Most Frequently Asked Questions when purchasing a Headstone or Grave Monument

Basic Information and Planning

The first steps include choosing a supplier, considering the type of headstone or monument, and understanding cemetery rules. It is also useful to set a budget and discuss what is possible within that budget. Please pay close attention to whether the supplier specifies all its prices including VAT and including all work: “this is not always the case and can sometimes be disappointing.”
At Loek van Holland, only everything, including prices, is shown in advance on the website and not stated afterwards during a store visit.
You usually have to wait about 6 months before installing a headstone. This gives the ground sufficient time to settle and ensures that the stone remains firm and stable.
A headstone is often an upright stone that indicates the location of a grave. A grave monument is usually larger and usually also has a front with bands or a gravestone or other decorative components. An urn grave is a usually smaller grave monument in which an urn is buried.

Commonly used materials are granite, marble and limestone. Granite is durable and weather-resistant, but often looks the same as countertops, marble and limestone have a classic, chic look but weather a little faster. Nowadays this can be prevented with a Nanocoating, which we apply for you in advance.
In addition to natural stone types, gravestones and grave monuments are also made of glass, stainless steel or Corten steel, or combinations of these.
Styles range from traditional upright stones to horizontal flat markers, as well as elaborate monuments with sculptures and reliefs, as well as rough stones, sometimes even petrified wood. The choice depends on personal preference and cemetery regulations.
Yes, headstones can be personalized with inscriptions, symbols, photos, and other designs. We offer custom options to create a unique and personal monument.
Costs vary widely depending on material, size, design and degree of customization. A grave tile for a general grave costs between €750 and €1500. Basic models & urn grave monuments can cost between €2000 and €3000, while larger and more detailed monuments can cost between €3000 and €5500.

Cemeteries often have specific rules about the size, materials and placement of headstones. We believe it is important to check these regulations for you before making a purchase.
Yes, many cemeteries sometimes have restrictions on these aspects. These rules vary per location, so it is essential to inform us of the cemetery with a grave number in advance, so that we can advise you properly at the first meeting.
Approval from the cemetery manager is often required. We help you obtain the necessary permits by applying for them free of charge with a drawing specially made for this purpose.

Common inscriptions include the name of the deceased, date of birth, date of death and sometimes a personal message or quote.
Because many deceased were born in another country, we regularly have to engrave this in another language such as Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, etc.
Choosing the right words can be a personal and emotional decision. Consult with family members and consider what best reflects the memory of the deceased. In any case, we are happy to help you with some suggestions.
Yes, additional inscriptions and decorations may increase costs. If engraving is required, a basic inscription is already included in the price.

Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the life of the stone. We advise you to have the grave maintained cheaply for only €10 monthly by the Groene Graven foundation, if you do not see the opportunity to do so yourself.
Maintenance requirements vary by material. Granite requires minimal maintenance, while marble and limestone are more sensitive to weather influences and may therefore require an easy-to-apply Nano coating annually.
We offer a 20-year warranty on the tombstone, see our delivery and warranty conditions.

Production and installation can take from 2 to 4 months depending on the complexity of the design and the availability of materials.
We are responsible for the placement of the gravestone. We ensure that the stone is installed correctly and safely.
In case of damage during transportation or installation, we will be responsible for repair or replacement.

The total costs include the price of the headstone, any options, transportation and installation. These costs, including VAT, can be seen in advance on the website.
You can pay in 5 monthly installments free of charge. If you want to pay in one go, you will receive a QR code on the grave as a gift with which visitors, via their telephone, are connected to a unique memorial website of the deceased, personalized by you.
Yes, additional municipal or church costs associated with issuing permits must be taken into consideration. These usually amount to between €100 and €200 and are advanced by us.