Memorial Rocks FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Memorial Rocks
Please review our FAQ for any questions you might have about our Headstones. If you can not find the answer here please go to our Help Page and e-mail us.
How are the memorial rocks manufactured and shipped?
How many years will the memorial rocks last?
Do the memorial rocks require special care?
Is there a manufacturer's product guarantee?
How are the memorial rocks colored?
What choice of natural colors are available?
Does each memorial rock come with an urn to hold cremated remains?
What if I need an urn to hold two individuals' cremated remains?
Do the memorial rock prices include the custom bronze plaque? Who installs it?
Can I get help writing the "epitaph" on the bronze plaque?
How many days before I receive my order and how will it be shipped?
How do I place the cremated remains inside the memorial rock?
Should I worry about possible theft of the memorial rock?
Can you mail me a catalog?
Is there a guarantee for the memorial rocks?
How are the memorial rocks manufactured and shipped?  Back
The rugged castings are hollow, approximately one-inch thick, and open at the bottom. They weigh between 80-100 lbs., even though they are exact replicas of rocks weighing 500-1,000 lbs. They are shipped via FedEx Ground in 350-lb. test, double-walled corrugated boxes using a foam-in-place packaging system.
How many years will the memorial rocks last? Back
Due to modern high-performance polymers and other scientifically-developed, construction-grade admixtures, these GFRC cast stone replications are designed to last for generations--even in freeze-thaw conditions--and typically wear in the same manner as, or superior to, natural rock. The memorial rocks are actually one of the few products that will look better with age as the elements (i.e., rain, sun and snow) give them an even more lifelike, weathered appearance with each passing year.
Do the memorial rocks require special care? Back
The replicated rock memorials are made to last outdoors in a garden or landscaping for generations to come without any special maintenance or care, whether located in high humidity, extreme heat or freeze-thaw conditions.
It's important to note that a national expert in the restoration of historical monuments made from marble and granite such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (who represents the firm that did most of the artifact restoration for the HMS Titanic) has estimated GFRC cast stone products will last 100-150 years before requiring any restoration work. In fact, he said that is about the same duration for monuments made from materials such as marble and granite need work.
Is there a manufacturer's product guarantee? Back
A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is offered for the lifetime of each memorial rock if the craftsmanship is found to be defective in any way (with the exception of naturally-occurring adjustments in color). Customers with a valid defective craftsmanship claim will receive an immediate replacement from the manufacturer with an identical product once the original item is returned and the claim is confirmed.
How are the memorial rocks colored? Back
Since detailed latex molds for the memorial rocks are tediously taken from actual rocks found in nature, our customers expect that the color process used for them match the realism of the replica castings.
Their demand for quality is met by skilled craftsmen who enhance the GFRC cast stone with permanent natural shades using a proprietary coloring process that requires no special maintenance in the future. (In fact, as previously mentioned, customers are usually pleased to learn the three basic colors of the memorial rocks will actually appear more lifelike over the years with the helpful affects of the natural elements such as the sun, snow and rain).
What choice of natural colors are available? Back
There are three natural colors from which to choose: Slate Gray (popular in the Midwest and East Coast areas of the United States), Sandstone and Red Rock. Examples of these colors are available elsewhere on the website. Please click here to view our colors.
Does each memorial rock come with an urn to hold cremated remains? Back
No, but for an additional charge, a customer can specifically request that a 250-cubic-inch, moisture-resistant internal receptacle for cremated remains be manufactured into the memorial rock being ordered. The thick, industrial-grade polyvinyl chloride urn and threaded cap are accessible from under each model and opened-closed by hand so the cremated remains can be placed in the urn container. (Simple instructions are included with each memorial rock shipped).
What if I need an urn to hold two individuals' cremated remains? Back
Make this request at the time of ordering and, for an additional charge, the internal moisture-resistant, 250-cubic-inch urn will be extended to double the size. Please note the double urn will further extend below the bottom of the memorial rock and will therefore require a small circular hole be excavated in the soil directly underneath where the rock is to be placed.
