memorial-materials
Granite cremation headstones: Sizes, Styles & Costs
Granite cremation headstones , 2026 guide covering sizes, granite colors, common styles, prices, and what to ask a monument company before ordering. monument company before ordering.
A cremation headstone is a small marker placed at the grave, the niche, or the scattering garden of someone who has been cremated. Granite is the most popular material because it holds detail, weathers slowly, and is available in dozens of colors. This page covers the sizes, styles, and costs of granite cremation headstones in 2026, plus what to ask a monument company before ordering.
Sizes for Cremation Headstones
Cremation headstones are typically smaller than full casket headstones. The most common sizes are:
- 12 by 18 inches (small upright or flat marker)
- 14 by 20 inches (medium upright)
- 16 by 24 inches (standard upright)
- 18 by 28 inches (large upright)
- 18 by 24 inches (flat marker, sometimes called a “grass marker”)
- 24 by 12 inches (small slant)
- 28 by 16 inches (medium slant)
The size is often constrained by cemetery rules. Many cemeteries set a maximum size for markers in cremation sections, and the family should confirm the cemetery’s rules before ordering. Some cemeteries also require a specific minimum thickness (usually 4 to 6 inches for an upright).
Common styles
The most common styles for granite cremation headstones are: upright, flat, slant, and bench. Uprights stand vertical and are visible from a distance. Flats lie flush with the ground and are read by visitors standing over them. Slants are a compromise, sloping back from the base at about 30 degrees. Benches are granite seats with the inscription on the back or the seat itself.
For a single cremation, a flat or small upright is most common. For a couple (the standard practice in many cemeteries is to allow a single headstone to mark both spouses), a medium upright or a small bench is typical.
Granite Colors and Their Costs
The most popular granite colors for cremation headstones are: Barre Grey (a medium grey quarried in Vermont, the most common and least expensive); Dark Barre (a darker Vermont grey); American Black (a deep black with subtle fleck, premium price); Bahama Blue (a light blue-grey from China, mid-range price); Salisbury Pink (a soft pink from North Carolina); and Imperial Red (a deep red from India).
Standard Barre Grey is the most affordable because it is quarried domestically and is available in large quantities. Premium colors (American Black, India Black, exotic blues and reds) cost 30 to 100 percent more because of higher material and shipping costs.
Engraving and Lettering
The most common lettering methods are: sandblasted (raised or recessed letters cut into the stone with high-pressure sand); laser-etched (very fine detail, used for images and small text); and diamond-drilled (traditional method, slower, used for deeper lettering).
Raised lettering (the letters stand proud of the stone surface) is more expensive but reads better from a distance and holds up to weathering. Recessed lettering (the letters are cut into the surface) is the more common choice because it is less expensive and looks clean.
For images, a cross, a flower, a portrait, laser etching is the standard. The image is reproduced from a photograph or line art at high resolution. Simple line art works better than photographs at small sizes.
What to Ask a Monument Company
Before ordering, ask: Can I see a proof of the layout before production? What granite color are you using, and is it from a domestic or imported source? What is the warranty on the granite and the lettering? What is included in the price (foundation, setting, lettering, freight)? What is the lead time from approval to installation?
Get the price in writing, with all line items listed. Confirm whether the cemetery setting fee is included or separate. In some regions, the cemetery charges its own setting fee on top of the monument company’s price.
Cost Ranges for 2026
A small flat granite marker in Barre Grey runs $400 to $900 installed. A small upright in Barre Grey runs $800 to $2,000 installed. A medium upright in a premium color runs $1,800 to $4,000 installed. A granite bench runs $2,500 to $6,000 installed.
These prices include the granite, the engraving, and the setting fee. Freight and any required foundation work may be additional. Always get a written quote that itemizes all costs.
Frequently asked questions
What size granite headstone do I need for a cremation?Most cemeteries allow a flat marker of 12 by 18 inches or 18 by 24 inches for a single cremation. For an upright, 14 by 20 inches or 16 by 24 inches is standard. Confirm the cemetery's size rules before ordering.
How much does a granite cremation headstone cost?In 2026, a basic flat granite marker in Barre Grey runs $400 to $900 installed. A small upright runs $800 to $2,000. Premium granite colors and elaborate engraving can push the price to $3,000 to $6,000 for a single headstone.
Can I include a photograph on a granite cremation headstone?Yes. Laser-etched photographs are the standard. The image needs to be high resolution (300 DPI at the final print size) for the best result. Simple line art or etched portraits reproduce more cleanly than detailed photographs at small sizes.
How long does it take to get a granite headstone?From artwork approval to installation, expect 8 to 16 weeks for a standard upright. Simple flat markers can be ready in 4 to 8 weeks. Rush orders are possible at a 25 to 50 percent surcharge but limit material and color choices.
Can two people share a single granite cremation headstone?Yes, this is common. Many cemeteries allow a single headstone to mark both members of a couple, even if both are cremated. The inscription usually lists both names with the dates of each. The headstone is typically 16 by 24 inches or larger to accommodate two inscriptions.
References & Further Reading
The following sources informed the guidance on this page:
Questions, answered
What size granite headstone do I need for a cremation?
How much does a granite cremation headstone cost?
Can I include a photograph on a granite cremation headstone?
How long does it take to get a granite headstone?
Can two people share a single granite cremation headstone?
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