Most cemeteries require that all memorials be made of granite because of its durability. Granite comes from all over the world, some colours are only found in certain parts of the globe. Many granite manufacturers import large granite blocks, in rough form, some as large as 20 tonnes, and the cutting and polishing is done domestically. Kirkpatrick chooses this method of supply and deems it essential for quality control. Others, import finished memorials that have been cut and polished overseas and are of unknown quality because of it.

No! A memorial retailer who attempts to convince you that all granite is created equal or that it all comes from the same place, knows very little about geology or the granite industry. Claiming that all granite is the same, is like saying all diamonds are the same. Choosing the best quality granite ensures longevity. Worldwide, Rock of Ages granite has always been heralded as the very best. Out of all the granite quarried by Rock of Ages, only a very small percentage meets the stringent quality standards necessary to produce a Rock of Ages Seal Mark Memorial. “If it doesn’t have a Rock of Ages seal, it’s not a Rock of Ages Seal mark memorial.”

Not all companies offer a guarantee covering all aspects of your memorial. Many will guarantee your monument, only for as long as they are in business and only for certain issues. Kirkpatrick Monuments is the only monument builder in our area that offers a Perpetual Warranty through the Rock of Ages Authorized Retailer Seal Mark Program. Monies are held in trust and depending on the level of the warranty, your memorial is covered against cracks and craftsmanship, fading, or discolouring. This warranty is not only valid for the purchaser but for their heirs as well.

Most arrangements are best made at one of our offices if you are looking for a memorial. When a family visits, having many memorials of all shapes, sizes and colours is very helpful in decision making. Simple markers, duplication of an existing memorial, or adding lettering to an already existing memorial can be handled over phone or through email.

Since granite comes from around the world, the price depends on where it is quarried, the availability and the yield in the quarry. Varying quality may even be seen within the same quarry depending on where the granite is harvested. Kirpatrick always chooses premium granite in each colour.

The monument builder may not have engraved the lettering deeply enough and may have used paint to further enhance it and the paint is now worn or wearing away. Some granites do not have natural contrast and therefore once the paint is gone, the lettering does not show up. Using paint is shortsighted. Kirkpatrick does not use artificial means like paints and dyes to make lettering show up but rather uses the “Double Process” which is a natural process to ensure the lettering will always be legible. Choosing granite for its natural contrast is the best course of action.