Flat headstones (also called flat markers) are the most popular memorial option in the United States, and for good reason. They are accepted by nearly every cemetery, require less material than upright monuments, and cost significantly less while providing the same lasting tribute.
But "flat headstone" covers a wide range of materials and sizes, and prices vary just as much. This guide gives you specific numbers so you know what to expect before you talk to a single dealer.
Flat Marker Pricing by Material
The material you choose has the biggest impact on price. Here is what flat markers cost by material in 2026:
| Material | Price Range (24x12in) | Price Range (28x16in) | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite (gray) | $500 to $1,200 | $800 to $2,000 | Excellent (100+ years) |
| Granite (black) | $600 to $1,500 | $900 to $2,500 | Excellent (100+ years) |
| Granite (specialty) | $800 to $2,000 | $1,200 to $3,000 | Excellent (100+ years) |
| Bronze on granite base | $800 to $2,000 | $1,200 to $3,500 | Good (requires maintenance) |
| Marble | $600 to $1,500 | $1,000 to $2,500 | Fair (weathers over time) |
Granite dominates the flat marker market because it handles outdoor conditions without staining, cracking, or losing engraving detail. Marble is beautiful initially but can erode and become unreadable within 30 to 50 years, especially in regions with freeze/thaw cycles or acid rain.
Bronze markers are durable, but the bronze plaque is mounted on a granite base, which adds cost. Bronze also requires periodic cleaning to maintain its appearance.
For most families, granite is the clear choice for a flat marker. The question becomes: which type of granite?
What's Included vs. Extra
The base price of a flat headstone rarely tells the full story. This is what is typically included and what costs extra:
Usually Included
- The raw stone, cut and polished
- Basic engraving (name and dates of birth/death at some dealers)
- Standard finish (polished top, rock-pitched or sawn sides)
Usually Extra
- Extended engraving: Most local dealers charge $15 to $18 per letter beyond the basic name and dates. An epitaph, a Bible verse, or even "Beloved Mother" adds up fast. A 30-word epitaph at $15/letter could cost $450 or more
- Custom artwork: Crosses, flowers, military emblems, or portraits etched into the stone. Typically $100 to $500 depending on complexity
- Ceramic photo: A porcelain photo medallion embedded in the stone. Usually $200 to $400
- Vase attachments: Bronze or granite flower vases. $50 to $200
- Cemetery setting fee: $200 to $800 depending on the cemetery
- Foundation: $100 to $300 if required by the cemetery
- Shipping: $150 to $400 depending on weight and distance
The engraving charge is the one that surprises families the most. A marker listed at $1,200 can easily become $2,000 or more once you add a meaningful inscription. Before committing to any retailer, ask the question: "Is engraving included in the base price, or charged per letter?"
Some online retailers include full custom engraving (names, dates, and epitaph) in the base price. SilkStone Memorials, for example, includes free engraving on every marker. That can represent $500 to $3,000 in savings compared to a local dealer.
Why Flat Markers Cost Less Than Upright Headstones
If you are weighing flat vs. upright, here is why flat markers are consistently less expensive:
Less Material
A 28x16x3in flat marker uses roughly 0.8 cubic feet of granite. A typical upright headstone with base might use 3 to 5 cubic feet. Less granite means lower material costs.
Lighter Weight, Lower Shipping
A flat marker weighs about 140 lbs. An upright headstone and base can weigh 300 to 500+ lbs. Heavier stones cost more to crate, more to insure, and more to ship.
Simpler Installation
Flat markers sit on or just below ground level. Installation is straightforward: prepare a level surface or small foundation, place the marker. Upright headstones need deeper foundations, more labor, and sometimes heavy equipment. The setting fee reflects this difference.
No Base Required (Usually)
Upright headstones need a separate granite base, which is an additional piece of stone that must be cut, shipped, and installed. Flat markers are a single piece.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison, read our flat vs. upright headstones guide.
