One of the first questions families ask when arranging a memorial is: what will it cost? It’s a practical question, and it deserves a straightforward answer. At John Stonemart Memorials, we believe pricing should be transparent from the very first conversation — not something revealed only after a family has already committed emotionally to a design.

This guide explains how headstone and monument pricing is generally structured for both Melbourne and Sydney, covering the most common memorial types and the factors that move a quote up or down. Because every memorial is different, we don’t believe in publishing one-size-fits-all figures — instead, this guide gives you the context to understand what you’re paying for and why, so any quote you receive makes sense.

Arranging a memorial is rarely something families have done before, and it often comes at a time when energy and emotional bandwidth are already stretched thin. Understanding the basic categories of headstones and monuments, and what shapes their cost, makes the whole process feel far less overwhelming. Whether you’re planning ahead for a loved one, arranging a memorial shortly after a loss, or adding a second inscription to an existing monument, the same fundamentals apply.

Headstone & Monument Types in Melbourne

Lawn Headstones Melbourne

For Melbourne families placing a headstone in a garden setting — at a private residence, alongside a tree planted in memory, or as a cremation memorial — pricing reflects the grade of granite stone used, the inscription, and the custom size suited to the placement environment.

Single Monuments Melbourne

A single full monument in Melbourne — an upright granite stone for an individual burial plot at a cemetery — includes the stone, standard inscription, and installation by licensed stonemasons. Cemetery permit and foundation costs may be additional depending on the cemetery section.

Double Monuments Melbourne

A double full monument in Melbourne, designed to accommodate two tributes for a couple sharing a plot, requires a wider stone and dual inscription panels, which adds to the overall scope compared to a single monument. Many families commission a double monument with the first inscription complete and the second panel reserved for a later date.

Single Lawn Monument Melbourne

A single lawn monument in Melbourne is a lower-profile marker required by the lawn sections of many Melbourne cemeteries. A lower profile doesn’t mean lower craftsmanship — the same quality granite and precision engraving applies regardless.

Double Lawn Monument Melbourne

A double lawn monument in Melbourne is designed to accommodate two tributes within a single flat or low-profile stone, and is a considered choice for couples or family members sharing a lawn section plot. Pricing depends on size, granite selection, and design.

Headstone & Monument Types in Sydney

Lawn Headstones Sydney

For Sydney families placing a monument in a garden setting, pricing depends on the size of the stone, the granite selected, and the level of personalisation required.

Single Lawn Monument Sydney

A single lawn monument in Sydney is a lower-profile design suited to the lawn sections of Sydney cemeteries, which each have their own dimensional and material requirements that vary from site to site.

Double Lawn Monument Sydney

A double lawn monument in Sydney accommodates two tributes within a single flat or low-profile stone, and pricing depends on size, granite selection, and design.

Single Full Monument Sydney

A single full monument in Sydney is the standard upright granite monument installed at a Sydney cemetery plot, individually crafted to the family’s approved design.

Double Full Monument Sydney

A double full monument in Sydney is the most substantial category, reflecting the greatest variation in stone size, granite grade, and design complexity of all the monument types.

What Affects the Final Cost of a Monument?

Every family’s situation is different, and so is every monument. The following factors are the most common reasons a price moves from the lower end of a range to the higher end:

  • Cemetery Location — Different cemeteries in Melbourne and Sydney charge different permit, foundation, and installation fees, and some sections within the same cemetery cost more than others.
  • Monument Design — A custom monument with carved architectural details, relief artwork, or non-standard shaping costs more than a standard upright stone.
  • Granite & Material Selection — The colour and grade of granite directly affects material cost. Standard grey and absolute black granites sit at the lower end, while imported premium granites carry a higher cost.
  • Foundation Requirements — Some cemetery sections require a concrete foundation beneath the monument; others don’t, and this is confirmed upfront in any proper quote.
  • Extras and Additions — Ceramic photo medallions, hand-etched portrait artwork, bronze plaques, additional symbols, and multi-language inscriptions each carry their own cost beyond the base monument price.

These cost drivers are consistent across the memorial industry more broadly, which is why it’s worth asking any provider you speak with to walk you through each one before you commit to a design.

Understanding the Different Memorial Categories

It helps to understand the broad categories before narrowing down to a specific style. Lawn headstones and lawn monuments sit flush or close to the ground and are required in the lawn sections of most modern cemeteries — they suit a neat, uniform cemetery aesthetic and tend to be easier to maintain over time. Full monuments, by contrast, are the traditional upright headstones most people picture when they think of a cemetery memorial, and they’re generally found in the older “monumental” sections of a cemetery where upright stones are permitted.

Within both categories, the single-versus-double decision usually comes down to whether the plot is intended for one person or a couple. Many families choose a double monument or double lawn memorial even when only one person has passed, so that the second name and date can simply be added later without needing to source a new matching stone. This is a popular approach because matching granite exactly years apart can be difficult, and planning ahead avoids that problem altogether.

