5 Questions to Ask the Manufacturer of Your Custom Glass Monument

How to Get the Right Custom Glass Monument Manufacturer

Creating a project that commemorates your loved one is a meaningful endeavor. At the end, you want a finished product that speaks to the person’s spirit and memory. You want something beautiful and one-of-a-kind. You also want something that will withstand the test of time. If you’re looking to create a custom glass monument that fulfills all those needs, make sure to ask your potential glass manufacturer these five questions before agreeing to work together.

Before Choosing a Custom Glass Headstone, Ask These 5 Questions

Not all glass memorials are created equal. As you’re vetting potential glass manufacturers, here’s a quick checklist of questions to ask to ensure you receive a high-quality product that best honors your loved one’s memory.

1. What customization is possible with glass monuments?

The idea behind a custom glass monument is that you get to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind work of art that uniquely commemorates your loved one.

To do that, you need to know exactly what kind of customization options are available to you with that manufacturer.

Whether you have a specific design idea in mind or not, ask about their ability to create glass products in various:

• Sizes
• Shapes
• Thicknesses
• Colors
• Patterns

If it’s relevant to your monument, also ask about etching and integrating words, passages, or images into the final glass product.

Every glass manufacturer has different specialties and areas of expertise. Make sure the person you’re working with can accommodate all the needs of your project.

2. How durable is the glass tombstone?

While glass might seem like a fragile or brittle material, the glass used in these projects is engineered, designed, and manufactured to be incredibly durable.

Glass headstones are created using cast glass, or slumped glass, and the end product is resistant to:

• Scratching
• Heat
• Chipping

This helps ensure the glass tombstones can withstand anything the environment might present (rain, intense sun, snow, ice, wind-launched debris) without breaking or sustaining damage.

This durability not only ensures you get a great lifetime value out of the project, but you also don’t have to worry about this important, meaningful piece sustaining unsightly damage over time.

3. Is it OK to have glass grave markers outside?

Before committing to any kind of glass monument, specifically ask if your project is suitable for outdoor environments.

The last thing you want to do is design the perfect testament to your loved one only to discover the kind of glass used is recommended exclusively for interior use.

Let your potential glass manufacturer know how and where you intend to display this glass monument, and together you can come up with a plan for the best way to translate your vision into reality.

4. How long have you been an architectural glass manufacturer?

This is a critical question to ask any glass manufacturer because the answer will speak to their experience and expertise. The longer they’ve been in the industry, the more knowledgeable they should be about how to create the highest-quality, longest-lasting, most aesthetically stunning glass creations.

Ask specifically about their experience with cast glass. Most glass monuments are made with this type of material, and you want a manufacturer who has a deep knowledge around both the science and design sides of cast glass.

5. How much does a glass monument cost?

While there’s no way to quantify the personal value of a memorial piece, budget is always a part of the project consideration. Make sure to discuss pricing with your potential glass manufacturer to make sure the project you want to create is within your expected budget.

Also remember that the price alone doesn’t tell the whole story. You’re looking for a piece that will be created with attention to detail, quality, and expertise. You want something that will last for decades or even beyond. If the piece breaks, is easily damaged, or doesn’t reach the quality mark you’d hoped, the lifetime value of that piece simply isn’t there.

Always balance the initial price tag with the quality and longevity you can expect to receive.

Do You Need a Custom Glass Memorial?

If you’re looking for a unique, personal memorial for a lost loved one, a glass creation is a versatile, dynamic, beautiful option.

If you have any questions about what’s possible with this type of project, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here at TCG Glass, we’ve been creating custom architectural glass creations for decades, and we’re always happy to answer your questions or to provide an estimate for your project.