Upright monuments: styles, sizes, and buying

An upright monument is the most visible form of memorial, the type of headstone that defines the entrance to a cemetery row and signals the importance of the person it marks. Modern upright monuments are produced primarily in granite, with a smaller selection in marble and bronze, and they range from a 24-inch standard monument to multi-piece family monuments that stand 8 feet or more. The most common residential upright in 2026 is a 24脳12脳36 or 28脳14脳40 granite monument in the $1,500 to $4,500 range including installation.

The upright format is more than 150 years old in American cemeteries. The standard shapes, flat top, serpentine, oval, bevel top, and custom carved, developed in the late 19th century and remain the core options today. The material has shifted from marble to granite in most regions because of granite’s superior weather resistance.

Standard sizes and shapes

The most common single upright monument is 24脳12脳36 inches (width, depth, height). It fits most cemetery regulations, looks proportionate at the head of a single grave, and is the most affordable size. The next size up is 28脳14脳40, which provides more inscription space and slightly more visual presence. Larger sizes, 36脳14脳48 and above, are used in family plots or where a more prominent memorial is desired.

Standard shapes are flat top, serpentine top, oval top, and bevel top. Flat top is the most common and most affordable. Serpentine has a gently curved top, often with rounded shoulders, and is one step up in style. Oval top is a fully rounded top with the same basic footprint and is appropriate for traditional or family plots.

Custom shapes include carved tops, religious shapes (cross, Bible, or open book), sculpted figures, and full custom designs. Custom shapes add $500 to $5,000+ to the cost of the monument.

Material choices

Domestic gray granite is the standard. It is durable, takes a polish that holds for decades, and is the most affordable option. Premium domestic granites, Barre Gray from Vermont, Mount Airy from North Carolina, and Dakota Mahogany, cost more but provide distinctive color and grain.

Imported granites include India Black (the most common black granite), India Blue Pearl, and various red and green granites from Asia and South America. These add $300 to $1,500 to the cost of the monument and are commonly used for a polished all-face finish.

Marble remains an option, particularly in cemeteries with marble monuments from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Marble weathers faster than granite, particularly in northern climates with freeze-thaw cycles, and is not generally recommended for new monuments unless the cemetery requires it for historical consistency.

Bronze monuments are castings that mimic the shape of a stone monument. They are typically produced as a bronze plaque mounted on a granite base. Pure bronze upright monuments are rare because of the cost; a comparable bronze memorial runs 3 to 5 times the price of a granite version.

What affects the price

The three biggest cost factors on an upright monument are the size of the stone, the granite color and grade, and the finish. Going from standard 24脳12脳36 to 36脳14脳48 can double the cost. Premium granite adds $300 to $1,500. All-polish finish (polishing all six faces) adds $200 to $600.

The shape of the top adds incrementally. Flat top is the base; serpentine, oval, and bevel tops add $100 to $500 each. Custom carved tops add significantly more.

The base or die configuration is the next variable. A single-piece monument (one block from base to top) is the most affordable. A two-piece monument (a separate base and die) is more substantial and more expensive. Family monuments with multiple dies on a shared base are the largest configurations and can run $10,000 to $30,000+.

Engraving is typically quoted separately. Standard sandblasted inscription runs $3 to $5 per character, and most families spend $300 to $800 on a complete inscription. Etched portraits, religious emblems, and decorative engraving are additional.

Installation and foundation

Cemeteries require a reinforced concrete foundation for upright monuments. The foundation is typically a poured pad at the depth of the local frost line, sized to extend a few inches beyond the base of the monument on all sides. Foundation costs range from $200 to $600 in most cemeteries; the cemetery’s preferred installer usually handles this.

The setting of the monument requires a truck, a setting compound, and trained labor. Most monument companies include setting in their installation quote. Confirm before ordering.

Choosing the right monument

The most important decision is the cemetery’s regulations. Many cemeteries restrict size, color, finish, and shape. Check the cemetery’s monument policy before selecting a monument. The policy often specifies the maximum height, the allowed materials, the foundation requirements, and the rules for the type of base.

The second decision is the family preference. The monument is a permanent tribute, and the choice of size, color, and shape should reflect the family and the person being memorialized. Larger is not necessarily better; an oversized monument in a row of standard monuments can feel out of place.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common size for an upright monument?24脳12脳36 inches is the most common single upright size, fitting most cemetery regulations and budget ranges. The next size up is 28脳14脳40, which provides more inscription space and slightly more visual presence.

What is the difference between a flat top and a serpentine top monument?Flat top has a level top surface and is the most affordable. Serpentine has a gently curved top with rounded shoulders, adding a more traditional look. Both are produced in the same sizes; serpentine typically adds $200 to $500 to the cost.

Is marble still a good choice for an upright monument?Marble is traditional and remains available, but it weathers faster than granite in northern climates with freeze-thaw cycles. Most families choosing a new monument select granite unless the cemetery requires marble for historical consistency.

What is the typical installation cost for an upright monument?Installation, including the foundation, setting labor, and cemetery fees, typically costs $400 to $1,000. The cemetery often bills the foundation separately from the monument setting, so get both numbers when budgeting.

How long does it take to receive an upright monument after ordering?Production typically takes 6 to 10 weeks; cemetery scheduling adds another 2 to 6 weeks. From order to installation, plan on 8 to 16 weeks total. Rush orders are available from some companies for an additional fee.

Can I choose any granite color for an upright monument?Most cemeteries accept standard granites (gray, black, mahogany, blue pearl, and a few others). Some historic or religious cemeteries restrict to a specific color or material. Check the cemetery’s monument policy before selecting a non-standard color.

References

• https://legacyheadstones.com/
• https://markersandheadstones.com/pages/home
• https://theheadstoneguys.com/pricelist.aspx
• https://www.headstonedeals.com/
• https://signatureheadstones.com/
• https://signatureheadstones.com/collections/upright-headstones
• https://www.brownmemorials.com/single-upright-headstone-prices
• https://affordable-markers.com/
• https://legacyheadstones.com/collections/upright-headstones
• https://www.memorials.com/upright-headstones.php