What Materials Are Used in Cremation Urns?

Pictured: Infinity Adult Cremation Urn for Ashes in Green

Ceramic

Our ceramic urns pair classic, almost antique shapes with modern design, so they sit comfortably in a home. We make standard ceramics as well as more intricate raku and saggar pieces that take multiple firings to create their unique finish. Fired at high temperature, ceramic stands up well to the weather and can sit outdoors, as long as any glued parts are kept away from moisture.

Porcelain

Our porcelain urns are crafted by renowned artisans we have worked with for years. Porcelain is a noble material with a clean, pure finish, which makes these pieces feel calm and considered in a home.

Wood

Our wood urns include both permanent designs and ones that biodegrade over a few years if buried. Lime is accessible and versatile, while oak, mahogany and walnut are premium woods with a richer look and a higher price. The range includes designer wooden urns, hand-selected and painted by Italian artisans for a standout finish.

Metal

Our metal urns are made from high-quality metals and built to last. Metal is durable, strong and easy to clean, so it keeps its look for years, indoors or outdoors.

Biodegradable urns for land and water burial

Our biodegradable land urns are made to be buried and break down naturally in the soil, and some let you plant a tree with the ashes so it grows into a living memorial. Our water burial urns are lowered into water and disperse slowly back into the environment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best material for a cremation urn?

There is no single best material. Ceramic and porcelain suit indoor display, metal is the most durable for indoors or outdoors, wood gives a natural handcrafted look, and biodegradable urns are made for a natural land or water burial.

Which urn material is the most durable?

Metal is the most durable. It is strong, easy to clean and keeps its finish for years, which is why metal urns suit both indoor and outdoor settings.

Can ceramic urns be kept outside?

Yes. Ceramic is fired at a high temperature and resists the weather, so it can sit outdoors. Keep any glued seams away from standing moisture, or choose an urn filled and sealed from the base.

What material is best for a natural or green burial?

Biodegradable urns are made for natural burial. Land urns break down in the soil, water burial urns disperse in a body of water, and some living urns let you grow a memorial tree from the ashes.