Stainless steel is CMV Fabrication's standard material for metal urn vaults because of its natural resistance to corrosion from soil chemistry and groundwater. Unlike carbon steel, stainless steel does not require a protective coating to resist rust, though CMV Fabrication applies a powder coat finish as an additional barrier and for visual presentation at graveside. For burial sites with particularly aggressive soil conditions, reinforced alloy configurations offer enhanced chemical resistance.
The material choice affects both the vault's long-term performance and its cost. CMV Fabrication discusses site conditions with the buyer during the specification process so the material recommendation reflects what the vault will actually face underground. A well-drained site with neutral soil chemistry has different requirements than a coastal or wetland burial location.