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 Marker on Granite Base
Bronze Marker with Flower Vase
Bronze Marker with Religious Emblem
Companion Bronze Marker
Traditional Bronze Marker
Granite Flat Marker, Grey
Granite Flat Marker with Vase
Granite Marker, Rock-Pitch Edge
Granite Companion Marker
Granite Marker with Emblem
Red Granite Flat Marker
Rose Granite Flat Marker
White Marble Flat Marker
Black Granite Flat Marker
Double Heart Companion Marker
Heart-Shaped Flat Marker
Flat Marker with Portrait
Flat Marker with Floral Engraving
Flat Marker with Nature Scene
Flat Marker with Custom Artwork
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.
Popular flat marker design ideas
A starting point for your own consultation. Every one of these can be adjusted in shape, material, and wording.
Vase Attachment
A bronze or granite vase built into the marker for fresh or artificial flowers.
Photo & Portrait Etching
A fine laser-etched photo or portrait added to the corner or center of the marker.
Scenic or Floral Border
A laser-etched tree, dove, floral spray, or landscape framing the inscription.
Dual-Tone Granite Accent
A contrasting granite color inlaid around the edge or as a decorative panel.
Religious or Fraternal Emblem
A cross, praying hands, Star of David, or fraternal emblem cast or carved above the inscription.
Infant & Child Memorial Marker
A smaller-format bronze or granite marker, sized and priced for a child's grave, made with the same care as any family memorial.
Themed Child's Marker
A design created around what a child loved, such as a favorite toy, character silhouette, or playful border, alongside the inscription.
Butterfly Engraving
A laser-etched butterfly or pair of butterflies, a gentle, widely chosen motif for a peaceful memorial.
Sailing Tribute
An etched sailboat or nautical scene for someone who loved time on the water.
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
A bronze marker is a cast bronze plaque set on a granite base, while a granite marker is a single slab of solid granite that's engraved or sandblasted directly. Bronze holds fine detail and raised lettering well; granite is generally the more budget-friendly option.
Many memorial parks and newer cemetery sections require flat, ground-level markers for a uniform appearance and easier lawn maintenance. Fram Monument confirms your specific cemetery's rules before production.
Yes. Many families order a companion marker with one name and date engraved and the second pre-carved but left blank, to be dated later. Let your design consultant know you'd like this option.
Yes. All of our flat markers are custom designed, including granite color, bronze finish, lettering style, and any emblems or etching.
Both need very little upkeep. Clean water, mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth are usually enough. Avoid bleach, wire brushes, or pressure washing, which can dull granite's polish and damage bronze's finish.
Both are built to last for generations with basic care. Bronze naturally develops a darker patina outdoors over time, which is normal aging rather than damage.
Reach out through the contact form on our site or call your nearest showroom. A design consultant will walk you through styles, personalization options, and next steps for your family.