After your loved one’s cremation services in Thornton, CO., you will have many decisions to make. One very important decision is where to keep their ashes. While cremation is allowed in many religions, the Catholic faith strongly suggests that the cremains be kept together. This means you will need to decide on a vessel for the remains.
While there are several options to choose from including ceramic, glass, biodegradable, metal, and more, one popular option is the wooden urn. Since these urns are very durable and come in a variety of different woods, they appeal to a large number of people. If you are thinking about a wood urn, keep reading to learn what you need to know.
Types of Wooden Urns
With wood urns coming in several different types of wood, getting a shade and pattern of wood you like is pretty easy. Some of the most popular types of wood and their characteristics are:
- 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 resistant to abrasion.
- Mahogany – You can find mahogany wood a popular choice of furniture and 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 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
Once you have an idea of the type of wooden urn you would like, you will need to ensure you select the proper size of the urn. Many people are surprised to learn that urns are available in different sizes, but in fact, urns can be found to be small, standard, and oversized.
To know if you are choosing the right size, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) has set an industry standard. The 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 can last for years and years…with the proper care and upkeep. Although these urns are very durable, there are some special considerations to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning and keeping them so that they last.
One is the location of the urn. Wooden urns do not do well in very sunny rooms (especially in direct sunlight) or
rooms with high humidity. Both of these elements can cause the urn to warp and crack over time.
Second is when it comes to cleaning your wooden urn. You always want to make sure to use a polish, especially for wood furniture and products. Never use soap and water to clean your wooden urn as that can cause damage.
Final Thoughts
Deciding on your loved one’s urn after their cremation services in Thornton, CO. can be an extremely difficult task. After all, you want to get an urn that will not only represent your loved one and honor them but one that will last throughout the years. Wooden urns can be a very durable and beautiful choice. And, with proper care and upkeep, they will last for generations to come.
