Materials
Marble, granite or wood: choosing an urn material
All three materials will last a lifetime indoors. The difference is how they look in a room, how heavy they are to handle, and how they take engraving.
4 min read
Marble
Quarried marble is turned from a solid block, so the veining runs through the piece and no two urns are identical. It is the most sculptural of the three and holds a soft, deep polish. Marble is slightly softer than granite and can etch if an acidic liquid is left on it, so wipe spills rather than letting them sit.
Granite
Granite is denser and harder than marble, with a fine speckled grain instead of veining. It is the most resistant to scratching and weather, which makes it the usual choice for anything that will sit outdoors or in a garden niche.
Wood
Hardwood urns weigh a fraction of stone, which matters if the urn will be carried at a service or shipped to another family member later. Wood accepts an engraved plate cleanly and warms up a room with existing wood furniture. Keep it out of direct sun and away from damp.
Side by side
| Marble | Granite | Wood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (adult size) | Heavy | Heaviest | Light |
| Appearance | Veined, sculptural | Speckled, uniform | Grained, warm |
| Outdoor suitable | With care | Yes | No |
| Engraving | Plate or etch | Plate or etch | Plate or laser |
| Two identical pieces? | Never | Rarely | Never |
Common questions
- Is marble or granite better for an urn?
- Granite is harder and better outdoors; marble is more sculptural and varied indoors. Both are solid quarried stone and will last indefinitely.
- What is cultured marble?
- Resin mixed with stone dust and poured into a mould. It costs less than quarried stone and can yellow in sunlight. Our stone urns are quarried, not cultured.
- Are wood urns suitable for burial?
- Wood will break down in soil over time. For in-ground burial choose stone, or place a wood urn inside an urn vault.
- Do marble urns crack or chip?
- Solid quarried marble is durable indoors, but a dropped urn can chip on an edge like any stone. Handle with both hands and place on a flat, stable surface.
- How do I clean a stone urn?
- A soft dry cloth for dust, and a barely damp cloth for marks. Avoid vinegar, bleach and bathroom cleaners — acid etches marble.
- Can a wood urn be used outdoors?
- No. Wood swells, fades and eventually breaks down outdoors. Choose granite for a garden or outdoor niche.
Sources and further reading
- Natural Stone Institute — Care and cleaning
How to clean and protect marble and granite surfaces.
- Cremation Association of North America
Industry body for cremation statistics and practice standards.
Shop the urns in this guide
Marble urns
Veined natural stone
Granite urns
Hardest wearing
Wood urns
Light and warm
Every urn
Compare all materials
Not sure what you need? Call (877) 281-0752 or see the size guide.