Types of Caskets: Types, Styles, Features and Costs

Caskets serve as an important element of funeral and burial traditions, providing a dignified resting place for loved ones who have passed away. With a wide variety of materials, styles, and designs available, choosing the right casket can be an overwhelming decision.

Choosing a casket is a major decision in the funeral planning process; if you’re considering pre-planning your funeral, or have the immediate need to plan a funeral service for a loved one, we encourage you to read our intro guide on how to plan a funeral.

In order to make an informed choice, it is essential to understand the different types of caskets available on the market and consider factors such as personal preferences, cultural or religious practices, and budget constraints.

Types of Caskets by Material

Caskets can be broadly categorized into two main material types: metal and wood.

Metal casket options include bronze, copper, stainless steel, and standard steel, while wood casket choices encompass mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, oak, pine, poplar, and veneer.

Apart from these traditional materials, there are also eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable caskets made from composite board, woven wicker, or even cardboard.

In addition to materials, casket styles can range from simple and traditional to elaborate and highly personalized designs, with features such as half-couch or full-couch, interior linings, and customizable accents.

Wood Caskets

Wood caskets are known for their warmth and natural beauty, making them a popular choice for many families. Common types of wood used in casket construction include mahogany, walnut, maple, cherry, oak, poplar, and pine. The cost of a wood casket can vary depending on the type of wood used, the design, and the level of craftsmanship.

Wood caskets are often available in both half-couch and full-couch styles. Half-couch caskets feature a split lid for viewing the deceased’s upper body, while full-couch caskets have a single lid that covers the entire body.

Metal Caskets

Metal caskets are a durable option, typically constructed from materials like steel, stainless steel, copper, and bronze. Steel caskets are the most common and come in various thicknesses, affecting the overall cost. Stainless steel caskets are stronger and less corrosive, while copper and bronze caskets are considered premium options due to their durability and appearance.

Metal caskets often come with a rubber gasket that forms a seal when the casket is closed, providing additional protection for the body.

Cremation Caskets

Cremation caskets are designed to be simple and combustible. They can be made from materials like cardboard, pressboard, wood veneer, or fiberboard. While some funeral homes may offer rental caskets for viewings or visitations, the body will ultimately be placed in a cremation casket before the cremation process.

Following cremation, ashes can either be stored in an urn or scattered according to your wishes.

Cloth-Covered Caskets

Cloth-covered caskets offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional casket materials. These caskets are typically made from cardboard or fiberboard, covered in a fabric such as canvas. Cloth-covered caskets are available in various colors and patterns, allowing for some degree of personalization.

Eco-Friendly Caskets

Eco-friendly caskets prioritize being gentler on the environment, catering to those looking for environmentally friendly burial options. Wicker, bamboo, or natural wood caskets biodegrade more rapidly than conventional casket materials, contributing to a more sustainable burial. Additionally, options like cardboard or pressed plant fiber caskets can be used for green burials, where the body is buried without a casket, promoting natural decomposition.

When selecting a casket, consider factors like your budget, personal values, and the desired appearance for the funeral service. Regardless of the material you choose, there are likely customization options available to make the casket truly reflect your loved one’s personality and preferences.

Styles and Designs of Caskets

Caskets come in various styles and designs, catering to different preferences and cultural practices. In this section, we will focus on two popular subcategories of caskets: Half-Couch Caskets and Full-Couch Caskets.

Half-Couch Caskets

Half-Couch Caskets are characterized by a two-piece lid, where only the top half of the casket is open during a viewing or service. This design allows the deceased’s upper body to be visible, while their lower body remains concealed. Some benefits of choosing a half-couch casket include:

• Privacy: The half-couch design provides a sense of privacy for the deceased by only displaying the upper half of the body.
• Aesthetics: With only the upper half exposed, floral arrangements and keepsakes can be beautifully displayed around the visible part.
• Tradition: Half-couch caskets are more common in North America, making them a traditional choice for many families.

Full-Couch Caskets

In contrast, Full-Couch Caskets feature a single-piece lid that covers the entire length of the casket. When open, the full body of the deceased is visible during viewings or services. Some advantages of selecting a full-couch casket are:

• Visibility: Opting for a full-couch casket ensures that family and friends can view the entire body of the deceased, creating a sense of closure for some.
• Cultural preferences: Full-couch caskets are more prevalent in some cultures and regions, making them a familiar and comfortable choice for those families.
• Customization: A full-couch casket provides more opportunities for personalization, as the entire exterior and interior can be adorned with custom designs or materials.

When deciding between a half-couch or full-couch casket, consider your personal preferences, cultural background, and the wishes of the deceased. Both options offer various materials, finishes, and decorations to ensure a dignified and meaningful tribute to your loved one.

Casket Features and Personalization Options

When selecting a casket, consider its appearance, various features, and personalization options to ensure it fits your preferences and honors the deceased appropriately.

