A Short Guide to The Best Types of Burial Urns

May 15, 2023

Share this article

cremation services in Walla Walla WA

As we approach the end of life, making arrangements for our final resting place is a necessary task. While burial may seem like a traditional choice, the type of urn you choose can have a significant impact on the longevity and preservation of your remains. While  cremation services in Walla Walla, WA provide temporary containers for your remains, it’s up to you to get the right permanent urn. If you’re having a burial, this article will help. 

1. Biodegradable Urns  

As the name suggests, biodegradable urns are designed to decompose naturally over time, releasing the ashes into the earth. These urns are an eco-friendly option for those who want to minimize their impact on the environment. Biodegradable urns are made from materials like paper, salt, sand, and cornstarch. 

Pros

  • Eco-friendly option 
  • Allows the ashes to return to nature 
  • Affordable option 

Cons

  • Not as durable as other urns 
  • Limited design options 

2. Metal Urns  

After ceramic urns, metal urns are the most popular urn choice for families. Made with materials like bronze and stainless steel, they are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. They can also be customized with engravings and other design features. While this makes them ideal for a burial, especially when you wish to preserve the ashes for decades, it also makes them pricier than other options. 

Pros

  • Durable  
  • Can be personalized with engravings and designs 
  • Offers a wide range of options in terms of color, design, and size 

Cons: 

  • More expensive than other urns 
  • Metal urns may corrode over time 

3. Ceramic Urns  

Affordability and suitability to different needs makes ceramic urns the most popular urn option for families. They are sturdy enough to be used for burial, and aesthetically malleable for different tastes. These urns are typically made from fired clay and are easily accessible. You can buy them online, from a local funeral home, or commission a local artist to make one. 

Pros

  • Available in endless designs 
  • Moderately durable 

Cons

  • Requires urn vault for lasting protection 

4. Burial Urn Vaults  

Burial urn vaults are designed to protect the urn and its contents from the elements and ensure that the remains are preserved for years to come. These vaults are typically made from reinforced concrete or composite materials and are designed to withstand the weight of the earth.  

Unlike the other options on this list, urn vaults mainly serve a protective purpose. They have limited design variations and are only available in square or rectangular shapes. Still, minor customizations like paintings and engravings are possible. 

Pros

  • Provides an extra layer of protection for the urn and its contents 
  • Ensures the longevity and preservation of the remains 
  • Offers generational peace of mind 

Cons

  • More expensive than other urn options 
  • Limited customization options 

cremation service in Walla Walla WA

So, which urn is better for burial? The answer is it depends. Every family has its own aims when it comes to cremation burials and should choose the one that suits them. For instance, biodegradable urn is better for water burials while metal urns works best for cemeteries and other locations. It’s also necessary to take cemetery requirements into consideration. 

But one thing is clear. Whatever your burial needs, there’s an urn for you. And if memorial service or celebration of life to go with the burial ceremony, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Walla Walla, WA cremation service is available 24/7 to help you make arrangements

Recent Posts

funeral homes Milton-Freewater, OR
February 16, 2026
Funeral homes Milton-Freewater, OR support families through grief with compassionate kind care and meaningful simple tributes that ease emotional burdens.
cremation services Walla Walla, WA
February 9, 2026
Compassionate grief support and care are available through cremation services at Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home, offering reassurance and trust through each.
funeral homes Walla Walla, WA
February 2, 2026
Funeral homes Walla Walla, WA focus on personalization, helping families honor loved ones through meaningful, unique memorial experiences with care and dignity.
cremation services Dayton, WA
January 26, 2026
Cremation services offer comfort, guidance, and personalized care. Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home provides trusted, compassionate support for families.
funeral homes Dayton, WA
January 19, 2026
Planning with funeral homes brings peace of mind, offering thoughtful preparation that protects loved ones through expert support, care, and compassion.
cremation services Milton-Freewater, OR
January 12, 2026
Compassionate cremation services provide support, personalization, reassurance, and peace of mind, honoring every family’s unique needs with care and respect.
funeral homes Milton-Freewater, OR
January 5, 2026
Funeral homes provide expert grief support through compassionate care, the healing power of listening, and continued support for families during times of loss.
cremation services Milton-Freewater, OR
December 29, 2025
How cremation services offer comfort and simplicity for grieving families today. Why cremation makes the planning process less intense for families overall.
funeral homes Milton-Freewater, OR
December 22, 2025
Discover why taking time to grieve is essential. Learn how funeral homes Milton-Freewater, OR support families with compassionate, patient care during loss.
cremation services Walla Walla, WA
December 15, 2025
How cremation services Walla Walla, WA can support families in opening up emotionally through unique memorials, personal tributes, and compassionate guidance.
Show More