How Headstones Are Priced

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.

• Style
• Material
• Size
• Design
• Additional lettering and etchings
• Accessories

Style

If 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.  

Material

The 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.  

Size​

The 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.

​Design

Most 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 etchings

Sometimes 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.

Accessories

The 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.