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Headstone Costs: What You Need to Know

Key Information about Headstone Costs in Brief

Background information, images, and further facts can be found below in the text

We understand that acquiring a burial plot can be a challenging and emotional process. To make the search for a fitting and suitable headstone a bit easier, we’d like to provide you with a brief overview of the potential costs involved in purchasing a gravesite.

The cost of a headstone is comprised of several factors. Firstly, there are cemetery fees that apply whether you are purchasing a new plot or renewing an existing one. Additionally, there are costs for grave decorations and, ultimately, the headstone itself. These can vary widely and are dependent on the size, material, and design of the stone. A simple grave marker can be acquired starting at 300 Euros, while larger headstones with more elaborate designs can reach prices of several thousand Euros.

The cost of the headstone itself

In addition to the material, processing costs, and grave size, the inscription and additional decorative elements also influence the price. Each of our stones is a custom creation tailored to your wishes, so the price always depends on the specific product. However, broadly speaking, the costs can be categorized into different price ranges depending on the type of grave. You are welcome to try our headstone calculator, which can give you an estimated price based on your individual needs and preferences.

Costs by Different Grave Types

In our local funeral culture, there are many different grave and headstone types, which can vary greatly in price. Below you will find an overview of headstone costs categorized by grave type. Additionally, if necessary, we also include the costs for the headstone framing. We also show you the price differences based on the material and how the costs for the headstone inscription, transportation, and installation are composed.

Composition of Gravestone Costs

In general, gravestone costs can be divided into three categories. The largest portion of the costs is attributed to design and manufacturing. Material and transportation/installation account for the other half of the costs.

Costs for Cremation Grave Headstones

Cremation graves are small burial plots designated exclusively for urn interments. Similar to casket graves, cremation graves are typically adorned with a headstone. Headstones for cremation graves are smaller due to the reduced grave size, making them more affordable than single or double headstones for casket graves. Despite their smaller size, cremation headstones can be customized and incorporated into the grave design. The cost for a cremation grave headstone ranges from 1200 to 1800 Euros.

	Cremation headstone with border and cover	Cremation headstone with border	Laying headstone
Approval costs	Dependent on cemetery	Dependent on cemetery	Dependent on cemetery
Production costs incl. basic inscription	from 1,550€	from 1,550€	from 800€
Cover	from 400€	no cover	no cover
Border	from 1,200€	from 1,200€	no border
Logistics costs	from 600€	from 600€	from 200€
Total cost for the cheapest configurations	from 3,750€	from 3,350€	from 800€ with self-installation

Cremation Grave Headstones with Border

If you require a border for the cremation grave in addition to the headstone, expect additional costs of approximately 1400 Euros (+/- 20%).

Prices for Single Grave Headstones

Single graves are mainly used for casket burials, although they can also accommodate urns. Headstones for single graves are generally larger than cremation headstones and are therefore slightly more expensive. However, their larger size provides ample room for individual design. Prices for single grave headstones start at 2000 Euros and go up to 2800 Euros.

	Single headstone with border and cover	Single headstone with border	Laying headstone
Approval costs	Dependent on cemetery	Dependent on cemetery	Dependent on cemetery
Production costs incl. basic inscription	from 2,550€	from 2,550€	from 1,000€
Cover	from 600€	no cover	no cover
Border	from 1,700€	from 1,700€	no border
Logistics costs	from 900€	from 900€	from 200€
Total cost for the cheapest configurations	from 5,750€	from 5,150€	from 1,000€ with self-installation

Single Grave Headstones with Border

The border for a single grave incurs additional costs of approximately 2200 Euros (+/- 20%).

Costs for Double Grave Headstones

A double grave allows two individuals to be buried side by side, making the plot at least twice as wide as a single grave. Headstones for a double grave are typically sized to match the grave’s dimensions and can be customized to suit individual preferences. The cost for a double grave headstone ranges from 3000 to 4000 Euros.

	Double headstone with border and cover	Double headstone with border	Laying headstone
Approval costs	Dependent on cemetery	Dependent on cemetery	Dependent on cemetery
Production costs incl. basic inscription	from 3,550€	from 3,550€	from 1,800€
Cover	from 1,000€	no cover	no cover
Border	from 2,200€	from 2,200€	no border
Logistics costs	from 1,200€	from 1,200€	from 600€
Total cost for the cheapest configurations	from 7,950€	from 6,950€	from 1,800€ with self-installation

Double Grave Headstones with Border

The border for a double grave incurs additional costs of approximately 2800 Euros (+/- 20%).

Cost of a Grave Slab

While a headstone is erected vertically at the head of a grave, a grave slab lies flat or slightly angled on the surface of the grave. Grave slabs can replace a headstone or be used in addition to a headstone as another decorative element.

The size of the grave slab depends on the size of the grave. Grave slabs are suitable for all types of graves, whether it be an urn grave, a single or double grave. The grave slab does not need to cover the entire area of the grave but can integrate into the overall design along with the grave planting as part of the grave decoration. The cost of a grave slab ranges from 300 to 2000 Euros.

