Choosing a headstone is one of the final acts of love and respect we give to those who’ve passed. It’s a decision imbued with emotion, but also a practical one, as headstone prices can vary widely. Understanding the types of headstones and costs is essential to making a choice that feels right both for your heart and your budget.
Read on to learn more about headstone types, costs, and professional recommendations from funeral service experts at Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks.
What Is a Headstone?
A headstone is a memorial placed at a grave site to honor and remember the deceased. They’re typically made of durable materials, like granite, marble, or other types of stone. They may be inscribed with personal information, such as the person’s name, birth and death dates, as well as a meaningful epitaph or design.
5 Types of Headstones
1. Flat Grave Headstones
Flat grave headstones lie flat on the ground, flush with the grass. They can be as simple or as ornate as the family wishes them to be, and are often seen as the most budget-friendly option overall.
Most flat grave headstones start as low as $200+. While this can be a good deal for many, we do want to note that flat headstones might be more susceptible to being overgrown by grass — obscuring them from view. As such, some families might wish to invest in a bevel or upright headstone to maintain the integrity and presentation of their stone over time.
2. Bevel Headstones
Bevel headstones are similar to flat headstones as far as customizability and pricing is concerned. They are designed to be slightly raised, featuring a slanted top that limits overgrowth. This angle also allows for easier viewing of inscriptions as cemetery goers walk by.
Typically, the price of bevel headstones sits somewhere between flat headstones and upright headstones. They come in a range of sizes and styles, allowing you to choose an option that suits your burial plot along with the burial cost and your budget well.
3. Upright Headstones
Upright headstones stand vertically on a base, resembling a traditional tombstone like you’d see in a television show or movie. They offer a significant presence and can be quite large, allowing for extensive engraving, carvings, and design elements.
However, their imposing presence and elaborate craftsmanship also mean upright headstones fall on the higher end of the price spectrum. They typically start anywhere from $1,000-$2,000+, with the price skewing higher as you personalize your stone. Pricing is also based on the size of the upright headstone you choose.
Both small and large upright stones can be purchased at most local cemeteries.
4. Slanted Headstones
Slanted headstones stay true to their name, standing upright with a slanted face. They’re a popular choice that offers good visibility, as well as plenty of space for more elaborate designs compared to flat or bevel headstones.
Slanted headstones usually cost more than flat ones, reflecting their larger size and more complex design. You can find them starting at $1,000+, depending on the size and design you select.
5. Specialty Headstones
As the name implies, these headstones encompass more unique and personalized designs than traditional options do. They might incorporate specific shapes, like hearts, crosses, or benches, or feature elaborate carvings or sculptures.
Understandably, due to the customized nature, specialty headstones usually command a premium price, often several thousand dollars or more. While we can’t offer a consistent estimate due to the personalized nature of these stones, we do note that these types of stones can be more expensive depending on their size and the complexity of the designs shown.
What is The Difference Between Headstones and Grave Markers?
Though terms like headstones and grave markers often get used interchangeably, a subtle difference exists. “Grave marker” is a broad term that defines any memorial placed on a grave — including flat plaques and larger monuments. “Headstone”, however, more specifically denotes upright memorials that stand at the head of the grave.
How Much Do Headstones Cost?
Getting a definitive answer to the question of “how much do headstones cost?” can be difficult, as many different factors impact the stones’ pricing. However, many find it useful to know the general, base prices per stone, as this enables shoppers to find the best headstone or grave marker for their preferences and budget.
A basic flat grave marker made of granite can be relatively affordable, starting around $200+. In contrast, a basic upright headstone can start at around $1,000+. A companion headstone, which commemorates two individuals, generally ranges from $2,000 to $4,000+, depending on the complexity of the design and type of stone used.
If you’re considering using intricate designs, larger sizes, or premium materials, we do want to note that the basal costs can quickly rise — potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
Factors Affecting The Cost of Headstones
Let’s take a deeper look at the different factors that affect headstone cost.
1. Materials Used
The material used for the headstone or marker has a direct bearing on its price tag. As previously mentioned, most headstones use granite or marble.
Granite is a durable and popular choice thanks to its resistance to weathering and range of available colors. Granite stones typically start at $450+, depending on the style and complexity of the stone.
Marble, while prized for its classic elegance, requires more maintenance than other common material types. It’s also more expensive, boasting a starting price between $1,500-$1,800+ per stone.
2. Size
As you might anticipate, a bigger headstone usually comes with a bigger price. The size you choose will typically depend on cemetery regulations, and how many individuals are commemorated by the stone.
For example, companion headstones naturally require more material than single headstones, hence a difference in cost.
3. Design Complexity
As we’ve mentioned above, the intricacy of a headstone’s design also factors heavily into pricing. Simple engravings with basic lettering cost far less than intricate carvings, sculptures, or etched portraits.
Adding more design elements, like custom shapes, borders, or religious symbols, also increases your stone’s cost.
Pricing ranges for custom designs and etches are subject to change, and are typically unique to the manufacturer.
4. Engraving
The engraving on a headstone captures the essence of a person’s life and the love they leave behind. As such, it’s typically seen across a range of stone sizes and styles.
Naturally, the type and amount of engraving influence the cost. Simple inscriptions with names and dates will cost less than lengthy epitaphs or poems. As with other design elements, the range of pricing is unique to the manufacturer.
5. Installation
Installing a headstone correctly demands careful handling and expertise. In many cases, this specialty service usually isn’t factored into the headstone price.
Factors that affect the installation cost are the size and weight of the headstone, cemetery regulations, and accessibility of the plot. Getting an accurate estimate for installation by the funeral home alongside your headstone is always a good idea, as it will give you a more exact estimated total cost. It will also give you an opportunity to confirm that the installation process from a specific service is appropriate and approved per your cemetery’s policies.
6. Cemetery Fees
Beyond the possible fees associated with your stone and its installation, cemeteries might also tack on extra fees called “perpetual care fees.” These fees are usually presented as a one-time payment.
As you might have surmised from the name, perpetual care fees contribute to the cemetery’s long-term upkeep. Every cemetery has different policies and definitions that outline exactly what this looks like for each decedent. As such, we do recommend that you make sure you’re clear on what services the fees cover before signing on the dotted line.
FAQs
Immortalize Life with A Special Mark
As you shop for a headstone, it’s important to remember that the most important element in choosing a headstone is its meaning to your family. While it’s important that your choice of headstone is within reach of your current budget, it’s absolutely critical that you feel that your headstone choice reflects what you wish to see for your loved one’s legacy.
At Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home, we recognize the importance of a final farewell. Selecting a memorial stone that suits your loved one’s legacy is an integral part of laying them to rest, serving as a timeless ode to the love they shared daily. We understand how emotional this decision can be and are here to support you at every step of the process — from stone selection to installation.
Connect with us today to explore future planning and stone options for yourself or a loved one. It’s our pleasure to support you.
