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
Slant
Flat/Bevel
Bench
Wing
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.
Most common sizes for a single upright headstone:
| Die Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 18 X 6 X 24 | 30 X 12 X 6 |
| 24 X 6 X 18 | 36 X 12 X 6 |
Single upright headstone examples:
(click image to enlarge)
Blue pearl granite with matching granite vase
Light grey granite, imperial black vase, carved lilies
Paradiso granite, engraved teton mountain range
Light grey granite with colored mountain scene
Most common sizes for a companion upright headstone:
| Die Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 36 X 8 X 24 | 48 X 14 X 8 |
| 42 X 8 X 24 | 54 X 14 X 8 |
| 48 X 8 X 24 | 60 X 14 X 8 |
Companion upright headstone examples:
(click image to enlarge)
Light grey granite with 3D carved SLC temple
Paradiso granite with matching vases and shape carved lilies in corners
Imperial black granite with mountain and skiiers
Light grey granite with black sub base
Light grey granite with engraved christian cross
Mahogany granite with mountain scene
Imperial black granite with matching granite vases
light-grey-granite-with-black-granite-sub-base
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)
Slant headstones with nosing
Light grey granite, companion, nosing, no base
Regal black granite, single, nosing, base
Light grey granite, single, nosing, no base
Full-Face Slant (no nosing)
Full-face slant headstone with base
Light grey granite, single, full-face, base
Bahama blue granite, companion, full-face, base
Colonial rose granite, companion, full-face, base
Most common sizes for a single slant headstone:
| Die Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 24 X 10 X 16 | 36 X 14 X 4 |
Single slant headstone examples:
(Click image to enlarge)
Paradiso granite, single, full-face, base
Tropical green granite, single, full-face, base
Light grey granite, single, nosing, no base
Colonial rose granite, single, nosing, base
Most common sizes for a companion slant headstone:
| Die Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 36 X 10 X 16 | 48 X 14 X 4 |
| 42 X 10 X 16 | 54 X 14 X 4 |
| 48 X 10 X 16 | 60 X 14 X 4 |
Companion slant headstone examples:
(click image to enlarge)
Blue pearl granite, companion, full-face, base
Imperial red granite, companion, full-face, base
Colonial rose granite, companion, nosing, base
Light grey granite, companion, nosing, base
Rainbow granite, companion, nosing, no base
Light grey granite, companion, nosing, base
Light grey granite, companion, nosing, no base
Bahama blue granite, companion, full-face, base
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)
Light grey granite, single, raised bevel
Imperial black, single, raised bevel, retractable vases
Light grey granite, single, raised
Colonial rose granite, single, flush
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)
Light grey, companion, raised bevel
Rainbow granite, companion
Light grey granite, companion, flush, flower hole
Light grey granite, companion, raised
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:
| Wing Dimensions | Plinth Dimensions | Base Dimensions |
| 20 X 6 X 18 | 18 X 8 X 6 | 72 X 12 X 6 |
| 24 X 6 X 20 | 18 X 8 X 6 | 78 X 12 X 6 |
Plinth wing headstone examples:
(click on images to enlarge)
Imperial black granite wing headstone
Ocean green granite, cut out center
Mahogany granite plinth wing headstone
Childrens Headstones
Other names: childrens 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:
Toy truck headstone
Light grey granite, owl shaped headstone
Imperial black and imperial red granite, block shaped headstone
Light grey granite, block shaped headstone
Blue pearl granite, heart shaped headstone
Light grey granite, heart shaped headstone
Paradiso granite, single slant headstone
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.