FAQs

GENERALLY HELPFUL QUESTIONS

Why choose Polchinski Memorials?  Why Choose Us? Here are a few things that set us apart:

• At our core, we’re all about crafting beauty and unleashing creativity. When you choose us, you’re not just choosing any designer – you’re opting for unparalleled elegance.
• Explore Our Stunning Portfolio: On our website, you’ll find a treasure trove of our exquisite work, a testament to our creativity and bespoke personalization.
• Authorized Rock of Ages Retailer: We’re proud to be your go-to Independent Authorized Retailer for Rock of Ages. What does that mean for you? Access to the very best in memorial headstones, monuments, and private family mausoleums.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Step into our indoor showroom and conference room facilities, where we go above and beyond to guide you through the multitude of choices, ensuring that your selection journey is as seamless and enjoyable as it can be.

How long should I  wait before buying a monument?  There are no rules for beginning the process of selecting a monument. You can begin as soon as you feel comfortable. The grieving process is different for each individual and only you know when you are emotionally ready.

Do you create monuments and do cemetery lettering all year long?  We are not limited by time of the year. While there are some weather conditions that will prevent us from working in the cemetery, beginning the process and preparing for the work is not hampered by winter conditions. Our office is open all year round, maintaining regular business hours with the addition of private appointments for your convenience.

What do I need to know about purchasing a monument?  We understand that most people have never bought a monument before. Polchinski Memorials acts on your behalf in obtaining all the information you will need to know for this process, including any regulations that your cemetery may have.

What are monuments made of?  Monuments are usually made of granite, marble, or bronze. Granite is the most commonly used material as it is available in many colors and is the most durable of the choices. Marble monuments are usually white in color, however the surface will wear away over time due to the relative softness of the stone in the environment. Bronze is a deep brown/copper colored man-made alloy used most often for flat markers and statuary.

What are typical monument styles?  With today’s technology a memorial artist can create a nearly endless variety of monument styles, shapes and sizes.  The most common types of monuments are flat markers (mounted flush with the ground), slant markers (tapered in a backward leaning position) and upright monuments on a base (vertical, uniform thickness – most common).  Some cemetery sections have regulations as to the type of monument that can be placed in them, so it is important to know what the regulations are before designing your monument.  Our design consultants are  very knowledgeable in this area and can advise you on any restrictions or regulations. 

Are mausoleums an option?  More and more people are choosing a mausoleum today than any time before for remembering someone in a very special way. Mausoleums can be a building with stained glass windows and a bronze door (called a walk in mausoleum). They can also be a smaller above ground building that has no windows or doors (called a crypt) where the person is entombed. You will find that if you choose to explore the option of a mausoleum, you will find that they are relatively affordable in today’s market.

What about personalizing a monument?  How would you like to remember the person being memorialized? Did that person have a hobby, a favorite poem or favorite place? Today’s technology allows monuments to be shaped in any form. Techniques such as sandblasting, shaped carving, sculpture and etching allow scenes and portraits to be placed directly on the memorial, thus enabling you to tell the story of your loved one’s life. Polchinski Memorials are most experienced in helping you individualize your memorial, as we have been doing this work since 1883.

How much does a monument cost?   Polchinski Memorials can help you choose a memorial that remembers your loved one and fits your budget. Price depends upon the material and its quality, shape, size, design, lettering, and personalization of the monument. Prices will range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending upon the various styles of memorials.

Can you guide me with what to write on the monument?  If you don’t have any idea about what to write on the grave monuments in Fairfield or cemetery monuments in Westchester, then we can guide you to create an inscription that will express your feelings in any language.

Do you offer a warranty?  YES!  With the Rock of Ages guarantee, the memorials we sell are backed by a perpetual warranty on the highest quality memorials.

What cemeteries do you serve?  You can see our work in the Cemetery of the Gate of Heaven, Kensico Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Mt. Calvary, Sharon Gardens as well as many of the cemeteries in Westchester and the tri-state area.

Do you clean and/or do repairs to existing stones?  We offer cleaning and repair work for monuments in and around Westchester County and the Tri-State area.  You can see before and after photographs that illustrate the results of cleaning here.  In the unlikely event your stone should become damaged, we are often able to make permanent repairs.  Reach out to us to discuss your specific situation.