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A cremation urn is a container that holds the ashes of someone who has passed away. Wood, metal, and marble are the most common materials. Size, placement, and personalization are the three biggest decisions you will make when choosing one.
Choosing an urn is one of the more personal decisions a family makes after a loss. There is no single right answer. What matters is finding something that feels meaningful and honors your loved one the way they deserve.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: the types of urns available, how to choose the right size, what engraving options look like, and what you can expect to pay in Canada in 2026.
Key Takeaways
– Adult urns should hold at least 200 cubic inches of ashes. Most adults require between 150 and 220 cubic inches.
– Wood, metal, and marble urns each suit different placements: wood for warmth at home, metal for durability, marble for a lasting tribute.
– Companion urns hold the ashes of two people and are a meaningful option for couples.
– Cremation urns in Canada range from $100 for a basic metal urn to $800 or more for a premium handcrafted wood urn.
– You do not have to buy an urn from a funeral home. Ontario law allows you to purchase one from any supplier.
What Is a Cremation Urn?
A cremation urn is a sealed container designed to hold cremated remains, also called ashes or cremains. Families use urns for many purposes: keeping ashes at home, placing them in a columbarium niche, burying them in a cemetery, or scattering them at a meaningful location.
Urns come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. The right choice depends on how and where you plan to use it.
How to Choose the Right Size Urn
Size is the most important practical decision when buying an urn. If the urn is too small, it will not hold all of the ashes.
A general rule used in the funeral industry: one cubic inch of urn capacity for every pound of body weight before cremation. So for an adult who weighed 170 pounds, you need an urn with at least 170 cubic inches of capacity.
Most adult urns are designed to hold between 180 and 220 cubic inches, which covers the majority of adults. If you are unsure, choose an urn with at least 200 cubic inches to be safe.
For children or infants, smaller urns are available in capacities under 100 cubic inches. For pets, capacity depends on the animal’s size. A small dog or cat typically requires 50 to 80 cubic inches, while a large dog may require 120 cubic inches or more. See our pet urns collection for sizing details.
Types of Cremation Urns
Wood Urns
Wood urns have a warm, natural appearance that many families find comforting. They are well suited for display in the home and tend to complement most interior styles.
Common wood types include maple, walnut, mahogany, and cherry. Each has a distinct grain and color. Urns can be finished with a matte or polished coating to protect the wood over time.
Wood urns are also popular for custom engraving. A name, date, or short message can be carved or laser-etched directly into the surface.
Price range in Canada: $150 to $800 or more for premium handcrafted options.
Custom Canadian-Made Hardwood Urns
For families who want something that could not have come from a factory, custom hardwood urns made in Canada represent a different level entirely. These are built by hand, one at a time, using figured woods that most people have never seen in an urn.
Birdseye maple is one of the most sought-after hardwoods in North America. Its surface is covered with small, rounded formations — a rare growth pattern that creates a shimmering, almost three-dimensional appearance when finished. No two boards are the same. A birdseye maple urn looks like nothing else.
Curly walnut — sometimes called figured walnut — has a rippled grain that shifts and catches light differently depending on the angle. The deep chocolate tones of walnut are warm and grounding, and the curl figure adds a visual depth that mass-produced urns simply cannot replicate. It is the kind of wood that makes people stop and ask where it came from.
What sets a fine custom wood urn apart from everything else is the joinery. The craftspeople who build these urns use dovetail construction — a traditional technique where interlocking, trapezoidal cuts are made in both pieces of wood to create a joint of exceptional mechanical strength. A well-cut dovetail cannot be pulled apart. It holds by geometry as much as by glue.
Cutting dovetails by hand takes skill and time that machine production cannot replace. The angles must be precise. The fit must be exact. When the joint comes together cleanly — with no gaps, no filler, no imprecision — it means the craftsperson did their job right. You can see it immediately. The dovetail pattern is visible on the finished urn, running along the corners as a row of interlocking fans. It is not decoration. It is the work itself, made visible.
On an urn, that matters. A hand cut dovetail joint is a craftsperson’s signature, evidence that real time and real skill went into making something meant to last.
If you are looking for a custom Canadian-made hardwood urn in birdseye maple, curly walnut, or another prestige species, contact our team at Haven Casket to discuss options and lead times.
Price range in Canada: $700 to $1500, depending on wood species and design.
Metal Urns
Metal urns are durable, elegant, and available in a wide range of colours and finishes. Brass and aluminium are the most common materials. Finishes include polished, brushed, and satin.
Metal urns are a practical choice for columbarium placement because they are durable and sealed tightly. They also work well for burial.
Price range in Canada: $100 to $400.
Marble Urns
Marble urns have a premium look and feel. They are heavy, substantial, and make a strong visual statement. Many families choose marble when they want a lasting tribute that feels significant.
Marble urns are best suited for home display or indoor columbarium niches. They are not typically used for burial or scattering.
Price range in Canada: $200 to $600.
Companion Urns
Companion urns are designed to hold the ashes of two people. They are a thoughtful option for couples who want to remain together, or for a parent and child.
Most companion urns have two separate internal compartments to keep the ashes divided. They are available in wood, metal, and marble.
Price range in Canada: $200 to $700.
Keepsake Urns
Keepsake urns are small urns designed to hold a portion of the ashes. Families often use them when multiple relatives want to keep a personal memorial.
For example, if three siblings each want to hold a small amount of their parent’s ashes, a set of keepsake urns allows everyone to have their own. The remaining ashes are kept in a full-sized primary urn.
Price range in Canada: $30 to $100 each.
