Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy a monument from my funeral home or cemetery?

No. Funeral homes and cemeteries in Tennessee cannot legally require you to buy a monument or headstone from them. You are free to choose any trusted monument company, such as Harris Monuments Company in Cookeville, for better quality and pricing.

What should I know before purchasing a cemetery monument?

Every cemetery has its own rules for monument size, color, and material. It’s best to check those first.
Once you know the guidelines, you can choose a monument style that fits your loved one’s personality and your budget. We offer a wide variety of granite and marble headstones, upright monuments, flat grave markers, and custom engraving options.

How can I order a custom monument or headstone?

Harris Monuments Company specializes in custom headstones and memorials throughout Cookeville and Tennessee. You can choose from many shapes, colors, and materials. Call or visit us to start your custom design and receive a free quote.

What if I live out of town but the cemetery is near Cookeville?

No problem. We regularly assist families who live outside the area. We serve all of Tennessee including Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Chattanooga, and all major cities.  We can design, proof, and finalize everything by phone, email, or mail, and we’ll handle the installation once the monument is complete.

What materials are used for monuments and headstones?

Before purchasing, check your cemetery’s material requirements. We can verify these for you.
Common materials include:

Granite:
The most popular material for modern memorials. Granite is durable, weather-resistant, and available in many colors like gray, blue-gray, red, and black. It can be sandblasted or laser-etched depending on the design.

Marble:
Loved for its timeless beauty and elegant veining. White marble is most common, often featuring soft gray streaks. It is slightly softer than granite and best suited for traditional memorials.

Bronze:
Bronze markers are commonly used in perpetual care cemeteries. They can be installed with or without a granite base. We are authorized dealers for top U.S. bronze memorial foundries, ensuring the highest quality.

Do you sell the same bronze memorials used by cemeteries?

Yes. We offer the same top-quality bronze memorials as local cemeteries, often at a lower price. All our bronze memorials meet or exceed cemetery standards.

What is granite?

Granite is a natural stone made of several visible minerals that give it its unique color and texture. It’s extremely durable and weather-resistant, making it the most popular material for headstones and monuments in Tennessee. Granite comes in many colors and finishes to fit any style.

What is marble?

Marble is a softer, elegant stone that’s been used for centuries in sculpture and architecture. It weathers more easily than granite but remains a classic choice for families who value its traditional beauty. Popular options include white Georgia and Vermont marble.

What’s the difference between marble and granite?

Marble is compressed limestone, known for its soft color and smooth texture.
Granite is a volcanic stone made from molten rock, making it much harder and more durable. Granite shows more grain and color variation, while marble offers a smooth, refined appearance.

Are death dates included in the monument price?

If the passing date is known when you order, it will be engraved at no extra charge.
If added later, we’ll confirm the information with you, have paperwork signed, and provide a quote for engraving the additional date.

What is your turnaround time for monuments?

We keep many stones in stock, which allows us to complete most headstones and memorials faster than our competitors. Depending on the material and design, most orders are completed and set within 2 to 14 weeks.

Do you offer other services?

Yes! In addition to traditional cemetery monuments, we provide:

• Custom engraving and sandblasting

• Pet memorials

• Granite and marble statues

• Cemetery candles and accessories

• Monument restoration and cleaning services

• And more!

Contact us for details or custom requests.

What makes Harris Monument Company stand out?

We’re a family-owned Cookeville monument company with nearly 50 years of experience creating beautiful, lasting memorials. We combine craftsmanship, compassion, and affordability to provide the highest quality at the best prices in town. Our goal is to help families celebrate life with dignity and care.

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​​Can I choose the inscription style and font for my headstone?
 

Yes. Harris Monuments offers a variety of inscription styles, fonts, and symbols to personalize your headstone. Our team will provide proofs for approval before engraving, ensuring your monument reflects your loved one’s personality and legacy.

Do you offer temporary markers while waiting for the permanent headstone?
 

Yes. Many families request a temporary marker to place at the gravesite while their permanent monument is being designed and crafted. We can provide a temporary marker until the final headstone is ready for installation.

Do you deliver and install headstones outside Cookeville?

Absolutely. We serve families throughout Tennessee, including Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and surrounding cities. Our team handles shipping, delivery, and installation directly in the cemetery, ensuring your monument meets all regulations.

What happens if the headstone is damaged during delivery or installation?
We carefully package and inspect each monument to prevent damage. If any issues occur during delivery or installation, we take full responsibility and will repair or replace the monument promptly at no additional cost.

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How do I know if a headstone fits my cemetery’s rules?
 

Every cemetery has specific regulations for size, material, and style. We can verify your cemetery’s guidelines before you order, ensuring your headstone meets all requirements and avoids installation delays.

Can I change my monument design after placing an order?

Yes, but changes are subject to review. Depending on the stage of production, additional fees may apply. We’ll review any requested modifications with you and provide an updated proof and quote before proceeding.

