memorial plaque accessories & related items
Cremation Headstones For Ashes: Marker Types, Materials, and Costs
Cremation headstones for ashes , flat, bevel, upright, and bench options for marking cremation graves, plus material choices and cost ranges. choices and cost ranges.
Choosing a headstone for ashes
Cremation headstones for ashes come in several forms, and the right choice depends on the cemetery’s rules, the size of the cremation grave, the family’s preferences, and the budget. Cremation graves are smaller than traditional graves (typically 2’ x 2’ to 2’ x 3’), and the headstones are correspondingly smaller. The most common types are flat markers, bevel markers, small uprights, cremation benches, and companion markers for two cremation burials.
The key consideration is the cemetery’s rules. Many cemeteries have designated cremation sections with specific size and material requirements. Some sections allow only flat markers; others allow a full range of marker types. Confirm with the cemetery before ordering.
Flat markers for ashes
Flat markers are the most common cremation headstone. They are set flush with the ground, easy to maintain, and accepted by virtually all cemeteries. Standard sizes for cremation flat markers are 18” x 12” to 24” x 12” for a single cremation grave, and 36” x 12” to 44” x 14” for a companion cremation grave.
Materials:
- Gray granite: the most affordable. Cost: $300 to $700 installed.
- Black granite: the contemporary choice. Cost: $500 to $1,000 installed.
- Pink granite: traditional in southern cemeteries. Cost: $400 to $900 installed.
- Blue pearl: the premium choice. Cost: $800 to $1,500 installed.
Engraving: basic engraving (name, dates, short inscription) is included. Detailed engraving (portraits, etchings, custom artwork) adds $100 to $1,000+.
Bevel markers for ashes
Bevel markers are set on edge at a slight angle, with the top rising 4” to 6” above the ground. They are more visible than flat markers and are common in cremation sections that allow upright-style markers. Standard sizes are the same as flat markers (18” x 12” to 24” x 12”).
Cost: $500 to $1,200 installed for gray granite; $700 to $1,500 installed for black granite or premium colors.
Small uprights for ashes
Small uprights are vertical markers designed for cremation burials. They are typically 18” to 30” tall and 18” to 24” wide. Small uprights are accepted by many cemeteries but may not be allowed in cremation-only sections with flat-marker-only rules.
Standard sizes: 18” x 6” x 18” (small) to 24” x 8” x 30” (larger). The slab is mounted on a base that is typically 4” to 6” tall.
Cost: $1,000 to $3,000 installed for gray granite; $1,500 to $4,000 installed for premium granite.
Cremation benches for ashes
Cremation benches serve as both a memorial marker and a place to sit. The urn is typically placed under the bench or in a niche built into the bench base. Cremation benches are allowed by many cemeteries but require a stable foundation because of their weight (200 to 500 lbs).
Standard sizes: 4’ to 5’ long, 18” to 24” deep, 30” to 36” tall.
Cost: $1,500 to $4,000 installed for granite; $2,500 to $5,000 installed for cast stone.
Companion markers for two cremations
Companion cremation markers span two adjacent cremation graves. They are larger than single markers (typically 36” x 12” to 44” x 14”) and accommodate two sets of information. Companion markers are common for couples or for two family members who want to be buried together.
Cost: $1,000 to $2,500 installed for gray granite flat markers; $1,500 to $3,500 installed for premium granite or bevel markers.
Specialty markers
Some specialty markers are designed specifically for cremation burials:
Cremation pedestals: a small pedestal-style marker with a niche for the urn built into the base. The pedestal is set on a concrete footing and the urn is placed in the niche from above. Cost: $2,000 to $4,000 installed.
Cremation rocks: a natural boulder or cast stone rock with a small engraved plaque. The urn is buried under the rock or in a niche in the rock. Cost: $500 to $2,000 installed.
Cremation tree markers: a small marker set at the base of a tree, often with a plaque engraved with the deceased’s information. The tree itself becomes the memorial. Cost: $300 to $1,500 installed.
Memorial rocks with engraving: a natural rock or cast stone with the deceased’s information engraved directly into the stone. Cost: $200 to $1,500.
How to Order
The process for ordering a cremation headstone:
- Confirm the cemetery’s rules. Contact the cemetery and ask about size limits, material restrictions, foundation requirements, and installation rules for the cremation section.
- Choose the marker type, size, material, and engraving. Most monument dealers and online dealers have standard cremation marker designs.
- Approve the artwork. Most dealers will provide a paper proof of the engraving for your approval.
- Schedule installation. The dealer coordinates with the cemetery for installation.
Lead times are typically 4 to 12 weeks from approval of artwork to installation. Standard sizes are faster; custom shapes, premium granite, and detailed engraving take longer.
How much does a cremation headstone cost?A flat cremation marker runs $300 to $1,500 installed depending on size and material. A bevel cremation marker runs $500 to $1,500 installed. A small upright cremation marker runs $1,000 to $4,000 installed. A cremation bench runs $1,500 to $5,000 installed. A companion cremation marker runs $1,000 to $3,500 installed.
What is the most common cremation headstone?The most common cremation headstone is a flat granite marker, typically 18" x 12" to 24" x 12". Gray granite is the most common material; black granite is the contemporary choice. The marker is set flush with the ground in the cremation section of the cemetery.
Can a cremation headstone be added later?Yes, in most cases. A cremation headstone can be ordered and installed at any time after the burial, subject to the cemetery's rules. The family purchases the headstone from a monument dealer, and the dealer coordinates installation with the cemetery.
What size portrait fits on a cremation headstone?Standard portrait sizes on a cremation headstone are 3" x 5" to 5" x 7". For larger companion markers, portraits up to 8" x 10" can be accommodated. The portrait is typically engraved into the granite or reproduced as a porcelain-enameled bronze plaque.
How long does a cremation headstone last?A granite cremation headstone is rated for 100+ years of outdoor exposure. Bronze cremation markers last 75 to 100+ years. Marble cremation markers last 50 to 100 years. Annual cleaning is the only maintenance required.
Do cremation sections allow upright markers?It depends on the cemetery. Some cremation sections allow only flat markers; others allow a full range of marker types including uprights and benches. Confirm with the cemetery before ordering an upright or other non-flat marker.
References
The following sources informed the guidance on this page:
Questions, answered
How much does a cremation headstone cost?
What is the most common cremation headstone?
Can a cremation headstone be added later?
What size portrait fits on a cremation headstone?
How long does a cremation headstone last?
Do cremation sections allow upright markers?
Continue reading
Decorations for Gravesite: Materials, Sizing, and Sourcing
Cemetery plot decorations and grave ornaments. Plaques, flowers, lights, and personalized keepsakes that honor a loved one in 2026. Practical buying guidance... one in 2026. Practical buying guidance...
Memorial Phrases for Plaques: Traditional and modern phrasing that fits
Memorial Phrases for Plaques , practical guide covering material, sizing, wording, and what to expect in 2026. Real prices and tips inside. prices and tips inside.
Cremation headstones for cemetery: Types, Materials, and 2026 Pricing
Cremation headstones for cemetery: uprights, flat markers, slants, and benches. Materials, inscriptions, and 2026 price ranges for standard and custom orders. price ranges for standard and custom orders.
Cremation monuments for ashes: Best Options, Pricing & Buying Guide
Cremation monuments for ashes , 2026 buyer's guide with real prices, what to look for, common mistakes, and the questions to ask before you order. questions to ask before you order.