memorial plaque accessories & related items
Upright Cemetery Headstones: Sizes, Costs, and Cemetery Rules
Upright cemetery headstones , sizes, granite colors, costs, and cemetery rules so you can order with confidence.
What an Upright Cemetery Headstone Is
An upright cemetery headstone is a vertical memorial marker mounted on a base, set at the head of a grave. The classic form is a rectangular slab of granite (typically 2’ to 4’ tall) mounted on a granite base (typically 6” to 12” tall). The face is engraved with the deceased’s name, dates, and any inscription. Uprights can be single (for one person), double (for a couple), or companion (larger, designed to accommodate two sets of information).
Upright headstones are the traditional choice for individual graves in family plots, religious sections, and older sections of cemeteries. They are more visible than flat markers and provide a larger surface for engraving. The trade-offs: uprights are more expensive than flat markers, and many newer cemetery sections prohibit uprights in favor of flat markers only.
Standard Sizes and Shapes
Standard sizes for upright cemetery headstones:
Single upright (small): 1’8” x 6” x 1’4” to 2’0” x 6” x 1’6” (width x thickness x height of the slab, plus base). Common for individual graves in tight sections.
Single upright (standard): 2’0” x 6” x 2’0” to 2’4” x 8” x 2’6”. The most common size for individual graves in family plots.
Single upright (large): 2’6” x 8” x 3’0” to 3’0” x 10” x 4’0”. Used for prominent graves or larger family plots.
Double upright (companion): 3’6” x 8” x 2’6” to 4’0” x 10” x 3’0”. Designed to accommodate two sets of information (typically a married couple).
Serpentine top: an upright with a curved or serpentine top edge. A traditional shape that adds visual interest.
Oval top: an upright with an arched or oval top. A traditional shape common in Catholic and Protestant sections.
Rectangular top: an upright with a straight top edge. The most contemporary shape.
Granite colors
Granite color affects cost significantly. The most common colors:
Gray granite (Standard Gray, Barre Gray): the most affordable. Domestic sources in Vermont and Georgia. Cost: baseline.
Black granite (Impala Black, Absolute Black): a popular choice for contemporary designs. Domestic and imported sources. Cost: 20 to 40% more than gray.
Pink granite (Salisbury Pink, Texas Pink): a traditional choice, especially in southern cemeteries. Cost: 10 to 30% more than gray.
Red granite (Imperial Red, Dakota Mahogany): a striking choice for prominent graves. Cost: 30 to 60% more than gray.
Blue pearl (a Norwegian larvikite with iridescent blue feldspar): the premium granite. Imported. Cost: 80 to 150% more than gray.
Green granite (Imperial Green, Olive Green): less common but distinctive. Cost: 30 to 60% more than gray.
White granite (Georgia White, Barre White): classic and formal. Cost: 20 to 50% more than gray.
Costs and What Drives Them
Upright cemetery headstones range from $800 to $10,000+ depending on size, granite, engraving, and installation:
Small single upright (gray granite, simple engraving): $800 to $1,500 installed Standard single upright (gray or black granite, moderate engraving): $1,500 to $3,000 installed Large single upright (premium granite, detailed engraving): $3,000 to $5,000 installed Double upright (gray or black granite, two sets of engraving): $2,500 to $5,000 installed Premium double upright (blue pearl or red granite, ornate engraving): $5,000 to $10,000 installed
Engraving adds cost: basic text (name, dates) is included; detailed engraving (portraits, etchings, custom artwork) adds $200 to $2,000+ depending on complexity.
Cemetery rules
Many cemeteries have specific rules about upright headstones:
Section restrictions: many newer sections prohibit uprights and allow only flat markers. Check the rules for the specific section before ordering.
Size limits: most cemeteries specify maximum dimensions for uprights. Common limits are 3’ to 4’ in height and 3’ to 4’ in width.
Foundation requirements: most cemeteries require a concrete foundation under the base. The cemetery may provide the foundation or may require the monument dealer to pour it. Foundation costs: $150 to $400.
Installation requirements: most cemeteries require installation by an approved installer. The installer is responsible for setting the monument on the foundation, leveling it, and sealing the joints.
Inspection: many cemeteries inspect the monument before installation to ensure it meets their standards. Some require an engineering stamp for monuments over a certain size.
How much does an upright cemetery headstone cost?A small single upright (gray granite) runs $800 to $1,500 installed. A standard single upright (gray or black granite) runs $1,500 to $3,000 installed. A large single upright (premium granite) runs $3,000 to $5,000 installed. A double upright runs $2,500 to $5,000 installed. A premium double upright runs $5,000 to $10,000 installed.
What is the most common granite color for upright headstones?Gray granite is the most common and most affordable. Black granite is the second most common and is the contemporary choice. Pink granite is traditional in southern cemeteries. Blue pearl is the premium choice. The color affects cost significantly: gray is the baseline, and premium colors add 20 to 150%.
Do all cemeteries allow upright headstones?No. Many newer cemetery sections prohibit uprights and allow only flat markers. Some sections allow only a limited range of sizes or shapes. Check the rules for the specific section before ordering an upright.
How tall can an upright headstone be?Most cemeteries limit uprights to 3' to 4' in height. Some older or larger sections allow up to 5' or 6' for prominent graves. The cemetery's written rules specify the maximum height for each section.
Do upright headstones need a foundation?Yes. Most cemeteries require a concrete foundation under the base of an upright headstone. The foundation is typically 6" to 12" deep and slightly larger than the base. The cemetery may provide the foundation or may require the monument dealer to pour it. Foundation costs are usually $150 to $400.
How long does an upright granite headstone last?A granite upright headstone is rated for 100+ years of outdoor exposure. Granite does not weather, fade, or deteriorate in any normal climate. The engraving (especially if done by sandblasting and filled with paint or gold leaf) will remain crisp and legible for the life of the monument.
Can an existing flat marker be replaced with an upright?Yes, if the cemetery allows uprights in that section and the family purchases the upright and arranges installation. The flat marker is removed, a foundation is poured, and the upright is installed. Cost is the same as a new upright plus a removal fee ($100 to $300) for the old marker.
References
The following sources informed the guidance on this page:
Questions, answered
How much does an upright cemetery headstone cost?
What is the most common granite color for upright headstones?
Do all cemeteries allow upright headstones?
How tall can an upright headstone be?
Do upright headstones need a foundation?
How long does an upright granite headstone last?
Can an existing flat marker be replaced with an upright?
Continue reading
Cemetery Decorations: Rules, Ideas & Seasonal Guide
Cemetery decorations , what to use, what to avoid, seasonal ideas, and how to follow cemetery rules for lasting, safe memorials. memorials.
Cemetery Quotes: Practical guide to choosing and using
Comprehensive guide to cemetery quotes: categories, examples for different relationships and contexts, how to choose the right quote, and how to use them on plaques. the right quote, and how to use them on plaques.
Affordable upright headstones: Standard Options and 2026 Price Guide
Affordable upright headstones: standard granite sizes, shapes, and 2026 price ranges. How to balance cost and quality for a single or companion upright. for a single or companion upright.
Cheap upright headstones: Materials, Prices, and 2026 Buying Guide
Cheap upright headstones: granite options, standard sizes, what's included, and 2026 price ranges. Where to find affordable upright monuments without quality loss. affordable upright monuments without quality loss.