By Capital Grave Markers · Published · Last updated · 7 min read
The six main headstone types are flat (flush) markers, bevel markers, slant headstones, upright headstones, bench memorials and ledgers. Flat and bevel markers sit low to the ground and cost the least; slant and upright headstones stand above the grave and offer more room for inscriptions; benches double as seating; and ledgers cover the full length of the grave. The right type depends mainly on your cemetery’s rules and the space you need.
Key Takeaways
- Flat and bevel markers are low-profile; slant, upright, bench and ledger memorials stand above or cover the grave.
- Listed prices in our catalog range from $213 for a flat headstone to $5,760 for a ledger.
- Granite colors offered: Black, Grey and Red.
- Cemetery section rules decide which types are allowed.
What are the main headstone types at a glance?
Sizes and listed prices below come from the 127 products on capitalgravemarkers.com as of September 27, 2026.
| Type | Profile | Sizes in our catalog (in) | Listed price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Flush with the ground | 16 × 8 to 28 × 16 | $213 – $1,555 |
| Bevel | Low, angled face | 20 × 10 × 4 to 42 × 16 × 4 | $500 – $2,331 |
| Slant | Wedge with sloped face | 16 × 8 × 14 to 36 × 10 × 16 | $748 – $2,800 |
| Upright | Vertical tablet on a base | Many shapes | From $1,048 |
| Bench | Seat-height bench | 28 × 14 × 28, 36 × 12 × 16 | $1,899 – $2,900 |
| Ledger | Slab covering the grave | 30 × 36 to 72 × 36 | $2,730 – $5,760 |
What is a flat headstone?
A flat headstone, also called a flush marker, is set level with the lawn. It is the most widely accepted type in memorial-park sections and the most affordable. The VA’s own flat granite marker measures 24 × 12 × 4 inches. See Flat Grave Marker Sizes for dimensions.
What is a bevel marker?
A bevel marker is a low granite block, usually 4 to 6 inches high at the back, with a gently angled face. It is easier to read than a flush marker and is often allowed where upright stones are not. Examples include the Military Eagle Bevel Grave Marker from $500.
What is a slant headstone?
A slant headstone is a wedge-shaped stone, typically 14 to 16 inches tall, whose face slopes back so it can be read standing up. It sits between a bevel and an upright in height and price; the Cross & Landscape Slant Granite Headstone starts at $748.
What is an upright headstone?
An upright headstone is the traditional vertical tablet set on a granite base. It offers the most room for names, epitaphs, symbols and portraits and comes in serpentine, heart, cross and sculpted shapes. The VA’s upright granite headstone is 42 × 13 × 4 inches and weighs about 230 pounds. Our upright designs start with the Classic Serpentine Top Granite Headstone at $1,048.
What are bench and ledger memorials?
A bench memorial is a granite seat inscribed with the family name, giving visitors a place to sit. The Granite Memorial Bench with Engraving is listed from $1,899.
A ledger is a flat granite slab that covers the whole grave, often paired with an upright headstone. Ledgers in our catalog run from $2,730 for a half ledger to $5,760 for a full 72 × 36 in slab.
Which headstone type should I choose?
Choose in this order: what the cemetery allows, how much you want to say, then what fits your total spend.
- Lawn or memorial-park section: flat or bevel markers are the usual options.
- Traditional section: slant or upright headstones give more presence.
- Two people: consider a companion stone — see our companion headstone guide.
- Family plot: a ledger or bench can mark the space for several generations.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Headstones and Markers: Types
- Federal Trade Commission — Buying a Cemetery Site
Prices quoted are listed prices on capitalgravemarkers.com as of September 27, 2026 and may change. The product page, written quote and signed agreement control your order.
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