Upright headstones
Upright headstones — also called tablet or monument headstones — stand vertically on a separate base. They provide the largest visible surface, which makes them the best choice for detailed engraving, portraits, dual inscriptions, and sculptural elements such as crosses, angels, or floral relief. Because they are the most prominent format, they are the traditional standard for family memorials.
Flat (grave) markers
Flat markers lie level with or just above the ground. They deliver a clean, understated appearance and are frequently required in lawn-style cemeteries and memorial parks because they allow uninterrupted mowing and maintenance. They offer less space for design than upright stones but remain a durable, cost-effective option.
Slant markers
Slant markers stand upright at an angle, presenting the inscription face toward the viewer without the full height of a monument. The angled face improves readability compared with a flat marker while keeping a lower, more compact profile. They typically sit directly on the ground or on a small base.
Bevel markers
Bevel markers — sometimes called pillow markers — rise a few inches above ground level with a gently sloped top. They sit between flat and slant markers: more visible and dimensional than a flush marker, but lower and more subtle than a slant or upright. The raised, angled face sheds water and improves inscription legibility.
Ledger headstones
A ledger is a large, flat slab that covers the full length of the grave. Historically associated with churchyards and heritage cemeteries, ledgers make a strong, formal statement and provide generous space for extended inscriptions. They are heavier and require a suitable foundation.
How to choose the right type
Start with the cemetery’s rules — many lawn cemeteries permit only flat or bevel markers, while others allow full uprights in designated sections. Then weigh the design and inscription space you need against the budget and the visual statement the family wants. When in doubt, confirm the permitted dimensions and marker types with the cemetery before finalizing a design.
H Stones supplies all of these formats — uprights, flat markers, slant and bevel markers, and specialty monuments — in over 40 granite types, with custom sizes available for specific cemetery requirements.
