The cost of a headstone in Glasgow depends mostly on its size, the granite, the shape and the amount of lettering, with the council permit fee, fixing and VAT on top of that. Two prices that look far apart can turn out to be close once everything is added in. The most useful thing you can ask any mason for is one figure that includes everything.
Why is it hard to find a straight answer on headstone prices?
Because no two memorials are quite the same. A small marker with a name and two dates is a very different piece of work from a tall Celtic cross with a long verse, a photograph and a carved rose. Every cemetery also has its own rules, which can affect the size and foundation a stone needs.
There is a second reason, and it is less comfortable. Some prices are made to look low by leaving things out. The stone is quoted on its own, and the lettering, the permit fee or the VAT appear later. We would rather explain what goes into the cost, so that you can compare prices fairly, wherever you choose to go.
What affects the cost of a headstone?
These are the things that make the real difference, roughly in order of how much they tend to matter.
- Size. Taller, wider and thicker stones use more granite and take longer to cut and polish. The cemetery may set limits, so this is often decided for you in part.
- The granite. Different granites come from different quarries and vary in cost. Polished black, Vizac Blue, tropical green and rustic Scottish granite each have their own character. Our guide to granite colours explains how they differ.
- Shape. A simple ogee or half-round top is straightforward to make. Hearts, open books and Celtic crosses involve more shaping and more hand finishing.
- Carving and decoration. A carved rose, a cross or other ornament adds skilled time at the bench.
- Lettering. How many letters there are, and how they are finished: gilt, silver or another method. Longer inscriptions take longer to set out and cut.
- Photography. A photograph set into the stone is a separate piece of work.
- The vase. Many families want flowers at the grave, and a granite vase or a flower insert for the base is usually part of the design.
- Foundation. Councils set rules on how a memorial must be fixed so that it stays safe and stable. The right foundation depends on the stone and the cemetery.
- Delivery and fixing. The stone has to be taken to the cemetery and set properly by people who know the work.
- The council permit fee. Every new memorial needs permission from the council that runs the cemetery, and most councils charge a fee for it.
- VAT. This applies to the price and should always be shown clearly.
Where do hidden charges usually appear?
Most surprises come from the same few places. If a price seems lower than others, it is worth checking whether any of these have been left out.
| Item | How it is sometimes left out |
|---|---|
| Lettering | Charged per letter, on top of the stone price |
| Council permit fee | Added as a separate charge later |
| VAT | Prices quoted without it |
| Vase | Treated as an optional extra |
| Photo plaque | Priced separately from the memorial |
| Delivery and fixing | Not mentioned until the stone is ready |
Lettering charged per letter is the one we hear about most often. A family chooses a verse they love, and only then finds that each word has added to the bill. Nobody should have to count letters while choosing words for someone they have lost.
What should be included in a headstone price?
A fair price should cover everything needed to see the memorial standing at the grave, with nothing left to add. Ours includes:
- the stone itself, cut, shaped and polished
- all of the lettering, however long the inscription
- photography, if you would like a photograph on the stone
- the vase
- delivery to the cemetery
- the council permit fee
- VAT
That is one figure, and it is the figure you pay. We also deal with the council permit ourselves, so there is no form for you to fill in. You can read more about how that works in our page on cemetery rules and permits around Glasgow.
What questions should I ask a memorial mason?
Whoever you speak to, these questions will help you compare like with like. A good mason will be glad to answer them.
- Is this price for everything, or for the stone only?
- Is all of the lettering included, or is it charged per letter?
- Is the council permit fee included, and will you apply for the permit?
- Does the price include VAT?
- Is a vase included? What about a photograph, if we want one?
- Are delivery, the foundation and fixing included?
- Will I see a drawing of the finished memorial before anything is cut?
- Does the design meet the rules for this particular cemetery?
- Is there anything at all that could be added to this price later?
Ask for the answers in writing. It protects you, and it protects the mason too.
How can I keep the cost down without it feeling like less?
A memorial does not need to be large to be right. Some of the most moving stones we make are simple. A few things that can help:
- A plain, well proportioned shape often looks more dignified than an elaborate one.
- A smaller stone, or a marker, can suit some lairs and some families better. Our markers are made with the same care as a full headstone.
- Words can be few. The name and dates, with one short line, can say a great deal. Our headstone wording ideas may help.
- If a second name may be added one day, we can leave space for it now, so the stone does not need to be replaced or extended later.
If a particular budget matters, tell us at the start. We would much rather design something good within it than show you things you will not choose.
Can I see the options before deciding?
Yes, and we think it helps. Granite looks different in daylight than it does in a photograph, and it is easier to judge size when you are standing beside a stone. Our display yard has memorials in each of our granites and many of our shapes. You are welcome to walk round on your own, and nobody will follow you. If you would like to understand the steps from first conversation to the finished stone, our process page sets them out.
Talk to us about a price
Our family has been in the memorial trade in Glasgow since 1927, and we have always believed a family should know the full cost before they commit to anything. Ask us for a price and you will get one figure, with everything in it.
You can call us on 0141 762 3733, or visit our display yard at 5 Crosshill Road, Bishopbriggs, G64 2PZ, by Strathkelvin Retail Park. There is parking at the yard and no appointment is needed.
Questions families often ask
Why can't you show headstone prices online?
Every memorial is different, and the cemetery's rules can affect the size and foundation. We would rather give you one accurate figure for the stone you actually want than a range that may not apply.
Do I have to pay the council permit fee separately?
Not with us. The council permit fee is included in our price, and we apply for the permit on your behalf.
Is a granite vase included in the price?
Yes. The vase is part of the one figure we give you, along with the stone, all lettering, photography, delivery, the permit fee and VAT.
Does a longer inscription cost more?
Some masons charge per letter, so a longer inscription adds to the bill. Our price includes all of the lettering, so you can choose the words without counting them.
Can I get a price before visiting the yard?
Yes. Call us on 0141 762 3733 or email sales@charleslipton.co.uk with an idea of what you have in mind, and we will talk it through with you.
Written by Charles Lipton, third-generation memorial mason with forty years in the trade. The Lipton family has made and cared for memorials across Glasgow since 1927. Read our story.