How to Choose a Cremation Urn

How To Choose A Cremation Urn

Choosing a cremation urn can feel unfamiliar, especially when making arrangements for a loved one. This guide walks through the key factors to consider so you can choose an urn with confidence.

1. Determine Capacity Requirements

The most important factor when choosing a cremation urn is to ensure it has enough capacity to hold the ashes. Fortunately, estimating the right size is simple.

One pound = One cubic inch of required capacity.

Therefore, a 200 pound individual needs at least a 200 cubic inch capacity urn. For companion urns, simply add the estimated combined weights of the individuals to determine total required capacity. Our companion urns hold approximately 530 cubic inches, making them suitable for most couples.

When in doubt, it is always best to choose an urn with more capacity than needed.

2. Make Sure the Urn Will Fit the Intended Space

Before selecting an urn, it is helpful to think about where it will ultimately be kept or placed.

If the urn will be placed in a columbarium niche, mausoleum, or burial vault, it is important to confirm the inside dimensions of that space. Many niches have strict size limits, so the urn must fit comfortably inside. When checking measurements, compare the external dimensions of the urn to the internal dimensions of the niche or space.

If the urn will be kept at home, you may also want to consider where it will be displayed — such as on a mantel, shelf, or memorial table. If the urn will not be placed in a niche or vault, size restrictions are usually not a concern.

Urn Dimesions

Standard Adult Urn
11"L × 7"W × 6.75"H
Companion Urn (Double Urn)
11"L × 10"W × 9"H
Small urn
7"L × 7"W × 6.75"H

View Cremation Urns

3. Decide If Any Ashes Will Be Scattered or Shared

Some families choose to keep all of the ashes in a single urn, while others prefer to scatter a portion of the ashes or share small amounts with loved ones.

For these situations, scattering tubes are a simple and respectful option. They can be used for a scattering ceremony or kept as small keepsakes.

Scattering tubes are:

Ideal for scattering ceremonies
TSA-safe for travel
Easy to transport discreetly
Suitable as keepsakes for family members

Many families choose to provide a scattering tube to each close relative so that everyone has the option to hold a personal scattering ceremony or keep a small remembrance.

Our scattering tubes are also engraveable, allowing each one to be personalized.

Shop Scattering Tubes Learn More About Scattering Tubes

4. Wood Selection

Our cremation urns are crafted from solid hardwood with a beautiful satin clear-coat finish. Each species offers its own natural color and grain character.

Walnut

Rich dark brown tones with elegant grain patterns.

Sepele Mahogany

Warm reddish-brown wood with striking ribbon grain.

Cherry

A classic American hardwood that deepens to a beautiful amber tone over time.

White Ash

Light-colored wood with a clean, contemporary appearance.

Because each urn is made from natural hardwood, grain patterns will vary slightly, making every piece unique.

Cremation Urn Selection

5. Personalize the Urn with Engraving

Many families choose to personalize the urn with an engraving to honor the life and memory of their loved one.

We use precision laser engraving to add names, dates, meaningful messages, and simple artwork directly to the wood.

Laser engraving works best with text, monograms, silhouettes, and other high-contrast images. Because the engraving is created by burning the design into the wood surface, it produces a natural dark mark that complements the grain of the hardwood.

To see examples of engraved urns and design ideas, visit our engraving gallery.

View Engraving Gallery