Can cremation urns be opened?
Yes, cremation urns can be opened. Some are easier than others. Let's take a look.
How to Open A Wooden Urn
Opening a cremation urn is not something one does every day. It’s a fairly simple process; most of our wooden cremation urns open from the bottom, using four screws. But since it is still helpful to see it done before trying it yourself, here is our video demonstration of how to open a wood urn.
Handy tip
When removing the bottom panel, lightly mark a corner of the panel and the corresponding corner of the urn with a pencil or piece of tape. This will help you put the panel back the same way and ensure that the screw holes line up correctly.
How to Open Cremation Urns with Alternate Openings
Different types of urns vary in how the ashes compartment is accessed. Most ceramic urns have a threaded lid, while many metal urns have a snap-lock style top plate or a bottom-opening plate affixed with screws like our wooden urns.
Some marble urns have a threaded stopper underneath, into which the cremains are poured. Biodegradable urns vary significantly in how they are assembled and in how the ashes are deposited; instructions are included.
How to open a companion urn
Most companion urns are just like standard urns. However, some have two openings or two inner compartments instead of one.
How to open a marble, granite, or stone urn
Stone urns include solid or cultured marble, onyx, granite, or other types of similar materials. These will have bottom-opening stoppers (for rectangular urns) or top-opening threaded or weighted lids (for vase-shaped designs).
How to fill a biodegradable scattering urn tube
Each biodegradable, eco-friendly urn works a little differently. Thankfully most manufacturers include filling and use instructions! For more information, here's a helpful video.
How to use a biodegradable cremation urn
How to open a wooden urn (new)
This is a newer video that illustrates how to open an urn.
Questions?
If you have any questions about how to open an urn, how to use an urn for burial, water disposition, or scattering, or if you have concerns about the durability of our urns, please don't hesitate to contact us via phone (877-900-5309) or email.
