Headstone Pricing: A Clear Breakdown of What Affects the Cost

The stone itself is the heart of the memorial, and it is the foundation of the price. But the word "granite" covers a lot of ground. The specific type you choose makes a real difference.

The granite used for memorials is graded for its quality, color, and consistency. The rarity of the stone is the biggest driver of its cost.

• Gray Granite: This is the classic, traditional choice. Gray granite is sourced from many quarries, making it more widely available. This availability makes it the most affordable option. But do not let the price fool you; it is an incredibly strong and durable stone that will last for centuries.
• Black Granite: A memorial made from deep, jet-black granite has a striking elegance. This type of granite is considered a premium material. It is rarer, sourced from a smaller number of quarries around the world. It also requires a more intensive, multi-step polishing process to achieve that signature mirror-like finish.
• Other Colors (Reds, Blues, etc.): You might see beautiful granites in shades of red, blue, green, or pink. These unique colors are often found in very specific parts of the world, from India to Scandinavia. Their rarity and the costs of getting them from the quarry to our workshop are reflected in their price.

This one is pretty straightforward. A larger, thicker stone requires more raw material. A companion monument for two people will naturally cost more than a single headstone because it uses a bigger block of granite. The thickness of the stone also adds to its weight and cost, though most memorials follow a standard thickness for stability.

The shape and structure of the memorial also play a big part in the cost. It comes down to how much stone is used and how complex it is to craft.

• Flat Grave Markers: These are the most economical style. They are a single, solid piece of granite that lies flush with the ground. Their simple, rectangular shape requires less cutting and finishing work.
• Upright Headstones: The traditional upright monument is made of two pieces: the upright tablet where the engraving goes, and the base that supports it. This design uses more granite and requires more work to create two separate, perfectly matched pieces.
• Slant and Bevel Markers: These styles are a middle ground. A bevel marker has a slight angle, while a slant marker has a much steeper one. They are less complex to make than a two-piece upright, but use more material than a flat marker, placing them in the middle of the price range.
• Companion Headstones: These are simply larger versions of the styles above, designed with enough space for the names and details of two people. Their larger size is the main reason for their higher cost.

This is where the artistry comes in. The amount of hands-on work and skill required to create the final tribute is a key part of its value.

A standard rectangular or square-topped headstone is the most common and cost-effective. The process for cutting these shapes is very efficient. If you want a more unique shape—like a heart, a cross, or a custom silhouette that follows the lines of a carved image—it requires more time and detailed work from a skilled craftsman. That extra labor is reflected in the price.

The texture on the surface of the granite is called the finish. A polished finish, which is smooth and reflective, is the most popular for the front of the memorial because it makes the engraving stand out. Achieving that finish requires multiple rounds of sanding and buffing. Other finishes, like a rough, "rock-pitched" edge or a smooth but non-reflective matte finish, require different techniques and amounts of labor.

The final piece of craftsmanship is the engraving itself. The cost here is directly related to the amount of time and detail involved.

• Standard Engraving: This typically includes the name and dates. The process is straightforward.
• Complex Elements: Adding a long epitaph, a Bible verse, or detailed symbolic artwork takes more time to lay out and engrave.
• Photo Engraving (Laser Etching): This is the most specialized type of engraving. It uses a precision laser to create a lifelike photograph on the stone's surface. It requires a skilled artist to prepare the photo and sophisticated equipment to perform the etching. It is a beautiful way to personalize a memorial, and its cost reflects the high level of skill involved.

This is so important for you to know. The price of a memorial involves two separate parties: us (the provider) and the cemetery.

When we give you a price, it is for the finished headstone. That price includes the granite, all the design work we do together, all the engraving, and the delivery of the finished memorial to the cemetery in Georgia. There are no hidden charges or extra fees from us. The price we quote is the price you pay us.

The fee for the actual installation (sometimes called a "setting fee") is a separate charge that you will pay directly to the cemetery. The cemetery’s own crew is responsible for preparing the ground, pouring the concrete foundation, and placing the headstone. This fee covers their labor, materials, and equipment. It is their service, on their property.

• Why is there such a big price difference between buying direct and from a funeral home?

Funeral homes offer a helpful, all-in-one service. But they are not monument specialists. They typically buy headstones from a provider like us and then add a markup. By working directly with a specialist, you are avoiding that extra markup and getting a fairer price for the stone itself.

• Is it possible to get a beautiful headstone on a tight budget?

Yes. A beautiful memorial is not about the price tag. A simple, elegant flat marker in classic gray granite is a very affordable and dignified choice. We are committed to working with every family to find an option that honors their loved one and respects their budget.

• Does the price include future maintenance or repairs?

The price is for the creation and delivery of the monument. Granite is incredibly durable and should not require repairs. Routine cleaning is usually all that is needed, which families typically handle themselves.

• How can I get an exact quote for the memorial I have in mind?

Just ask us. We can provide you with a free, detailed, line-by-line quote with no obligation. We will talk through your ideas and give you a clear and accurate price for exactly what you want.

The price of a headstone is a reflection of a rare, beautiful material from the earth, and the skill and time it takes a craftsman to shape it into a personal tribute. It is not an everyday purchase. It is a one-time investment in a piece of art that will hold a memory and tell a story for hundreds of years.

Understanding the costs is the first step. For a free, detailed quote with a full breakdown of every element, please contact our team. We’re happy to walk you through the options with complete transparency.