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How do I maintain a granite or marble headstone?

Granite is low-maintenance; a soft cloth and water are usually enough. Marble requires gentle cleaning to prevent staining or erosion over time. Harris Monuments also offers professional cleaning and restoration services to keep your memorial looking its best for generations.

How long will a monument last?
 

Granite monuments can last for hundreds of years with proper care. Marble may weather faster in outdoor conditions, but with regular maintenance, it can remain beautiful for decades. Bronze monuments are extremely durable and resistant to corrosion.

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Which areas of Tennessee do you serve?
 

We serve all of Middle Tennessee, including Cookeville, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet, Gallatin, Lebanon, Franklin, Brentwood, Clarksville, and surrounding towns.

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Can I combine materials, like granite and bronze, in one monument?
 

Yes. Many families choose a granite base with a bronze plaque or marker. This combination is durable, elegant, and fully customizable to meet cemetery guidelines.

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Can I add a photo or image to a headstone?

Yes. We offer laser etching and sandblasting to add detailed portraits, symbols, or other images directly onto granite or bronze monuments.

Can I engrave a favorite quote or poem on a monument?

Absolutely. You can include any text that fits within your cemetery’s guidelines. We will provide proofs to ensure your message looks exactly how you want.

Can I choose the color of the granite or marble?

Yes. We offer a wide variety of colors, including black, gray, red, blue-gray, and white marble, allowing you to select the perfect tone for your monument.

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Can I move a headstone if needed later?

Yes. We offer monument relocation and reinstallation services if you ever need to move your headstone to a new cemetery or site.

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How do I protect a monument from weathering in Tennessee?

Granite is naturally resistant to weather. For marble or bronze, regular gentle cleaning and professional maintenance help preserve its appearance. We can provide guidance and services to extend the life of your memorial.

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Can I see a proof of my headstone before it is engraved?

Yes. We provide digital or printed proofs for all custom headstones so you can approve the design, text, and images before production begins.

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Do you offer headstones for pets in Tennessee?

Yes. Harris Monuments provides custom granite and bronze pet memorials, allowing families to honor beloved pets with personalized monuments.

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What is the difference between upright, flat, and slant monuments?

Upright monuments stand vertically and are often the largest type. Flat markers lie flush with the ground, while slant monuments have a gradual angled face. Each type can be customized with engraving or images.

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What information do I need to provide when ordering a headstone?

You’ll need the full name of the deceased, birth and death dates (if available), desired inscription or quotes, any symbols or images, and cemetery details to ensure proper sizing and compliance.

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Do you offer veteran or military headstones?

Yes. We can provide headstones and markers that meet U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs specifications and include military insignias or emblems.

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Can I upgrade an existing headstone with additional engraving or symbols?

Yes. We can add inscriptions, dates, or images to existing granite or bronze monuments, following cemetery rules and providing proofs before engraving.

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Do you offer headstones for mausoleums or columbariums?

Yes. We provide monuments and memorial plaques specifically designed for placement in mausoleums, columbariums, and niche spaces.

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Are there seasonal considerations for installing a headstone in Tennessee?

Yes. While we install year-round, extremely cold weather or heavy rain may cause minor scheduling adjustments to ensure proper placement and stability.

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How do I handle corrections if a name or date is engraved incorrectly?

If there is an error, contact us immediately. We will review the issue, verify the correct information, and provide repair, replacement, or re-engraving services as needed. Even if it's literally carved in stone, we can fix it.

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Can I order monuments for multiple family members at once?

Yes. We can design coordinated monuments for multiple gravesites, including matching designs, fonts, and materials for family plots.

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What makes granite a better choice than other materials for outdoor memorials?

Granite is highly durable, resistant to weathering, and available in many colors and finishes. Its strength ensures that inscriptions remain legible for decades, making it ideal for Tennessee’s climate.

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Is pre-planning a headstone possible?

Yes. You can design and purchase a monument in advance. Families in Murfreesboro and nearby areas often pre-plan, storing details with us until the gravesite is ready.

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Are there special considerations for installing monuments near older graves?

Yes. We consider soil stability, spacing, and historical markers. Families in Nashville and Franklin trust us to carefully install new monuments without disturbing older graves.

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What paperwork or cemetery approval is required before installing a headstone?

Before ordering your headstone, many cemeteries require approval forms, plot information, and sometimes design details. We can help you gather the required documents and coordinate the approval process with your cemetery to avoid installation delays. Cemeteries may also charge foundation or permit fees, and knowing these ahead of time helps prevent surprises.

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What are foundation requirements and fees for a monument?

Some cemeteries require a concrete or gravel foundation for headstones; this helps stabilize the stone. Foundations may have separate fees assessed by the cemetery. We can help you understand whether your cemetery requires a foundation and how those fees work, so there are no unexpected costs.