Final Date & On-Site Engraving

We add final dates to existing headstones and memorials throughout Central Ohio. It doesn't matter whether the memorial was made by us or someone else. We match the original font, style, and finish so the new date looks like it was always there.

How It Works

Here's how we handle a final date addition.

Initial Contact & Assessment. When you contact us, we'll need some basic information: the full name and dates to be engraved, the cemetery name and location, and details about the existing memorial. If we made the memorial, we may have records on file. If not, we'll assess the stone in person or from clear photographs.

Matching the Original. We examine the existing inscription closely, checking the font, lettering depth, and stone finish (polished, honed, or textured). The goal is to make the new engraving look like part of the original work.

On-Site or In-Facility Engraving. Depending on the work and site conditions, we either engrave at the cemetery or bring the memorial to our shop. On-site work is safer since the stone stays put. In-facility work gives us more control over the result.

Final Verification. Before we call it done, we check that the new engraving matches the original style and reads clearly.

What to Expect

Information We'll Need. Have the full name and dates ready, along with the cemetery name and location. If you know who made the memorial, that helps, but it's not required. Clear photographs of the stone are useful for planning.

Timeline. Varies based on the tiem of year. Weather plays an important role here since moisture and cold temperatures interfere with the adhesion process. We'll give you a specific timeline once we've seen the stone.

Pricing. Pricing depends on the size of the lettering, stone type, and whether we work on-site or in our shop. We provide an estimate before any work begins.

On-Site vs. In-Facility Engraving

On-Site Engraving at the Cemetery. For straightforward date additions, on-site engraving at the cemetery is usually the way to go. We bring the equipment to the gravesite and do the work in place, so the memorial never moves. This works well when the stone is in good condition.

In-Facility Work. When the work is more involved, or when weather and conditions at the cemetery aren't cooperating, we bring the stone to our shop. Better lighting and a controlled environment let us do more precise work. It also gives us a chance to fix any damage or re-polish surfaces while we have the stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to add a date to a headstone?

Timeframe for date additions vary based on the time of year. We'll give you a more specific estimate once we've seen the stone and can review our schedule.

What does final date engraving cost?

It depends on the size of the lettering, the stone type, whether we work on-site or in our shop, and any additional restoration needed. We provide a written estimate before starting.

Can you match the original font and style of my memorial?

Yes. We examine the existing inscription to identify the original font, depth, and finish. We match lettering styles from decades past, whether the memorial was made by us or another company.

Do you work at all cemeteries in Central Ohio?

We work at cemeteries throughout Columbus, Westerville, Delaware, Grove City, and the surrounding Central-Ohio area. Not sure if we cover yours? Give us a call.

What if the memorial wasn't made by Modlich Monument Company?

No problem. We engrave and restore memorials created by other makers regularly. We simply assess the stone carefully to match its original style and finish.