Different types of urn vaults? I thought they were all pretty much the same! Are some stronger and more durable than others? I wonder if they come in different sizes and colors.
Did any of these questions or thoughts cross your mind before clicking the link to open this blog?
If so, I encourage you to read on to learn about the different types of urn vaults along with their distinguishing features and benefits.
Urn Vaults 101
Before getting started, I want to briefly explain what an urn vault is and the important role it serves once buried.
The National Concrete Burial Vault Association (NCBVA) defines an urn vault as a lined and sealed receptacle intended to protect an urn and the cremated remains it houses from outside elements including water, dirt, and other graveside components.
An urn vault also helps safeguard against the immense pressure created by heavy cemetery equipment.
Without the support of a sturdy receptacle, the ground above the vessel will become uneven and can turn into a safety hazard over time.
In essence, an urn vault protects a cremation urn much in the same way a traditional burial vault protects a casket, just on a smaller scale.
Different Types of Urn Vaults
The majority of cemeteries in the United States require an urn vault, or minimally, a rigid outer burial container.
Families have many options at various price points to choose from, many of which are highlighted below.
Concrete Urn Vaults
Concrete urn vaults are the strongest and most durable products on the market today. It is not a coincidence that they are also the preferred choice among most families who choose cremation.
Products that use a combination of concrete, plastic, and metal layers offer the highest level of structural integrity and the maximum amount of protection against subsoil elements.
Vault dealers often offer a range of standard paint colors for the exteriors of concrete urn vaults, and many will even use custom colors to make a vault really stand out.
Polymer Urn Receptacles
A polymer (high impact plastic) receptacle is a lightweight alternative to a heavier, lined urn vault. It tends to appeal to families who are looking for an attractive, yet budget-friendly option.
Trigard’s Millennium® is a great example of a reasonably priced polymer receptacle that makes a nice presentation at a graveside ceremony. Designed to accommodate most sizes and styles of urns, families can choose either a simulated black marble or white marble finish.
Alternative Materials
Some funeral homes and cemeteries carry urn vaults made from alternative materials such as steel, fiberglass, granite, and marble.
Quality, style, and eye appeal will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and product to product.
However, most products can withstand a multitude of outside forces and will help keep a grave from over settling or collapsing.
Personalized Urn Vaults
Many urn vaults can be personalized to reflect the deceased’s interests, values, and/or beliefs. Adding aesthetic features such as photographs, Appliqués and emblems to a vessel’s cover and/or sides can be meaningful and even promote healthy healing.
Decorative columns, intricate moldings, and beautiful finishes will all enhance a vault’s appearance. Simply adding a nameplate engraved with a brief sentiment can make the vault unique to the person being memorialized.
Ceremonial Urn Vaults
A few select urn vaults have features that create an opportunity for family members and friends to take part in the graveside service.
For example, farewell messages can be written on the outer surfaces of certain high-tech polymer receptacles. Children and teenagers often find comfort in saying a final goodbye to someone they cared about in this unique way.
Trigard’s exclusive Healing Tree® urn vault also allows service attendees to participate in the ceremony. Twenty dove-shaped memory rings are included with the product, one of which is affixed to the decorative cover plate.
After a special poem is read, family and friends can say their final goodbyes and take a Memory Ring® as a keepsake. These mementos can be placed on a keychain, necklace or bracelet or simply tucked away in a special place.
Low Profile Urn Vaults
Many people who share a special bond in life want to be jointly memorialized and laid to rest together.
Low-profile urn vaults are a distinct type of receptacle that allow the separate cremated remains of two individuals to be buried on top of one another in the same grave space.
Anywhere from four to six inches shorter and lighter in weight than standard size urn vaults, these vessels are engineered for maximum strength and durability.
Similar to companion urn vaults, there are some low-profile receptacles that have the capacity to accommodate two urns standing upright in a side-by-side position.
Final Thoughts
Before wrapping up, I want to mention that an urn vault can be purchased prior to one’s passing as part of a prearranged funeral plan. Those who make this selection ahead of time lessen the emotional and financial burden that may be placed on surviving family members.
I also want to offer my condolences to anyone who has suffered a recent loss. And if you will be selecting an urn vault for a loved one, I hope you will feel confident about making this very important decision.
With the many choices available for materials, styles, and personalization options, I know that you will select an urn vault that meets you and your family’s tastes and preferences.