Beyond these standard categories, many families look for memorials that reflect specific cultural or religious traditions — Asian-style monuments, Muslim monuments, and other culturally specific designs each follow particular conventions around shape, orientation, and inscription. A good monumental mason will be familiar with these traditions and can guide you through cemetery requirements that may apply specifically to these memorial types.

The Process of Ordering a Monument

Once you’ve settled on the type of memorial, the practical process generally follows a consistent path. First, the cemetery plot and any site-specific requirements are confirmed — this includes permitted dimensions, foundation rules, and any permits needed before installation can proceed. Next comes the design conversation: choosing the granite colour and finish, deciding on the shape and any additional artwork, and finalising the wording of the inscription.

From there, the stone is sourced, cut, and engraved — a process that typically takes several weeks depending on the complexity of the design and the granite chosen. Installation is then scheduled directly with the cemetery, and a qualified stonemason handles the transport, foundation work (where required), and final placement. Throughout this process, a reputable provider will keep you informed at each stage, particularly around timing, since memorials often need to be ready for an anniversary, unveiling, or other significant date.

Caring for a Monument Over Time

A well-installed granite monument requires very little upkeep, but a small amount of regular care helps preserve both its appearance and its longevity. Periodic cleaning with warm water and a soft brush removes surface dirt, moss, and lichen without damaging the polish or engraving. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as these can degrade the stone’s surface or discolour the granite over time.

Over many years, even high-quality stone can settle slightly, particularly in older cemetery sections without modern foundation standards. If a monument has shifted, sunk, or cracked, it’s worth having it assessed and re-levelled by a qualified mason rather than leaving it, both for safety and to prevent further movement. Inscriptions that have faded due to age or weather exposure can also be re-cut, and ceramic photo plaques can be replaced if damaged, allowing an older memorial to be brought back to its original condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to have a monument installed?

Timeframes vary by cemetery and design complexity, but most monuments are completed and installed within a few months of finalising the design. Custom or highly detailed monuments can take longer.

Can a second inscription be added later?

Yes. This is common practice for double monuments and double lawn memorials, where the first inscription is completed and the stone is later reopened to add a second name and date.

Do all cemeteries allow upright headstones?

Not always. Many modern cemetery sections are designated as lawn-only, meaning only flush or low-profile memorials are permitted. It’s important to confirm this with the cemetery before settling on a design.

What’s the difference between granite and marble?

Granite is denser, more weather-resistant, and better suited to outdoor Australian conditions over the long term, while marble offers a softer, more traditional look but generally requires more maintenance and is more prone to weathering.

Why a Monument Is Worth the Investment

Choosing a monument isn’t just a practical decision — it’s a lasting one. For families weighing up the cost, here are four reasons a well-made gravestone is worth the investment.

Built to Last Generations

A quality granite or marble monument can stand for a century or more without losing structural integrity or inscription clarity. Granite is non-porous, frost-resistant, and UV-stable, holding up in Australian outdoor conditions far longer than most alternatives.

Designed to Reflect a Life

A monument doesn’t need to look like every other stone in the cemetery. From single and double monuments to Asian monuments, Muslim monuments, custom monuments, and lawn headstones, families have the freedom to create something that genuinely reflects the person being remembered.

Simple to Maintain

Most monuments require only routine cleaning with warm water and a soft cloth to stay in good condition. Beyond that, restoration work — re-cutting a faded inscription, replacing a ceramic photo, or repairing structural damage — is available when needed.

A Place for Families to Return To

A permanent monument gives families, and future generations, a fixed place to visit and connect with their history — a physical acknowledgement that someone was here, was loved, and will not be forgotten.

Why Get Your Quote from John Stonemart Memorials?

With over 30 years of experience producing monuments across Melbourne and Sydney, we know what fair pricing looks like — and what it doesn’t. Every quote from John Stonemart is fully itemised, obligation-free, and confirmed in writing before any production begins.

  • 9 showrooms across Melbourne (Springvale, Dandenong, Thomastown, Nunawading, Brooklyn, Dandenong South) and Sydney (Rookwood, Liverpool)
  • Free, itemised quotes — every cost confirmed in writing before any work begins
  • Licensed stonemasons carrying out all installations
  • Full management of approvals and installation across all VIC and NSW cemeteries
  • Multilingual team — Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Greek, and Italian speakers across our locations
  • Most monuments completed and installed within 3–4 months, with our contract allowing up to 6 months for any unforeseen circumstances
  • Direct access to our overseas quarries and factories ensures superior quality control, competitive pricing, and consistent craftsmanship on every monument.
  • Most monuments are completed and installed within 3–4 months. Our contract allows up to 6 months to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances while maintaining our quality standards.

Ready to Discuss Pricing? Contact Us.

Pricing a monument properly takes a conversation — one that accounts for the cemetery, the design, the family’s wishes, and the materials available. Our consultants across Melbourne and Sydney are available to walk through all of that with you, in person, at no cost and with no pressure. Call 1300 696 896 or email [email protected], and we’ll talk you through your options and answer every question you have.