Professional installation is included with every monument purchase from Gifford Monument Works. You never need to worry about arranging separate installation services — our experienced crews handle everything from foundation preparation to final placement, ensuring your monument is installed correctly and safely across Oklahoma and Texas.
What's Included in Our Installation Service
Complete Installation Package:
- Foundation installation or verification (when required by cemetery)
- Monument delivery to cemetery
- Professional setting using specialized equipment
- Precise leveling and alignment
- Cemetery compliance verification
- Cleanup of installation site
- Final inspection and photography
- Notification when complete
Our Installation Process
Step 1: Cemetery Coordination Before installation day, we handle all cemetery coordination:
- Verify cemetery regulations and requirements
- Obtain necessary setting permits
- Schedule installation during allowed timeframes
- Confirm plot location and boundaries
- Check for utility lines or underground obstacles
Step 2: Foundation Preparation Depending on cemetery requirements and monument type:
- Pour concrete foundations for upright monuments
- Allow proper curing time (typically 2-4 weeks)
- Install granite or concrete bases
- Ensure level, stable foundation before setting monument
Step 3: Monument Installation Our professional crews use specialized equipment:
- Heavy lifting equipment for safe monument handling
- Precision leveling tools for perfect alignment
- Epoxy or cement bonding between sections
- Careful placement to avoid damage
- Multiple inspections during installation
Step 4: Final Quality Checks Before leaving the site, we verify:
- Monument is perfectly level and plumb
- All sections properly bonded
- Alignment matches cemetery requirements
- Surrounding area is clean and restored
- Monument is positioned correctly on plot
Service Area Coverage
We provide professional installation throughout our service regions:
Oklahoma Service Area:
- Ada and surrounding Pontotoc County
- Marshall County and Lake Texoma region
- Within 100-mile radius of Ada showroom
- Extended service available (mileage charges may apply)
Texas Service Area:
- Wylie and Collin County
- Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
- Within 75-mile radius of Wylie showroom
- Extended service to surrounding counties
Installation Scheduling
Typical Timeline:
- Installation scheduled 1-2 weeks after monument production completes
- Weather-dependent (postponed for rain, ice, or frozen ground)
- Coordinated with cemetery allowed installation days
- Usually completed within 2-4 hours
Cemetery Restrictions: Some cemeteries have specific installation windows:
- No installations on weekends or holidays
- Seasonal restrictions (some prohibit winter installations)
- Memorial Day blackout periods (2-4 weeks before)
- Specific hours of operation (typically 8 AM - 4 PM)
Foundation Requirements by Monument Type
Flat Markers:
- Usually placed directly on ground or minimal foundation
- Cemetery may require base slab
- Installation typically takes 1-2 hours
Bevel and Slant Markers:
- Concrete or granite base foundation
- Foundation poured 2-4 weeks before setting
- Installation takes 2-3 hours
Upright Monuments:
- Full concrete foundation required
- Foundation curing time: 2-4 weeks minimum
- Multi-piece installation (base, die, top)
- Installation takes 3-4 hours
Companion and Estate Monuments:
- Extensive foundation preparation
- May require multiple installation visits
- Larger equipment and additional crew
- Installation takes 4-6 hours
Why Professional Installation Matters
Improper monument installation can lead to:
- Tilting or sinking over time
- Cracking from uneven weight distribution
- Cemetery compliance violations
- Damage during amateur installation attempts
- Injury from heavy granite handling
Our crews have decades of combined experience and proper insurance, ensuring your monument is installed safely and correctly the first time.
Installation Costs
Professional installation is included in your monument price for standard service areas. Additional mileage fees may apply for locations beyond our standard radius (typically $2.50-3.00 per mile over the standard range). We'll provide exact installation details and any additional costs during your consultation.
After Installation
Once installed, your monument is permanent and requires minimal maintenance. We provide:
- Photos of the completed installation
- Confirmation of cemetery compliance
- Care and maintenance recommendations
- Contact information for future engraving additions
Weather-Related Delays
While we strive to meet installation timelines, weather can cause delays:
- Heavy rain can postpone installation 1-2 days
- Frozen ground prevents proper installation (winter in Oklahoma)
- Extreme heat may affect foundation curing
- We'll reschedule promptly when weather clears
Ready to discuss monument installation for your location? Contact Gifford Monument Works to verify service area coverage and schedule your consultation. We'll coordinate every detail of professional installation, ensuring a memorial that stands strong for generations.
Related Questions
How long does it take to produce and install a monument?
Standard monuments typically take 8-12 weeks from order to installation, depending on customization and cemetery requirements.
Are there any cemetery fees or regulations I should be aware of?
Yes — each cemetery has unique regulations about monument size, materials, and installation, plus setting fees ranging from $50-$500.
What is your delivery and installation service area?
We primarily serve Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, with capabilities to coordinate installations across the United States.
Ready to Get Started?
Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of creating a beautiful, lasting memorial.
Serving Oklahoma and Texas families since 1936