Selecting a Wooden Urn

When selecting an urn for your loved one’s cremains, you want something that is beautiful yet durable. With this urn being the resting place for their cremains as well as being a visual tribute to your loved one, you want to ensure you choose the perfect one. But with so many types and designs, which one is best? Well, providers of cremation services in Medina, TN. will tell you that all depends on your needs.

Urns can be found made up of a wide range of materials including glass, steel, ceramic, bamboo, and more. A popular choice is the option of a wooden urn. Today we are going to look at wooden urns in more detail to help you decide if this may be the best selection for you and your loved one’s cremains.

Types of Wooden Urns

Wooden urns are made up of several different soft and hard woods. Because of this, finding a shade, pattern, and design that you are happy with is fairly easy. Some of the most popular woods that people choose for urns include:

 - Maple - Many maple urns have a straight-grained texture and are known for their durability since maple is a heavier wood. These urns are also strong and resistance to abrasion.

 - Mahogany - You can find mahogany wood a popular choice of furniture and for urns. This wood has a reddish-brown tone and a variable grain and makes for an elegant choice of urn. 

 - Walnut - Walnut is a very strong and stable wood that comes in several varieties and can come in either straight or variable grain. This dark wood comes from the walnut tree which is one of the strongest and largest trees in the United States.

 - Cherry - This moderate hardwood has deep reddish-brown tones and has have been a popular choice for furniture for centuries. When used for an urn it creates a classic piece that compliments any room.

Selecting the Size

You may be surprised to know that urns come ins different sizes. This is something you want to pay attention to when selecting your urn. To know if you are choosing the right size, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) has set an industry standard. This standard size for an urn is 200 cubic inches. Note that generally speaking, urns need one cubic inch for every pound of body weight. So, for example, if your loved one was 220 pounds, they will need a larger urn of at least 220 cubic inches. 

Care and Maintenance for Your Wooden Urn

Wooden urns are extremely durable and with the right care and maintenance, should last for generations. Although they are very strong, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should keep your wooden urn out of direct sunlight as this can cause it to crack and warp over time. The same rings true if the urn is kept in an area of high humidity.

Cleaning your urn is easy. Simply use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust. For a heavier cleaning, use a polish that is specially made to clean wood. Never use soap and water and this could damage your urn.

For further information about wooden urns, urns in general, or cremation services in Medina, TN.  Feel free to reach out to is anytime and talk one-on-one with one of our cremation directors.