The Difference Between Columbarium, Urn Vault, and Burial Vault
Understanding the purpose and construction of various memorial containers can help families choose the right option for cremated or full-body interment. A columbarium Cleveland niche differs from urn and burial vaults in design, use, and setting.
Each option offers distinct structural and placement features that align with different memorial preferences. Making the right choice can preserve both the remains and the emotional significance of the site.
Here’s a breakdown of their distinctions:
- Columbarium – A structure housing multiple niches, each containing urns with cremated remains. Often placed in cemeteries, chapels, or memorial gardens, columbaria offer accessible, dignified spaces for remembrance that are visible and easy to visit.
- Urn vault – An outer protective container for an urn when it’s buried in the ground. It shields the urn from soil pressure and moisture, preserving the cremated remains and preventing ground collapse.
- Burial vault – Typically used in traditional casket burials, this reinforced container surrounds the casket underground to prevent soil collapse and protect the burial site. These vaults offer maximum structural protection and are often required by cemeteries.
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