A full kerb set encloses the whole grave with a continuous granite surround on all four sides, including the head. A three-sided kerb set uses two side kerbs and a foot kerb, with the headstone and its base closing the head end. Full sets give more inscription and display space and a higher order value. Three-sided sets use less stone, fit tighter plots, and are quicker to install. Both are available factory-direct from Stone Discover UK in over 30 granite colours with 1, 2, or 3 step options. Trade prices £800 – £1,500 per set + VAT and Delivery.
Key takeaways:
- A full kerb set is the premium option: all four sides enclosed, maximum personalisation space, highest order value per grave
- A three-sided kerb set is the core and entry option: lighter, faster to fit, and suited to single graves and tighter plots
- Step count and kerb dimensions change the visual weight and price more than layout choice alone
- Not every burial ground permits kerb sets: always confirm with the burial authority before quoting
- For trade buyers, stocking both layouts in the same granite lets you quote any plot without delay and without losing an order to a rival who holds both
What Is the Difference Between a Full and Three-Sided Kerb Set?
| Factor | Full Kerb Set | Three-Sided Kerb Set |
|---|---|---|
| Grave Coverage | All four sides enclosed | Two sides and foot, headstone closes the head |
| Stone Required | Higher | Lower |
| Display and Inscription Space | Maximum | Moderate |
| Cover Slab or Chippings | Fully supported by four sides | Supported, head end formed by headstone base |
| Fitting Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Weight and Transport | Heavier | Lighter |
| Typical Trade Positioning | Premium line | Core and entry line |
| Best Suited For | Double graves, family plots, premium orders | Single graves, restricted plots, value range |
A simple way to frame it for customers: the full set sells the finished, complete grave. The three-sided set sells a neat, practical frame at a more accessible entry price.
Download the Stone Discover UK trade catalogue to review configurations, step counts, and current pricing.
What Is a Full Kerb Set?
A full kerb set is a complete grave surround that borders the entire plot in granite on all four sides. The enclosed centre can be filled with chippings, planting, or closed with a matching granite cover slab. It is the most complete memorial package a dealer can supply, and it gives families the most surface area for inscription, imagery, and personalisation.
For trade buyers, the full layout is the premium stocking line. It lifts average order value per grave and creates natural upsell opportunities: matching vases, cover slabs, and chippings all pair directly with a full surround.
The Ogee Kerb Set below shows the stepped kerb layout in polished Absolute Black granite, available with 1, 2, or 3 step kerbs. A head kerb is added to complete a full four-sided surround.
| Part | Length (in / mm) | Width (in / mm) | Height (in / mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogee Headstone | 27 / 686 | 21 / 533 | 3 / 76 |
| Base | 30 / 762 | 12 / 305 | 3 / 76 |
| 1 Step Front Kerbs | 24 / 610 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| 1 Step Side Kerbs | 54 / 1372 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| 1 Step Head Kerbs | 24 / 610 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
The Ogee profile is one of the most widely accepted shapes across UK cemetery sections. For the full breakdown of designs, sizes, and cemetery acceptance rules for Ogee headstones, see our Ogee headstones guide.
What Is a Three-Sided Kerb Set?
A three-sided kerb set borders the grave on three sides: two long side kerbs and one foot kerb. The headstone and its base close the head end, rather than a separate head kerb. The result is a clean, open-fronted frame that uses less granite, is lighter to transport, and takes less time to install.
For trade buyers, the three-sided set is the core stocking line. It serves the majority of single grave enquiries, competes strongly on price, and converts customers who need a surround but have a tighter budget.
| Part | Length (in / mm) | Width (in / mm) | Height (in / mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogee Headstone | 27 / 686 | 21 / 533 | 3 / 76 |
| Base | 30 / 762 | 12 / 305 | 3 / 76 |
| 1 Step Front Kerbs | 24 / 610 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| 1 Step Side Kerbs | 54 / 1372 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| 2 Step Front Kerbs | 30 / 762 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| 2 Step Side Kerbs | 60 / 1524 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| 3 Step Front Kerbs | 36 / 914 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| 3 Step Side Kerbs | 72 / 1829 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
One practical note: terminology varies between suppliers and even between cemeteries. Always confirm with the customer whether they mean a four-sided full surround or a three-sided open-head arrangement before cutting a quote. It is one of the most common sources of order errors in the kerb set category.
