When you’re planning a memorial monument in Hudson, Ohio, a key question is: “What will it cost?” A monument is more than stone—it’s a lasting tribute. For families in Hudson and surrounding Summit County, 2025 pricing reflects the stone, size, customization, cemetery rules, foundation/installation, and local logistics.
This guide covers:
- Typical price ranges in 2025 for Hudson
- What drives cost (material, size, design, foundation, cemetery rules)
- Monument types with sample regional pricing
- Exactly how to calculate the foundation fee (with examples)
- Budgeting tips to avoid surprises
- FAQs specific to Hudson area cemeteries
1) The Foundation Fee — Exact Formula (Hudson, Ohio)
Hudson’s municipal cemeteries publish a foundation for a monument fee of $134 per square foot.
Because base sizes are specified in inches, convert to square feet first:
Formula:
Foundation Cost = (Length (in) × Width (in) ÷ 144) × $134
- Why 144? There are 144 square inches in a square foot (12″ × 12″).
Example from your attachment
- Length = 24 inches
- Width = 12 inches
- Area = (24 × 12) ÷ 144 = 2.0 sq ft
- Cost = 2.0 × $134 = $268 (estimated)
Foundation work in Hudson must be done under the supervision of the cemetery sexton; confirm specs with the cemetery before ordering.
Quick Reference: Common Base Sizes → Estimated Foundation Fee
(Estimates use the official $134/sq ft rate; rounded to nearest dollar. Actual billing comes from the cemetery.)
- 24″ × 12″ → 2.0 sq ft → $268
- 36″ × 12″ → 3.0 sq ft → $402
- 42″ × 12″ → 3.5 sq ft → $469
- 48″ × 12″ → 4.0 sq ft → $536
- 48″ × 14″ → 4.67 sq ft → ≈ $625
- 60″ × 14″ → 5.83 sq ft → ≈ $782
- 72″ × 16″ → 8.0 sq ft → $1,072
- 84″ × 16″ → 9.33 sq ft → ≈ $1,251
Note: Hudson lists “Foundation – VA Marker: No charge.” If eligible, that can reduce overall cost.
2) Typical Price Ranges in 2025 (Hudson & Summit County)
Every project is unique, but regional expectations are helpful:
- Flat/lawn-level markers: ~$800–$2,500
- Bevel / slant markers: ~$1,500–$3,500
- Upright (single): ~$3,000–$6,000 (standard colors/finishes)
- Companion/double uprights: ~$5,000–$10,000+
- Custom / estate / sculpted monuments: ~$8,000–$15,000+ (can go higher on large family monuments)
These ranges account for Hudson’s $134/sq ft foundation reality, plus stone, engraving, installation, and local approvals.
Foundation math can swing totals.
For instance, a large footprint needing 20 sq ft of foundation would run ≈ $2,680 just for that item (20 × $134) before stone and engraving.
3) What Drives the Cost
a) Material (granite color & grade)
Common domestic grays are most economical. Exotic/imported colors, specialty finishes, or thicker stock cost more.
b) Size, shape & complexity
More stone and more craftsmanship = higher cost. Sculpted elements, cut-outs, reliefs, or specialty edge treatments add labor.
c) Personalization
Lettering styles, long epitaphs, emblems, photo etchings, portraits, gold-leaf, vases, and lights add incremental cost.
d) Foundation, installation & local rules
- Hudson foundation is charged at $134/sq ft.
- Work must follow local specs and is performed under sexton oversight.
- Access conditions, soil, equipment needs, and seasonal timing can influence installation cost.
e) Logistics & timing
Stone availability, freight, shop workload, and rush requests affect price and lead time. (Typical installs often land in the 6–12+ week window depending on materials and approvals.)
4) Monument Types & Sample Hudson-Area Estimates
Use these as planning benchmarks—your firm will provide exact quotes after design, measurements, and cemetery review.
| Monument Type | What it is | 2025 Hudson Estimate* |
|---|---|---|
| Flat / Lawn-level Marker | Flush with ground; compact footprint | $800–$2,500 |
| Bevel / Slant | Slight elevation / slanted face | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Upright – Single | Classic standing tablet on base | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Upright – Companion | Larger width for two names | $5,000–$10,000+ |
| Custom / Estate | Family-scale, sculpted, benches, lights | $8,000–$15,000+ |
*Estimates reflect common granite options, standard engraving, and Hudson-area foundation fees.
5) Worked Examples (Hudson Formula Applied)
Scenario A: Standard Single Upright
- Base: 48″ × 12″ → Area 4.0 sq ft → Foundation $536
- Stone & engraving (standard color, modest text) → e.g., $2,800–$3,800
- Install/permit/misc. (local) → varies
- Planning Total: ~$3,500–$4,800 (typical range for the region)
Scenario B: Companion Upright (wider base)
- Base: 72″ × 16″ → Area 8.0 sq ft → Foundation $1,072
- Larger stone, two inscriptions, optional emblem → $3,500–$7,500+
- Install/permit/misc. → varies
- Planning Total: ~$5,500–$10,000+ (size and finishes drive variation)
Scenario C: Custom Family Monument with Accessories
- Multiple pieces, premium granite, benches, lighting
- Larger footprint → foundation increases according to formula
- Planning Total: ~$9,000–$15,000+ (or more for estate-scale designs)
6) Budgeting: How to Avoid Surprises
Ask for an itemized quote listing:
- Stone material & finish
- Engraving/personalization
- Foundation fee (calculated: L × W ÷ 144 × $134)
- Installation (equipment, travel)
- Cemetery permit/administration (if any)
- Freight/shipping & handling
- Optional add-ons (vases, portraits, lights)
Confirm local rules early.
Hudson manages multiple cemeteries (e.g., Markillie, St. Mary, Draper, etc.); check maximum sizes, materials, and foundation specs before finalizing drawings.
Don’t miss VA marker details.
If your family qualifies for a VA marker, Hudson lists the foundation for VA Marker at no charge, which can change the math.
Lead times & approvals.
Plan for design proofing, city/cemetery approvals, and seasonal installation schedules.
7) FAQ – Hudson, Ohio
Q: How do I compute the foundation fee on a base measured in inches?
A: Use (L × W ÷ 144) × $134. Example: 24″ × 12″ = 2.0 sq ft → $268.
Q: Does the $134/sq ft rate apply to all Hudson municipal cemeteries?
A: It’s the current published municipal rate; always confirm with the specific cemetery office when we submit your order.
Q: Who handles the foundation work?
A: The cemetery oversees foundations; in Hudson it’s done under the sexton’s supervision per regulations.
Q: What if we’re ordering a VA marker?
A: Hudson lists no charge for the VA marker foundation line item; eligibility still applies.
Q: How long will installation take?
A: Material availability, engraving schedule, and cemetery coordination typically place installations in the 6–12+ week window for standard jobs; custom pieces can take longer.
8) Why Work with a Local Hudson Memorial Maker
- We know Hudson’s foundation rate and how your base size translates to dollars
- We design to local cemetery specs to prevent change orders
- We coordinate proofs, permits, delivery, and installation so your family gets a transparent, stress-free process
9) Next Step
Get a precise, itemized quote for your monument in Hudson or any Summit County cemetery. We’ll:
- Confirm base dimensions and apply the (L × W ÷ 144) × $134 formula
- Align the design with local regulations
- Provide clear timing and payment milestones
Contact us to start your design consultation today.