A Columbarium is an essential facility designed to store and safeguard cremation urns. It helps maximize space utilization while providing a dignified environment for preserving the memories of the departed. Selecting the right size is crucial to ensure both the security of the urns and ease of maintenance. In this article, Sales Manager Mr. Luo from HuaHeng Columbarium Factory, Jiangxi, China, provides a detailed overview of standard Columbarium dimensions.

Sizes of Columbarium units generally depend on the dimensions of the urns they are designed to hold, and there can be regional variations between northern and southern China.

1. Height of the Columbarium
   Height is one of the key factors to consider when designing a Columbarium. Standard urn heights are typically around 22 cm, with larger ones ranging between 26–28 cm. In coastal regions such as Guangdong and Fujian, where bone-collecting jars are sometimes used, the height of these containers can reach 40–60 cm. This often requires customized Columbarium design.

For urns only, the standard internal height offered by HuaHeng Columbarium Factory is 27 cm, which accommodates most common urn sizes. Custom heights are also available. Ultimately, the height should be determined based on what will be placed inside.

2. Width of the Columbarium
   The width of a Columbarium unit depends primarily on the available space and the number of urns it needs to accommodate. It is advisable to leave some margin for easier management and access. User convenience should also be taken into account to ensure that urns can be retrieved comfortably.

Standard urn widths range from 30 cm to 38 cm—30 cm is typical for stone urns, while 34 cm is common for wooden ones. Some larger urns may require up to 38 cm. At HuaHeng, our standard single Columbarium niche internal width is 37 cm, and for double niches, it is 67 cm.

3. Depth of the Columbarium
   The depth of a Columbarium refers to the front-to-back distance of each niche. This should be planned according to the overall layout of the memorial space. Depth must also be suited to the size of the urns and how they are arranged, ensuring that they rest securely.

Our standard production depth is 30 cm. However, as Columbarium usage evolves, many clients now wish to place not only urns but also memorabilia such as memorial plaques, prayer items, or personal keepsakes alongside the urn. There is a growing trend toward cultural and memorial storage, beyond just urns.

At HuaHeng Columbarium Factory, we often recommend increasing the depth to 50 cm for clients who wish to store additional items such as personal belongings—a pipe, teacup, wine glass, eyeglasses, medals, biographies, or memoirs—that serve as emotional connections to the departed.

4. Material and Structure
   Columbarium units are typically constructed from pure aluminum alloy, galvanized steel, or aluminum composite panels. Our units are built with side and rear panels cut and punched from single sheets. Each load-bearing shelf is securely riveted to the side and rear panels to prevent deformation and collapse.

Some suppliers use a stacking block method, building layer by layer, but our method offers superior stability and durability.

Standard Single Columbarium Niche:
Internal Dimensions: 370 mm (L) × 300 mm (D) × 270 mm (H)
External Dimensions: 400 mm (L) × 300 mm (D) × 300 mm (H)

Standard Double Niche:
Internal Dimensions: 670 mm (L) × 300 mm (D) × 270 mm (H)
External Dimensions: 700 mm (L) × 300 mm (D) × 300 mm (H)

These are standard dimensions for domestic urns, but custom sizes are available.

There are exceptions—for example, we recently produced several Columbarium units for pet cremation containers. These are much smaller, similar in size to tea canisters. Similarly, in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, smaller ash containers are common, requiring more compact Columbarium design.

Conclusion
Selecting appropriate Columbarium sizes is essential for the safekeeping and efficient management of urns. This article has outlined key considerations regarding height, width, depth, material, and structure. Since customs and practices vary by region, dimensions may need to be adjusted accordingly.

For tailored solutions, feel free to consult Mr. Luo, Sales Manager at HuaHeng Columbarium Factory, Jiangxi, China. We specialize in custom-designed Columbarium units to meet diverse needs and preferences.

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