This guide provides general information about the design, purchase and installation of memorials sold by Rock Creek Cemetery.  All memorial designs must be approved in advance by the Cemetery’s management and specific restrictions may apply to the types of memorials permitted in different sections of the Cemetery.  Also, certain fees related to installation and care are payable to the Cemetery on all memorials installed in Rock Creek. After reading this guide, if you have questions or would like to make an appointment to meet with one of our sales staff, please call us at 202-829-0585.

Types of Memorials

Many types of memorials are available. The two most popular are granite monuments and bronze or granite markers. Most monuments are set on a stone base and are upright; some have slanted faces. Most markers lay flat at the surface of the ground, but some, called bevel markers, are raised at the back. Other, more unique memorials include various styles of crosses, statuary, benches, etc.

Types of Materials

Memorials are available in a variety of materials. Markers are generally made of bronze, granite or marble. Monuments are available in granite and marble. Granite is usually obtained from either Georgia or Vermont with cost and slight quality differences between the two sources. Marble memorials, which are somewhat less durable than granite, are also obtained from Georgia, with current production times considerably longer than for granite memorials.

Prices

Prices depend on material, size, design, etc.

Granite/Bronze Markers: starting at $925 - $ 2700
Installation/care fees of $1.30 per square inch of surface.

Monuments starting at $1800
Foundation/care fees of $1.30 per square inch of base.

Factors influencing the price of granite memorials include their source, color, size, polished surfaces, inscriptions and carvings. For example, variables that increase costs can be the choice of pink or black granite over grey-colored granite or the choice of more polished sides of a memorial. As well, the price of granite from Vermont is more than granite from Georgia.

From Design to Installation

The time between designing and installing a memorial can vary considerably, depending on the type of memorial being purchased and a variety of other factors. Generally, there are four steps in the process of creating a memorial.
Design and Contract:   First, the design and specifications for the memorial are discussed and agreed upon. Knowledgeable cemetery sales staff are available to answer questions and to assist in the design process. Brochures showing various designs may be obtained from the cemetery office. The office also has a variety of other reference materials and books of designs to consult during sales visits. It is also possible to order a duplication of a memorial existing in the cemetery. A signed contract, typically accompanied by a fifty percent deposit, confirms the details of the agreement.

Drawings and Approval:   Second, a detailed drawing of the memorial is prepared and sent to the customer for approval of spelling, dates, and layout. Drawings are usually received in about four weeks. For monuments, an additional forty percent of the total price is paid when drawings are approved. Drawings are generally not made for bronze markers.

Production and Delivery:   Third, once the drawing is approved and returned, production begins on the memorial. Typical production and delivery times are: 8-10 weeks for bronze markers, 12-14 weeks for granite markers, and 14-16 weeks for granite monuments. Black granite may take longer. Drawings, production and delivery of marble memorials have recently taken 12 months or more unless ordered from Rock Creek inventory.

Installation:   The fourth and final stage is installation. Typically, this occurs within two weeks of delivery. Markers are installed by cemetery personnel while monuments are installed by an outside stonemason contracted by the cemetery. Final payment is made upon completion and installation of the memorial.

Time Estimates:   These timetables apply to memorials designed and ordered from manufacturers to meet specific customer requirements. They are estimates only - memorials may arrive sooner or later than normal. Delivery times cannot be guaranteed. Typical delays involve holiday slowdowns, manufacturer workloads, customer changes, and inclement weather (e.g. installation delays due to snow or rain).

Ordering from Inventory:   Memorials purchased from the Cemetery’s inventory can be inscribed by a locally contracted stonemason which may reduce total production time.

Adding Inscriptions:   The Cemetery can arrange for inscriptions (such as names or dates) to be added to existing memorials. Current charges for standard inscriptions are $250.00 for the first ten characters and $10.00 for each additional character. Some specialized lettering may cost more. Once an authorization and payment for the inscription is received, a rubbing of the existing inscription is made for the stonemason. The average time to complete inscriptions is 10-12 weeks, weather permitting.