Bench Headstones and Memorial Benches: Designs and Costs

What Is a Memorial Bench?

A memorial bench, also called a bench headstone or bench memorial, is a granite or stone bench that serves as both a grave marker and a place for visitors to sit and reflect. It is one of the six main headstone types, alongside flat markers, bevel markers, slant headstones, upright headstones, and ledger stones.

Memorial benches are typically made from granite, which offers exceptional durability and weather resistance. They can be placed in cemeteries, memorial gardens, parks, or family estates. The bench provides a functional seating area while also serving as a permanent memorial inscribed with the person's name, dates, and a meaningful message.

Families often choose a memorial bench because it creates a welcoming space where future generations can sit and remember their loved one. Benches are also used to memorialize multiple family members, with space for several names and dates on a single stone.

Bench Headstone Design Options

Bench headstone designs range from simple, clean-lined seats to elaborate memorials with backrests, decorative legs, and integrated features.

Common bench styles:

• Flat Bench: A simple polished granite slab seat supported by solid granite legs or pedestals. Clean and timeless, suitable for any cemetery setting.
• Bench with Backrest: A bench with a full upright back that provides comfortable support and additional surface area for inscriptions. The backrest can be engraved with names, dates, and messages.
• Scroll-End Bench: Features rolled or scroll-shaped edges that add a classic, sculptural touch. Often paired with integrated vases.
• Pedestal Bench: A hybrid design with bench seating supported by a single granite leg on one end and a cremation pedestal on the other. Can hold up to four urns in the pedestal.
• European-Inspired Bench: A more decorative style with a single granite support that has been hollowed out to hold ashes of two to four loved ones. Common in family estates.
• Panel Bench: A classic cremation bench with a base and removable panel. The side is removed to place ashes, and it offers more surface space for personalization.
• Straight-Leg Cremation Bench: The legs are straight up and down, and the polished granite seat comes off so ashes can be placed in a hollowed leg. Designed for one or two loved ones.

Benches are available in lengths of 36, 48, and 60 inches, with many leg and seat style options. Some families choose a bench with integrated flower vases, while others prefer a simpler design with more engraving space.

Memorial Benches With Engraved Plaques

Engraving transforms a memorial bench from a simple seat into a personal tribute. The seat, front edge, backrest, and base surfaces all provide space for inscriptions.

What can be engraved on a memorial bench:

• Name: The person's full legal name or nickname.
• Dates: Birth and death dates, and optionally a wedding or milestone date.
• Epitaph or Quote: A short message, poem, verse, or favorite saying.
• Family Names: The names of children, grandchildren, or other family members.
• Portraits: Laser-etched images of the person, often placed on the seat or backrest.
• Emblems and Symbols: Religious symbols, military emblems, or hobby icons.

Bronze plaques: Some memorial benches include a cast bronze plaque mounted on the seat or backrest. Bronze plaques offer raised lettering and emblems that stand out clearly and resist weathering. They are often used on benches placed in public parks or memorial gardens where granite engraving may not be permitted.

Engraving options: Memorial bench engraving can be done by sandblasting, laser etching, or hand carving. The method depends on the level of detail required and the material of the bench. Laser etching is ideal for portraits and fine designs, while sandblasting is suitable for bold lettering and simple symbols.

Materials, Shapes and Finishes

Granite is the most common material for memorial benches due to its durability, weather resistance, and wide range of colors. It is an igneous rock that is extremely hard and dense, making it ideal for outdoor memorials that must withstand the elements for generations.

Granite colors: Memorial benches are available in a wide range of granite colors, from Absolute Black and Bahama Blue to gray, mahogany, and other shades. The color you choose affects both the appearance and the cost, with rare or imported colors costing more.

Other materials: Some memorial benches are made from marble, which offers a classic appearance but is softer and weathers faster than granite. Bronze elements can be incorporated into granite benches, such as bronze plaques or decorative accents. Teak and other hardwoods are sometimes used for memorial benches in parks and gardens, offering a warm, natural appearance.

Finishes:

• Polished: A glossy, reflective surface that shows engraving clearly and is easy to clean.
• Honed or Matte: A softer, non-reflective finish that reduces glare and creates an understated appearance.
• Sandblasted: A textured finish often used for lettering and designs.
• Rock Pitch or Natural Edge: A rough, unpolished edge that contrasts with polished surfaces.

Shapes and features: Memorial benches come in many shapes, from simple rectangular seats to benches with curved edges, scroll ends, and decorative leg profiles. Some benches include integrated vases for flowers, while others have a built-in base for stability. The overall shape should complement the cemetery setting and provide comfortable seating.

Cremation Memorial Benches

Cremation benches are a specialized type of memorial bench designed to hold cremation ashes securely inside the bench structure. They serve as both a memorial and a final resting place for ashes.

How cremation benches work: Cremation benches have hollow legs, pedestals, or niches where cremation urns are placed. Depending on the design, the seat may be removable, or a side panel may open to allow access to the interior chamber. Once the urns are placed inside, the bench is sealed and the ashes remain securely stored within the memorial.

Capacity: Most cremation benches hold the ashes of two to four family members. Larger benches with multiple niches can accommodate more. It is important to note that each style of bench requires a specific type and size of urn, and they do not usually hold the large decorative urns that families may display at home.

Types of cremation benches:

• Straight-Leg Bench: Simple design with straight legs, typically holds one or two loved ones. The seat comes off and ashes are placed in a hollowed leg.
• European-Inspired Bench: A single granite support hollowed to hold ashes of two to four loved ones. Common in family estates.
• Panel Bench: A base with a removable panel on the side for placing ashes. Offers more surface space for personalization.
• Pedestal Bench: A hybrid design with bench seating on one end and a cremation pedestal on the other, holding up to four urns.