Caskets can be made from different materials, including:

• Wooden caskets: typically crafted from hardwoods like oak, cherry, or mahogany
• Metal caskets: available in various gauges of steel, copper, or bronze
• Alternative materials: such as composite board, fiberboard, cardboard, wicker, or even gold

Different casket designs may also come with additional features:

• Adjustable bed: to elevate the head and shoulders of the deceased
• Half-couch or full-couch lids: a half-couch only reveals the upper half of the deceased, while a full couch offers an entire view
• Memorial drawers or compartments: to hold mementos or special items inside the casket
• Sealer caskets: include a rubber gasket for an airtight closure
• Oversized and undersized caskets: for individuals who may not fit standard dimensions

Casket personalization options enable you to tailor the appearance and feel of the casket to reflect the personality and taste of the deceased:

• Custom artwork or engravings: added to the exterior of the casket or on the interior fabric
• Corner ornaments: such as religious symbols or sentimental objects
• Panel inserts: featuring themes, lifestyle interests, or quotes that hold special significance
• Interior fabric: choice of color, texture, and type, including satin, velvet, or crepe

Remember to choose casket features and personalization options that represent the wishes and values of the deceased and provide a fitting tribute.

Funeral and Visitation Considerations

When planning funeral arrangements, it’s essential to consider the type of casket you’ll need for the visitation and funeral process. The casket is not just a resting place for the deceased but also a reflection of their personality, culture, and traditions.

During visitations, the casket may be partially or fully open, depending on the family’s preference. Open casket visitations allow mourners to see the deceased, pay their respects, and spend some time with them before the funeral service. In contrast, closed casket visitations do not allow viewing but still offer mourners the opportunity to grieve together and honor the deceased.

To accommodate both open and closed casket visitations, you can find caskets with half-couch lids. This design allows the top half of the casket to be open during the visitation, while the bottom half remains closed.

There is a wide variety of casket materials and designs to choose from, including:

• Wood (e.g., mahogany, walnut, oak, pine)
• Metal (e.g., stainless steel, bronze, copper)
• Fiberglass
• Eco-friendly materials (e.g., wicker, bamboo, cardboard)

These materials can also come in various price ranges, starting at around $400 and going up to $12,000, depending on the quality and construction. Be sure to balance your budget with the preferences of the deceased and their family when selecting a casket.

In addition to the casket, it’s crucial to consider other aspects of funeral arrangements, such as:

• Flowers and decorations for the visitation and funeral service
• Transportation for the casket and family members to the cemetery
• Cemetery plot and headstone or marker selection

These factors will all need to be in sync with the type of casket selected to create a seamless and respectful funeral process for your loved one.

Budget and Cost Factors

When it comes to selecting a casket, one of the essential aspects you should consider is your budget. Caskets can vary in price, with the best-priced options offered by funeral homes typically starting at $2,500 and reaching up to tens of thousands of dollars for more premium choices. The cost generally depends on the materials used, type of casket, design, your location, and the provider.

To better manage your budget, consider the following factors:

• Material: Different materials have varying price points. Wooden caskets, for instance, can range from affordable pine options to more expensive mahogany or cherry wood. Metal caskets, such as bronze or stainless steel, often have higher price tags due to their durability and appealing finishes. Cardboard coffins and composite board caskets (fiberboard caskets) offer more cost-effective alternatives.
• Design: The design of the casket also impacts the cost. Simpler models with minimal decorations will generally be cheaper than those with extravagant features like ornate carvings, satin interiors, or elaborate hardware.
• Rental caskets: If you wish to save money while still having a presentable casket for the funeral, consider rental options. These are high-quality caskets with removable liners that can be used for the viewing or ceremony before the body is transferred to a more affordable container for burial or cremation. Rental caskets can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars while still providing a dignified appearance.

To make the most of your budget while balancing your preferences, be sure to research various options and compare prices from different providers before making a decision. Don’t hesitate to ask for quotes or negotiate prices, as some funeral homes and casket suppliers might be willing to work with you to accommodate your financial concerns. And remember, whether you choose a cost-effective or high-end option, it’s crucial to respect your loved one’s wishes and honor their memory.

Green and Natural Burial Options

When considering burial options, you might want to explore green and natural burials for their eco-friendly and environmentally friendly aspects. Green burials focus on using biodegradable materials and minimizing environmental impact, which can align with your personal values and respect for nature.

One option in a green burial is to be buried without a casket. In this case, your body would be wrapped in a biodegradable shroud, which allows for a more natural decomposition process. Not using a casket eliminates the need for materials that can harm the environment and contributes to a low-impact burial.

There are also various types of biodegradable caskets available for a more traditional burial experience while maintaining an eco-friendly approach. Materials commonly used in green caskets include woven willow, bamboo, and even cardboard. These caskets break down naturally over time, allowing your body to return to the earth with minimal impact on the environment.

In addition to the materials used, green burials also prioritize the process. For instance, your burial plot may be dug by hand rather than using machinery that could pollute the environment. Furthermore, your body would not be embalmed during a green burial, as embalming fluids can have harmful environmental effects.

By choosing a green or natural burial option, you are actively contributing to a more sustainable approach in death care. Whether you decide on being buried without a casket or opting for a biodegradable casket, you can have the assurance that your final resting place will have a minimal impact on the environment and promote eco-friendly practices.

Frequently Asked Questions