FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE PRICE AND COST OF A HEADSTONE MONUMENT

Losing a loved one is hard enough without having to also deal with funeral preparations. One of the most important of those preparations is choosing a headstone NYC. Custom headstone prices vary significantly depending on a variety of factors. To help simplify and clarify the selection process for you, our memorial design team will examine a few key factors below.

Major Things That Affect Headstone Prices 

There are so many factors that affect the cost of a headstone. Gravestone memorials can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars and more in some cases. There are a multitude of factors that affect what people ultimately pay for a grave marker with the following being the most common:

Headstone Size

Regardless of whether you choose granite or marble, the larger the headstone, the more it will cost in almost every case. If you have budgeted a specific amount for a gravesite, you will need to keep this in mind. Also keep in mind that Catholic headstones memorializing a couple or family are often larger than a single memorial, which means they will be more expensive. Whether you choose a thin or tall monument will also weigh on cost. Flat headstones are generally less expensive than their taller counterparts and are a great option if you are on a fixed budget. Benches are another popular option and prices can vary widely. The size of the chair, the amount of texture added to the chair and other features and materials chosen (more on that in a moment) will all affect the final cost.

Headstone Material

Granite and marble headstones are the two most popular memorials for many reasons, but mainly because they are traditional and long-lasting. Both granites are hard stone, which means any letters or images carved on the surface can hold up to the onslaught of nature better than letters and figures carved in marble Also note that there are “grades” of granite , the higher the grade, the more expensive . After all, many people choose marble monuments anyway because of the understated and timeless beauty of marble. Ultimately, it depends entirely on the customer. 

 Ultimately, it is completely up to the client. However, you should be aware that, even though it is the softer of the two most common gravestone materials, marble is the more expensive choice. Also, if you wish to add something like a bronze plaque to the memorial, that too will increase the price.

Level of Memorial Customization

There was a time when grave markers and footstones for graves  in frontier territories were uniformly simple, displaying only the person’s name and their birth and death dates. These days that is no longer the case. A stroll through any local graveyard today reveals a wealth of variety when it comes to monuments. But with customization comes higher tombstone prices. As is the case with size, when it comes to extras more equals higher costs.

Also, keep in mind that it may be necessary to increase the overall size of the headstone in order to accommodate the various custom features you desire. So adding portraits, artwork, long quotes, lines of poetry, epitaphs, porcelain portraits and more are all going to impact the ultimate cost. The bottom line; if you want to rein in costs, reign in the customization. Conversely, if money is no object then you can customize the memorial to your heart’s content.

Degree of Craftsmanship

The higher the degree of craftsmanship the higher the cost. This is just as true for tailored suits, automobiles, and furniture as it is for headstones. The people who craft these lasting tributes are highly-trained, highly-skilled artisans and the more they are involved in the process the more the monument is ultimately going to cost.

When selecting a memorial for a loved one save yourself time and trouble by being mindful of the fact that every touch or flourish that deviates from the standard is going to require the involvement of a tradesperson and that is going to bump up the price. If keeping costs under control is a primary concern just remember that the best way to do that is to select a standard gravestone that requires nothing more than the engraving of the name and date.

Distance to the Gravesite

Our prices typically include installation of the headstone. At the same time, we field many inquiries from families in Aurora, Denver and even further afield. While we are always happy to accommodate customers from different parts of the state, the travel time involved will have an impact on the final cost of the gravestone. Also, if the headstone requires the installation of a base, that will impact the price.

Conclusion

Headstones and memorials provide future generations with a tangible way to honor and remember lost loved ones. However, navigating the process of buying a stone head on can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with the options available. While your first instinct may be to contact the cemetery where your loved one is resting, it’s important to remember that you have other options that may be in your best interest. At Shastone Memorial, We craft the best headstone in NYC and its surroundings. We also appreciate the importance of commemorating a life well-lived. Each gravestone memorial becomes a place for family and friends to gather, remember, and celebrate a cherished life. It is not just about creating a monument; it is about crafting stories in stone that will endure over time and touch future generations.