Do the memorial rock prices include the custom bronze plaque? Who installs it? Back
Absolutely. All memorial rocks include a handsome 5” x 7 ½” bronze plaque. You can choose up to 10 lines of text with as many as 46 characters per line (typically a name, date of birth-death, and special verse or quote). Although 10 lines are potentially available, it's not necessary that all lines be used if a customer prefers to have less text on the plaque.
Remember, the maximum number of characters per line is 46 (each letter, number, space and punctuation is a character that should be counted in this per-line total). The more characters and words on each line, the more the individual characters must be reduced in size to fit the final layout. More instructions for writing and submitting the epitaph for the plaque can be found under the section Epitaph.
Once the plaque is received from the bronze foundry (usually 15-20 business days), it is pre-installed by the manufacturer into a chiseled recess in the memorial rock before being shipped to its final destination.
Can I get help writing the epitaph on the bronze plaque? Back
Yes, we have a section ready for you.
How many days before I receive my order and how will it be shipped? Back
Once your order is received, please allow 15-20 business days for production and pre-installation of the bronze plaque. Please allow 3-5 business days for shipping depending on the product’s final destination in the United States (longer if elsewhere).
Since they can weigh between 80-110 lbs., all memorial rocks are carefully packaged in 350-lb. test double-wall corrugated boxes using an industrial foam-in-place system to protect them during transit. They are then shipped via FedEx, which usually does not require that someone be home to sign for the package at the time of delivery.
How do I place the cremated remains inside the memorial rock? Back
Before placing the cremated remains inside the memorial rock, place it on a soft surface such as carpet, grass lawn, towels or other padding. (Please remember, neither we nor the manufacturer are responsible for any damage to the memorial rocks when customers unpack or place them).
The memorial rock should then be gently turned over to access the urn receptacle underneath it. Teflon Threaded Seal Tape that is shipped with memorial rocks ordered with an urn. The tape should be wrapped over itself on the threads located at the bottom of the cremation urn near the hollow opening four or five times in a clockwise direction (while looking at the opening). This will provide added protection against any moisture getting inside the urn.
Once the cremated remains have been placed inside the urn, the white threaded cap can be hand-tightened onto the urn. (Note: If a customer is concerned about complete security of the cremated remains, a tube of epoxy adhesive can be purchased in advance from a hardware or home improvement store and applied to the threads of the cap. This will make it nearly impossible to unscrew the cap again without uncommon and destructive force).
Depending on the memorial rock chosen, once the urn lid is tightened it is normal for it to extend out of the bottom of the memorial rock. To accommodate this, a small circular hole can be excavated directly underneath where it is going to be finally placed.
Should I worry about possible theft of the memorial rock? Back
Once customers see how realistic the memorial rocks look, they often agree it's unlikely anyone is going to bother with what appears to be an 800 lb. natural rock Moving an 800 lb. rock from a fenced backyard garden or lawn would require incredible effort.
However, whether they feel they need the additional security or not for the 80-110 lb. replicas, customers appreciate the fact each model includes a heavy-duty metal eye bolt manufactured underneath it for anti-theft purposes. To use this feature, customers should purchase four items from a local hardware or home improvement store:
1). An inexpensive key or combination lock,
2). A small sack of "just-add-water" quick-drying cement,
3). A five-gallon plastic bucket if they don't have one, and
4). A three-foot-long piece of sturdy 2/0 or 3/0 straight link chain (75 cents-$1 per foot).
Then dig a hole directly below where the memorial rock will be finally placed, use the lock to secure one end of the chain onto the metal eye bolt, mix the cement in a bucket, fill the hole with the cement slurry, push as much of the remaining length of chain into the cement, and rest the memorial rock over the hole where the chain can dry in the cement and serve as an anchor.
Can you mail me a catalog? Back
The website serves as our catalog; we do not have a printed version. This is how we are able to keep our prices low and offer free shipping.
Is there a guarantee for the memorial rocks? Back
The manufacturer offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for the lifetime of its monuments if their craftsmanship is found to be defective in any way (with the exception of naturally-occurring adjustments in color). Customers who contact us directly with a valid defective craftsmanship claim will receive an immediate replacement from the manufacturer with an identical product once the monument is returned.
See all your Memorial Rocks choices
Frequently Asked Questions about Memorial Estate Boulders
How are the Estate Boulders manufactured and shipped?
