5 Different Types of Wood Urns

No two wood urns are exactly alike. Each one has its own unique graining pattern, texture, and coloration. Many families who have lost loved ones are drawn to the strength, warmth, and natural beauty of wood urns.

If you were to Google “wood urns” and view the images the search returned, you would see a wide variety of urns made from about every species of wood you can think of. With this being the case, you might be wondering why this blog is only going to talk about a few types.

I have found that the most effective way to educate someone interested in wood urns is to break them down into broad categories.

This blog will zero in on 5 different types of wood urns. And in an effort to provide a thorough overview, some basic information about urns in general will be filtered in along the way.

1. Standard Wood Urns

A standard wood urn is designed to hold the cremated remains of one individual. Industry professionals may use the term “adult” or “single capacity” when referring to this size vessel.

All urns, including those made from wood, have interior volumes ranging from 195 cubic inches to 260 cubic inches. Approximately one cubic inch is required for one pound of body weight. This means that a 175-pound person will need an urn with a capacity of at least 175 cubic inches.

When you hear the word “urn” a metal vase may very well come to mind. Even though the majority of wood urns are square and rectangular shaped, there are a lot of vase styles too. Some companies even offer urns that have been carved into hearts, teardrops, flowers, etc.

2. Companion Wood Urn

As you might have guessed, companion wood urns are intended to hold the cremated remains of two individuals. They are ideal for those who shared a special bond in life and want to be remembered together in death.

A companion (double) urn holds between 350 and 400 cubic inches of cremated remains. Every vessel will have either a joint compartment or two separate compartments that securely house the remains.

Just like single capacity urns, most wood companion products are in the shape of a box. More unique shapes are available, but the selection is somewhat limited compared to standard urns.

A family who purchases a double wood urn needs to confirm it will fit into a burial vault, columbarium, or niche, depending on its final placement. If an urn is going to be showcased in a home, it never hurts to make sure the space can accommodate the urn.

3. Wooden Keepsake Urns

A keepsake is a smaller version of a full-size urn that can hold a portion of cremated remains. Families tend to gravitate to wooden keepsakes because they emit feelings of tranquility and harmony.

You can find keepsake urns that hold anywhere from 1 to 100 cubic inches of remains, but the majority will hold 5 to 20 cubic inches. Similar to their larger counterparts, wood keepsakes come in all sorts of shapes and styles.

Keepsakes allow cremated remains to be divided and shared among multiple people. Families who scatter or bury their loved one’s remains can save a portion as a personal memento.

Wooden keepsakes are versatile and can be used for young children and infants. They take well to engraving and often feature a rocking horse, teddy bear, or alphabet block.

Some people choose to place a lock of hair inside their keepsake instead of cremated remains.

4. Personalized Wood Urns

Personalization has the potential to turn a basic wood urn into a timeless, permanent memorial.

Custom wood urns are lovely focal points at memorial and graveside services. They look nice in a home and make a profound statement when placed in a glass-front niche.

Engraving an urn with a name and set of dates is the most basic form of personalization. Emblems that reflect a person’s interests, values, or beliefs are used to further individualize the urn. Adding embellishments such as nameplates, plaques, and appliques are meaningful additions, too.

Families love the idea of incorporating a photo into a wooden urn. They can choose a product that can hold a picture or they might prefer a laser engraved urn. Someone looking for a one-of-a-kind tribute may like Trigard’s wood photo urn that allows for colored images to be digitally printed on the wood’s surface.

5. Pet Urns

Seventy percent of households in the United States have a pet. Many owners honor their adored companion’s memory by placing its remains in a wood urn. More times than not the urn is personalized.

Wooden pet urns are available in various sizes. Some are large enough to hold the cremated remains of a 1,000-pound horse. Others can hold no more cremated remains than that of a 1-pound bearded dragon.

While there are plenty of urns that are made specifically for pets, owners have the option of selecting standard-sized urns for their adored companions. When there is enough room inside the urn a toy, leash, or collar can be included with the cremated remains.

Final Thoughts

Before wrapping up, I want to make you aware of a couple things pertaining to wood urns.

First, they are not all from all-natural solid wood. This shouldn’t necessarily be a deterrent as a lot of urns made from wood veneer and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) are just as strong or stronger than solid wood options and come with lower price tags.

Secondly, you may want to take into consideration whether the urn is made from hardwood or softwood. Both are durable, but hardwoods tend to be more resilient. Softwoods are lighter in weight and less dense.

And finally, urns can be designed and paid for prior to a person’s passing. Doing so lessens the financial and emotional burden that will be placed on surviving family members.

Wooden urns are available to fit any personality and situation. They are a beautiful way of keeping a loved one’s memory alive.

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the different types of wood urns. Feel free to leave comments and ask questions below.