Choosing a headstone usually comes down to two main styles: flat markers and upright headstones. Both serve the same purpose of honoring someone you love. But they differ in cost, maintenance, appearance, and practicality.
This guide breaks down the honest differences so you can make a decision that feels right for your family. No pressure, no sales pitch, just the facts.
Quick Overview
A flat marker (sometimes called a flat headstone) sits level with the ground or slightly above it. An upright headstone (also called a monument or tablet) stands vertically on a base. The two styles create very different looks at the gravesite, and each has practical trade-offs worth understanding before you buy.
What Is a Flat Marker?
A flat marker is a memorial that lies flat on the ground, typically made from granite. Standard sizes range from small 12x24in markers up to larger 28x16x3in slabs. Engraving appears on the top surface, facing the sky.
Flat markers are popular because they are:
- Lower cost than most upright monuments
- Lower maintenance since there is no back to clean and no risk of tipping
- Clean and modern in appearance, which many families prefer
- Easier for cemetery groundskeeping since mowing equipment can pass right over them
- Simpler to install, sometimes requiring nothing more than placing the stone on a prepared bed
At SilkStone, our flat markers are 28x16x3in and made from Himalayan granite. That 3-inch thickness provides the structural strength of a much thicker slab while keeping the weight manageable for installation.
What Is an Upright Headstone?
An upright headstone stands vertically, typically mounted on a granite base. They range from small tablet styles (about 24 inches tall) to large monuments that stand 3 to 4 feet or more.
Upright headstones are known for:
- Visibility. They are easier to spot from a distance in a large cemetery.
- More engraving surface. Both the front and back can carry inscriptions, imagery, or portraits.
- Traditional presence. Many families associate the upright style with a sense of permanence and stature.
On the other hand, upright headstones typically cost more, require professional installation with a foundation, and need more maintenance over the years (cleaning two sides, checking for tipping after freeze and thaw cycles, and so on).
Side-by-Side Comparison
Flat markers and upright headstones compare like this across the factors that matter most.
| Factor | Flat Marker | Upright Headstone |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost | $800 to $2,000 | $1,500 to $5,000+ |
| Maintenance | Low. One flat surface to clean. No tipping risk. | Moderate. Two sides to clean. Can tip or shift over time. |
| Aesthetics | Clean, modern, understated. Blends with landscape. | Traditional, prominent. Visible from a distance. |
| Engraving Space | One side (top face) | Front and back |
| Installation | Simpler. Often placed on sand or gravel bed. | Requires a concrete foundation and professional setup. |
| Groundskeeping | Easy for cemetery crews to mow around. | Requires trimming around the base. |
| Weight | Lighter (a 28x16x3in granite marker weighs about 140 lbs) | Heavier (200 to 600+ lbs with base) |
Cost Comparison
Cost is often the first question, so let us be straightforward about it.
A quality flat granite marker typically costs between $800 and $2,000 depending on size, material, and engraving complexity. At SilkStone, our 28x16x3in Himalayan granite flat markers start at $899 with free engraving. That includes names, dates, and an epitaph, sandblasted into the stone.
Upright headstones are generally more expensive. A simple upright tablet with a base starts around $1,500, and larger monuments with detailed carvings can run $5,000 or more. The base itself adds significant cost. And professional installation (setting a foundation, leveling the stone, anchoring it) can add $200 to $500 on top.
If you are comparing at a local monument dealer, expect the gap to be even wider. Local engravers typically charge $15 to $18 per letter beyond basic name and date inscriptions, which adds up quickly on upright monuments with more engraving area.
For a detailed pricing breakdown, see our flat headstone prices guide.
Maintenance and Upkeep
This is one of the biggest practical differences between the two styles, and it is worth thinking through carefully.
Flat Marker Maintenance
A flat marker has one surface to care for. Cleaning is straightforward: water, a soft brush, and occasional stone-safe cleaner. Because the marker sits at ground level, it does not catch wind or suffer from freeze-thaw tipping cycles. The only real maintenance concern is keeping grass from growing over the edges, which most cemeteries handle during regular mowing.