Which Kerb Set Is Best for a Grave?
The right choice depends on four factors: plot size, burial authority rules, family budget, and how much the family wants to personalise the grave over time.
Choose a full kerb set for double or family graves, for families who want a cover slab or chippings, and for customers who want the most complete and polished memorial presentation.
Choose a three-sided kerb set for single graves, for plots with limited width or restricted surround permissions, or where the family wants a practical, well-finished surround at a lower price point.
Choose neither where the cemetery only permits a lawn or flat memorial. In those cases, a grave marker or small flat tablet is the correct product. Supplying the wrong product type is the most common reason for a memorial permit rejection, so confirming the permitted memorial type before quoting saves everyone time.
Granite choice also plays a role in the decision. Polished Absolute Black gives the sharpest contrast for laser-etched lettering and portraits. Bahama Blue and Paradiso Red are popular for families who want a more distinctive surround. Our granite variety range covers all current colour options with finish samples available on request.
How Do Steps and Dimensions Change a Kerb Set Configuration?
Steps add height, visual weight, and perceived value. A single-step set sits low and clean, suiting contemporary sections and smaller plots. A three-step set rises in tiers, giving a grander, more traditional look that works well in full kerb sections of older cemeteries.
| Part | Length (in / mm) | Width (in / mm) | Height (in / mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headstone | 30 / 762 | 24 / 610 | 3 / 76 |
| Base, Step 1 | 36 / 914 | 12 / 305 | 3 / 76 |
| Kerb, Step 1 (Outer) | 36 / 914 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| Kerb, Step 1 (Inner) | 80 / 2032 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| Base, Step 2 | 32 / 813 | 12 / 305 | 3 / 76 |
| Kerb, Step 2 (Outer) | 32 / 813 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
| Kerb, Step 2 (Inner) | 77 / 1956 | 6 / 152 | 3 / 76 |
The Mekka Kerb Set below shows a 2 step configuration in Bahama Blue granite, with inner and outer kerbs at each step level. This is particularly popular for Muslim cemetery sections across the UK, where the Mekka headstone profile is widely accepted.
Will the Cemetery Accept a Kerb Set?
Cemetery rules determine what can be installed, not the customer's preference. Many modern lawn sections only permit an upright or flat memorial. Older sections, some private cemeteries, and certain churchyards accept kerb surrounds. Rules vary by council and burial authority, and differ across England, Wales and Scotland (where a grave is called a "lair"). Always get written confirmation from the burial authority or council bereavement services before you quote.
Four things to confirm before every kerb set order:
- Kerb permission: Ask specifically whether kerbs, cover slabs, and chippings are allowed in the relevant section. Lawn section rules and traditional full-kerb section rules are often completely different within the same cemetery.
- Memorial permit and grave owner's consent: A memorial permit application is usually required, and written permission from the owner of the exclusive right of burial (deed of grant) is needed.
- Waiting period: Most UK burial authorities require 6 to 12 months after burial before a memorial is fitted, to allow the ground to settle. Confirm this before promising an installation date.
- Headstone compliance: BS 8415:2018 applies where the highest point of any memorial component exceeds 625mm above ground. The headstone component of any kerb set must comply, and fitting must follow the NAMM Code of Working Practice. Our UK memorial regulations and standards guide covers the full compliance requirements in detail.
Which Kerb Set Layout Is Better for Memorial Masons and Retailers to Stock?
For trade buyers managing cash flow and showroom space, stocking decisions come down to three things: margin per unit, ease of quoting, and how quickly you can fulfil without a special order.
