memorial plaque accessories & related items
Upright headstones for graves: Sizes, prices & installation
Upright headstones for graves , 2026 buying guide on sizes, granite colors, prices, foundation needs, and the questions to ask any monument company. questions to ask any monument company.
What sets an upright headstone apart
Upright headstones are the most visible grave marker style: a vertical tablet set on a base, usually 24 to 42 inches tall, with the name, dates, and often an inscription or design on the face. They are the traditional choice for a family plot, a double plot with a spouse’s name on the opposite face, or a single grave where the family wants the marker to be easy to find from a distance. Compared with flat markers, uprights cost more, require a foundation in most cemeteries, and have stricter rules about size, color, and design.
A typical single upright in standard gray granite, 24x12 inches with a 36-inch base, runs $800 to $2,000 installed. Color granite (mahogany, blue pearl, black) adds 30 to 60 percent. Custom shapes (heart, oval, religious symbols), full-face carvings, and laser-etched portraits add more. Double uprights, two tablets on a shared base for a couple, run $2,500 to $6,000 installed and are common for family plots.
Foundation, cemetery rules, and what to check first
Every cemetery has its own rules about upright headstones. Some older sections prohibit them entirely to preserve the historic look. Some require a specific minimum and maximum size. Most require a poured concrete foundation beneath the base, installed by an approved contractor, this adds $200 to $500 to the total. Before you order, contact the cemetery office and ask for their monument policy in writing. Many families have ordered a marker only to learn at installation that the size, color, or finish does not match cemetery rules.
Material and finish choices that pay off
Granite is the standard for good reason: it lasts centuries with no maintenance, holds engraved or etched lettering legibly, and accepts a polished or steeled finish. Marble is traditional and beautiful but weathers poorly in freeze-thaw climates and is no longer recommended for most regions. Bronze tablet faces mounted on granite bases are popular for veterans and fraternal organizations. For lettering, raised or recessed sandblast with a contrasting paint fill reads well from a distance; laser etching works for photographs but is more delicate.
Choosing the right shape and finish
Upright headstones come in several standard shapes. The straight-top rectangle is the most traditional and the least expensive. The serpentine top has a gentle curve and reads as slightly more formal. The oval top and the round top are the most traditional and the most expensive. Custom shapes, heart, book, religious symbols, add 20 to 50 percent to the base price.
The finish also matters. A polished finish reflects light and makes the lettering stand out, but it shows scratches and wears unevenly over decades. A steeled (or matte) finish hides wear and reads as more dignified at a distance. A pitched face, slightly angled forward, improves legibility from a standing position but adds to the cost.
The base deserves attention too. Most uprights sit on a flat or slanted base that extends slightly beyond the tablet on each side. A wider base adds stability and visual weight but takes up more of the plot. Some cemeteries limit the maximum base size.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an upright headstone cost in 2026?A standard single upright in gray granite with simple engraving runs $800 to $2,000 installed. Color granite, custom shapes, portraits, and double-sided family markers can push the price to $2,500 to $6,000 or more. Get at least three written quotes that include the foundation and cemetery fees.
How long does it take to install an upright headstone?From order to installation, plan on 12 to 24 weeks. The process includes design proof, granite cutting, engraving, finishing, foundation pouring, and final setting. The foundation alone usually needs 2 to 4 weeks of cure time before the marker can be set.
Do all cemeteries allow upright headstones?No. Older sections of many cemeteries limit uprights to preserve a historic character, and some newer memorial parks prohibit them entirely in favor of flat markers. Always confirm with the cemetery before ordering, they will provide the maximum allowed height, width, and base size, plus a list of approved monument suppliers if applicable.
Can I order an upright headstone online?Yes. Many monument suppliers, including Legacy Headstones, Signature Headstones, and Rome Monuments, allow you to order online with a downloadable design proof for approval. Confirm the company is willing to work with your specific cemetery, and check whether installation is included or handled by a local partner.
What is the best granite color for an upright headstone?For longevity and contrast, black or dark gray granite with light-colored lettering is the most legible from a distance. Bahama blue, mahogany, and impala gray are also popular. Medium-color granites can make lettering harder to read and are best avoided for the main face.
References
Questions, answered
How much does an upright headstone cost in 2026?
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