Cremation Urn Selection Guide
Cremation Urn Selection Guide
Welcome to Casket Mart’s comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect cremation urn. As a family-owned business dedicated to providing affordable and compassionate funeral solutions across Canada and the USA, we understand that choosing an urn is a deeply personal decision. This guide expands on our basic selection tips to help you make an informed choice, covering sizing, materials, types, and important considerations for Ontario residents. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating a recent loss, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Understanding Cremation Urns
Cremation urns serve as a dignified vessel for cremated remains, often called “cremains.” They can be used for permanent display at home, burial in a cemetery, scattering in a meaningful location, or even as keepsake memorials shared among family members. Urns come in various styles, from simple and eco-friendly to ornate and personalized, allowing you to honor your loved one’s memory in a way that reflects their life.
How to Select the Right Size Urn
To ensure the urn can accommodate all the cremated remains, start by determining the appropriate size. The general rule is that each pound of the deceased’s body weight produces approximately one cubic inch of ash. For example, if the person weighed 200 pounds, you’ll need an urn with at least 200 cubic inches of capacity. This accounts for the volume of ashes after cremation, though actual amounts can vary slightly based on factors like bone density.
- Adult Urns: Typically 180-220 cubic inches for individuals weighing 180-220 pounds.
- Keepsake Urns: Smaller sizes (3-25 cubic inches) for dividing ashes among family.
- Companion Urns: Larger (300+ cubic inches) for two people, ideal for couples.
- Infant/Child Urns: 20-100 cubic inches, depending on age and weight.
Always check with your crematorium for exact ash volume, and consider a slightly larger urn if you’re unsure. At Casket Mart, our urns are designed with these standards in mind to provide a perfect fit.
Materials for Cremation Urns: Pros and Cons
Cremation urns are crafted from a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact. Here’s a breakdown of common options, including those mentioned in our selection guide (mineral, metal, wood, and cardboard), along with expanded details:
Material
Pros
Cons
Best For
Metal (e.g., Brass, Bronze,
Stainless Steel)
Highly durable, resistant to
damage, elegant shine, can be engraved.
Heavier, may tarnish over time if not sealed, higher cost.
Indoor display or burial; timeless appeal.
Wood (e.g., Oak, Walnut,
Cherry)
Warm, natural look; biodegradable options available; customizable.
Susceptible to moisture damage
if not treated; less ideal for outdoor burial without protection.
Home display or eco- conscious choices; pairs well with our tree-planting initiative for wood products.
Mineral/Stone (e.g., Marble,
Granite, Ceramic)
Sturdy and weather-resistant; artistic designs; eco-friendly if natural.
Fragile if dropped; heavier for transport; limited color options.
Burial or outdoor memorials; elegant and enduring.
Cardboard/Biodegradable
(e.g., Paper, Salt, Bamboo)
Affordable, eco- friendly, fully
decomposes in soil or water.
Not durable for long-term display; temporary use only.
Scattering ceremonies or green
burials; minimal environmental impact.
Choose based on where the urn will be placed—durable materials like metal for permanence, or biodegradable for earth-friendly options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need an urn? No, but it provides a respectful and personalized option.
- Can urns be personalized? Yes, many can be engraved or customized—contact us for options.
- What if I want to divide the ashes? Use keepsake urns for portions.
- Are there eco-friendly choices? Absolutely, like our biodegradable selections.
Ready to Choose Your Urn?
Browse our wide selection of cremation urns in the shop, or contact our compassionate team for a personalized quote. We’re proud members of the Ontario Better Business Bureau and the Ingersoll Chamber of Commerce, committed to affordable, high quality options.
Address: 6 Beynon Court, Ingersoll, Ontario N5C 4G3
Phone: 519-532-2008 | Toll-Free: 1-844-442-2008
Email: info@casketmart.ca
Let us help you honor your loved one with dignity and care.