During your research, you will probably have seen that headstones come in a range of shapes, styles, and sizes. And so it follows that headstone prices fall within a pretty broad range. While the cheapest headstone is usually a simple grave marker without much additional embellishment, a triple full monument – complete with customised headstone and various accessories – lies at the other end of the pricing scale.
While each monumental mason will set their gravestone prices, the following provides a good guide as to the average price of a headstone.
The cost of a simple grave marker, lawn monument or sloper
Grave markers, lawn monuments and slopers are usually the cheapest headstone options.
The cost of a grave marker, lawn monument, or sloper often starts at $750 – $1,000.
Generally, a monumental stonemason’s quoted price will include:
- The relevant headstone.
- Installation by the monumental mason at the cemetery.
- A certain number of engraved letters (with additional lettering charged at an extra cost).
What will affect the gravemarker, lawn monument, or sloper price?
- Adding a base underneath the grave marker – the thicker the base, the more expensive it will be.
- Colour of the stone – while grey is often the cheapest coloured stone, colours such as red and black can cost more.
- Requesting additional lettering beyond what is included in the quoted price.
- Requesting a non-standard type of engraving.
- Adding a bronze or other plaque onto the marker.
- Adding accessories; for example, a vase.
What other costs are there?
- Cemetery permit fees.
Cost of a headstone and base
When it comes to pricing a monument, a headstone and base lies in the middle of the range.
The cost of a headstone and base usually starts at $2,000 – $3,000.
Generally, a monumental stonemason’s quoted price will include:
- The relevant headstone and base.
- Installation by the monumental mason at the cemetery.
- A certain number of engraved letters (with additional lettering charged at an extra cost).
What will affect the headstone price?
- Size – the larger the headstone, the more it is likely to cost.
- Type of stone – headstones can be made of sandstone, limestone, marble, concrete, slate, bronze and – most commonly – granite. Granite also has varying quality. The best quality granite is the most durable but also the priciest.
- Colour of the stone – while grey is often the cheapest coloured stone, colours such as red and black can cost more.
- Shape of the headstone – for example, tear-shaped, heart-shaped, etc.
- Requesting additional lettering beyond what is included in the quoted price.
- Requesting a non-standard type of engraving.
- Adding accessories; for example, a candle holder or photo frame.
What other costs are there?
- Cemetery permit fees.
The cost of a full monument
Full monuments are the most expensive memorial option.
The cost of a full monument usually starts at $3,000 – $5,000.
Generally, a monumental stonemason’s quoted price will include:
- The relevant monument.
- Installation by the monumental mason at the cemetery.
- A certain number of engraved letters (with additional lettering charged at an extra cost).
What will affect the full monument price?
- Size – double and triple full monuments are more expensive than single full monuments.
- Type of stone.
- Colour of the stone.
- Shape and design of the headstone and curbing.
- Covering of the full monument – for example, ledger slab or granite chips.
- Requesting additional lettering beyond what is included in the quoted price.
- Requesting a non-standard type of engraving.
- Adding accessories; for example, a glass cabinet.
What other costs are there?
- Cemetery permit fees.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
