THE PROCESS AND HOW TO GET STARTED
Having your idea carved in stone is exciting. Whether you’re creating an address marker, that will add a touch of class to your yard, a small piece to sit on the mantel above your fireplace or a large business sign, your creation will be totally unique and will last a lifetime.
1. GETTING STARTED BEGINS WITH YOUR IDEA
Give us a call or send us an email and let us know what you're looking for. We carve address markers, yard signs, HOA signs, ranch signs, business signage, pet memorials and more.
If you’re not really sure what you want to put on your stone don’t worry we can help with ideas. If you haven’t already done so, take a look around our website there’s a lot to see.
2. WE’LL GIVE YOU SOME OPTIONS
Before we do any design work, we want you to know the cost associated with your many options. It is also helpful and less time consuming for us to know the size canvas we are working with when we get down to creating your design.
3. STONE CHOICE
When we quote you a price it includes the stone. There is no need to go to the rock yard and dig through pallets of stone looking for a piece to deliver to us. You’re certainly welcome to do that but the cost savings will be minimal as the majority of your project cost is associated with the labor. You will be able to see the stone colors by looking at picture on this website or, if it makes you more comfortable, you are welcome to stop by our workshop (by appointment).
For the majority of our projects we use flagstone (sandstone) but we also carve on river rocks and boulders. The stones we carve typically have a fairly smooth surface and will be a shade of tan or pink. Other stone colors may be available with a premium charge.
Arizona Buff (tan) is, by far, our most popular stone choice because it’s a neutral color that integrates well with most landscapes. Carving on a light colored stone will give you a great contrast with the paint color and provide maximum visibility. Pink, although less popular, works well with landscapes that utilize pink stone ground cover or homes with pink tile roofs.
We’ll chisel and shape your stone(s) (not boulders or river rock) to give you the look you want. Being in Colorado, many of our clients want their stones shaped like mountain peaks.
4. CREATING YOUR DESIGN
Now that we know the size and type of stone you want, we’ll get started working on some design ideas for you. Based on what you tell us, we will send you, via email, some ideas to look at. You will reply with what you like and don’t like. We’ll go back and forth through email making as many revisions as needed until you are completely happy with your design.
5. YOUR APPROVAL TO BEGIN
Once you’re happy with the design, and have carefully proofed the text for errors you’ll email us back an “ALL GOOD”. Next, call us with a 50% deposit toward your purchase and we will get your project on our work schedule.
Payment is accepted by check or credit card. We accept all major credit cards.
6. FINAL PAYMENT DUE AT PICK-UP.
We will contact you when your stone is finished and ready for pick-up .Your balance will be due at that time. Depending on the time of year, turnaround time can be anywhere between 2-5 weeks. Large commercial projects may take longer.
Note: Depending on your project, your stone(s) may be very large and heavy. Make sure you have an appropriate vehicle to transport your stone(s). Additionally, you might want to bring some blankets to add cushion when transporting your stone(s).
Installation is not difficult but the stone may be heavy.
7. OPTIONAL DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION
For our “standard size” residential address markers we offer delivery and installation within the Colorado Springs / Monument area for a reasonable $225.
8. ON-SITE BOULDER CARVING
We do offer on-site boulder carving in the spring and summer months within the Colorado Springs / Monument area. Our minimum fee for onsite jobs is $625. Call us for more details.