Personalizing cremation benches: Engraving is limited only by the amount of space on the bench. Families can include names, dates, verses, and even a likeness of the person. Some benches also accommodate porcelain portraits or decorative granite toppers such as an angel, eagle, butterfly, or wedding rings.

Where cremation benches are placed: Cremation benches are typically installed in cremation gardens, memorial parks, or other designated spots in a cemetery. Some families also place them on private property or in memorial gardens. They can also mark the place where ashes have been buried or scattered.

Memorial Bench Costs and Installation

Memorial bench costs vary significantly based on the type of bench, material, size, and level of customization. The table below shows typical price ranges.

Additional costs to plan for:

• Shipping: Memorial benches are heavy, so shipping charges can be significant. Imported granite benches may take up to six months to be ready for placement.
• Installation: Installation costs vary by cemetery and bench size. Some cemeteries require their own staff to install benches, while others allow approved contractors.
• Cemetery Fees: Many cemeteries charge a fee for placing a memorial bench. The fee may include purchase, memorial plate, carriage, and installation if the cemetery orders the bench on behalf of the purchaser.
• Endowment Care: Some cemeteries charge endowment care fees for the ongoing maintenance of the area around the bench.
• Engraving: Additional engraving beyond the included text is charged per character or by design complexity.

Ways to manage costs: Planning ahead and purchasing a bench at today's prices can avoid future price increases. Choosing a standard design and limiting engraving to essential information can also reduce the total cost.

Cemetery Rules for Memorial Benches

Cemetery rules regarding memorial benches vary widely, and it is essential to check with the cemetery before purchasing a bench. Some cemeteries allow families to purchase benches from approved vendors, while others require all benches to be ordered through the cemetery office.

Common cemetery rules for memorial benches:

• Approved Vendors: Some cemeteries only allow memorial monuments from certain vendors who are their authorized partners. Families must purchase through these approved sources.
• Purchase Through Cemetery: Many cemeteries require that benches be purchased through the cemetery office. The cost typically includes the bench, memorial plate, carriage, and installation.
• Style and Material Restrictions: Cemeteries may restrict the style, color, and material of benches to maintain a uniform appearance. Natural stone in gray, black, or white is often required, and colored or soft stone may be prohibited.
• Placement Restrictions: Benches may only be allowed in certain sections, such as cremation gardens or memorial parks. Some cemeteries do not allow benches at all.
• Maintenance Responsibility: The purchaser may be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the bench after installation. The cemetery reserves the right to remove any bench that is unsafe or dangerous.
• Application Process: Some cemeteries require an application form with a detailed sketch and dimensions of the proposed bench, along with the grave owner's consent, before approval is granted.

Verifying cemetery rules: Before purchasing a memorial bench, contact the cemetery office and ask about the following: whether benches are allowed, whether they must be purchased through the cemetery, what styles and materials are permitted, where benches can be placed, and what fees apply.

Bench Headstones and Memorial Benches: What Families Should Know

When considering a memorial bench, keep these practical points in mind:

• Memorial benches serve as both a grave marker and a place for visitors to sit and reflect.
• Granite is the most durable and popular material for memorial benches.
• Cremation benches have hollow legs or niches to hold ashes securely inside.
• Standard granite benches start around $1,899, while premium designs can exceed $10,000.
• Cemetery rules for benches vary widely and must be checked before purchasing.
• Shipping, installation, and cemetery fees are often charged separately.
• Engraving can include names, dates, quotes, portraits, and symbols.
• Planning ahead can lock in today's prices and avoid future increases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bench Headstones and Memorial Benches

What is a bench headstone?

A bench headstone, also called a memorial bench or bench memorial, is a granite or stone bench that serves as both a grave marker and a place to sit. It is inscribed with the person's name, dates, and a message. Bench memorials are one of the six main headstone types, alongside flat, bevel, slant, upright, and ledger markers.

How much does a memorial bench cost?

Memorial bench costs vary by material, size, and customization. Granite bench memorials typically range from $1,899 to $3,600 for standard designs. Premium benches with backrests, integrated vases, or scroll ends can cost $4,000 to $10,000 or more. Larger cremation benches with multiple niches and decorative elements can exceed $15,000. Shipping, installation, and cemetery fees are usually charged separately.

Can memorial benches include engraved names?

Yes. Memorial benches can be engraved with the person's name, birth and death dates, a verse or quote, and other personal messages. The seat, front edge, backrest, and base surfaces all provide space for engraving. Some benches also accommodate laser-etched portraits or decorative designs.

Are cremation benches suitable for ashes?

Yes. Cremation benches are specifically designed with hollow legs, pedestals, or niches to hold cremation ashes or urns securely inside the bench structure. They typically hold the ashes of two to four family members. Each style of cremation bench requires a specific type and size of urn, and they do not usually accommodate large decorative urns.

Can you install a memorial bench in any cemetery?

No. Cemetery rules vary widely regarding memorial benches. Some cemeteries only allow benches purchased through the cemetery office, while others permit families to purchase benches from approved vendors. Many cemeteries restrict bench placement to specific sections, and some do not allow benches at all. Always check with the cemetery before purchasing a bench.

Final Thoughts

Bench headstones and memorial benches offer a unique and thoughtful way to honor a loved one. Unlike traditional headstones, a memorial bench provides a functional space where family and friends can sit, reflect, and remember. Granite is the most durable and popular material, and cremation benches offer a secure resting place for ashes. Costs range from under $2,000 for a simple granite bench to over $15,000 for elaborate designs with multiple niches and decorative features. By checking cemetery rules, choosing a design that reflects your loved one's personality, and planning ahead, you can create a lasting memorial that brings comfort for generations.