Tombstones in South Africa
Quality Granite Memorials, Built to Honour a Life
When you lose someone close to you, choosing their tombstone is one of the most personal decisions you will ever make. It is not just a piece of granite — it is a permanent tribute, a place where memories are kept alive, and a way of saying that a life mattered.
At Mkhonto Tombstones, we manufacture and install quality granite tombstones for families across South Africa, with honest pricing and craftsmanship built to last.
Explore Our Full Tombstone Range
This page gives you the complete overview of what we offer, but if you are looking for something more specific, these dedicated pages go into greater depth:
Dedicated headstone options sized and styled for children’s memorials.
The complete range of upright headstone designs for adult memorials.
Gentle, age-appropriate designs and pricing for infants and young children.
Our full range of traditional and contemporary adult memorial designs.
Our Tombstone Range
Every family’s needs are different, which is why we offer a wide range of tombstone styles. Below is an overview of what we manufacture – if you would like more detail on a specific category, follow the links to our dedicated pages.
Single Tombstones
A single tombstone is designed for one grave and remains the most commonly requested memorial style in South Africa.
- Who it suits: Individuals, smaller budgets, or families who prefer a simple, dignified design.
- Features: Upright or flat granite designs with space for a name, dates, and a short personal message.
- Benefits: Cost-effective without compromising on quality or durability.
- Material options: Black, grey, and other granite colours, depending on availability.
- Customisation: Engraved lettering, ceramic photo plaques, religious symbols, and decorative borders.
Double Tombstones
A double tombstone is built to cover two graves, often chosen for married couples or close family members buried side by side.
- Who it suits: Couples, siblings, or parents sharing a burial plot.
- Features: A wider granite memorial with space for two names, two sets of dates, and a shared epitaph.
- Benefits: Symbolically unites two lives on one memorial, and is often more cost-effective than two separate tombstones.
- Material options: Matching or contrasting granite tones, depending on the design you choose.
- Customisation: Dual engraving, shared family surnames, and decorative centrepieces.
Granite Tombstones
“Granite tombstones” refers broadly to any tombstone crafted from natural granite – the material we use across almost our entire range, because of its strength and timeless finish.
- Who it suits: Families who want a memorial that will still look dignified in fifty years’ time.
- Features: Premium natural stone available in upright, flat, single, or double formats.
- Benefits: Exceptional durability, resistance to weathering, and a polished, lasting appearance.
- Material options: Black, grey, blue pearl, and other granite varieties, subject to stock availability.
- Customisation: Full personalisation of lettering style, finish, and decorative elements.
Upright Tombstones
Upright tombstones stand vertically and remain one of the most traditional, visible memorial styles chosen by South African families.
- Who it suits: Families wanting a prominent, traditional memorial presence at the gravesite.
- Features: A vertical granite headstone, typically set into a base or kerb surround.
- Benefits: Greater visibility, more space for engraving, and a strong, lasting visual statement.
- Material options: Most granite colours and finishes are suitable for upright designs.
- Customisation: Detailed engraving, sculptural toppers, and decorative kerbing.
Memorial Stones
Memorial stones offer a smaller, more flexible option for families who want a discreet marker, a memorial garden tribute, or a cremation memorial.
- Who it suits: Families considering cremation memorials or a more compact commemorative marker.
- Features: Compact granite stones used for remembrance plaques, niche walls, or memorial gardens.
- Benefits: Affordable, versatile, and well suited to a wider range of memorial settings.
- Material options: Granite or combined granite-and-plaque designs.
- Customisation: Engraved names, dates, and short tributes.
Custom Tombstones
For families with a specific vision in mind, our custom tombstone service is built around your exact requirements.
- Who it suits: Families wanting a fully bespoke, one-of-a-kind memorial.
- Features: A tailor-made design process, from initial concept to final engraving.
- Benefits: No limitations – unique shapes, sculptural elements, and personalised layouts are all possible.
- Material options: Any granite type available, combined with custom shaping.
- Customisation: Unlimited – portraits, custom sculptures, unique fonts, and bespoke layouts.
Headstones
The terms “tombstone” and “headstone” are often used interchangeably in South Africa, though “headstone” generally refers to the upright marker placed at the head of a grave. We manufacture headstones in the same range of granite finishes and design options as our tombstones, with full customisation available.
If you are looking for a memorial specifically for a child or infant, our dedicated children’s tombstones and children’s headstones pages cover age-appropriate designs, sizing, and pricing in detail. For traditional adult memorials, our adult tombstones and adult headstones pages go into greater depth on the full range of styles and finishes available. We’ve kept this page focused on giving you the full overview – those pages are the place to go for the finer details relevant to your specific situation.
Tombstone Prices: What Influences the Cost
“How much does a tombstone cost?” is one of the first questions every family asks us, and it deserves an honest answer. Rather than quote a single figure that may not reflect your specific situation, here is a clear breakdown of what actually determines tombstone prices in South Africa.
What Affects Tombstone Pricing
Tombstone prices in South Africa vary depending on several factors. The type and quality of granite plays the biggest role – premium or imported granite costs more than standard local options. Size matters too, with larger upright and double tombstones priced higher than single or compact designs. The complexity of your engraving, whether that includes portraits, ceramic photos, or detailed artwork, will also affect the final cost. Custom shapes and bespoke sculptures take more time to manufacture and are priced accordingly. If the cemetery is far or difficult to access, transport and installation costs may be higher. Additional accessories such as vases, kerbing, and decorative borders are quoted separately, and ground conditions at the gravesite may sometimes require extra foundation work before installation can begin.
