Altar & Altar Rail FAQs

Answers to the questions parishes ask most about our new wood and marble altars, custom church projects and altar rails. Don't see your question? Please request a quote or call us.

Wood altars

Can a wood altar be used for the Traditional Latin Mass?

Yes. A wooden altar is traditionally fitted with a consecrated altar stone for the 1962 Missal, and we can build your altar with a recess for the altar stone or relics. Ask your pastor what your altar requires.

Will the altar fit through our doors?

Our modular altars break down into sections that fit through smaller doorways. Let us know your door sizes when you request a quote.

Is the tabernacle included?

Usually not. On many altars the tabernacle, tabernacle door and candlesticks are sold separately. Each listing says what is included.

See our wood altars.

Marble altars

Can you match marble to our existing sanctuary?

Often, yes. Colors, inserts and symbols can be changed. Send photos of your existing marble with your quote request.

Are your marble altar tops a single slab?

Yes. The tops of our marble altars are a single solid slab, and a relic space can be added on request.

Where are your altars made?

Most of our altars are built in the USA; some marble altars are carved overseas.

Will our floor support a marble altar?

Marble is heavy, and weight varies with the size of the altar. We can advise on floor support. Please also check your access route before ordering.

Do you make matching ambos?

Yes. Several of our wood and marble altars have a matching ambo, and some marble altars are sold as sets with an ambo and tabernacle stand.

Can you reproduce an antique marble altar?

Yes. Some listings show antique altars that we can reproduce new.

See our marble altars.

Custom projects

Can you rebuild our church's original altar from old photos?

Yes. Recreating altars from black-and-white photos is a large part of our work. At St. Benedict, the original high altar returned after almost 100 years.

Can you add to our existing altar instead of replacing it?

Yes. We build pieces to complement existing architecture, including matching altars of sacrifice, side altars, rails and ambos.

Can you remove and reinstall our existing altars?

Yes. We remove and reinstall a parish's existing altars. For example, we removed antique high altars from a church in Pennsylvania and reinstalled them in Bellwood, Nebraska.

Do you work with architects and diocesan commissions?

Yes. We work directly with architects and diocesan commissions.

Can you handle a full sanctuary?

Yes. Our projects range from a single piece to complete sanctuaries with altars, rails, ambos and statuary.

See our custom church projects.

Altar rails

How do I measure for an altar rail?

Measure each straight run of the rail and mark where gates and openings go. Photos of the sanctuary step help us plan the layout.

Can a rail match our altar?

Yes. Many of our rails were built alongside new altars, ambos and altars of repose as part of complete sanctuary projects. For marble rails, send photos of your altar and sanctuary, and we can match stone colors and details.

Can you recreate our church's original rail?

Yes. Send us old photos of the original rail, and we can design a new one to closely match it.

Can you include gates?

Yes. Matching gates are available and can be planned with the rail, so share your layout when you request a quote.

Is a kneeler included?

Some designs are offered with or without a kneeler. Kneeler pads are not included. Each listing shows the options.

Is there a lower-cost option than solid marble?

Yes. We build real and faux marble combinations, and some designs can be made in wood with a marbleized finish.

How are rails anchored?

Wood rails are anchored to the floor with flanged steel. Marble rails are anchored with anchors and epoxy.

See our wood altar rails and marble altar rails.

Ordering, shipping and installation

How does ordering work?

Send us photos of your sanctuary, its measurements and any old photos or drawings you would like us to follow. We will recommend a design and prepare a quote.

Is there a design fee?

Design is included for most projects; custom marble design is an additional fee.

How long does it take to build?

Most wood altars take about 4 to 6 months to build, and custom marble altars typically take about 5 months. Ask us about timing for rails and other pieces.

Is freight included?

No. Freight is billed separately. Ask for a freight estimate with your quote.

Do you install?

Yes. Installation is available anywhere in the USA, and we have delivered and installed projects such as our Charlotte altar.

Why are prices quoted individually?

Size, materials, finish and design changes all affect the cost, and material prices change with market conditions. Please request a quote before ordering.

For the liturgical background, see Church requirements for altars. Fynders Keepers is based in Stilwell, Kansas.