Prices for Grave Steles

A special and elegant variant of headstones is the grave stele. This is a slender pillar made of stone. Grave steles stand out with their tall, narrow form and are ideal for limited space. They are a highlight on any cemetery and can be customized individually.

The cost of grave steles is comparable to their more established counterparts.

Usually Optional but Suitable: The Cost of Headstone Enclosures

Similar to headstones, the cost of a grave enclosure heavily depends on the size and material. To create a harmonious appearance, the same material is often chosen for the grave enclosure as for the headstone.

Here's an overview of the costs for a headstone enclosure, broken down by grave type:

Enclosure for urn grave: 1400 Euros (+/- 20%)
Enclosure for single grave: 2200 Euros (+/- 20%)
Enclosure for double grave: 2800 Euros (+/- 20%)

Cost of Headstones by Material

Headstones are typically made from natural stone. Depending on the region where it is quarried, the cost of the stone can vary significantly. Also, the quality of the stone and its color greatly influence the cost. Therefore, it is difficult to specify exact prices, but you can compare the materials' costs roughly with each other.

Headstone material costs compared

It's hard to specify exactly, but in comparison, a ranking of gravestone materials can be observed, from the most expensive granite to the more affordable limestone.

Costs for Granite Headstones

Granite is one of the hardest and most durable stones. Precisely because of its robust nature, granite is excellent for design and customization to your preferences. Granite is weather-resistant, frost-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it one of the most popular stones in both art and craftsmanship.

We offer you a wide variety of granite headstones. The gray granite achieves its radiant surface through light to dark gray speckles, giving it a timeless and modern character. Gray granite is generally very popular and is one of the classics among headstones. Yellow granite, on the other hand, features speckles in soft yellow tones, giving the stone a lively texture and warm appearance.

Also known as 'blue granite' due to its unique coloring, the Kösseine granite from the Fichtel Mountains is a true rarity. Blue to blue-gray speckles and a lively texture give this headstone an exclusive character.

No matter the type, granite is typically one of the more expensive types of stone. Usually, you will have to spend more for granite than for basalt, sandstone, or limestone.

Common Gravestone Materials

Marble, sandstone, limestone, and granite are the most commonly used materials for headstones. And for good reason.

Costs for Marble Headstones

Marble comes in various compositions and colors, and its softer nature makes it a favorite among sculptors. However, this also makes it a stone that requires considerable maintenance. Thus, marble is undoubtedly one of the more expensive types of stone.

Costs for Basalt Headstones

Formerly known as black marble, basalt is characterized by its subtle and classic color range in dark gray and black tones. Its fine-grained texture gives headstones an elegant and modern appearance.

Basalt headstones are weather and frost-resistant, making them particularly easy to maintain and durable. Generally, basalt is slightly less expensive than granite or marble but more expensive than sandstone or limestone.

Costs for Sandstone Gravestones

Sandstone is formed from the deposition of weathered stones and sand grains. Depending on the composition of the materials, this sedimentary rock can appear in various colors and hardness levels. Due to its soft to medium-hard structure, sandstone is ideal for sculptural work and is perfect for crafting intricate shapes and details.

The warm and radiant color of sandstone looks particularly striking when combined with darker types of stone. Typically, sandstone is somewhat more affordable than basalt or granite and slightly more expensive than limestone.

Costs for Limestone Headstones

Limestone is common worldwide and comes in various colors. Jura limestone has a warm base tone that gives headstones an elegant and serene appearance.

Dark grey limestone is also popular for its noble and timeless look. Due to its high density and simultaneously soft structure, limestone headstones can be crafted in diverse ways and are therefore excellent for artistic designs.

Limestone is also one of the more affordable stones, usually costing less than granite, basalt, or sandstone.

Costs for Boulder Headstones

A truly unique grave marker is a boulder headstone. Boulders remain largely unworked and stand out with their natural shape and remarkable strength. Due to their natural form and minimal processing requirements, boulders tend to be slightly less expensive than traditional headstone models.

Don't Forget: Costs for Gravestone Inscriptions

Only with the inscription does a gravestone become a personalized memorial. In addition to the name and dates of birth and death, symbols or sayings are often engraved. Adding pictures is also possible and increasingly popular.

Originally, inscriptions were carved into the gravestone. At Messerschmidt Gravestones, we use a modern process. The text is embedded into the stone to more gently integrate it. To create a precise image, the etched inscriptions are subsequently painted, no longer hand-filled.

We focus on modern and contemporary methods in your best interest, allowing us to offer inscriptions at fair costs.

Typically, the price for an inscription is calculated based on the number of characters. However, to avoid unnecessary restrictions, we offer a flat rate for embedded names and dates. For additional requests and special features such as raised lettering, non-Latin characters, sayings, or images, we provide a tailored quote.