What Affects Tombstone Pricing
Because no two tombstones are exactly alike, the most reliable way to know your cost is to request a free, no-obligation quote. When you contact us, let us know:
- The type of tombstone you are considering (single, double, granite, upright, custom)
- Your preferred granite colour and finish
- The engraving and wording you would like included
- The cemetery location for installation
We will then put together a clear, itemised quote with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what you are paying for before you commit to anything.
We also offer instalment options for qualifying families. Speak to our team to discuss a payment plan that suits your budget. Request a free quote today.
Granite Tombstones: Why This Material Lasts a Lifetime
Granite is the material of choice for tombstones across the world, and South African conditions make this an especially practical decision.
- Durability: Granite is among the hardest natural stones available, able to withstand decades of exposure without significant wear.
- Strength: It resists chipping and cracking far better than softer stone or concrete alternatives.
- Weather resistance: From intense summer heat to heavy seasonal rain, granite holds its finish where softer materials would deteriorate.
- Low maintenance: A granite tombstone needs very little upkeep — an occasional clean is usually all it takes to keep it looking polished.
- Long lifespan: Granite memorials are built to last for generations, not just years.
- Premium appearance: The natural shine and depth of granite give every memorial a dignified, high-quality finish that ages well.
Custom Engraving
Engraving is where a tombstone becomes truly personal, and it is an area we take particular care over. Our engraving service includes:
- Full names and surnames
- Birth and passing dates
- Bible verses and scripture references
- Personal messages and tributes
- Ceramic photographs
- Custom artwork and symbols
- Portrait engraving
- A range of font styles, from traditional to modern
Every piece of wording is checked thoroughly before engraving begins, because we understand there is no room for error on something this permanent.
Tombstone Installation
Installation is just as important as manufacturing – a beautifully made tombstone still needs to be installed correctly to remain stable for decades.
- Site preparation: We assess ground conditions at the cemetery before installation begins.
- Professional installation: Our trained teams handle every stage of placement with care and precision.
- Quality assurance: Each installation is checked for stability and alignment before we consider the job complete.
- Nationwide service: Distance is never a barrier – we install tombstones across South Africa.
- Aftercare: We are happy to advise on simple maintenance to keep your tombstone looking its best for years to come.
- Industry experience. Years of hands-on manufacturing and installation across South Africa.
- Skilled craftsmanship. Our team brings real expertise to every stage of production.
- Quality materials. We select granite with long-term durability in mind, not just upfront cost.
- Customer satisfaction. Built one family, one memorial, at a time.
- Attention to detail. From engraving accuracy to final installation, nothing is rushed.
- Ethical business practices. Transparent pricing, honest timelines, and no hidden surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tombstones cost?
Tombstone prices depend on size, granite type, design, and engraving complexity. Contact us for a free, accurate quote based on your specific requirements.
What affects tombstone prices?
Granite quality, size, engraving detail, accessories, transport, and installation location all play a role in the final price.
Where can I buy affordable tombstones?
Mkhonto Tombstones offers affordable tombstones with nationwide installation, so wherever you are in South Africa, we can assist.
Do you manufacture tombstones yourselves?
Yes, we manufacture our tombstones in-house, which allows us to maintain quality control from start to finish.
What granite do you use?
We work with a range of granite types, including black and grey granite, selected for durability and a premium finish.
How long do granite tombstones last?
Granite tombstones are extremely durable and, with minimal maintenance, can last for many decades without significant wear.
Can I customise my tombstone?
Yes, we provide nationwide installation across South Africa, including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.
How long does manufacturing take?
Manufacturing time depends on the complexity of the design, but our team works efficiently without compromising quality. Contact us for a timeline specific to your order.
Can I request a quotation online?
Yes, you can request a free quote through our website, WhatsApp, or by phone.
What is included in the tombstone price?
Pricing typically includes the granite stone, engraving, and standard installation. Additional accessories such as vases or kerbing may be quoted separately.
How do I maintain a granite tombstone?
Granite requires minimal maintenance — a gentle clean with water and a soft cloth every so often is usually enough to keep it looking polished.
What is the difference between a headstone and a tombstone?
The terms are often used interchangeably, though “headstone” can refer specifically to the upright marker placed at the head of a grave, while “tombstone” is used more broadly.
Do you offer engraved tombstones?
Yes, custom engraving is included as part of our standard service, covering names, dates, scripture, and personal messages.
Do you offer double tombstones for couples?
Yes, our double tombstones are designed for two graves and are a popular choice for husbands and wives.
What areas do you service?
We service families across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and beyond, with installation available nationwide.
How do I choose the right tombstone size?
The right size depends on the grave plot, your budget, and how much detail or engraving you want included. Our team can guide you based on your specific needs.
Can I request a Bible verse or religious symbol?
Yes, we regularly include scripture, crosses, and other religious symbols as part of our engraving service.
How soon after a funeral can a tombstone be installed?
This depends on cemetery regulations and ground settling requirements. We can advise on appropriate timing for your specific cemetery.
Do you offer a warranty on your tombstones?
We stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship — speak to our team for warranty details relevant to your order.
What fonts are available for engraving?
We offer a range of font styles, from traditional serif lettering to more modern designs, to suit your preference.
Can I pay for a tombstone in instalments?
Yes, we offer instalment options for qualifying families. Speak to our team about setting up a payment plan.
Where can I find tombstones designed specifically for a child?
We have dedicated pages covering children’s tombstones and children’s headstones, with designs, sizing, and pricing suited specifically to younger memorials.
What happens if I'm not happy with the final design?
We work closely with families throughout the design process to ensure the final tombstone matches what was agreed before installation begins.