How many years will they last?
Do the boulders require special care?
Is there a manufacturer's product guarantee?
How are the Estate Boulders colored?
What choice of natural colors are available?
How are the plaques or signs installed on the Estate Boulders?
How many days before we receive my order? How will it be shipped?
Should we worry about possible theft of our Estate Boulder?
How are the Estate Boulders manufactured and shipped? Back
The rugged castings are hollow, approx. one-inch thick, and open at the bottom. They weigh between 275-400 lbs. (but are exact replicas of rocks that would normally weigh two tons) and are manufactured from construction-grade GFRC cast stone to withstand freeze-thaw conditions and 9,000 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure. They are crated on pallets and shipped via nationally-recognized common carriers such as FedEx Freight.
How many years will they last? Back
Due to modern high-performance polymers and other scientifically-developed, construction-grade admixtures, our GFRC cast stone replications are designed to last for generations--even in freeze-thaw conditions and in the face of mowers, watering and trimming--and typically wear in the same manner as, or superior to, natural rock.
The rocks are actually one of the few products that will look better with age as the elements (i.e., rain, sun and snow) give them an even more lifelike, weathered appearance with each passing year.
It's important to note that a national expert in the restoration of historical monuments made from marble and granite such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (who represents the firm that did most of the artifact restoration for the HMS Titanic) has estimated GFRC cast stone products will last 100-150 years before requiring any restoration work. In fact, he said that is about the same duration after which monuments made from other materials such as marble and granite need work.
Do the boulders require special care? Back
The boulders are made to last outdoors for generations without any special maintenance or care whether located in high humidity, extreme heat or freeze-thaw conditions.
Is there a manufacturer's product guarantee? Back
A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is offered for the lifetime of each boulder if the craftsmanship is found to be defective in any way (with the exception of naturally-occurring adjustments in color). Customers with a valid defective craftsmanship claim will receive an immediate replacement with an identical product once the claim is confirmed.
How are the Estate Boulders colored? Back
Since detailed latex molds for the boulders are tediously taken from actual rocks found in nature, our customers expect that the color process used for them match the realism of the replica castings.
Their demand for quality is met by skilled craftsmen who enhance the GFRC cast stone with permanent natural shades using a proprietary coloring process which requires no special maintenance in the future (as previously mentioned, our customers are usually pleased to learn the three basic colors of the boulders will actually appear more lifelike over the years with the helpful affects of the natural elements such as the sun, snow and rain).
What choice of natural colors are available? Back
There are three natural colors to choose: Slate Gray (popular in the Midwest and East Coast areas of the United States), Sandstone and Red Rock.
How are the plaques or signs installed on the Estate Boulders? Back
Once the plaque or sign is received by the manufacturer, they will install it in a custom hand-chiseled recess in the chosen boulder with your choice of industrial epoxy adhesive or hardware that can be screwed into the drilled and tapped reverse side of a plaque or sign after they drill holes into the boulder to accept it.
Customers who want the flexibility of being able to remove the plaque or sign in the future for whatever reason normally choose installation with hardware whereas the industrial epoxy adhesive is a popular choice with those who want a permanent mounting.
How many days before we receive my order? How will it be shipped? Back
Please discuss the turnaround time for your order with one of our sales associates who can better estimate delivery based on the length of time it takes to complete your sign or plaque before it is delivered to the Estate Boulders' manufacturer where it will be installed in the rock, crated on a pallet and shipped to its final destination.
Should we worry about possible theft of our Estate Boulder? Back
Once customers see how realistic the 350-400 lb. rock reproductions are, they often agree it's unlikely anyone is going to bother with what appears to be a two-ton natural rock that would require incredible effort and a crane to move.
However, if they feel it's necessary in their area, we suggest the use of the heavy-duty rebar hook manufactured underneath each rock for anti-theft purposes.
To use this feature, a customer should purchase a length of chain of which one end is locked onto the rebar hook (with an inexpensive combination or key lock) while the remainder of the chain is pushed into a cement-filled hole underneath the boulder where it can be left to dry to form a pillar for extra anchor security.
See all your Memorial Rocks Estate Boulders choices
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