Statuary Urns
Statuary urns are artistic or sculptural in design. They often take the form of an angel, a wildlife figure, or a decorative shape. Families who want an urn that doubles as a display piece at home tend to prefer statuary styles.
Price range in Canada: $150 to $500.
When Sandra’s mother passed away in Markham in early 2026, she was not sure what kind of urn to choose. Her mother had loved gardening and spent most of her time outdoors. Sandra came into our showroom and spent about 20 minutes looking at the collection. She chose a walnut wood urn with a hand-engraved maple leaf design. It now sits on the mantle in her mother’s favourite room. “I wanted something that felt like her,” Sandra said. “This does.”
Browse our full cremation urns collection to see all available styles, materials, and sizes.
Where Will the Urn Be Kept?
Placement affects which type of urn makes the most sense. Here is a quick reference:
| Placement | Best Urn Type |
|---|---|
| Home display | Wood, marble, or statuary |
| Columbarium niche | Metal or compact stone |
| Burial in a cemetery | Metal or wood (check cemetery rules) |
| Scattering ashes | Biodegradable or simple container |
| Sharing among family | Keepsake urns |
If you plan to place the urn in a columbarium, check with the cemetery or crematorium first. Some have rules about urn dimensions or materials. We are happy to help you confirm whether a specific urn meets the requirements.
What About Custom Engraving?
Personalizing an urn with engraving is one of the most meaningful things you can do. A name, a date, a short phrase, or a symbol can turn a beautiful product into a lasting tribute.
At Haven Casket, we offer custom urn engraving in English, Chinese, and other languages. We use laser engraving for clean, precise results. Most engraving orders are completed within a few days.
Common engraving choices include:
- Full name and dates (born and passed away)
- A short phrase or meaningful quote
- Religious symbols or icons
- A portrait photo etched onto the surface
- Chinese characters for families observing traditional practices
If you need engraving in a language other than English, contact us directly at (905)-604-7555 and we will confirm what is available.
David’s father passed away in Scarborough last winter. David’s family follows Chinese funeral traditions and wanted the urn engraved with his father’s name in traditional Chinese characters. He called Haven Casket and we confirmed we could do it. The urn was ready within three days, engraved exactly as the family requested. “We were worried we would not find anyone who could do it properly,” David told us. “You made it easy.”
How Much Do Cremation Urns Cost in Canada?
Here is a realistic price range for 2026 based on material and style:
| Urn Type | Price Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Basic metal urn | $100 to $200 |
| Premium metal or wood urn | $200 to $400 |
| Custom Canadian hardwood urn (birdseye maple, curly walnut) | $700 to $1,500+ |
| Marble urn | $150 to $600 |
| Companion urn | $200 to $700 |
| Keepsake urn (per piece) | $30 to $100 |
| Statuary urn | $150 to $500 |
Funeral homes typically charge two to three times what you would pay buying directly from a supplier like Haven Casket. If you purchased an urn from a funeral home for $500, the same urn could cost $150 to $250 when bought from us.
You do not have to buy an urn from the funeral home. Ontario law allows you to purchase one from any supplier, and the funeral home must accept it. You can read more about your legal rights in our guide on buying a casket independently in Ontario.
Where to Buy a Cremation Urn in Toronto
You have several options when buying a cremation urn in the GTA:
From the funeral home: Convenient but typically the most expensive option. Markups of 200 to 400% are common on urns.
Online retailers: Lower prices but you cannot see the product before buying. Shipping times vary and may not work for urgent needs.
Haven Casket in Markham: Factory-direct pricing, a full showroom where you can see and handle the urns in person, same-day delivery across the GTA, and custom engraving available. No pressure, no rush.
Our showroom is located at 2750 14th Ave, Unit G7 in Markham. You are welcome to visit and take your time. If you are not ready to visit in person, you can browse our full urn collection online and call us with any questions.
If you need an urn today, call us at (905)-604-7555. We deliver across the GTA and coordinate directly with the funeral home so you do not have to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation Urns
How much ash does a cremation produce?
The average adult produces between three and nine pounds of cremated remains, which equals roughly 150 to 220 cubic inches in volume. An urn with 200 cubic inches of capacity is sufficient for most adults.
Can I bring my own urn to the funeral home?
Yes. Funeral homes in Ontario must accept urns purchased from third-party suppliers. They cannot charge an additional fee for doing so. This is protected under Ontario law and governed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO).
Can I split ashes between multiple urns?
Yes. This is common when family members want to share ashes. A primary urn holds the majority, and smaller keepsake urns hold a portion for each family member.
How long does engraving take?
Most engraving orders at Haven Casket are completed within two to three business days. If you have an urgent timeline, call us at 1-855-604-7555 and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What is the difference between an urn and a keepsake urn?
A standard urn is designed to hold all of the ashes from one person. A keepsake urn is a much smaller container designed to hold only a portion. Keepsake urns are typically used alongside a primary urn so multiple family members can each have a memorial.
Do I need to buy a separate urn vault for burial?
Some cemeteries require an urn vault (an outer container) when burying an urn underground. Requirements vary by cemetery. Check with your specific cemetery before purchasing to confirm what is needed.
Choosing an Urn Does Not Have to Be Overwhelming
Losing someone is hard enough. Choosing an urn should not add stress to an already difficult time.
Start with the basics: pick a size that fits your loved one’s weight, choose a material that suits where you plan to keep it, and consider whether engraving would make it more meaningful.
If you are not sure where to start, we are here to help. Visit our Markham showroom to see the collection in person, or call Cass and the Haven Casket team at (905)-604-7555. There is no pressure and no rush. We will take as much time as you need.
You can also use our funeral cost estimator to get a sense of overall funeral costs and where an urn fits into your budget.
