How Much Does a 28x16 Headstone Cost in 2026? (Complete Price Guide)

A 28x16x3in flat granite headstone typically costs between $600 and $2,100 delivered, depending on the stone color, engraving, and where you buy. That is a wide range, and understanding why helps you avoid overpaying.

This guide compares current prices from the major online retailers, explains what drives the differences, and shows you how to get a quality 28x16x3in granite marker without paying more than you need to.

Quick Price Comparison

Here is how prices for a 28x16 flat granite headstone compare across major retailers as of April 2026:

Prices verified April 2026. Always confirm current pricing on each retailer's website and verify that engraving is included before comparing totals.

Why Prices Vary So Much

The granite itself is only part of what you are paying for. Three factors drive most of the price difference between retailers:

1. Stone color

Gray granite is cheaper because it is widely quarried. Black granite costs 40-50% more from most retailers because it is typically imported and less widely available. At SilkStone, we source K2 Black directly from our own quarry partners in Pakistan's Himalayan mountains, which keeps the price lower than most retailers charging for imported black.

2. Middlemen in the supply chain

Most headstone companies buy from wholesalers who buy from quarries. Each step in that chain adds 30-50% markup. Direct-from-quarry retailers like SilkStone cut out every middleman. The granite is the same. The markup is not.

3. Engraving fees

Some retailers advertise a low base price and then charge $15-18 per letter for engraving beyond a basic name and dates. A modest epitaph or Bible verse can add $200-$400 or more. SilkStone includes free engraving of names, dates, epitaph, and standard symbols on every stone.

What is included at each price point

What Size Is a 28x16 Headstone?

A 28x16x3in headstone measures 28 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. It is the most common single flat marker size used in American cemeteries. This size sits flat with the ground, which is why it is called a flat marker.

At this size, there is enough space for:

• Full name (first, middle, last)
• Birth and death dates
• A short epitaph
• Optional religious symbols
• Optional ceramic photo portrait

A 28x16x3in granite marker weighs approximately 90-110 pounds. The 3-inch thickness is actually an advantage over the 4-inch markers sold by some competitors: it is lighter, safer to ship, easier to install, and has a lower risk of cracking in transit. For a full comparison, see our 3-inch vs. 4-inch headstone guide.

Before ordering, confirm with your cemetery that a 28x16x3in flat marker meets their requirements. This size meets the most common standards, but every cemetery is different.

Gray vs. Black Granite

The two most popular choices for a 28x16 flat marker are gray and black granite. Here is how they compare:

Gray granite (Himalayan Gray)

A classic, warm appearance with natural gray toning. Also known in the industry as Georgia Gray, Tropical Gray, and Silver Gray. Clear engraving contrast. Widely accepted at cemeteries nationwide. Starting at $599 from SilkStone.

Black granite (K2 Black)

Deep, polished black surface that creates dramatic contrast with white or gold-fill engraving. Also known as Absolute Black, Jet Black, and Nero Assoluto. A more formal, striking look. Starting at $599 from SilkStone.

Midnight Gold

SilkStone's rarest offering. A warm-toned granite with natural gold veining, exclusive to SilkStone Memorial in the US. Not comparable to any industry-standard stone. Starting at $1249.

How Long Does Granite Last?

Granite is one of the hardest natural stones on earth. A properly cut and finished granite headstone can last hundreds of years with virtually no maintenance. It resists weathering, staining, and fading far better than marble or composite materials.

The key factors in longevity are the quality of the polish, the depth of the engraving, and proper finishing. All SilkStone stones are hand-finished in our workshop using sandblasting with stencils, which produces deep, lasting lettering. For care tips, read our guide to cleaning a granite headstone.

How to Get the Best Price

If you are comparing 28x16 headstone prices across multiple retailers, follow these steps to make a fair comparison:

1. Compare total price including engraving. Some retailers charge $100-$300 extra for engraving beyond the base name and dates. Always ask whether engraving is included before comparing headline prices.
2. Buy direct from quarry. Retailers who source directly from quarry partners eliminate most of the supply chain markup. This is how SilkStone keeps prices at $599 for Himalayan Gray and $599 for K2 Black.
3. Check cemetery requirements first. Confirm the minimum and maximum dimensions your cemetery allows, any restrictions on granite color, and whether you need a foundation. Knowing this before you order prevents costly mistakes.
4. Look for insured shipping. A granite marker damaged in transit is worthless. Confirm that shipping includes full insurance coverage. SilkStone ships all stones via UPS Ground in a wooden crate with foam padding, fully insured.
5. Insist on a digital proof. Before any engraving begins, you should receive a digital proof showing the exact layout. SilkStone provides this on every order, with revisions until you are satisfied.

Ready to Order

SilkStone Memorial offers 28x16x3in granite flat markers sourced directly from our quarry partners in the Himalayan mountains of Pakistan. Every stone includes free custom engraving of names, dates, epitaph, and standard symbols, plus a digital proof before engraving begins.

Standard production is 4-8 weeks. Rush production (2 weeks or less) is available for an additional fee.

Browse our memorial collection to see all options and current pricing, or contact us with any questions.