Flat Grave Markers

Flat grave markers—also known as flush markers or grass-level headstones—are a meaningful, timeless way to honor a loved one. At Stoltz Memorials, we’ve helped countless families throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky create custom flat markers that offer dignity, permanence, and beauty. Whether you’re selecting a memorial for the first time or looking to better understand your options, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about choosing, designing, and caring for flat grave markers.
What Are Flat Grave Markers?

Flat grave markers are designed to lie flush with the ground, blending naturally into the cemetery landscape. Their clean, understated appearance offers a peaceful tribute that complements the setting without overpowering it. While they are traditionally rectangular, Stoltz Memorials also offers customized shapes and sizes to reflect your loved one’s personality.
Common Materials:
- Granite – Known for its incredible strength and resistance to the elements.
- Bronze – A classic, refined option, often featuring detailed embellishments.
- Marble – Visually striking but softer and more maintenance-intensive.
Why Families Choose Flat Grave Markers

Simple Maintenance
Because flat markers are level with the ground, they’re easier to mow around and keep clean. Families and cemetery staff alike appreciate the low maintenance these markers require.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Made from enduring materials like granite and bronze, flat markers from Stoltz Memorials stand the test of time. Inscriptions remain legible, and designs hold their integrity even after years of exposure to Indiana’s changing weather.
Affordable Yet Elegant
Flat grave markers typically cost less than upright monuments, making them a smart option for families seeking quality and beauty within a reasonable budget.

Choosing the Right Material
Each material offers unique benefits, and at Stoltz Memorials, we help you choose one that aligns with your family’s values, style, and long-term maintenance preferences.
- Granite – Available in many colors such as Georgia Gray, Jet Black, and Bahama Blue. Great for detailed engravings.
- Bronze – Offers a timeless, stately look and often includes sculpted imagery or raised lettering.
- Marble – Ideal for shaded areas, but requires sealing and gentle cleaning.
Customizing a Flat Grave Marker
We believe every memorial should be as unique as the life it honors. With Stoltz Memorials, customization goes beyond just names and dates.
Inscriptions and Epitaphs
Select meaningful phrases that reflect the essence of your loved one—whether spiritual, poetic, or personal.
Symbols and Imagery
Add depth with religious icons, nature motifs, or personalized artwork such as musical notes, doves, or sports symbols.
Photographic Etching & Portraits
Laser-etched portraits and porcelain photos offer a lifelike tribute and create a powerful visual remembrance.
Our Process: From Design to Installation
At Stoltz Memorials, we guide you through every step to ensure your flat marker is thoughtfully crafted and respectfully placed.
- Consultation – We help you explore design options, materials, cemetery regulations, and pricing.
- Design Approval and Production – You’ll review a design mock-up before it goes into production.
- Installation – We coordinate directly with cemeteries across Ohio, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky for proper, regulation-compliant placement.
Maintaining a Flat Grave Marker
Cleaning by Material
- Granite – Use mild soap and water with a soft brush.
- Bronze – Use specialty cleaners to maintain shine and prevent tarnish.
- Marble – Requires sealing and regular, gentle cleaning.
Seasonal Upkeep
Clear leaves, snow, and debris to protect the marker and preserve its appearance.
Understanding Cemetery Regulations
Cemeteries often have specific rules about size, material, and design. Stoltz Memorials will help you navigate these regulations to avoid any delays or unexpected costs.
Budgeting and Price Ranges
Flat grave markers are available in a wide range of price points depending on customization and materials:
- Granite: $900–$3,000
- Bronze: $2,200 – $7,000
- Marble: $1,200 – $3,000
We offer clear pricing and flexible packages to fit your budget.
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Let Stoltz Memorials Help You Create a Lasting Tribute
Flat grave markers are a beautiful way to honor a loved one with grace, dignity, and permanence. At Stoltz Memorials, we’re proud to serve families across Ohio, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky with care, craftsmanship, and heartfelt guidance.
Whether you’re planning ahead or honoring a recent loss, we’re here to help you choose a flat grave marker that reflects love, legacy, and peace. Visit stoltzmemorials.com or contact our friendly team to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upright Headstones
How Much Do Most Headstones Cost?
The typical cost of a conventional flat headstone for sale is roughly $1,000, although it can range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on size, granite color, and engraving styles. Depending on the shape, size, granite color, and carved pattern, more ornate upright headstones can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000.
What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?
The term “gravestone” dates from the late 1300s, while “tombstone” dates from the mid-1500s. A headstone was a grave monument put at the head of a grave, as the name suggests. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it is the newest of the three words, appearing in 1676.
Will There Be Any Additional Fees When I Purchase A Headstone For Sale?
Your cemetery will have its own separate fee, which will cover the cemetery pouring the concrete foundation that your headstone will sit on once installed.
Is It Cheaper To Buy A Headstone Online?
At a glance, comparing prices only may in fact seem like it is cheaper to buy a headstone online. However, there is usually a reason. Oftentimes, when you buy a headstone online, there is not installation process in place, so it is up to you to find an installer and coordinate the installation with the cemetery yourself. If your cemetery does not accept shipped headstones for liability purposes, then you will need to make additional arrangements when it comes to finding a destination for your headstone once it is completed with the online company.
What Is The Cheapest Headstone You Can Buy?
Flat burial markers are the least expensive of all the headstone options. Flat grave markers made of granite typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 on average, depending on a few factors.
Do Your Headstones Have A Warranty?
Our granite headstones come with a lifetime warranty that covers any non-man-made damages, such as a small fissure or crack forming in the granite over time. Although we have never had to honor this warranty due to the strength and durability of granite, you can rest assured that if anything should happen to compromise the structure of your stone, it will be covered at no cost to you.