Cost of memorial bench: Material, Size & Installation

The cost of a memorial bench ranges from about $500 for a small cast stone bench to $10,000 or more for a large granite or marble bench with custom inscription and a formal foundation. Most families spend $1,500 to $4,000 on a memorial bench for a cemetery, a memorial garden, or a public park.

This page breaks down what drives the cost of a memorial bench and what you can expect to pay for each configuration.

What Drives the Cost

The cost of a memorial bench is driven by five factors:

1. Material. Cast stone is the most affordable. Granite and marble cost more. Bronze or aluminum with stone accents are the most expensive.

2. Size. A 4-foot bench is significantly less expensive than an 8-foot bench, simply because of the material required.

3. Style. A flat (backless) bench is less expensive than a backed bench because of less material and simpler fabrication.

4. Inscription. A simple name and dates inscription is the baseline. Adding a religious symbol, a portrait, or an extended family inscription adds to the cost.

5. Foundation and installation. A simple installation on an existing surface is the most affordable. A poured concrete foundation with heavy equipment is more expensive.

Material costs

Cast stone benches are the most affordable. A flat cast stone bench runs $500 to $1,500; a backed cast stone bench runs $1,200 to $2,500. Cast stone is appropriate when budget is the primary concern or when the bench is intended as a temporary feature. It does not last as long as granite or marble.

Granite benches are the most popular choice. A flat granite bench in standard Barre Grey runs $800 to $2,000 installed; a backed bench runs $1,800 to $4,000 installed. Premium granite colors (American Black, exotic blues and reds) cost 30 to 80 percent more.

Marble benches are traditional. A marble bench in standard white or grey runs $2,500 to $5,500 installed. Premium Italian marbles (Statuario, Calacatta) cost 30 to 100 percent more.

Metal benches (cast iron or aluminum with a stone base) are uncommon in cemetery settings but appropriate for parks. A cast iron bench with a small engraved plaque runs $1,000 to $3,500 installed.

Size costs

A 4-foot bench is typically 20 to 30 percent less expensive than a 5-foot bench. A 6-foot bench is typically 30 to 50 percent more than a 5-foot bench. An 8-foot bench is typically 50 to 80 percent more than a 5-foot bench.

For most families, a 5-foot bench is the right size. It seats 2 to 3 people comfortably and fits a single grave or a small memorial garden without dominating the space.

Foundation and Installation

A simple installation on an existing surface (a patio, a stone path, a cemetery walkway) typically costs $200 to $400. A poured concrete foundation adds $300 to $800 depending on size and local labor costs. Heavy equipment (a small crane or forklift) adds $200 to $500 to the installation.

For cemetery settings, the foundation is typically required and is included in the monument company’s installation package. For parks and public spaces, the foundation is often handled by the parks department or by a separate contractor.

Inscription costs

A simple sandblasted inscription (name, dates, short phrase) typically costs $100 to $300. A more elaborate inscription with multiple lines, a religious symbol, or a custom motif runs $300 to $800.

Laser-etched portraits add $50 to $300 per portrait, depending on size and complexity. Custom artwork (a family crest, a scene, a custom logo) typically costs $200 to $1,000 depending on the design and the size.

Paint fill (white, gold, black, or color-matched) on the recessed letters typically costs $50 to $150 for a small inscription and $150 to $400 for a larger inscription.

Typical total costs

For a small cast stone bench with simple inscription: $700 to $2,000 total. For a standard granite bench (5-foot, Barre Grey) with simple inscription: $2,000 to $4,000 total. For a premium granite bench (5-foot, American Black) with simple inscription: $3,500 to $6,500 total. For a marble bench (5-foot, standard white) with simple inscription: $3,500 to $6,500 total. For a premium Italian marble bench (5-foot, Calacatta) with custom inscription: $6,000 to $12,000 total.

These prices include the bench, the inscription, the foundation, and the installation. They do not include any required cemetery fees, which can add $200 to $800.

Tips for Getting the Best Price

Get at least three quotes. Memorial bench prices vary widely by vendor and region.

Choose standard materials. Standard Barre Grey granite is significantly less expensive than premium colors. Standard Carrara marble is less expensive than Statuario or Calacatta.

Keep the inscription simple. A name and dates with a short phrase is the most affordable. Adding elaborate artwork or a portrait increases the cost.

Order in advance. Rush orders cost 25 to 50 percent more. A standard order placed 8 to 12 weeks before installation saves money.

Consider a flat (backless) bench. Backless benches are 30 to 50 percent less expensive than backed benches because of less material and simpler fabrication.

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