Metal cremation urns, often made of brass, aluminum, or stainless steel, are a popular way to store the remains of a deceased loved one. But what makes these urns so appealing to the bereaved?

There are several factors that make metal urns popular choices for families looking to memorialize their loved ones.

4 Benefits of Metal Cremation Urns

1. Durability

Because metal urns are made from durable materials such as brass, aluminum, and stainless steel, they can last for generations. You can take a metal urn with you anywhere you want, and while it’s not ideal, if you drop the urn, there’s less of a risk that it will break.

2. Design

Metal urns come in a variety of colors, sizes and designs. They can be personalized through engraving. Some urns can be used as keepsakes and jewelry. A lot of grieving people find some form of relief in choosing urn designs that have colors that match their loved one's personality.

For example, a red urn is a great choice because the color indicates love and vibrancy. If you choose an urn with a blue color this will represent strength and loyalty.

3. Affordable

Metal urns are very affordable, making them a great choice for those on a budget. When compared to many wooden and biodegradable urns, the price of metal is comparable and often more affordable.

We have a wide range of brass and metal cremation urns that fit into budgets of all sizes.

4. Design Options

Metal urns can be molded to fit into a variety of shapes and sizes. Unlike other materials, metal can be cast with urns that come in a wide range of different looks, including but certainly not limited to:

• Birds
• Butterflies
• Teardrops
• Hearts
• Bears
• Oval shapes

And there are also metal urns that look like a traditional urn. You'll find a wide range of styles and designs to choose from when metal is your go-to choice for urns.

Maintenance, Concerns and Placement Options for Metal vs Other Materials

When choosing any urn, there will be a few things that you need to do to maintain the urn and also keep it safe. Different materials have different requirements, and before we take a look at other urn materials, let’s look at the requirements for metal first.

• Cleaning: Wipe the urn down twice per week with a simple cloth. Be sure not to use liquid of any kind unless it’s specially designed to clean metal. Water may be stuck in the engravings or in between the metal and cause it to rust – never a good thing.
• Maintenance:If the urn is starting to lose its shine, apply a little polish or even car cleaner to the metal and polish it. You only need to perform this maintenance a few times per year, or if you notice that the metal is starting to lose its shine.
• Avoidance: Metal is durable, but it’s also a material that is susceptible to damage from abrasives or harsh chemicals. You want to avoid using any type of stiff bristle brushes on the metal to avoid scratches and other potential damage.
• Placement: The durability and versatility of metal is great for anyone who is caring for an urn, but you shouldn’t just place the urn anywhere. Sunlight and exposure to the elements can cause many metals to rust and can impact any paint on the urn, too.

While metal urns are some of the most popular, other material options are also available, and they each have their own benefits and disadvantages.

Wood vs Metal Cremation Urns

Wood offers a beautiful opportunity to hold your loved one’s ashes. A lot of the wooden urns and boxes are beautiful, offer a rustic feel and come in a wide range of styles. But wood doesn’t offer the same design flexibility as metal.

Routine care and considerations are as follows.

• Cleaning: A gentle wipe down of the exterior surface once or twice per month will help keep the urn dust-free and looking its best.
• Maintenance:Every six months, apply some wood polish to maintain the wood’s appearance and shine. You'll want to remain cautious when polishing engravings.
• Avoidance: Wood is porous, so be sure to avoid harsh chemicals or liquids. Water can also seep into the wood, causing damage and discoloration,
• Placement: Never leave your wooden urn outdoors or exposed to the elements. When kept indoors, you’ll also want to avoid the wood being left in direct sunlight.

Stone vs Metal Cremation Urns

Stone offers a beautiful, long-lasting urn, but they are heavy. Density makes the stone more fragile, and a simple drop can cause the urn to break open or crack. However, a lot of people opt for stone because of its natural beauty.

• Cleaning: You can use a slightly damp cloth or a dry one to wipe down the stone. When using a damp cloth, be sure to dry any excess water off of the stone. Stone urns are not as porous as other materials, so liquid won’t impact it.
• Maintenance:If stone loses its shine, you can use a glass or stone cleaner on the surface as needed. You want to be sure to avoid any type of chemical that has acid in it because it will damage the stone.
• Avoidance: Sun, and even the elements to some extent, are less worrisome for stone. The key most important thing is to avoid placing the urn near a ledge or somewhere that it can easily fall because stone urns can break.
• Placement: Indoor placement is recommended, and while partial sun is fine, try and avoid keeping in direct sunlight all day long.

Stone is often more expensive than metal and chosen for its aesthetics.

Biodegradable vs Metal Cremation Urns

If you’re opting for a biodegradable urn, these urns should be buried at some point. Care will depend on the type of material, but a simple wipe is all that’s really needed. You'll want to avoid placing these urns in the elements unless you’re placing them in the person’s final resting place.

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Metal urns are durable, affordable and long-lasting. While there are a lot of different materials that urns can be made of, metal is one of the most popular. You can also look at the many urn options that we have available here.