Co. Down / Co. Armagh / Southern Co. Antrim areas. Beyond this, a surcharge may be added depending on distance travelled.

We cover all of Northern Ireland. The delivery costs are included in the price of headstones in the Greater Belfast / Co. Down / Co. Armagh / Southern Co. Antrim areas. Beyond this, a surcharge may be added depending on distance travelled.

Yes, we stand over all memorial work carried out by us for a period of 6 years. This includes lettering*, stonework, joints, footings, and foundations**. 

* Lettering finishes are guaranteed for 6-years on all headstones, excluding 27” or 30” tall headstones where a sub-base has not been added. In these cases we guarantee the lettering finish for 1-year. 

** Some cemeteries suffer from poor ground conditions and have no concrete strip installed for headstone stability. In such rare cases where a neighbouring grave is opened, single headstone foundations are still susceptible to subsidence, despite the work being fit for purpose. In these cases, we will coordinate with the relevant cemetery authorities regarding responsibility for repairs.)

Yes. If in a Council cemetery there will be a planning fee. Some churchyards also charge a fee. We will itemise any applicable fees in the quotation. Fees are usually paid by us on your behalf.

We usually ask for a deposit at the time of ordering which is approximately half the overall cost. Once complete (usually in 8-10 weeks from ordering) and you are completely happy with the result, we will request the balance.

We usually ask for payment for inscriptions, wedges, desk tablets and slabs up–front, unless the payment is from the estate of the deceased and being handled via a solicitor. In this case we will apply for payment directly from the solicitor handling the estate.