There are many different types of headstones or types of tombstones as some call it. Headstones can be custom designed and completely personalized to mark a loved one’s burial plot or grave site. Use this blog post as a resource to help you determine what type of headstone will best represent your loved one.

Please note: Each cemetery has its own requirements as to what headstones they will permit in the cemetery. Check with your cemetery to ensure that the headstone you want will be accepted.

 

What is a headstone?

 

A headstone is a slab of stone, typically made from granite or marble, that is set at the head of someone’s grave. It usually has the deceased’s name, date of birth and date of death inscribed on it. Headstones also often include things like poems, epitaphs, family member’s names, artwork etc. Other terms for a headstone include: tombstone, monument, gravestone, marker.

There are many types of headstones. Below are the most common types of headstones used in today’s day and age.

 

Upright Headstones

Other names: upright monument, upright tombstone, upright gravestone, upright marker

Upright headstones are the most traditional design and are composed of two parts: the base and the die (also known as the tablet). The die is the slab of stone that sits on top of the base and contains the deceased’s name and other information.

Upright headstones typically feature the information for an individual (single upright headstone) or two individuals (companion upright headstone). 

The die/tablet for a traditional upright headstone is vertical in the front and back. The most popular top is the serpentine top but other popular top finishes include: rooftop, oval top, flat top and corner rounds.

picture of different styles for the top of a headstone

Most common sizes for a single upright headstone:

(length X width X height)

Die DimensionsBase Dimensions
18 X 6 X 2430 X 12 X 6
24 X 6 X 1836 X 12 X 6

Single upright headstone examples:

(click image to enlarge)

Most common sizes for a companion upright headstone:

(length X width X height)

Die DimensionsBase Dimensions
36 X 8 X 2448 X 14 X 8
42 X 8 X 2454 X 14 X 8
48 X 8 X 2460 X 14 X 8

Companion upright headstone examples:

(click image to enlarge)

Slant Headstones

Other names: slant monument, slant tombstone, slant gravestone, slant marker

Slant headstones are very similar to upright headstones with a few exceptions. Slant headstones are vertical in the back but slanted in the front, giving the bottom of the die a more stocky shape. Because of this, a base is not required on slant gravestones in order to make them sturdy. However, bases for slant headstones are still very much desired.

Slant headstones can be made for an individual (single slant headstone) or two individuals (companion slant headstone). 

Slant Headstone vs. Full-Face Slant Headstone

A standard slant monument has nosing on the front of the stone. Nosing is the 2” flat area on the front of the stone that can have a rock pitch or polished finish. Slant headstones can be set directly onto a foundation and don’t require a base.

A full-face slant monument is a slant monument with no nosing. Full-faced slanted headstones are almost always placed on a granite (or marble) vase.

Slant headstones have the same top finishes as the upright headstones (serpentine: rooftop, oval top, flat top and corner rounds).

Slant (nosing)

Full-Face Slant (no nosing)

Most common sizes for a single slant headstone:

(length X width X height)

Die DimensionsBase Dimensions
24 X 10 X 1636 X 14 X 4

Single slant headstone examples:

(Click image to enlarge)

Most common sizes for a companion slant headstone:

(length X width X height)

Die DimensionsBase Dimensions
36 X 10 X 1648 X 14 X 4
42 X 10 X 1654 X 14 X 4
48 X 10 X 1660 X 14 X 4

Companion slant headstone examples:

(click image to enlarge)

If you’d like to view more examples of slant headstones with nosing and full-face slant headstones, click the links below:

Flat Headstones & Bevel Headstones

Other names: flat monument, flat tombstone, flat gravestone, flat marker, flat tablet, lawn-level marker, flush marker 

Like the name suggests, flat headstones are level with the ground. Flat headstones can be set flush (completely level) with the ground or set raised (1-4”). Flat markers are rectangle in shape and usually 4 inches thick.

A bevel headstone is raised slightly higher in the back than in the front, giving a stone a slight slope. Bevel headstones are thicker than flat headstones at 6 inches thick.

Flat headstones can be made for an individual (single flat headstone) or two individuals (companion flat headstone). 

Most common sizes for a single flat or bevel headstone:

(length X width X height)

Flat Marker dimensions
16 X 8 X 4
20 X 10 X 4
24 X 12 X 4
28 X 16 X 4

 

Bevel Marker dimensions
16 X 8 X 6
20 X 10 X 6
24 X 12 X 6
28 X 16 X 6

Single flat and bevel headstone examples:

(click image to enlarge)

Most common sizes for a companion flat or bevel headstone:

(length X width X height)

Flat Marker dimensions
36 X 12 X 4
36 X 14 X 4
48 X 18 X 4

 

Bevel Marker dimensions
36 X 14 X 6
36 X 18 X 6
48 X 18 X 6

Companion flat and bevel headstone examples:

(click on image to enlarge)

Bench Headstones

Other names: bench monument, bench tombstone, bench gravestone, bench marker, cemetery bench, memorial bench

Bench headstones have been used not only in cemeteries as grave markers, but in public areas as well. They offer a nice place to sit and reflect loved ones and the beautiful surroundings. 

Bench monuments range in length but the most common lengths are: 36”, 48”, and 60”.

There are many different types of monument benches. Below is a list of the most common types of benches.

Pedestal Bench

Arm Bench

Harp Leg Bench

Park Bench

MonuBench

Wing Headstones

Other names: wing monument, wing tombstone, wing gravestone, wing memorials, wing-style headstone, wing-style monument, wing-style tombstone, wing-style gravestone, wing-style memorials

Wing headstones consist of two “wings” (die or tablets) on a base that are separated by a pedestal (or plinth) supporting a vase. The plinth typically displays the family name while the two wings display the individual names. It is also common for the base to display the family name and the plinth to display childrens’ names, marriage date or an epitaph.

It is also common for wing monuments to feature a larger die or tablet instead of a pedestal or plinth. The larger die (center die) sits in-between the two smaller wings.

Most common sizes for a plinth wing headstone:

(length X width X height)

Wing DimensionsPlinth DimensionsBase Dimensions
20 X 6 X 1818 X 8 X 672 X 12 X 6
24 X 6 X 2018 X 8 X 678 X 12 X 6

Plinth wing headstone examples:

(click on images to enlarge)

Childrens Headstones

Other nameschildrens monument, childrens tombstone, childrens gravestone, childrens memorials, child headstone, child memorial, child monument, child tombstone, child gravestone, infant headstone, infant monument, infant tombstone, infant gravestone, infant memorials

Commemorating the all-too-brief life of an infant or child is not easy. There’s a wide array of headstone designs like toys, angels, teddy bears, musical instruments, etc. that become visual reminders of their legacy. 

Children headstones often range from flat headstones and markers to headstones shaped like animals, blocks, or toys. Below are some popular options.

Childrens headstone examples:

Conclusion: Popular Types of Headstones

To recap, below are the most common types of headstones:

  • Upright Headstones
  • Slant Headstones
  • Flat & Bevel Headstones
  • Bench Headstones
  • Wing Headstones
  • Childrens Headstones

If you have any questions related to different types of headstones or any other questions related to headstones, feel free to call us at (435) 752-4949 or fill out a contact us form by clicking here.