Flat Headstones & Flat Grave Markers
A flat marker rests level with the lawn, meeting cemetery rules while still capturing a life in lasting bronze or granite. Fram Monument has designed, cast, and carved these memorials for families across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia since 1922, checking every design against your cemetery's requirements before it's made.
Bronze or granite?
Both sit flush with the grass, but each solves a slightly different need. Your cemetery's rules usually narrow this down for you.
Bronze Marker
A cast bronze plaque set on a granite base and mounted flush with the ground. Bronze holds fine detail well and is the standard many memorial parks require.
Granite Marker
A single slab of solid granite, engraved or sandblasted and set flush with the grass. Can be color-matched to a family's existing monuments.
How much does a flat grave marker cost?
Because every Fram Monument marker is custom designed and cast or carved in house, we quote each family individually rather than publishing a fixed price list. As a general guide, here are typical ranges.
| Marker Type | Typical Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small Granite Flat Marker | 18″ x 10″ x 4″ | $995 – $1,750 |
| Standard Granite Flat Marker | 24″ x 12″ x 4″ | $1,295 – $2,000 |
| Larger Granite Flat Marker | 28″ x 16″ x 4″ | $1,500 – $2,600 |
| Granite Marker with Vase | 28″ x 18″ x 4″ | $1,750 – $2,795+ |
| Single Bronze Marker (Granite Base) | ≈24″ x 14″ | $2,500 – $3,000+ |
| Companion Bronze Marker | ≈40″ – 48″ wide | $3,995 – $6,000+ |
| Companion Granite Marker | 48″ x 18″ x 4″ | $3,000 – $4,500+ |
This table is a general guide only. Your exact price depends on size, material, and personalization, and will be confirmed by a design consultant.
Individual or companion placement
Beyond bronze and granite, a flat memorial is also chosen by how many graves it covers.
Individual Marker
A single marker set over one grave, most often 24 x 12 inches in bronze or granite. The most common option, and usually the least expensive.
Companion Marker
One wider marker spanning two adjoining plots, so a couple can share a single memorial. Many families engrave one name now and add the second later.
Two design directions, both fully yours
Every piece we build is made to order. These are starting points, not fixed templates.
Traditional Flat MemorialsTraditional
A classic rectangular bronze or granite marker in a polished or rock-pitch finish, with a beveled edge, a single vase cup, and traditional serif lettering. This is the most common style, and meets the requirements of nearly every memorial park section.
Contemporary Flat MemorialsContemporary
Softer or sculpted edges, dual-tone granite borders, laser-etched photography, and less conventional shapes such as ovals or hearts, for families who want the memorial to reflect a specific interest or personality.
Choosing inscriptions for a flat marker
A flat marker has less surface than an upright monument, so the best layouts stay simple. Most families work from the same handful of building blocks:
- Full name and birth & death years, or dates left blank to add later
- A relationship line, such as "Beloved Husband & Wife" or "Forever Loved"
- A short epitaph or verse
- A family surname, for companion or family markers
- Religious, military, or fraternal symbols placed above or beside the name
Your design consultant will proof the full layout with you, so spacing stays even even if a second name is added years later.
From consultation to installation
Consultation
Meet a design consultant in person at our Annapolis, Baltimore, or Rockville showroom, or schedule a virtual consultation.
Design & Proofing
Our in-house team designs your marker and walks you through a detailed proof showing wording, dates, and artwork before production begins.
In-House Casting & Carving
Bronze markers are cast and granite is carved entirely in our own facility, start to finish.
Installation
Our own crews set your marker flush to your cemetery's specifications and remain available for care and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flat grave markers can be made from bronze or stone. A bronze grave marker that lies flat uses a cast plaque, while a flat headstone made from stone has the lettering applied directly to the surface. The best choice depends on the materials, appearance, and cost you prefer.
Some memorial parks require lawn-level markers so the memorial lies level with the surrounding lawn and maintains a uniform appearance. Flat headstones are often permitted in these sections because they are simpler to maintain than taller styles. Fram Monument confirms cemetery compatibility before production.
Yes. A flat grave memorial can be planned with space for another inscription or date to be added later. The layout is prepared in advance so the finished stone remains balanced over time.
Yes. Flat markers can be personalized with different materials, lettering styles, emblems, symbols, and finishes. Color choices may include black, blue-gray, or other stone tones, depending on what is permitted at the burial site.
Flat headstones require less ongoing maintenance than upright monuments in many settings. Clean water, mild soap, and a soft brush are usually enough; if you use a new cleaner, test it on a small area first. Avoid bleach, wire brushes, and pressure washing.
Both can last for generations with basic care. A well-maintained headstone or grave marker can retain its appearance for many years, while bronze may naturally develop a darker patina over time.
Reach out through the contact form on our site or call your nearest showroom. A consultant can help you compare flat headstones, flat grave markers, available materials, personalization options, cost, and the next steps for your memorial.