Upright Monuments

At Stoltz Memorials, we believe every life deserves to be remembered with dignity, beauty, and permanence. Upright monuments are a timeless way to honor a loved one’s legacy—standing tall as a visible, enduring symbol of remembrance. For families seeking a traditional and meaningful tribute, upright headstones offer unmatched presence and personalization.
What Is an Upright Monument?

An upright monument is a vertical grave marker typically placed at the head of a burial plot. These monuments are often what people picture when they think of a classic headstone. Made from durable materials like granite, marble, or bronze, upright monuments provide space for names, dates, inscriptions, artwork, and custom features that reflect the life being celebrated.
Whether crafted for an individual, a couple, or an entire family, upright monuments can be designed to reflect personal values, religious beliefs, cultural identity, or cherished memories.
Types of Upright Monuments We Offer
We provide a wide range of upright monument styles to suit your preferences and budget:

Single Upright Monuments
These memorials honor one individual and can include custom designs, inscriptions, symbols, or etchings that capture their unique personality and story.
Companion Upright Monuments
Crafted for two people—often spouses or family members—companion monuments reflect a shared life journey. We offer many layout options for names, messages, and imagery.
Family Upright Monuments
Designed to honor multiple family members, family monuments often serve as a central tribute in a family plot. These larger monuments offer ample space for inscriptions and personalization.

High-Quality Materials for Lasting Beauty
Each of our upright monuments is built to endure the elements and stand strong for generations. Here are the most common materials we use:
Granite
Granite is a favorite for its durability, versatile color options, and ability to hold detailed engravings. We offer popular colors like Georgia Gray, Jet Black, Bahama Blue, Morning Rose, and more.
Marble
With its elegant veining and classic appearance, marble creates a refined, timeless look. It requires more maintenance than granite but offers stunning results when properly cared for.
Bronze (with Granite Base)
Bronze can be incorporated as a plaque or accent on an upright monument. Its warm, polished finish and artistic detail make it a popular choice for families who want a stately and classical tribute.
Personalizing an Upright Monument
Every family we serve has a unique story. We believe in creating upright monuments that reflect that individuality. Here are a few ways we help you personalize a tribute:
Custom Inscriptions
From simple names and dates to heartfelt epitaphs and quotes, our team will guide you in choosing words that bring meaning and comfort.
Granite Base
Add religious symbols, nature designs, military service emblems, or images that reflect hobbies and interests. Popular choices include crosses, praying hands, flowers, musical notes, and more.
Portrait Etchings & Porcelain Photos
Laser-etched portraits and porcelain photos bring a visual presence to the monument. Often etched directly into granite or recessed directly into the memorial, respectively, these photo styles account for a powerful and personal touch.
Cemetery Compliance and Installation Support
Every cemetery has its own rules regarding monument size, shape, and materials. We work directly with your cemetery to ensure the upright monument you select meets all guidelines. We’ll also handle the professional installation, so you can trust that everything is taken care of with respect and precision.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care helps preserve the beauty of your loved one’s monument:
- Granite: Use mild soap, water, and a soft brush to clean. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Marble: Requires gentle cleaning and periodic sealing to protect against staining.
- Bronze: Specialty cleaners and protective wax can restore shine and prevent oxidation.
Contact us for recommended cleaners to use when caring for your memorial.
What Does an Upright Monument Cost?
We offer transparent pricing and flexible packages to meet a wide range of needs. Final pricing depends on material, size, design complexity, and cemetery requirements.
Estimated ranges:
- Granite: $2,500 – $8,000+
- Marble: $3,000 – $10,000+
- Companion or Family Monuments: $3,500 – $10,000+
We’ll work with you to find an option that honors your loved one and respects your budget.
Why Families Across Ohio, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky Choose Stoltz Memorials
Choosing a memorial is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. At Stoltz Memorials, we offer more than just stone—we offer guidance, compassion, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
- Decades of experience with local cemeteries and memorial regulations
- Custom design services with digital previews and revisions
- Premium-quality materials and engraving techniques
- Local, family-first service with a national level of expertise
- Transparent pricing and support every step of the way
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Start Your Bronze Marker Design Today
If you’re considering an upright monument to commemorate your loved one, we’re here to help.
Visit stoltzmemorials.com or call today to speak with a friendly team member to discuss your memorial needs and options..
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.