Anticipated Costs for Ornaments and Accessories

There are countless ways to design a gravestone to honor the uniqueness of the deceased. A suitable decorative symbol is an excellent way to create a stylish and individual gravestone.

We offer a wide range of timelessly designed figurative and ornamental elements. The prices for this weather-resistant decor range from 120 to 440 Euros. Additionally, we provide accessories such as vases, lanterns, bowls, or holy water basins within the same price range.

Ceramic pictures are another way to personalize the monument. The primary factor for the price is the desired size.

Costs for Installation, Transport, and Maintenance

When you purchase a headstone from us, we guarantee optimal handling from the selection of the headstone to its installation at your chosen cemetery in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.

Once you have chosen the right headstone online, we ensure prompt execution of your requests and the timely delivery of your headstone. We install the headstone at the cemetery of your choice and also take care of the necessary formalities. We obtain the required permits from the relevant cemetery administration and ensure that the grave and headstone comply with the cemetery regulations.

Costs for Installation and Transport

The costs for the transport and installation of your headstone depend on the type of stone and whether the installation is with or without a border. For a simple flat stone that does not require a foundation, the costs amount to 200 Euros. The prices for the transport and installation of a standard headstone range, depending on the type and size of the grave, between 400 and 800 Euros. For the installation of a border, the costs also range between 400 and 800 Euros.

Permits and Usage Rights: Costs for the Cemetery

The costs for the usage rights of a grave are determined by the respective cemetery office and can vary significantly. Generally, German cemeteries distinguish between so-called row graves and choice graves.

Choice graves are graves where the location can be selected. These graves can be extended after the resting period and can remain in family possession for several decades.

Choice graves are among the more expensive types. A single choice grave costs approximately between 1300 EUR and 2700 EUR, while a double grave costs between 2800 EUR and 5500 EUR.

Row graves, on the other hand, are graves that are assigned by the cemetery administration 'in sequence' and whose usage period cannot be extended. They are often considerably cheaper than choice graves, with prices ranging depending on the region from 600 to 2000 Euros.

Within this classification, the costs are calculated based on the size of the grave area. Therefore, a simple urn row grave is substantially cheaper than, for example, a double choice grave.

In addition to the costs for the usage rights, there are also interment fees, which are also determined by the respective cemetery office and typically range between 400 and 1000 Euros.

Ongoing Costs for a Headstone

Costs for Planting, Cleaning

If you are unable to personally care for the grave, you have the option to arrange for permanent or annual grave maintenance. Often, such maintenance can be entrusted to the cemetery gardener or a florist. Such grave maintenance costs, depending on the type of grave and the extent of gardening services, between 80 and 700 Euros per year.

Maintenance and Upkeep of the Headstone: Messerschmidt Plus

For a small annual fee, we take care of the professional maintenance and upkeep of your headstone. This includes repainting the lettering if it has faded, securing the stone if needed, and cleaning the stone and its border.

Damage and Repairs

If, unexpectedly, there is an unusual change to the stone after installation or if you notice any damage or a significant defect, we will handle the repair or replacement of the stone.

How much does a headstone cost?

The price depends on the size of the grave and the desired headstone.

Single headstones for casket burials range between 2000 and 2800 Euros, double headstones between 3000 and 4000 Euros, and urn headstones between 1200 and 1800 Euros.

The enclosure of a grave site increases the cost by approximately 1400 to 2800 Euros (+/- 20%).

How much does a urn gravestone cost?

Headstones for urn graves are smaller and more affordable than other headstones, but they can also be customized individually.

The cost for an urn grave headstone ranges between 1200 and 1800 Euros. For the edging of an urn grave, you should budget an additional 1400 Euros (+/- 20%).

How much does a single headstone cost?

Individual headstones are larger and thus more expensive than urn grave markers, but they offer more space for personal customization.

The cost for an individual headstone starts at 2000 euros and can go up to 2800 euros. The border for an individual grave site costs an additional 2200 euros (+/- 20%).

How much does a double headstone cost?

Double graves allow for the simultaneous burial of two individuals.

The cost of a double headstone ranges from 3000 to 4000 euros. Additional costs for the edging of a double grave plot are approximately 2800 euros (+/- 20%).

How much does a headstone with a border cost?

The border can be a fitting addition and neatly define the gravesite.

Depending on the type of grave, a border costs between €1200 and €3000 in addition to the headstone.

What impact does the material have on the cost of a headstone?

When designing a headstone, various types of natural stone can be considered.

Specific costs depend on raw material prices and availability. Therefore, only a general pricing tier can be established as follows:

Granite is typically the most expensive headstone, followed by basalt, sandstone, and limestone in descending order.

This metric is not as easily applicable to boulders, though.

Conclusion

When purchasing a tombstone, there are many factors to consider. We hope our overview has provided you with some clarity. If you have any further questions, our team is always here to help.

We are here for you We are happy to provide you with advice.