Grieving the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult emotions that we can experience in a lifetime. Dealing with your own suffering while comforting everyone around is stressful. Bereaved families still need to plan final arrangements and buy a headstone. In generala headstone is one of the most important and expensive items to buy when planning a funeral.
For most peopleit’s important when they or a close one diespeople have a place they can go to remember the deceased. A headstone is one way to provide a peaceful place to mourn and pay tribute. It serves as a lasting remembrancemarking a final resting spot for families to visit for generations to come. But buying a gravestone can be confusing.
Not forgettingthey are expensive. Yetthere’s a way to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Several factors affect the pricing of headstones. Knowing these factors can help you make an informed final decision. In this guidewe will discuss those factors in detail. They will give an idea of the average price of a headstone.
Especially in times of grief when decision-making is difficultguides like this can make it easier for you. Let’s get started.
What is a Tombstone?
Before we get into the costing partlet’s understand the basics. A headstone is also referred to as a tombstonegravestonegrave markermemorialor monument. It’s a way of commemorating the deceased and providing families with a place to visit and mourn. It’s usually made of stone and includes the deceased person’s namedate of birth and dateand an epitaph.
How Much Does a Headstone Cost?
The average cost of a headstone can start from $600 and can go up to thousands. The average family pays between $1,000 and $3,000 for the headstonewhich includes installation costs. The cost varies depending on several factorsincluding the sizematerialand level of detail in the engraving. The materialdesignlocation and optional features selected significantly affect the prices.
Let’s look at the 10 factors affecting the cost of headstone for grave below.
- Material: A headstone markers can be made using different materials. People can opt for granitemarbleslateironbronze or even wood. But the most popular material is granite. It’s because granite tombstones are durablelong-lastingand weather-resistant. It’s also easier to clean and maintain in the long run.
- Size: The size of the gravestone also affects its price. The bigger the monumentthe pricier it will be. The standard size of a single grave marker is 24″ x 12″ x 4″. Whereas the standard size of couples headstones is 36″ x 12″ x 4″. Thussmall headstones will cost you less and big ones will cost you more.
- Weight: The weight of the monument depends on the choice of material. But a higher weight will command a higher price too.
- Style: The monument affects its price the most. There are many s to choose from. The most common ones are flatbevelslanteduprightbenchkerb setsand angel memorials. All these s have a different price range that will be discussed in detail in this guide later.
- Finish: The finish of the memorial also affects its price. There are different finishes that one can pick depending on their aesthetic needs. The most common ones are frostedpolishedpart-polishedpitchedsawnand honed finish.
- Engravings: The engravings honor the individual who has passed away. Some choose to put the basic details of the deceased like their name and date of birth and death. Others may want something more personalized like an epitaphshort quotesor sayings. Adding more engravings to the tombstone will add to its price.
- Accessories: There are different accessories available to add to the cemetery monument. People can add floral vasesmemory plaquesporcelain portraitsor memorial light holders. Adding an accessory or accessories further increases the tombstone’s final price.
- Cemetery Permit Fees: Cemeteries often charge a permitting fee. This fee allows the family members to bury the deceased in the cemetery. Some of them also charge a fee to excavate the grave before burial and fill it later. Cemetery permit fees vary from region to region.
- Shipping Fees: The shipping fees further add to the funeral expenses. If you’re getting your memorial from a local sellerthe shipping fees are minimized. Butif you’re getting it from a seller abroadthe shipping charges will add to it more expenses.
- Location: The location also affects the price of the monument memorials as the gravestone prices in SydneyHoustonPerisLondonNew York are different in comparison to other locations due to product originshipping chargesetc.
- Installation Fees: Finallyinstallation costs. One can install a headstone on their ownbut it’s not recommended. It should sit right and stay for a long timeso it’s best to trust a professional with it. The installation fees depend a lot on the monument’s size. Setting up a single stone can price around $150 – $450. Whereas double tombstones can cost around $300 – $600.
What is the Average Price of Headstones?
As discussedthe average cost of a tombstone can start from $600 and can go up to thousands. It can vary depending on the material choice and its sizefinishweightand other factors. Let’s look at the cost of a monument based on the material below.
