At Thomas Monuments we always make sure to include all costs in the quotes we provide so that our customers can make better informed decisions. Take the time to contact us for an all inclusive quote today. When getting a quote on a headstone there are a number of factors that you want to make sure are included so that you're getting your memorial at the best overall price. Some providers may omit specific costs when quoting a memorial to make their prices appear to be lower. Below is a list of these factors and brief descriptions of what to expect. Don't forget to check your cemetery's regulations to be sure that the style of headstone you're pricing is allowed.
StyleIf price is the number one criteria, then a flat grave marker may be the best option as they are typically priced lower than other styles of headstones. However, a slant memorial may be a better option because they offer some of the advantages of an upright headstone since they can be seen at a distance, but still keeps the overall cost relatively low. Slants are followed in price by single and double uprights respectively. At Thomas Monuments we also offer special shape, bench and custom memorials however, these options are typically the most expensive. MaterialThe material that the memorial is made of also affects the price. Granite is the most common material, but marble and bronze are also available. The pricing on colors can vary, sometimes significantly. Here in the US, silver gray granite is typically the most economical as it is quarried here in the states, we get ours out of Georgia. If you're interested in more than one color, then be sure to let the sales representative know that you'd like the memorial to be priced in the colors you're interested in. SizeThe size of the headstone you purchase affects the cost of the concrete foundation and, cemetery installation costs. Larger monuments have higher foundation costs because they require more labor and more concrete. If you live in a colder climate, then make sure that your memorial provider digs their foundations below the frost line as the freeze/thaw cycles over time can cause your memorial to become unstable. Since we provide headstones in Indiana, we ensure that our foundations are to this standard so that your headstone will remain upright for years to come. Some cemeteries require that a member of their staff install the memorial at the grave and they may charge an installation fee. Installing a larger headstone typically incurs a higher cost than a smaller one. DesignMost headstone providers have a register of their standard designs and include them in the cost. Custom designs and emblems are usually available but may incur additional charges depending on the level of customization. For a truly unique memorial, you may want to consider a laser etching because they allow for your personal photos to be added to the headstone. However, laser etchings are typically not available on lighter color granites as they won't contrast enough against the polish to be visible. Additional Lettering and etchingsSometimes customers want to include the family name on the back of their memorial, their children and grandchildren's names, or an etched scene from one of their favorite photos. If this is something that you'd like to include on the headstone that you're purchasing, then be sure to let the provider know so that they can include it in the price they give you. AccessoriesThe most common accessories on a memorial are flower vases. There is a wide range of styles styles available.
If you you're purchasing a lighter color memorial but want to include a photo, then a porcelain photo is an option that you should consider. There are a number of different accessories available to help you customize a memorial but vases and porcelain photos are the most common. 8/1/2019 10:52:20 am
I did not know the fact that some cemeteries require that a member of their staff install the memorial at the grave and they may charge an installation fee. My neighbor just lost his mother and he is looking for a way to honor her. I will let him know to check his cemetery's regulations to be sure that the style of headstone he is pricing is allowed. 10/4/2019 11:18:35 am
I've wanted to have a custom granite headstone made for my grandfather, but I'm unfamiliar with the prices. Thank you for elaborating that the size of the headstone affects the installation cost because it will require more labor and concrete. I hope I'll be able to find the perfect headstone for my grandpa's grave.
Jacquie Green
7/2/2020 04:55:41 pm
A friend of mine from church would love to have an upright gravestone for her mother. I have no idea how much those things cost but I thought I would inquire with Indianapolis company who makes them. Thank you. 11/2/2020 02:34:06 am
You made a good point that frost should be accounted for when it comes to installing a custom grave marker. I plan to have a new grave marker for my parents' graves after my father's remains get transferred next to my mother's having a joined grave marker will hopefully symbolize their meeting in the afterlife.
Mike Johnson
12/23/2020 01:14:04 pm
I get there’s price differences depending what you want. Why no prices listed on website?
Thomas Monuments
12/23/2020 01:29:34 pm
Hi Mike, 4/12/2021 04:55:45 pm
My grandfather has been thinking about getting a headstone that will be able to represent what he felt for people. He would really like to get it made by a professional in order to be more effective. It was interesting to learn about how they should have the right kind of size, and make sure that it doesn't have a higher insurance cost with the right kind of customization. 4/30/2021 06:58:43 pm
It's good to know that flat grave markers are usually priced lower than other ones. A ton of people assume they have to have a standing marker. However, a flat one does the same for a lot of people and it is less financially straining. Thanks for pointing out that a slant memorial would be seen at a distance easily. I would like that for the grave monument that I might have when that time comes. I am looking for options as early as now so that I can have a pre-planned funeral to lessen the burden for my family when that time comes.
Dear friend, 3/28/2022 02:00:36 am
Now I understand what the style of the headstone effects the price and how a grave marker design it's commonly affordable then the rest. Since these structures out facing the elements it’s also a good consideration to find durable ones. This should be an option if you ever need to choose one. 4/5/2022 03:50:32 am
It really helped when you said that headstone providers would already have standard designs that would include the cost. I wonder if they can also easily offer rates for custom engraved headstone services, because I want a unique one made for my grandmother. If their rates are within my budget, I will buy it personally as my way of helping my mom as well with the expenses. 4/28/2022 11:50:08 am
Thank you for letting me know that a flat grave marker is the most affordable style of a headstone. My friend told me that they want a memorial marker for their loved ones. I think they should look for a contractor that is an expert in granite custom memorial markers. 5/26/2022 03:39:24 pm
It stood out to me when you mentioned that it is important to consider design when purchasing a headstone. I would think that it would be a good idea to consult with a funeral director when purchasing a headstone. A funeral director will know what kind of headstone will be the best. Comments are closed.
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Thomas MonumentsWe are a family owned and operated business in Indianapolis, IN. We provide affordable custom memorials throughout the state of Indiana. Categories |