Commissioning a memorial involves a few more steps than most families expect, and almost all of them involve waiting on someone else. Here is exactly what happens, in what order, and roughly how long each stage takes.
All memorials inclusive of a 10-year guarantee
Almost every delay in a memorial order comes down to one of two things: how long the supplier takes to deliver the shaped stone, and how long the burial authority takes to approve the permit.
Neither is within our control, but both are predictable, and we can work on the inscription design while we wait. The five stages below run in order, though the permit application and the stone order usually happen at the same time.
FR Terrazzo does not quarry or shape raw stone on site. Memorial stone is ordered pre-shaped, cut and polished from specialist suppliers.
Once received, FR Terrazzo carries out the localised finishing work including inscriptions, artwork and final detailing. This is why the supplier's lead time matters so much: anin-stock shape can be with us in around three weeks, while a specialist shape may take considerably longer. You can browse what is available in thesupplier brochures.
Every memorial requires approval from the relevant local council or churchyard authority before it can be installed. The permit sets out the size, the stone, the fixing method and the exact inscription.
The permit application must be signed by the registered grave owner or Exclusive Right of Burial holder. FR Terrazzo will normally prepare and submit the relevant paperwork on the customer's behalf.
Worth checking early: the registered grave owner is not always the person arranging the memorial. If the owner has since died, the right of burial may need to be transferred before a permit can be granted, and that takes time.
Once the complete inscription has been provided, FR Terrazzo will prepare a scaled computerised layout. The customer will be able to review and approve the design before engraving takes place.
This is the stage to change your mind about wording, fonts, spacing or artwork. Once the lettering is cut into the stone it cannot be undone, so we would always rather go round the design once more than rush it.
With the layout approved and the permit granted, the lettering is cut and then finished by hand, gold leaf, paint, etched artwork or carved detail, depending on what you have chosen. All of this is carried out in our own workshop in Ferndale.
The memorial is fixed in place on a proper foundation using approved fixing methods. The diagrams below show the two arrangements most commonly used, and what the burial authority is looking for when the work is inspected.
Once the memorial is in position we can send you a photograph of it in place if you would rather not make the journey straight away.
Memorial fixing is regulated for a reason, an unsecured headstone is a safety risk. These diagrams show the foundation and ground anchor arrangement used when a memorial is installed.
Fixing methods are specified by the burial authority and by the standards set through BRAMM and NAMM. We confirm the required method for your cemetery as part of the permit application, so there is nothing for you to work out.
These are realistic ranges rather than promises, because the permit and the supplier both sit outside our control.
For in-stock memorials, completion can take as little as approximately 6 weeks. Where the pre-shaped memorial is already available from the supplier, delivery to the FR Terrazzo workshop usually takes around 3 weeks. Once the permit has been approved and engraving completed, installation can then take place.
Bespoke memorials requiring particular stone types, specialist shapes or international shipping can take approximately 16 to 20 weeks for delivery from the supplier, before final engraving and installation.
FR Terrazzo is preparing an updated memorial price list, which will be added here and to the Our Memorials page as soon as it is available.
Until then, tell us the memorial you have in mind and the cemetery it is for and we will give you a written price covering the stone, the inscription, the paperwork and the installation, with nothing added later.
The permit application must be signed by the registered grave owner or the holder of the Exclusive Right of Burial. That is not always the person arranging the memorial, so it is worth establishing early on who holds it.
For in-stock memorials, completion can take as little as approximately 6 weeks. Where the pre-shaped memorial is already available from the supplier, delivery to our workshop usually takes around 3 weeks. Once the permit has been approved and engraving completed, installation can then take place.
Bespoke memorials requiring particular stone types, specialist shapes or international shipping can take approximately 16 to 20 weeks for delivery from the supplier, before the final engraving and installation work begins.
No. FR Terrazzo does not quarry or shape raw stone on site. Memorial stone is ordered pre-shaped, cut and polished from specialist suppliers. Once received, we carry out the localised finishing work including inscriptions, artwork and final detailing.
Yes. Once the complete inscription has been provided, we prepare a scaled computerised layout. You review and approve that design before any engraving takes place.
Fixing methods, foundations and paperwork are all covered by the industry's governing bodies. FR Terrazzo is accredited and registered with both.
AccreditationBRAMM registration covers fixing standards, foundations and the competence of the mason carrying out the work. Many councils and burial authorities require it before a memorial can be installed.
MembershipMembers of the National Association of Memorial Masons work to the association’s code of practice, covering workmanship, materials and how customers are treated throughout.
Reviews that mention the paperwork, the layout approval and the timescales.
Truly exceptional
Matthew at FR Terrazzo was the first to reply to my bespoke request for a monument for my Dad. The quote was best value (out of 5 suppliers) and approach was very straightforward and honest, with no hidden extras. The service from day one to getting the stone installed was truly exceptional and instilled complete trust and confidence, at a very difficult time for my family and I. The quality of the stone and workmanship is way beyond my bespoke requirements and literally outshines every other stone I have ever seen. My Dad would be so happy with it. In every respect, my expectations have been exceeded and I would highly recommend using. Thank you Matthew, it really does mean the world.
Monument at Ynysybwl Cemetery, excellent job
Excellent service very professionally executed. Very competitive prices, that were significantly lower than the other quotes I received. The monument is a fitting remembrance to my parents.
Excellent workmanship
Excellent service from start to finish! Matthew came to my house to explain and show me samples of work he had previously done. Very pleasant and patient young man who carried out my instructions to the letter for my late son’s headstone. The result is absolutely beautiful! Excellent workmanship!
Tell us the cemetery and roughly what you have in mind. We will come back to you with what is permitted there, what it would cost and how long it is likely to take. There is no obligation and we will not chase you.
Prefer to talk it through in person? You are welcome at the workshop in Ferndale to see stone samples. Please call first so we know to expect you.
Tell us the cemetery, the grave and roughly what you have in mind. We will explain what is permitted there, what it will cost and how long it is likely to take before you commit to anything.