FAQ's
How much do markers and monuments cost?
The cost will start at $248 for a flat marker (including lettering) and about $866 for an upright monument (including lettering and installation – assuming we can do the installation). The color of granite, size and number of polishes all affect the cost.
How long does it take to get a marker or monument?
Our average delivery time is 3-4 weeks for anything we have in stock. We stock over 5000 monuments/markers and therefore, as long you pick something from our inventory we WILL have it done in 2-4 weeks – sometimes even sooner.
Do I have to clean my marker or monument?
While it is not necessary to clean/wash your new monument/marker it will help keep dirt and grime from accumulating on the surface. Most dirt/grime on stones are superficial and can therefore be cleaned away with soap, water and nylon bristle brush.
Why is there a charge for adding a date after the memorial is placed in the cemetery?
We have always charged for adding dates to monuments/markers if they are already in the cemetery. We have no way of predicting what the cost might be next year or 25 years from now for gas, mileage, labor and materials – so it's impossible to predict.
How do you add dates after the memorial is placed in the cemetery?
We have a portable air compressor that we haul in the back of a pickup truck. Our shop lettering man does this field work in the evenings and weekends by driving to the site and completing ALL the work on-site at the cemetery.
What area do you cover?
We cover a very large area with no specific guidelines or radius. It is common for us to go as far south as Faribault/Owatonna, north as far as North Branch, east as far as Eau Claire and the entire St. Paul/Minneapolis area. However, we have on many occasions gone farther out than the above listed cities.
How do I go about buying a memorial?
You should simply call us at 715-425-5656 or stop in to our office located very conveniently on Hwy. 35, just south of I94 and north of River Falls. We have area representatives that have many years of experience with us that can also help you.
How come your prices are so reasonable compared to other places?
Simply, we work very hard to be cost efficient. We are an old family business that believes in a strong work ethic while providing quality work. We also buy granite in quantity and negotiate for the best deals. This is partly why we have 5000 monuments/markers in stock because if we think we can get a good deal by purchasing in quantity, we will – TO SAVE YOU MONEY!
How do I clean old family stones that are dirty or weathered?
Its best to start with a stiff nylon bristle brush and soap/water. If this doesn’t solve the problem we recommend going to bleach/water (about 50/50 solution of water to bleach – DO NOT USE BLEACH ON BLACK STONES). Always be sure to rinse immediately and never let the bleach dry on the stone. Another alternative is a pressure washer – just be careful not have the pressure setting too high. IN ALL CASES – be sure and test in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it isn’t doing any damage.
What if a stone that Melgard’s installed is tipping or settling?
Please call us because we will straighten it free of charge. If it was put in 30+ years ago and has a deep foundation under it – there may be a charge to fix in those rare cases.
What type of foundation do you install for a monument or marker?
We always use steel reinforced cement foundations. We usually pre-cast them in the winter when we can’t be installing. We can also do a granite foundation but since they cost us a little more than cement there is a small extra charge for it.
What is the difference between an etching and sandblast art?
When we say “etching” we are referring to the highly detailed art done by a person with a dremel tool and a diamond bit. Our lady etches everything freehand and it takes her about 1 day per full etching. Her work has a gray scale appearance that shows more highlights than traditional sandblast art. The difference is apparent when shown the difference. Outdoor scenes and photos of people are often the most appropriate choices for etchings because of the amount of detail needed to make it look perfect.
How expensive are the highly detailed etchings?
If a family decides to go the extra and have the highly detailed etchings, we ONLY charge what the etcher charges. We make nothing. We believe strongly enough in the beauty of these etchings that we want to get as many out there as possible by making them affordable. Usually, for our etcher to do a full scene is $340. This compares to many companies in our area charging between $600 to $1000. Also, her work is entirely custom and will be done to the customer’s wishes. There is NO additional charge for sandblasted scenes but there can’t be as much detail because of the limitation of the stencil product used.
Is there one type of lettering that is better than another?
We believe in carving our lettering deep into the stone. Specific granite colors call for specific types of lettering – which is too complex to explain. However, what we will always do is go the extra mile and sandblast the letters deep – particularly for the family name, first names and dates. Many companies have adopted the cheaper method of just lightly carving in letters that saves money/time but won’t necessarily last as well.
Is one type of granite better than another?
Generally speaking, the dark colored granites provide greater contrast to the lettering. Also, dark colored stones tend to turn gray when sandblasted so the contrast is very natural and will last thousands of years since no painting is involved. In comparison, light gray granites tend to show moisture when wet and also have NO natural contrast so often paint is involved to create a contrast to show the lettering. And paint will only last so long.
When do you install monuments and markers?
We do installations of monuments and markers starting around April 1 and ending sometime in early December depending on the weather. If we get a large snowfall in November it might stop our installations for the year. Frost in the ground will also begin to slow/stop our installations in the Spring and Fall depending on how deep it is in the ground. However, we sell and letter stones throughout the Winter and offer SPECIAL savings for people that come in during the Winter when we aren’t as busy.