Full kerb sets lift the value of each job and give you more stone to upsell: a cover slab, matching vases, and chippings all attach naturally to a full surround. Three-sided sets give you a competitive entry price, are simpler to quote, and fulfil faster because the component count is lower.
The strongest stocking position for most UK memorial dealers is both layouts in Absolute Black granite at standard dimensions, plus at least one alternative granite colour for upsell differentiation. This combination means you can quote any plot configuration from existing stock without delay.
Stone Discover UK supplies kerb sets factory-direct from our manufacturing facility in India, with stock held in London, Liverpool, and Southampton for fast domestic trade dispatch. Stock items ship in 45 - 60 working days; made-to-order sets take 4 - 6 weeks from order confirmation. Free delivery applies on qualifying orders of 5 or more kerb sets to a single UK address. Pairing the kerb set with a matching headstone from the same granite batch keeps colour and finish consistent across the full memorial, which is the most effective way to reduce post-installation complaints.
All granite is cut from our own quarry in Khammam, Telangana and finished at our own facility in Sangareddy, so every stone is traceable from quarry to delivery.
For dealers in London, Liverpool and Southampton, our Southampton trade stock is available with local collection or next-day delivery options. Contact our trade team to confirm current stock at your nearest yard.
How Do You Choose a Grave Kerb Configuration? A Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm the cemetery or churchyard permits kerb sets in the relevant section, and which types
- Measure the plot and check the burial authority's maximum permitted surround dimensions
- Decide full or three-sided based on plot size and the family's budget
- Choose the granite colour, polish finish, and step count (1, 2, or 3 steps)
- Decide the infill: chippings, planting, or a granite cover slab
- Match the headstone shape and granite batch to the kerb surround for colour consistency
- Confirm lead time and delivery before committing an installation date to the family
We have been sourcing kerb sets from Stone Discover UK for over two years. The colour consistency across batches is what keeps us coming back. When a family orders an extension or a companion piece later, the granite matches the original stone. We have not had a single colour complaint since we switched suppliers. The trade pricing and delivery to our yard in the North West is straightforward and reliable.
Ready to Stock Kerb Sets That Convert?
Stone Discover UK has supplied granite memorials for almost 40 years from our own quarry in Khammam, Telangana and manufacturing facility in Sangareddy, India. We offer full and three-sided kerb set layouts in over 30 granite colours, with 1, 2, and 3 step options and custom sizing available for specific cemetery requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a three-sided kerb set cheaper than a full kerb set?
It generally uses less granite, so material and shipping costs are lower. Final price still depends on granite colour, overall size, and step count. Trade prices are quoted ex VAT. Contact our trade team for a direct comparison quote on both layouts.
Can I upgrade a three-sided kerb set to a full surround later?
Yes, but granite colour and finish can vary between batches. Ordering the full set at the outset is the most reliable way to guarantee an exact match across all components.
Do all UK cemeteries allow kerb sets?
No. Many lawn sections and some churchyards do not permit kerb surrounds at all. Always confirm with the burial authority before quoting a customer.
How long after burial can a kerb set be fitted?
Most UK burial authorities require 6 to 12 months after burial before any permanent memorial is installed. The exact waiting period is set by each individual authority.
What is the minimum order for trade customers?
Our standard minimum is 5 units per design, with free delivery on qualifying orders of 5 or more kerb sets to a single UK address.
Do kerb sets need to comply with BS 8415?
BS 8415:2018 applies where the highest point of any memorial component exceeds 625mm above ground. The headstone element must comply, and installation must follow the NAMM Code of Working Practice. All Stone Discover UK headstones are manufactured to the thickness specifications required to satisfy this standard.
Ready to Stock Kerb Sets That Convert?
Stone Discover UK has supplied granite memorials for almost 40 years from our own quarry in Khammam, Telangana and manufacturing facility in Sangareddy, India. We offer full and three-sided kerb set layouts in over 30 granite colours, with 1, 2, and 3 step options and custom sizing available for specific cemetery requirements.