Granite Headstone Price
Granite headstones are the most popular due to several reasons. Firstthey are beautifuland secondthey are durable and long-lasting. Thirdthey need the least cleaning and maintenance. Fourthit also costs less than a marble tombstone. The average price of a tombstone made of granite is around $450. A larger one with personalization can cost more. Alsosome granite colors may be more expensive.
Price of Marble Headstones for Graves
Besides granitesome people prefer purchasing a marble tombstone. It’s because it offers a sleeker look and finish than granite. It costs around $1500 – $1800which is a lot compared to the prior material option. Apart from being more expensiveremember that marble needs more maintenance than granite.
How Much is a Headstone Based on Style?
The monument you choose affects the cost of cemetery stones significantly. The prices can range between hundreds to thousands of dollars. Let’s see the burial stones cost based on the tombstone you select below. Please note that these prices are as per Stone Discover.
Flat Marker
Flat headstonesalso known as flat grave markersare set flush with the ground. They are simple and elegantmaking them perfect for families looking for a subtle memorial. Sohow much do flat grave markers cost?
Single flat marker: $200 plus
Double flat marker: $350 plus
Bevel Marker
Bevel headstones are also known as pillow markers. They are set flat on the ground. They are flat on the base and cut at a gentle angle on the top like a wedge. The back of the bevel headstone is slightly higher than the front.
Single bevel marker: $300 plus
double bevel marker: $350 plus
Slanted Headstones
Slant grave markers stand up straight and get their name from their front cut. They have a slanted and polished surface and a straight back. They are great for families looking for a small cemetery monument.
Individual slanted marker: $200 plus
Companion slanted marker: $300 plus
Upright Headstones
Upright headstones sit on a base and stand up several feet in the air. They are one of the most traditional- monuments ever. They offer ample space for engravings and personalized messages. These are great for families looking for a classic way to honor the departed.
Single Upright headstone: $300 plus
Double Upright headstone: $900 plus
Bench Memorial
Bench memorials are monuments designed to commemorate the deceased. They offer a place to rest and reflect in community parksgardensor cemeteries. They are unique and meaningful options to honor a loved one.
Individual bench memorial: $350 plus
Companion bench memorial: $950 plus
Kerb Sets
Kerb Sets are a very traditional of memorials. They consist of kerbs that run around the grave’s perimeter. They are built to last for generations.
Individual kerb sets: $450 plus
Companion kerb sets: $600 plus
Angel Headstones
Angel Stones are sculpted angels sitting on the top of a grave or are a part of the headstone. They have a deep symbolism for the departed as well as the families. Angels are considered the messengers of the god. At Stone DiscoverAngel headstones can cost around $2000-$4000.
How Much Does It Cost to Cut and Engrave a Headstone?
Engravings are a huge part of headstones. They are essential because they properly honor the departed and provide their details. People often request words on memorial stones. They also suggest what they’d like if they’re designing a monument beforehand. If the person has not decided on an engraving beforehandtheir family members do it for them.
The headstone engraving price depends on the cost per letter. In generalit can cost around $20 per character. For the first 20-30 characters it can be $20any extra letters from thereon can cost $10 each. Some people also opt for engraved plaques on top instead of lettering. They can cost around $100 – $300.
It’s challenging to cut costs when designing and buying a headstone. It’s because costs usually add up with choices such as headstone materialdesignand all the other factors discussed above. Yetthere are a few ways in which one can spread or lessen the grave headstone price. Here are some of the ways to cut costs below.
You can go for more reasonable tombstones like flat or bevel grave markers. You can also buy your headstone in advance and pay for it yourself. This eases away the financial burden on your family when you pass away.
Finallyyou can buy headstones online from Stone Discover. There is a wide range of options at wholesale prices.
Where to Buy Headstones?
Now that you know how much the average grave marker prices in USAUK Australia and New Zealand iswhere do you buy it from? The answer is from trusted sellers like Stone Discover. We have been in the stone industry for over four decades and we offer nothing but the best. Here is why you should choose us –
- Years of experience and expertise.
- Wide range of headstone designs.
- We cater to B2B needs and take bulk orders.
- We are open to customizations.
- We offer reasonable wholesale prices.
- We ensure secure packaging and prompt deliveries.
For more information on prices for granite headstonesContact us at Stone Discover. Our experts are available 24/7 to help you. Get in touch with us today!
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