Upright Headstone Maintenance
Upright headstones have two faces (front and back) to clean, plus the base. They are more exposed to weathering, bird droppings, and biological growth like lichen on the backside. Over decades, the joint between the headstone and its base can weaken, and the stone can tilt. Resetting an upright monument usually requires professional help.
Neither style is maintenance-free. Granite is exceptionally durable regardless of shape. But in terms of time and effort over 10, 20, or 50 years, a flat marker asks less of you.
Aesthetics and Appearance
Aesthetics are personal, and there is no wrong answer here. But it helps to understand what each style creates at the gravesite.
Flat markers create a clean, understated look. The memorial blends into the landscape rather than standing above it. Many families find this simplicity dignified. It focuses attention on the inscription rather than the monument itself.
Upright headstones create a more prominent presence. If you want the memorial to be visible from across the cemetery, or if you want a larger canvas for imagery, portraits, or extended inscriptions, an upright monument gives you that space.
A growing number of families are choosing flat markers specifically because they prefer the simpler, more grounded aesthetic. It is a modern sensibility that values the person over the monument.
Installation Differences
Flat Marker Installation
Flat markers are typically placed on a prepared bed of sand, gravel, or a thin concrete pad. Some families handle installation themselves, while others have the cemetery or a local installer do it. Because the stone sits at or just above ground level, there is no need for a foundation or anchoring system.
At SilkStone, we ship via UPS Ground and can deliver to your home, directly to the cemetery, or to a monument installer. Many cemeteries have their own installation process. Some charge a setting fee (typically $100 to $300). Others include it in the plot cost.
Upright Headstone Installation
Upright headstones require a poured concrete foundation to prevent settling and tipping. The stone must be set, leveled, and sometimes anchored with epoxy or pins. This is almost always a professional job. Installation costs vary by region but typically range from $200 to $500.
The heavier the monument, the more involved the installation. Large uprights may require equipment (a small crane or forklift) to position safely.
Cemetery Compatibility
Every cemetery has its own rules about what types of headstones they allow. This is the single most important thing to check before you buy anything.
Some cemeteries allow only flat markers in certain sections, while others permit both flat and upright styles. A few cemeteries restrict all markers to a specific size range or material. National (VA) cemeteries, for example, provide their own markers or may have strict requirements for privately purchased stones.
Important: Always contact your specific cemetery to verify their headstone regulations before ordering. Ask about allowed types (flat or upright), maximum dimensions, approved materials, and any setting fees. For more detail, read our complete guide to cemetery headstone rules.
Which Is Right for Your Family?
There is no universally correct answer. The right choice depends on what matters to your family. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Budget: If cost is a factor, flat markers typically cost significantly less than upright monuments.
- Maintenance: If you want the lowest-maintenance option, a flat marker is simpler to care for over time.
- Aesthetic preference: Do you prefer a clean, ground-level look, or a traditional standing monument? Visit the cemetery section where your loved one will rest and see what feels right.
- Cemetery rules: Does the cemetery allow the style you prefer? Check before you decide.
- Engraving needs: If you need extensive text or imagery on both sides, an upright may give you more room. But for most families, one side is plenty.
- Long-term care: Who will maintain the gravesite over the decades? A flat marker needs less intervention.
Many families today are choosing flat markers for the combination of lower cost, simpler maintenance, and a dignified, modern appearance. It is a practical choice that does not sacrifice meaning.
Our 28x16x3in Flat Markers
At SilkStone, we specialize in 28x16x3in flat granite markers made from stone quarried in the Himalayan mountains of Pakistan. We offer several granites:
- K2 Black (Absolute Black). Deep, pure black with striking engraving contrast.
- Himalayan Gray (Georgia Gray). Natural warmth with a softer, classic tone. Starting at $899.
- Midnight Gold. A rare, gold-flecked granite exclusive to SilkStone.
Every marker includes free custom engraving (names, dates, epitaph), sandblasted with stencils for clean, permanent lettering. We send a digital proof before any engraving begins, with unlimited revisions until you approve.
Shipping is via UPS Ground to all 50 states. Each stone is packaged in a wooden crate with foam padding and fully insured during transit.
You can also split the cost into 4 interest-free payments with Shop Pay (subject to eligibility).
Browse our full collection or read our 28x16x3in flat granite headstone buying guide for more detail on sizing, weight, and cemetery compatibility.