An upright headstone is a memorial that stands vertically above the ground and is typically placed on a matching base, creating a prominent and enduring marker within a cemetery. This traditional style has been used for generations because it provides a clear and lasting way to identify and honor an individual's resting place. For a side-by-side look at how upright headstones compare with other memorial forms, see our guide on Types of Grave Markers Compared.
Many upright headstone designs feature a combination of engraved names, dates, inscriptions, and decorative elements that reflect the life being remembered. Their recognizable structure allows for a wide range of personalization while preserving the timeless appearance that many families value in a permanent memorial. Families beginning the selection process may find our guide on How to Choose the Right Headstone a helpful starting point.
Popular Single Upright Headstone Designs
Many upright headstone designs are available in distinctive shapes and styles, allowing families to select a memorial that reflects personal values, interests, faith, or cherished memories. Browse our full collection of Single Upright Headstones to explore available styles.
Single Tear Drop Headstone
The teardrop shape features a gently curved top that creates a soft and elegant appearance. Its simple profile provides ample space for inscriptions, artwork, and personalized engraving.
Heavenly French Curve Single
A French curve design incorporates graceful lines and decorative shaping along the monument's top edge. This style is often chosen for its refined appearance and traditional memorial character.
Butterfly Headstone
Butterfly-shaped memorials are frequently associated with transformation, hope, and remembrance. Their distinctive silhouette creates a unique tribute while offering room for names, dates, and meaningful inscriptions.
Red Single Upright Headstone Monument
Crafted from red granite, this design stands out for its rich color and natural beauty. The stone's distinctive appearance adds visual warmth while maintaining the durability expected of a lasting memorial.
Horse Headstone
Horse-themed memorials are often selected to honor a lifelong connection to horses, ranching, or equestrian activities. Custom artwork or engraved imagery can be incorporated to create a tribute that reflects personal interests and experiences.
Angel Heart Headstone Ceramic Photo
This design combines angel imagery with a heart-shaped element to create a memorial centered on remembrance and faith. A ceramic photo can be added to preserve a visual connection and personalize the tribute further.
Angel Headstone Single
An angel headstone incorporates religious symbolism that represents guidance, protection, and spiritual comfort. The design may include carved angel figures, engraved artwork, or decorative elements that complement the overall memorial.
Choosing The Right Upright Headstone Sizes
Selecting an appropriate memorial size involves balancing personal preferences, available cemetery space, and the amount of information or artwork that will be included on the monument. Many upright headstone designs are available in different dimensions, allowing families to choose a memorial that suits both practical requirements and aesthetic goals.
Common examples include a top measuring 24" x 6" x 20" with a 34" x 12" x 6" base, a top measuring 36" x 6" x 20" with a 46" x 12" x 6" base, a top measuring 20" x 6" x 18" with a 30" x 12" x 6" base, and a smaller option featuring a 14" x 4" x 16" top with an 18" x 6" x 4" base. Larger monuments generally provide additional space for inscriptions, portraits, and decorative engraving, while smaller memorials offer a more compact and traditional appearance.
Features And Customization Options Of An Upright Monument Headstone
Many upright headstone designs can be personalized through material selections, engraving details, and decorative features that create a memorial reflecting an individual's life and legacy.
Granite Color Options
Granite is available in a range of colors, including black, gray, red, and other natural shades that influence the memorial's overall appearance. Different granite selections can also affect the visibility of inscriptions and engraved artwork.
Personalized Inscriptions
Families may include names, dates, meaningful quotes, religious verses, or personal messages on the memorial. These inscriptions help create a tribute that reflects the individual's story and values.
Portraits And Ceramic Photos
Engraved portraits and ceramic photographs provide a visual element that preserves a loved one's image on the memorial. These additions can make the monument feel more personal while maintaining a timeless appearance.
Religious And Cultural Symbols
Many memorials feature crosses, angels, flowers, or other meaningful symbols. These design elements can reflect faith, service, heritage, or personal beliefs.
Custom Shapes And Decorative Details
Beyond traditional rectangular monuments, upright headstones can be crafted in shapes such as hearts, butterflies, teardrops, and other custom profiles. Decorative carvings, borders, and etched artwork can further enhance the design while preserving the monument's dignified character. Families honoring two individuals together can also explore our Companion Headstones collection.
Engraving And Artwork Options
Modern engraving techniques allow for detailed lettering, scenic imagery, and intricate artwork on granite surfaces. These features provide additional opportunities to create a distinctive and lasting memorial.
Upright Headstone Prices, Maintenance, And Long-Term Care
Several factors influence the cost and longevity of upright headstone designs, making it important for families to understand both the initial investment and the care required over time.
Factors That Influence Pricing
The price of an upright headstone often depends on its size, granite type, design complexity, and level of personalization. The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, the federal consumer protection regulation governing funeral and memorial purchases, gives consumers the right to select only the goods and services they want and to receive itemized price information, enabling them to compare options and make informed decisions when planning a memorial. In many cases, upright memorials range from approximately $1,500 to $8,000 or more, with additional features such as portraits, ceramic photos, custom artwork, and detailed engraving contributing to the overall cost. For a broader overview of cost factors across memorial types, see our Headstone Pricing Guide.
Granite Material Selection
Different granite colors and grades can vary in price due to availability, appearance, and production requirements. Premium granite is often selected for its durability, attractive finish, and ability to showcase detailed engraving.
Routine Cleaning Practices
Most granite memorials can be maintained with clean water, a soft brush, and non-abrasive cleaning methods. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt, debris, and environmental buildup that may accumulate over time.
Monitoring Long-Term Condition
Periodic inspections can help identify issues such as staining, biological growth, or shifting caused by environmental conditions. Addressing minor concerns early may help maintain the memorial's appearance and structural stability for future generations. The American Institute for Conservation, the national membership organization of over 3,500 conservation professionals dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, recommends qualified conservators for the care and treatment of stone objects, including outdoor monuments, noting that early intervention by a trained professional can prevent minor surface changes from developing into more serious deterioration.
