Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a cremation urn is a deeply personal decision. Below are answers to questions we hear most often from families. We hope this helps as you find the right vessel to honor your loved one.

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How do I choose the right size urn?

Use this simple guideline: 1 pound of body weight = 1 cubic inch of ashes.

For example, if your loved one weighed 150 lbs, you'd need an urn with at least 150 cubic inches capacity. When in doubt, go slightly larger.

Each product page lists the exact capacity and weight range. Check our size guide for capacity details and help selecting the ideal urn.

What materials are the urns made from?

Natural mango wood from trees that have completed their fruit-bearing years. Each urn is hand-carved by skilled artisans in Northern Thailand.

To read more about our sustainable approach, visit The Three Stories page.

Is each urn truly unique?

Absolutely. Because each urn is handcrafted by skilled artisans and made from natural wood, every piece has its own unique grain patterns and character. No two urns are exactly alike.

Can I personalize or engrave the urn?

We don't currently offer engraving or personalization.

Our urns are designed with timeless symbols. We've chosen not to add custom text to preserve the handcrafted, artistic quality of each piece.

Instead, many families choose to:

  • Place a small photo frame or nameplate beside it
  • Add flowers or meaningful objects nearby
  • Create a dedicated space around it

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, through Shop Pay Installments at checkout.

Choose between:

Bi-weekly payments – 4 interest-free installments every 2 weeks

Monthly payments – Spread over 3-24 months (interest may apply)

How it works: Select Shop Pay at checkout, choose your plan, pay the first installment, and the rest are automatically charged. Email reminders sent before each payment.

Requirements: U.S. billing address and Shop Pay account (create at checkout).

What is your returns policy?

We want you to feel good about your choice. If the urn doesn't feel right when it arrives, you can return it within 30 days.

If something arrives damaged or incorrect:
Contact us within 48 hours with photos. We'll send a replacement and cover all return shipping.

If you change your mind:
Returns are accepted within 30 days as long as the urn is unused and in its original packaging. You cover return shipping costs.

We can't accept returns on:

  • Urns that have been filled or used
  • Items without original packaging

To start a return: Email us with your order number and we'll guide you through it.

How long does shipping take?

4-7 business days from order to delivery (continental US). Alaska and Hawaii may take 7-9 days.

Free FedEx standard shipping for all orders. Each urn is thoughtfully packaged with layers of protective materials for safe delivery.

Need it urgently? Express shipping options are available at checkout.

When will I get my tracking number?

You'll receive a tracking number within 1-2 business days.

Here's what happens:

  1. Order placed – We receive your order
  2. 1-2 business days – We carefully package your urn at our warehouse
  3. FedEx pickup – Once FedEx picks up your package, you'll receive an email with your tracking number and link

If it's been more than 2 business days since you ordered and you haven't received tracking, check your spam folder or contact us—we'll look into it right away.

My order arrived damaged. What do I do?

We're so sorry this happened. Please email us within 48 hours with photos of the damage (both the urn and the packaging if possible).

We'll send you a replacement right away and cover all shipping costs.

How do I place ashes inside the urn?

If you're receiving ashes directly from a crematorium, they can transfer the ashes into your urn for you. Just bring the urn and instruction card to them.

If you're filling it yourself:

  1. Remove the lid
  2. Full-size urns: Place the satin pouch inside, then the plastic liner inside that
  3. Keepsake urns: Place the plastic liner directly inside
  4. Pour ashes gently into the liner
  5. Seal the liner (and satin pouch for full-size)
  6. Close the lid
  7. (Optional) Use wood glue for a permanent seal

What's included:

Full-size urns: Satin pouch, biodegradable plastic liner, wood glue, instruction card

Keepsake urns: Biodegradable plastic liner, wood glue, instruction card

If you're doing it yourself, refer to our complete instructions guide.

Do I have to seal the urn permanently?

No, sealing is optional.

Unsealed: You can open and close the lid whenever needed.

Sealed with glue: The lid becomes permanent and cannot be reopened without damaging the urn.

Note: If you plan to travel with the urn (especially by airplane), don't seal it with glue. TSA may need to inspect it.

Most people choose not to seal permanently, but it's entirely your choice.

What if there are leftover ashes?

This is common. Here are your options:

1. Use a keepsake urn
Our small keepsake urns are designed to hold a portion of ashes. You can divide the ashes among family members or keep some while scattering the rest.

2. Scatter the remaining ashes
Many people scatter leftover ashes in a meaningful location.

3. Keep them in the temporary container
Some families keep the remainder in the crematorium's container as a backup or for later decisions.

4. Choose a larger urn
If you haven't ordered yet and want to ensure all ashes fit comfortably, choose the next size up. It's better to have extra space.

There's no right or wrong way to handle this. Do what feels right for you and your family.

Can these urns be buried?

Yes, our wooden urns can be buried. However, burial requirements vary by cemetery and location. We recommend checking with your local cemetery or funeral home about their specific burial requirements and regulations. You can also review your state or local government's cemetery guidelines online.

Can these urns go in a columbarium?

Yes, but you'll need to check two things with your columbarium first:

1. Size requirements
Columbariums have specific niche dimensions. Verify that the urn you choose fits within your columbarium's size regulations. Each product page lists exact dimensions.

2. Environment
Ask about climate control. Wooden urns need stable indoor conditions—moderate temperature, controlled humidity, enough airflow, no direct sunlight or moisture.

Questions to ask your columbarium:

  • Is the facility climate-controlled?
  • What are the niche dimensions?
  • Are there any material restrictions?
  • Is there risk of moisture or temperature extremes?

If the columbarium is not climate-controlled or has high humidity, wood may not be suitable for long-term placement. In that case, consider keeping the urn at home instead.

Can I travel with the urn (airplane/TSA)?

Yes, but with some important considerations:

Before you travel:

  • Don't seal the urn with glue. TSA may need to inspect it.
  • Carry it on rather than checking it (safer)
  • Bring a copy of the death certificate
  • Contact your airline ahead of time to confirm their specific policies

At security:

  • Let TSA know you're carrying cremated remains
  • The urn may go through the X-ray machine
  • TSA may ask to visually inspect it (without opening it, if possible)

Wooden urns generally pass through TSA without issues, but policies can vary by airport and airline. Planning ahead helps avoid complications.

How should I care for a wooden urn?

Proper care will help preserve the beauty and integrity of your wooden urn for generations to come.

Cleaning: Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Never use water, cleaners, or polish, as these may damage the wood.

Placement: Keep in a stable indoor location away from:

  • Direct sunlight
  • Heat sources like radiators or fireplaces
  • High-humidity areas like bathrooms or basement
  • Cold or damp surfaces

Handling: Use both hands when moving it.

For detailed care instructions and best practices, please visit our complete care guide.

How long do urns made from mango wood last?

Mango wood is a dense hardwood known for its durability. With proper indoor care (keeping it away from extreme heat, moisture, and direct sunlight) your urn will last for generations.

The wood may develop a natural patina over time, but this doesn't affect its integrity. It remains structurally sound while aging beautifully.

For detailed care instructions, see our care guide.

Do you really plant a tree for every urn?

Yes. For every urn order we receive, we fund the planting of 1 tree in the Santiam State Forest in Oregon, USA, through Ecodrive, a third‑party provider that manages verified reforestation projects.

Ecodrive tracks where and when trees are planted and provides us with documentation so we can confirm our contributions; you can read more on our detailed tree‑planting page.

If you have other questions or need guidance choosing the right vessel, please contact us. We're here to help and happy to walk you through any part of the process.