Metal Urns for Ashes

Types of Metal Urns by Material

Metal urns are available in a wide range of materials, each with its own finish, weight, and character.

Gold Cremation Urns
Gold urns bring warmth and richness to any memorial setting. Available in gold-tone and 24-karat plated finishes, gold metal urns for ashes are crafted in vase, box, and sculpted styles. Many feature decorative motifs including religious imagery, nature scenes, and personalized engravings that can be customized at checkout.

Silver Urns
A silver urn offers timeless elegance that suits a wide range of home décor styles. Silver urns are available in standard full-adult capacity as well as smaller companion and keepsake sizes. Brushed and polished finishes are both widely available, and silver urns hold up exceptionally well over time without tarnishing under normal indoor conditions.

Brass Urns
Brass is among the most traditional materials for cremation urns, prized for its density, warmth, and long-term durability. Cast brass urns often feature lacquer coatings to preserve their brilliance over the years. Brass is a strong choice for burial applications, as its weight and corrosion resistance make it well suited for in-ground interment.

Copper Urns
Copper urns are distinguished by their warm reddish tone and handcrafted quality. Many copper cremation urns are hammer-finished individually, making each piece distinctive. Copper develops a natural patina over time, giving these urns an evolving, organic character suited to both display and burial use.

Stainless Steel Urns
A stainless steel urn is one of the most practical long-term choices. Stainless steel resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration, performing well in both home display and in-ground burial environments. Our stainless steel urn for human ashes selection includes sleek modern designs in brushed and mirror-polished finishes, available in standard adult and oversized capacities for larger individuals.

Aluminum Urns
Aluminum urns are lightweight without sacrificing durability, making them a practical option when portability or shipping weight is a factor. Available in contemporary shapes and a range of anodized finishes, aluminum metal urns for ashes offer a modern look at an accessible price point.

Styles and Shapes Available

Vase-Style Urns are the most recognized urn shape — tall and cylindrical, typically with a flat or domed lid. These suit home display well and are among the most compatible with laser engraving.

Box and Chest Urns take a more contemporary or traditional rectangular form, often with hinged or threaded lids. Many feature decorative painted panels, inlaid designs, or themed carvings on the exterior face.

Themed Metal Urns are available across several collections. Our military & veteran urns include designs honoring Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps service. Our religious urns collection features crosses, praying hands, doves, and other faith-based imagery in a range of metal finishes.

How to Choose a Metal Cremation Urn

Size: Standard adult urns hold approximately 200 cubic inches of cremated remains. If you need a smaller token amount for a keepsake or to share among family members, a keepsake urn is the right option. For two individuals to be memorialized in one vessel, a companion urn provides the additional capacity needed. Our urn sizing guide includes capacity charts and step-by-step measurement instructions.

Burial vs. Display: Denser metals — brass, copper, and stainless steel — are the best choices for burial or niche placement. Metal urns for burial in ground outperform wood and ceramic alternatives in moisture resistance and structural longevity. If a cemetery plot burial is planned, an urn vault may be required — many cemeteries mandate outer burial containers. Our guide to cremation urns for burial covers material requirements and cemetery rules by state. For home display, see our guide on displaying a cremation urn at home for placement and décor advice.

Personalization: Most metal urns accept laser engraving directly on the surface, and many are also compatible with engraved urn nameplates for name, dates, and a short message. Our urn engraving guide includes inscription ideas and formatting options.

Budget: Metal urns span a wide price range. Aluminum and steel options start under $50, while cast brass and copper urns with detailed artisan finishing typically range from $75 to $250 or more depending on size and decoration.

Why Choose a Metal Urn

Metal is among the most reliable long-term materials for a cremation urn. Unlike wood, which can warp or crack with humidity changes, or ceramic, which is vulnerable to breakage, a metal urn for ashes holds up under virtually all storage and placement conditions. Whether displayed on a mantle, sealed in a niche, or buried in a cemetery, metal urns maintain their structural integrity over decades. For a full comparison of material options, see our guide to types of cremation urns.

Free Shipping on All Metal Urns

Every metal urn ships free to any address in the contiguous United States. Most orders are processed within 2–3 business days, with expedited options available at checkout. All metal urns for ashes are covered by our lowest-price guarantee. If you need help selecting the right urn for your family, our customer care team is available by phone and chat seven days a week.