Addressing Common Myths About a Columbarium

May 5, 2025

Columbaria offer a dignified and practical way to memorialize loved ones, but there are still many misconceptions about these structures. If you’re considering a columbarium installation for your cemetery or memorial garden, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. In this blog, we’ll address some of the most common myths about a columbarium and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

1. Myth: Columbaria Are Not as Respectful or Dignified as Traditional Burial

Fact: A columbarium provides a highly respectful and dignified space for families to honour their loved ones. Just like traditional burials, columbaria allow for personalization, such as engraved plaques, decorative elements, and specific niches to ensure each person’s legacy is thoughtfully remembered. In fact, many families find a columbarium to be a more serene, peaceful, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional burial.

Why It’s a Myth: Some people mistakenly view cremation and columbarium placement as less respectful than traditional burial, but these structures are designed to be beautiful and reverent, often with significant attention to detail. As for cremation, Clear Cremation explains their thoughts of cremation.

2. Myth: Columbaria Are Expensive and Out of Reach

Fact: Columbaria can be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional burial. While the cost of a traditional burial includes the cost of purchasing land and often ongoing maintenance, a columbarium generally requires less land, fewer materials, and significantly less upkeep.

Why It’s a Myth: The perception that a columbarium is expensive often comes from the initial cost of installation, but the long term investment, they can offer significant savings in both land and maintenance costs. At kybercc we will work with you to ensure your columbarium project meets your needs and budget.

3. Myth: Columbaria Are Only for Cremated Remains

Fact: While a columbarium are primarily designed to house cremated remains, they can also accommodate other types of memorials. Some columbaria have niches large enough to fit small keepsakes or multiple urns. Additionally, many columbaria are set in gardens or park-like settings, where visitors can reflect and pay respects, which can accommodate a broader range of memorialization practices. At Kybercc, our standard niche size is 13x12x14 while most companies are 12x12x12, while allows more space and larger urn placement. In addition, many families will opt for a glass front niche and choose to display mementos or photos.

Why It’s a Myth: The assumption that Columbaria are only for cremated remains overlooks the flexibility in design and use of these memorial structures, which can be adapted to different needs.

4. Myth: Columbaria Require Constant Maintenance

Fact: Columbaria are designed to be low-maintenance. While the surrounding landscape may require periodic care, the columbarium itself typically requires minimal upkeep. The materials used in the construction of most columbaria—such as stone, concrete, or aluminum—are durable and designed to last for decades, with-stand weather and often with little to no need for repairs. The plaques and niches are made to be weather-resistant, ensuring that the memorial stays intact over time.

Why It’s a Myth: Some people believe that the upkeep of a columbarium is as demanding as that of traditional burial plots, but in reality, these structures are made to withstand the elements and remain in good condition with very little intervention.

5. Myth: All Columbaria Look the Same

Fact: Columbaria come in a wide variety of designs, ranging from traditional, ornate structures to modern, minimalist options. They can be tailored to complement the overall aesthetic of the cemetery or memorial garden, whether it’s a classic or contemporary, artistic form. Additionally, many columbaria are built with landscaping elements such as fountains, benches, and garden paths to create a peaceful and personalized environment. Additionally, KyberCC has the option to fully customize your columbarium design tailored to your property, style and vision, ensuring yours stands out.

Why It’s a Myth: Many people mistakenly believe that a columbarium are one-size-fits-all, but the variety of designs available today means that there is a style for every space and preference.

Conclusion

As you explore options for memorializing a loved one, it’s important to clear up misconceptions about a columbarium. From their affordability and flexibility to their beauty and environmental benefits, columbaria are an excellent alternative to traditional burial methods. By addressing these myths, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of how a columbarium can serve as a dignified, respectful, and sustainable way to honour those who have passed.

If you’re considering adding a columbarium to your cemetery or memorial garden, reach out to our team of professionals who can guide you through the process and help you select the best option for your needs.