Size Matters: The 28x16x3in Standard
Flat markers come in several sizes. Here are the most common and their typical price ranges at local dealers:
| Size | Typical Use | Price Range (Granite) |
|---|---|---|
| 12x12x3in | Infant / small child memorial | $300 to $800 |
| 24x12x3in | Individual marker (compact) | $500 to $1,500 |
| 24x14x3in | Individual marker | $600 to $1,800 |
| 28x16x3in | Individual marker (standard full-size) | $800 to $2,500 |
| 36x14x3in | Companion marker (double) | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| 44x14x4in | Large companion marker | $2,000 to $5,000 |
The 28x16x3in flat marker is one of the most popular sizes because it is large enough for a full inscription (names, dates, epitaph, and artwork) while being accepted by the vast majority of cemeteries. It is also a manageable weight for shipping and installation.
Always check with your cemetery before ordering to confirm they accept your chosen size. Most cemeteries have specific regulations about marker dimensions for their plots.
For a deep dive into this specific size, see our 28x16x3in flat granite headstone buying guide.
Granite Color and Price
All granite is not priced equally. The color and origin of the stone affect cost because some varieties are rarer or more difficult to quarry.
Gray Granite (Most Affordable)
Gray granite is the most commonly available and therefore the most affordable option. Varieties like Georgia Gray (also known as Tropical Gray, Silver Gray, or Pewter Gray) are quarried in large volumes and offer consistent color and quality. Gray granite has a natural, warm appearance and excellent contrast for engraved text.
SilkStone's Himalayan Gray, sourced from the Himalayan mountains of Pakistan, starts at $899 with free engraving.
Black Granite (Mid-Range)
Black granite like Absolute Black (also called Jet Black, Premium Black, or Nero Assoluto) costs more because it requires more selective quarrying to achieve a uniform, deep black color. The contrast between polished black granite and sandblasted engraving is striking, making it a popular choice for families who want high visual impact.
SilkStone's K2 Black, sourced from the Himalayan mountains of Pakistan, starts at $999 with free engraving.
Specialty Granite (Premium)
Specialty granites with unique color patterns or mineral inclusions are the most expensive because they are the rarest. Gold-flecked, blue, or multi-toned granites fall into this category.
SilkStone's Midnight Gold, a rare granite exclusive to SilkStone Memorials, features distinctive gold veining and starts at $1,499 with free engraving. This stone is not available from other memorial retailers.
Where to Buy a Flat Headstone
You have three main options, each with different price implications:
Local Monument Dealer
The traditional route. You visit a showroom, see stone samples, and work with a salesperson. Expect to pay $2,000+ for a 28x16x3in granite flat marker with standard engraving. The advantage is seeing and touching the stone before purchase. The disadvantage is the significant markup for showroom overhead, staff, and local inventory.
Cemetery Direct
Some cemeteries sell markers through partnerships with monument companies. Pricing is typically similar to local dealers, sometimes higher. The convenience is that the cemetery handles everything. The downside is limited selection and no competitive shopping.
Online Retailer
Online memorial retailers can offer lower prices because they operate without showroom overhead. Expect to save 30% to 60% compared to a local dealer for the same quality granite and engraving. The trade-off is that you cannot see the stone in person before it ships. Reputable online retailers address this by providing digital proofs before engraving begins and shipping with full insurance.
For help choosing between these options, read our online vs. local dealer comparison.
What You Should Budget
A flat granite headstone in 2026 costs anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on size, material, and who you buy from. The 28x16x3in size is the sweet spot for most families: large enough for a meaningful inscription, accepted by most cemeteries, and available at a price that does not require a second mortgage.
The two factors that separate an affordable purchase from an expensive one are dealer markup and engraving charges. Buying direct from a workshop and choosing a retailer that includes engraving in the base price are the simplest ways to keep costs down.
SilkStone Memorials offers 28x16x3in flat granite markers starting at $899 with free custom engraving, digital proof approval, and insured shipping to all 50 states. Payments can be split into 4 interest-free installments through Shop Pay (subject to eligibility).
Browse our granite collection to compare options and pricing.