Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about cemetery monuments, headstones, or memorial services on Long Island? Find answers below. St. Charles Monuments is located in West Babylon, NY and serves Catholic, Jewish, and non-denominational cemeteries across Long Island, New York City boroughs, and New Jersey. Call or text us at (631) 694-0943.

 

About St. Charles Monuments

Where is St. Charles Monuments located?

St. Charles Monuments is located at 1280 N. Wellwood Ave., West Babylon, NY 11704. The showroom is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00am–4:00pm, and Sundays by appointment only. You can call or text (631) 694-0943.

What areas does St. Charles Monuments serve?

We serve all Catholic, Jewish, and non-denominational cemeteries across Long Island, the New York boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island), and New Jersey.

Is St. Charles Monuments affiliated with St. Charles Cemetery?

No. St. Charles Monuments is not affiliated with St. Charles Cemetery or the Brooklyn Diocese.

Is St. Charles Monuments a member of any professional organizations?

Yes. We are members of Monument Builders of North America, accredited with the Better Business Bureau, source granite from Dakota Granite, and are members of the Catholic Cemetery Guild.

Monument Types and Products

What types of cemetery monuments does St. Charles Monuments offer?

We offer upright monuments, flat/foot markers, slant markers, bronze plaques, granite benches, Jewish monuments, personalized monuments, columbariums, garden statues, civic memorials, and pet memorials.

What is the difference between an upright monument and a flat marker?

An upright granite monument stands vertically above the grave as a traditional headstone, while a flat marker (also called a foot marker) lies flush with the ground and is better suited for smaller grave plots or cemeteries with flat-marker-only regulations.

Does St. Charles Monuments make Jewish headstones?

Yes. We specialize in Jewish monuments and also have a dedicated Jewish monument partner, Fox Memorials, for additional options.

Does St. Charles Monuments make Christian headstones?

Yes. We design and install Christian monuments for Catholic and Protestant cemeteries across Long Island and the New York metro area.

Does St. Charles Monuments make pet memorials?

Yes. We create pet memorials and serve pet cemeteries, including Bideawee Cemetery in Wantagh, NY.

Can I get a granite memorial bench instead of a headstone?

Yes. Granite memorial benches are available as an alternative or complement to traditional upright monuments. Learn more about granite memorial benches.

Does St. Charles Monuments make bronze plaques?

Yes. Bronze plaques are among our monument offerings and are suitable for various cemetery types. View bronze plaque options.

Can I get a columbarium niche marker or memorial?

Yes. We offer columbarium memorials for cremation niches. Learn more about columbarium memorials.

Customization and Design Services

Can I put a photo on a headstone?

Yes. We offer custom photo engraving (laser etching directly into granite) as well as porcelain cameo photos attached to the monument — a more cost-effective alternative. Learn more about custom cameo photos.

Can I add a laser etching or design to a headstone?

Yes. We offer laser etchings, hand carvings, and custom designs including religious symbols, portraits, and scenes. View etching services.

What kind of lettering options are available for a headstone?

Options include traditional sandblasted lettering, 23K gold leaf lettering, and laser-engraved inscriptions. Learn more about inscriptions and lettering.

Why do monument companies use 23K gold leaf lettering?

23K gold leaf is used for its beauty, longevity, and visibility. It gives lettering a rich, classic look that holds up over time.

Can I add new lettering to an existing headstone?

Yes. We offer inscription and lettering services to add names, dates, or epitaphs to an existing monument — commonly needed when a spouse passes and a shared stone needs updating. View inscription services.

Can I add a base to an existing headstone?

Yes. Adding a granite base to an existing upright monument is one of our standard services, which can improve the monument’s appearance and structural stability. Learn more about adding a base.

What should I put on a headstone inscription?

A typical inscription includes the person’s name, birth and death dates, and an epitaph or short quote. Epitaphs often come from scripture, literature, or personal sayings. Our consultants can guide your family through the selection process.

What granite colors are available for cemetery monuments?

We offer a variety of granite colors sourced from premium suppliers. Browse our available granite colors.

Cleaning, Repairs, and Restoration

Can I get a cemetery headstone cleaned and restored?

Yes. We provide professional monument cleaning and repair services for headstones and grave markers across Long Island. Learn more about our cleaning and repair services.

How do you clean a granite headstone?

Professional cleaning typically involves power washing and specialized cleaning solutions to remove biological buildup, staining, and weathering without damaging the stone.

How do I know if a headstone needs repair?

Common signs include cracking, sinking, leaning, faded lettering, or biological staining such as moss and lichen. We can assess and repair damaged monuments.

