Headstones and Grave Markers: Types and Costs
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Grave markers range from flat markers flush with the ground to upright headstones and larger monuments, with material (granite, marble, bronze) and size driving most of the cost difference. Many cemeteries have specific rules about size, material, and placement, so it's worth checking before ordering.
Choosing a permanent marker is one of the more personal decisions in the memorialization process, and it helps to understand the options and constraints first.
Common types
- Flat markers — sit flush with the ground, often required in certain cemetery sections for landscaping and maintenance reasons
- Upright headstones — traditional standing markers, available in a range of sizes and materials
- Monuments — larger, more elaborate memorial structures, sometimes for a family plot rather than a single individual
Flat Marker
- ✓Sits flush with the ground
- ✓Often required in some sections
- ✓Easier cemetery maintenance
Upright Headstone
- ✓Standing marker
- ✓Range of sizes, materials
Monument
- ✓Larger, more elaborate
- ✓Sometimes for a family plot
Many cemeteries have specific rules about size, material, and placement.
Materials and cost
Granite, marble, and bronze are among the most common materials, with cost varying by material, size, and the complexity of any engraving or design. Larger monuments and premium materials generally cost more.
Cemetery-specific rules
Many cemeteries have their own rules about marker size, material, and placement — some sections may only permit flat markers, for example. Check these rules before ordering, whether from the cemetery itself or an independent monument company.
Timing
Permanent markers typically aren’t installed immediately after burial — many cemeteries wait several months to allow the ground to settle properly. A temporary marker is often used in the meantime.
You’re not required to buy from the cemetery
Many families purchase markers from independent monument companies, sometimes at a lower cost — just confirm the specific cemetery’s size, material, and design requirements first, since they’ll enforce these regardless of where the marker was purchased.
Rules, materials, and pricing vary significantly by cemetery and region — confirm specifics before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a marker, a headstone, and a monument?+
These terms overlap significantly, but generally: a flat marker sits flush with the ground; a headstone is an upright stone; a monument typically refers to a larger, more elaborate memorial structure. Cemeteries sometimes use these terms differently, so ask specifically about their definitions.
Why do some cemeteries only allow flat markers?+
Some cemetery sections (sometimes called 'memorial parks') require flat markers specifically for landscaping and maintenance efficiency — this is a cemetery policy choice, not a universal rule.
How soon after burial can a permanent marker be installed?+
Often not immediately — many cemeteries wait a period of months to allow the ground to settle before a permanent marker is placed, using a temporary marker in the meantime.
Do I have to buy a marker from the cemetery itself?+
Not necessarily — many families purchase markers from independent monument companies, though it's important to confirm the cemetery's specific size, material, and design rules before ordering from anyone.
Sources
Make this easier for your family.
Add what you've just read to your Final Day Plan — free, and saved for later.