How to Buy a Columbarium: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Columbariums

Overview

A Columbarium is a structure designed to store the remains of a deceased person in an appropriate, respectful manner. When choosing a Columbarium, it is important to consider the size, type, design, and material, as well as the cost of installation and maintenance. This buying guide will provide an overview of Columbariums and will walk you through the process of selecting the right model for your needs. It will also provide information on installation, maintenance, and pricing, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision.

Key features

  1. Size & Capacity – Consider both the size of the Columbarium and the number of niches it can accommodate. It is important to evaluate your current needs and the future needs of your organization.
  2. Material – Columbariums can be made from a variety of materials such as stone, marble, granite, wood, and metal. Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
  3. Design & Style – Columbariums come in a variety of styles and designs, so you can find one that fits the aesthetic of your facility. Consider the size, shape, and colors when selecting a design.
  4. Maintenance & Upkeep – Depending on the material of your Columbarium, there will be specific types of maintenance and upkeep that will need to be performed. Make sure you understand what type of maintenance is required and how often.
  5. Cost – Columbariums can range in cost from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Consider your budget and what features you need versus how much you are willing to spend.

See the most popular Columbariums on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Cost Efficiency - Columbariums are a cost efficient option for those looking to memorialize a loved one, as the cost of purchasing or renting a columbarium space is significantly less expensive than a traditional burial.
  • Ease of Access - Columbariums are much easier to visit than traditional burial sites, as they are typically situated in easily accessible areas of cemeteries.
  • Space Saving - Because of their smaller size, Columbariums are ideal for those who want to maximize the use of limited cemetery space.
  • Durability - Columbariums are built to be durable and last for many years, providing a secure resting place for the deceased.
  • Environmentally Friendly - Columbariums are often constructed with eco-friendly materials and do not require the use of chemicals or other pollutants.

Cons

  • Cost - Columbariums can be expensive to purchase upfront, and many require an additional fee for maintenance and upkeep.
  • Location - Columbariums are typically limited to cemeteries or other places of worship, so they may not be available near the buyer's home or place of work.
  • Space Limitations - Columbariums may not have enough space for the number of urns that a family needs to store.
  • Rules and Regulations - Many cemeteries and places of worship have specific rules and regulations about what can be placed in a columbarium, so the buyer should make sure to understand those before purchasing.
  • Security - Columbariums may not be as secure as other forms of burial when it comes to protecting against vandalism or theft.

Best alternatives

  • Mausoleums - A mausoleum is a large, stately structure, usually made of stone, used to house the remains of deceased people.
  • Cemeteries - A cemetery is an area of land dedicated to the burial of the dead. Cemeteries may also contain burial monuments, such as headstones, tombs or crypts.
  • Memorial Plaques - Memorial plaques are a flat plaque or marker usually made of metal, stone, or wood used to commemorate a person or an event.
  • Memorial Benches - Memorial benches are benches usually made of wood or metal that are inscribed with the name of a deceased person and used to commemorate them.
  • Cremation Urns - Cremation urns are containers, usually made of ceramic, metal or stone, used to store the ashes of someone who has been cremated.

    • Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    • Urn - A container typically made of metal, stone, wood, or glass used to hold the cremated remains of a deceased person.
    • Stands - Metal or wood stands used to display an urn in a columbarium.
    • Engraving supplies - Tools or supplies used to customize an urn.
    • Decorative accessories - Items used to decorate the urn or columbarium.
    • Lighting fixtures - Lighting fixtures used to illuminate a columbarium or urn.
    • Nameplates - Plaques with the deceased person’s name and dates of birth and death.
    • Vases - Glass or ceramic vessels used to hold flowers for decoration.
    • Memorial plaques - Plaques with a short message or poem about the deceased.
    • Statues - Sculptures or statues used to decorate a columbarium.

    Common questions

    1. What is a Columbarium?
      A Columbarium is a structure, usually constructed of stone, brick, or metal, designed to hold urns containing the ashes of the deceased.
    2. What is a niche in relation to a Columbarium?
      A niche is an individual compartment in a Columbarium, designed to hold an urn.
    3. What types of Columbariums are available?
      Columbariums are available in a variety of styles and materials, including outdoor and indoor types, wall-mounted units, and those designed to be placed on the ground.
    4. What is the difference between an outdoor and an indoor Columbarium?
      An outdoor Columbarium is designed to withstand the elements and is typically made of stone, brick, or metal. An indoor Columbarium is usually made of wood or stone and is intended to be placed inside a building.
    5. What is the cost of a Columbarium?
      The cost of a Columbarium can vary greatly depending on the type, size, and materials used. Generally, outdoor Columbariums are more expensive than indoor ones, and wall-mounted units tend to be more costly than those designed to be placed on the ground.
    6. What other considerations should I take into account when buying a Columbarium?
      When buying a Columbarium, it is important to consider the size and capacity of the unit, the climate in which it is to be placed, the type and quality of the materials used, any engraving or customization options available, and the cost.

    Trivia

    In 2014, a Columbarium in Los Angeles, California accidentally locked a dead body inside of it. Upon noticing that the Columbarium was locked, employees were shocked to find the deceased individual inside. The man had apparently passed away while visiting his urn. Although the incident had a somber tone, it provided an interesting anecdote that could make potential shoppers smile as a reminder that no matter how high tech a Columbarium may be, it can still encounter unexpected surprises. Source: CBS News.

    Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.