Can St. Charles Monuments enhance or update an old headstone?

Yes. We can enhance existing monuments with new engravings, added photos, updated lettering, new bases, and more.

Pre-Planning a Monument

Can I pre-plan and purchase my own headstone before I die?

Yes. We offer a monument pre-planning program that allows individuals to select their style, size, granite color, inscription, and personalization details in advance — on their own terms.

What are the benefits of pre-planning a cemetery monument?

Pre-planning locks in today’s prices, removes the emotional and logistical burden from your family at the time of death, and ensures the monument accurately reflects your wishes and personality.

How do I start the monument pre-planning process?

You can fill out our pre-planning form online or schedule a free consultation at our West Babylon showroom.

Buying a Monument: Process and Considerations

How do I choose a cemetery monument?

Key decisions include the style (upright, flat, or slant), material (granite is the most popular and durable), size based on your cemetery’s regulations, inscription, epitaph, and any added personalization like photos or carvings. Our monument consultants are here to guide you through every step.

How long does it take to get a headstone made and installed?

Timelines vary based on design complexity and cemetery approval processes. Contact us directly at (631) 694-0943 for current turnaround times.

Does St. Charles Monuments offer a buying guide for headstones?

Yes. You can download our free Monument Buying Guide by submitting a form on our Buying Guide page.

Do I need to check with the cemetery before ordering a headstone?

Yes. Every cemetery has its own size, style, and material regulations. We are familiar with the requirements at all the cemeteries we serve across Long Island and the NY metro area.

What material is best for a long-lasting headstone?

Granite is widely considered the most durable and weather-resistant material for cemetery monuments. We source premium granite from trusted suppliers including Dakota Granite.

Cemeteries We Serve

What Catholic cemeteries on Long Island does St. Charles Monuments serve?

We serve many Catholic cemeteries including St. Charles Cemetery (Farmingdale), Holy Cross Cemetery (Brooklyn), Holy Rood Cemetery (Westbury), Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (Coram), Queen of All Saints (Central Islip), St. Patrick’s Cemetery (Bay Shore & Huntington), St. Philip Neri Cemetery (Northport), and many more. View the full list of cemeteries we serve.

What Jewish cemeteries on Long Island does St. Charles Monuments serve?

We serve Beth David Cemetery (Elmont), Beth Moses Cemetery (West Babylon), New Montefiore Cemetery (West Babylon), Mount Ararat Cemetery (Lindenhurst), Mount Golda Cemetery (Huntington Station), and others. View all Jewish cemeteries we serve.

Does St. Charles Monuments serve cemeteries in Brooklyn or Queens?

Yes. We serve numerous Brooklyn and Queens cemeteries including Calvary Cemetery, Green-Wood Cemetery, Holy Cross Cemetery, St. John Cemetery (Middle Village), and Mount Hebron Cemetery (Flushing), among others.

Does St. Charles Monuments serve non-denominational or military cemeteries?

Yes. We serve non-denominational and military cemeteries in addition to Catholic and Jewish cemeteries across the region.

Cremation and Special Memorials

Do I still need a memorial if my loved one was cremated?

Yes. Many families choose a headstone, flat marker, columbarium niche plaque, or granite bench even for cremated remains. A lasting memorial provides a meaningful place for family and friends to visit and remember.

Can I get a headstone or monument for a cremation burial?

Yes. We design memorials for cremation burials, columbarium niches, and scattering gardens.

Does St. Charles Monuments make monuments for police officers and firefighters?

Yes. We offer specialized cemetery monuments for first responders including police officers and firefighters, often featuring department emblems and custom carvings.

Can I get a monument for a veteran’s grave?

Yes. We create veteran-appropriate monuments with military emblems, branch insignia, and custom inscriptions.


Still have questions? Contact St. Charles Monuments or call us at (631) 694-0943.
You can also schedule a free consultation at our showroom in West Babylon, NY.

TESTIMONIALS

What people say about us

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“Thank you Marcus. We drove by the monument yesterday afternoon. My husband and I were very pleased. Thank you for giving us a gift of comfort and peace.”

Mary Amber

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“Thank you so much. It has been a comforting and pleasant experience working with St. Charles Monuments. The memorial set looks great.””

Pam Carter

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“The headstone is beautiful. They did a fantastic job. Again my family and I thank you for all your help with suggestions and with the arrangements.”

Laura Leddy

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“My family and I visited my husband’s grave today. We were very pleased with the results. It looks very nice. Thank you.””

Mrs. Guginsky

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