Slant markers occupy a useful middle ground in the monument market, offering better visibility than a flat marker with a lower profile than a full upright. Understanding when and why to recommend a slant marker helps you match the right product to each client's needs and cemetery restrictions.
A slant marker has a die that is angled — typically between 15 and 45 degrees from horizontal — so the inscription face is tilted toward a viewer standing at the foot of the grave. The die sits on a flat base. The result is a monument that is easily readable from a standing position, unlike a flush marker, but does not rise to the full height of an upright monument. A typical slant marker die face measures 20×10 inches (face width × face height), with the back of the die being shorter (perhaps 3–4 inches) and the front taller (8–10 inches). The base dimension might be 22×6×12, providing a stable platform.
The primary use case for slant markers is sections of cemeteries that permit some elevation above grade but restrict full upright monuments. Many modern perpetual-care cemeteries have sections specifically designated for "bevel" or "slant" markers rather than uprights, and in these sections, a slant is the best available option for creating a visible, personalized memorial. Always confirm with the cemetery whether slant markers are specifically permitted in the applicable section — some cemeteries categorize slants as "uprights" for rule purposes, while others treat them separately.
Families who are budget-conscious often find slant markers appealing as a cost-effective compromise between a flat marker and a full upright. The price for a standard single slant marker in black granite is typically below that of an upright with base, since the total stone volume is less. For families who need to balance their memorial budget carefully, presenting the slant marker option alongside uprights and flats ensures they understand all available options.
Inscription layout on slant markers is similar to flat markers: name, dates, and any epitaph or symbol are arranged on the slanted face, typically centered. Because the face is angled at a viewing-friendly angle, there is no need for extra-large lettering to compensate for the difficulty of reading a flat stone. Standard memorial lettering sizes work well. A small symbol or decorative element at the top of the face (above the name) or incorporated into the design adds visual interest.
Companion slant markers are available and follow the same convention as companion flat markers — wider to accommodate two inscriptions. Confirm that the wider companion dimension fits within the lot size — cemetery lots that accommodate a single slant may not have the horizontal footprint for a companion slant, depending on the lot width.
In practice, recommend slant markers when: the cemetery restricts uprights in the applicable section, the family's budget is more modest than upright pricing allows, the family wants more visibility than a flat marker but is indifferent about a traditional upright, or the family has a personal aesthetic preference for the angled, less dominant profile of the slant.