Headstone
The upright stone that carries the name and inscription.
Polished granite, 80 mm thick: 700 × 500, 800 × 500, 800 × 700, 900 × 800 or 1000 × 700 mm.
Memorial guide
What does a tombstone cost?
A tombstone is priced by what it is made of: which parts, how big, and how much engraving. Here is how those choices add up — so you can plan with confidence.
Every family’s memorial is different, which is why we don’t publish a single tombstone price. What we can do is explain exactly what you are paying for — so you can choose the memorial you want, and know what to ask any supplier.
The Tombstone Library at our Northriding warehouse in Randburg holds polished granite headstones, bases, kerb sets and ledgers. You’re welcome to see them in person, or to ask us for photos, sizes and a written quote on WhatsApp — at whatever pace suits you.
The parts of a tombstone
Base
The plinth the headstone stands on.
800 × 250 × 250 mm or 910 × 250 × 250 mm.
Kerb set
Long and short kerbs that outline the grave.
1960 × 80 × 150 mm (long) and 910 × 80 × 150 mm (short).
Ledger
A full-length slab that covers the grave.
2040 × 850 × 50 mm, polished granite.
Common memorial designs
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Headstone and base
The simplest upright memorial: a polished headstone on a granite base at the head of the grave.
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Headstone, base and kerbs
The headstone and base, with a kerb set outlining the grave in front of them.
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Full memorial
Headstone, base and kerbs with a granite ledger covering the whole grave — the most complete, and the most granite.
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Double and child memorials
A memorial for a couple, or for a child’s grave, is sized to suit. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll work out the components with you.
What changes the price
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Which components
Every piece is more granite and more work, so a headstone and base costs less than a full memorial with kerbs and a ledger.
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The size of the headstone
A 1000 × 700 mm headstone uses far more granite than a 700 × 500 mm one — and gives you more room for the inscription.
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The engraving
How much wording there is, the lettering style, and any imagery. Every memorial we supply can be custom engraved.
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Delivery and placement
Where the cemetery is, and what it requires. Some cemeteries set rules on a memorial’s size or type, or need approval before one is placed — ask early, and we’ll guide you.
Choosing the words? Our tombstone wording guide has examples for a mother, father, child or couple, faith verses and “rest in peace” in South African languages.
For tombstone makers
We supply headstones, ledgers, bases and kerb sets to tombstone makers and funeral businesses at wholesale pricing — cut to size, ready for installation and delivered by crane truck to your premises.
Ask for trade pricing How much does a tombstone cost in South Africa?
It depends on the components you choose (headstone, base, kerbs, ledger), the size of the headstone and the engraving. A headstone and base costs less than a full memorial with a kerb set and ledger. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll give you a clear written quote — in person or on WhatsApp.
What is the difference between a headstone and a tombstone?
People use the words interchangeably. Strictly, the headstone is the upright stone that carries the inscription, while “tombstone” often means the whole memorial — the headstone and base, and sometimes a kerb set and a ledger covering the grave.
What is a ledger on a grave?
A ledger is a flat slab that covers the whole grave. Ours are polished granite, 2040 × 850 × 50 mm, and are usually combined with a headstone, base and kerb set as a full memorial.
What is a kerb set?
A kerb set is the border of long and short granite kerbs that outlines the grave. Ours are polished granite, 80 × 150 mm in section, with long kerbs of 1960 mm and short kerbs of 910 mm.
Do you engrave tombstones?
Yes. Every memorial can be custom engraved, and we help with the wording, the lettering style and any imagery.
Can tombstone makers buy components wholesale?
Yes. Tombstone makers and funeral businesses buy headstones, ledgers, bases and kerb sets from us at wholesale pricing — cut to size, ready for installation and delivered by crane truck to your premises.
Do you deliver tombstones outside Johannesburg?
Yes. We serve families across Johannesburg, Randburg, Soweto and Pretoria and can arrange delivery further afield, with guidance on your cemetery’s requirements.
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Free, no-obligation quotes
Visit the Tombstone Library in Randburg, or send us a WhatsApp — we’ll share photos, sizes and a clear written quote, at your pace.
Fast replies during business hours.