Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding gravestone, grave marker and headstone designs, materials, carving, etching and Chicago area cemeteries:

What is the difference between granite and marble?
The composition of granite and marble is very different. Granite is an igneous rock that was once a molten mass called magma. Marble is created by a concentration of bones and shells of sea creatures that built up a deposit of lime. Therefore, marble is not nearly as hard as granite and will erode over the years. Granite is the preferred material to use for memorials because of its durability.

How is the carving and design put on the stone?
Kornick & Berliner Monument Company prides itself in our manufacturing process. We employ skilled craftsmen that hand-carve special designs. Through various sandblast processes, your design is permanently engraved in your chosen color and style of stone. Our craftsmen can duplicate any existing design or create a new personalized design made especially for your family.

If I want a special design, can you do it?
We pride ourselves in our ability to personalize each and every memorial and gravestone. When you sit down with one of our design specialists, they will help you design a very meaningful and personal memorial. We have thousands of design options to chose from, or we can accommodate your special requests.

Do you stand behind your work?
Kornick & Berliner Monument Company guarantees the work we do for you. Please see our Unconditional Guarantee that we offer for all of our products and services.

Should I use years only or month, day and year?
Sometimes this decision must be made based on the amount of space that is available on your headstone with your chosen design. If there is sufficient space, then you may be more specific with information, such as month, day, and year, to offer more detailed information on the memorial. In most cases, there is no additional charge for the more detailed inscription if it is chosen at the time of purchase of the memorial.

If I run into problems at the cemetery, who should I go to for help?
In most cases, individual cemeteries are responsible for pouring the foundation for their monuments and grave markers to be installed there. A separate fee is collected to cover this work. We then deliver the memorial to the cemetery and set it on the foundation they provide. If there are issues with the foundation work, we will be happy to work with you and the cemetery to resolve them.

Do all cemeteries allow the same type of memorial?
Cemeteries each have their own requirements for the size and type of memorials that they will allow. We will work with you to determine what is allowed at your cemetery and what will look best on your lot. Please call us at 773-764-7600 for answers to your questions regarding cemetery regulations.

Why should I buy a memorial from Kornick & Berliner Monument Company instead of from the cemetery?
Kornick & Berliner Monument Company specializes in making memorials, gravestones, headstones, monuments and grave markers. We have our own manufacturing plant and do our own work. Please take the virtual tour of our production facility to see a demonstration of our monnument manufacturing process. While a cemetery may sell memorials as a sideline, it does not specialize in that product. We can provide the expertise to design an appropriate memorial for you, and we offer the most complete selection of designs and colors.

How much should I expect to pay for a memorial?
The cost of a memorial can vary significantly based on several factors. Our lawn level markers start at $750 and increase in price based on the design and color of granite that you choose. Upright monument prices start at $1,800.00 and increase in price based on the style, size, design, and special features. Our mausoleums are very specialized, and start in price at $25,000. We encourage you to meet with one of our designers to discuss a memorial that will fit your needs and budget.

What is the difference between a hand etching and a laser etching?
Hand etchings are done by an artist who uses specialized diamond-tipped tools to create a series of tiny impressions directly in the black granite. These impressions will last forever and provide the maximum amount of clarity of an image. Laser etchings are done using a computer.