Budgeting for a Monument: Detailed Breakdown
Purchasing a headstone is a significant and often emotional investment. Understanding the various factors that influence the cost can help you make an informed decision. This blog will break down headstone costs, including granite options, sizes, inscriptions, cemetery fees, and additional accessories.
Granite Options and Costs
Granite is the most popular material for headstones due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. The cost of granite varies based on the type of monument, with different prices for colors. At Timestone, Jet Black, Barra Gray, India Red, Bahama Blue, and Imperial Pink are included in the starting price. Additional colors may be requested with variations in pricing. Here's a detailed breakdown of the starting prices for our different memorial types:
Headstone Types and Starting Prices
Flat Markers: $1,100
Bevel Markers: $1,600
Slant Markers: $1,600
Small Traditional Uprights: $2,600
Large Traditional Uprights: $3,200
Bronze Memorials: $2,500
Bench Memorials: $2,640
Special shapes that involve headstone shaping and sculpting outside of traditional designs are custom quoted based on time and material.
Premium Granite Colors
Vermont Barre Gray: This granite is among the most expensive due to its exceptional quality and unique appearance. The high cost is attributed to its origin in Vermont, USA, where extraction and transportation costs are significant. Additionally, marketing and the limited supply of this sought-after stone drive up the price.
Why Premium Colors Command Higher Prices
Origin: Granites sourced from specific regions, like Vermont Barre Gray, often have higher production and transportation costs.
Supply and Demand: Limited availability and high demand for certain colors increase their prices.
Quality: Premium granites typically offer superior durability and aesthetic qualities, justifying the higher cost.
Granite Sizes and Custom Measurements
The size of the granite headstone is another crucial factor that affects the price. Different cemeteries have specific regulations regarding headstone dimensions based on plot size or other requirements. Custom sizes may be necessary to comply with these regulations, which can impact the overall cost.
Standard Sizes
Single Grave Markers: Typically 24" x 12" x 4"
Double Grave Markers: Typically 36" x 14" x 4"
Bevel Memorials: Typically 24" x 12" x 6"
Single Slant Memorials: Typically 24" x 10" x 16" (Can also include a base)
Double Slant Memorials: Typically 36" x 12" x 18" (Can also include a base)
Small Upright Headstones: Typically Die: 20" x 8" x 24", Base: 24” x 12” x 6”
Large Upright Headstones: Typically Die: 30" x 8" x 26", Base: 36” x 12” x 8”
Custom Sizes
Custom sizes can be produced to meet specific cemetery requirements. These may incur additional costs due to the need for specialized cutting and finishing.
Inscriptions and Symbols
Inscriptions are a vital part of personalizing a headstone. There are many options based on religious or ethnic affiliations. At Timestone Monument, we offer unlimited line carving through automatic sandblasting or unlimited laser etching, both included in the starting price.
Religious and Cultural Symbols
We offer a wide range of inscriptions and symbols to honor different cultural and religious backgrounds. You can explore our offerings on our Inscriptions Page and our Asian Memorials and Muslim Memorials pages.
Lettering Options
We provide various special lettering styles to enhance the personalization of your headstone:
V-Sunk Lettering: Carved into the stone in a V-shape, creating shadows for better visibility and a classic look.
Skin Sunk Lettering: Shallower than V-Sunk, offering an elegant and timeless appearance.
Raised Lettering: The background is carved away, leaving the letters standing out in relief, adding depth and texture.
Frosted w/ Border Lettering: Matte, etched finished with a sandblasted border.
Gold Leaf Lettering: Letters are gilded with gold leaf, providing a luxurious and striking contrast against the stone.
Shaped and Bas Relief Carving Options
To further personalize the headstone, we offer a variety of special carving options:
Floral Designs: Intricate floral motifs that add beauty and elegance.
Religious Symbols: Icons and symbols representing various faiths and beliefs.
Custom Images: Personalized images that hold special significance to the deceased.
Portraits: Detailed and lifelike portraits etched or carved into the stone.
For more details, visit our Services Page.
Cemetery Fees
Cemeteries often charge additional fees related to headstone installation and maintenance. Here are some common fees you may encounter:
Monument Permit Fees
Many cemeteries require a permit to install a headstone, which can range from $50 to $300.
Foundation Setting Fees
The cost of setting the foundation for the headstone varies widely but typically ranges from $200 to $500.
Other Fees
Maintenance Fees: Some cemeteries charge ongoing maintenance fees.
Inspection Fees: Fees for inspecting the headstone installation, often around $50.
Delivery and Installation Fees
Delivery and installation fees depend on the distance from the manufacturer to the cemetery and the size of the monument. Typically, these fees range from $200 to $1,000, but for our smaller monuments, this is included in the base price! Larger and heavier monuments incur higher costs due to the need for specialized equipment and handling.
Additional Accessories
Various accessories can enhance the headstone and personalize the memorial. Here are some options available at Timestone Monument:
Urns
Metal Urns: Durable and elegant, starting at $140
Vases and Lights
Vases: Matching the headstone, starting at $100
Memorial Lights: Solar-powered lights, starting at $50
Emblems and Porcelain Portraits
Emblems: Religious or cultural symbols, starting at $50
Porcelain Portraits: High-quality, weather-resistant photos, starting at $250
For more accessories, visit our Accessories Page. Everything is currently 50% off with the purchase of a monument.
Understanding the various costs associated with purchasing a headstone can help you make an informed decision. From the type and size of granite to inscriptions, cemetery fees, and additional accessories, each factor plays a role in the final price. At Timestone Monument, we strive to offer a wide range of options to suit your needs and budget. For more information and personalized assistance, visit our website or contact us directly.
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