Cemetery monument benches: Granite vs. Marble vs. Cast Stone

A cemetery monument bench serves the same function as a graveside bench but is typically larger and more formal. It marks a family plot, a section of the cemetery, or a specific gravesite. The bench is a permanent feature of the cemetery and is treated as a monument, with a foundation, an inscription, and sometimes a vase or an attached marker.

This page covers the materials, sizes, inscriptions, and costs of cemetery monument benches.

Material choices

Granite is the most popular material for cemetery monument benches. The same colors used for headstones (Barre Grey, American Black, Bahama Blue, etc.) are available for benches. Granite weathers slowly, requires no maintenance, and lasts indefinitely.

Marble is the traditional material for cemetery benches and remains common in older sections of established cemeteries. White or grey-white marble with subtle veining is the most common. Marble requires periodic sealing to maintain its appearance and weathers faster than granite.

Cast stone (concrete cast to look like natural stone) is the affordable alternative. It does not last as long as granite or marble, but it can be made in sizes and shapes that mimic natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Cast stone is appropriate when budget is a primary concern or when the bench is a temporary feature.

Metal benches (cast iron or aluminum with a stone or metal base) are less common in cemeteries. They are appropriate for memorial gardens or for cemetery pathways, but they are less formal than stone benches for grave-side placements.

Common sizes

The most common cemetery monument bench sizes are:

• 4-foot bench, seats 2 people, appropriate for a single grave.
• 5-foot bench, seats 2 to 3 people, the most common size.
• 6-foot bench, seats 3 people, appropriate for a double plot.
• 8-foot bench, seats 4 people, appropriate for a family plot.

The depth is typically 18 to 24 inches, the seat height is 16 to 18 inches, and the backrest is 18 to 24 inches tall.

Larger monument benches (10 to 12 feet) are used as community features in memorial gardens or at cemetery entrances. These are typically the most expensive benches and are often donated by families or organizations.

Inscription options

The inscription on a cemetery monument bench is usually on the backrest. Common layouts include:

• The full inscription in the center of the backrest, with the name, dates, and a short phrase.
• The name and dates in the center, with a small religious symbol (cross, Star of David, angel) above or below.
• A family surname centered on the backrest, with smaller inscriptions for individual family members below.
• A small bronze or engraved plaque mounted on the backrest, with the bench itself left uninscribed.

For granite benches, the inscription is typically sandblasted and either left natural (recessed letters with the rough sandblasted texture) or filled with paint (usually white, gold, or black). For marble, the inscription is usually carved or sandblasted and may be filled or left natural.

Foundation and Installation

Most cemeteries require a foundation for a monument bench. The foundation is typically a concrete slab, 4 to 6 inches thick, sized to match the bench footprint. The cemetery may pour the foundation as part of the installation, or the monument company may include it in their package.

Installation of a cemetery bench typically requires heavy equipment (a small crane or a forklift) to set the bench on the foundation. The setting fee is usually $200 to $800 depending on the bench size and the cemetery’s requirements.

Cost ranges

A flat granite bench in standard Barre Grey runs $800 to $2,000 installed. A backed granite bench runs $1,800 to $4,000 installed. Premium granite colors add 30 to 80 percent. A marble bench in standard white runs $2,500 to $5,500 installed.

A cast stone bench runs $500 to $1,500 for a flat style and $1,200 to $2,500 for a backed style. Cast stone is the most affordable but has the shortest lifespan (20 to 40 years vs. 100+ for granite).

Lead times run 6 to 10 weeks for granite and marble, and 4 to 8 weeks for cast stone. Rush orders are available at a 25 to 50 percent surcharge.

Cemetery approval

Most cemeteries require approval before a monument bench is installed. The approval process typically requires:

• A drawing or photograph of the bench
• A description of the materials and dimensions
• The proposed inscription
• The proposed location within the cemetery

Approval typically takes 1 to 4 weeks. Some cemeteries also require a foundation inspection before the bench is set.

Frequently asked questions

References & Further Reading

The following sources informed the guidance on this page:

• clearstreammonuments.com
• www.memorialbenches.com
• www.romemonuments.com
• www.brownmemorials.com
• www.thecomfortcompany.com
• evergreencem.org
• legacyheadstones.com
• markersandheadstones.com
• legacyheadstones.com
• www.memorials.com