Choosing a casket can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, the process becomes easier. This guide explains the most common casket materials and styles, from affordable wood caskets to durable metal and eco-friendly options. With this information, you can make a thoughtful decision for your loved one.
If you’re overwhelmed by all of the options, don’t worry. This comprehensive overview of casket styles and materials will clear things up so you can turn your focus to mourning and finding peace after your loved one’s passing.
Use this guide to find out which casket materials work best for your loved one’s spiritual and personal values, as well as for your budget.
Keep Your Budget in Mind Throughout the Buying Process
Before diving into the different casket styles and materials, determine your budget. Your price point will dictate which caskets are accessible to you, making the buying process less stressful.
If you handle or have access to your loved one’s finances, consider what funds are available for their funeral and burial. For example, many people receive death benefits through their workplace, including life insurance payouts. Another way to prepare is through funeral pre-planning, which can help ensure funds are set aside and decisions are made in advance to ease the burden on family members.
Some people specify their burial preferences in their wills before death. Review this information to see if they’ve set aside funds to be used specifically for their funeral and burial expenses.
Once you’ve set a budget, you can begin exploring affordable casket options that balance cost with style and meaning for your loved one.
The Most Common Casket Materials
Caskets are typically made out of either metal or wood. Some modern caskets are made out of less traditional “green” materials, like bamboo or wicker. Depending on your preferences, learn about the pros and cons of each material.
Metal Caskets - Durable and Timeless
Metal caskets are durable, long-lasting burial options that generally won’t break down over time. Because of their strength and durability, they’re usually the priciest caskets.
Common casket metals include:
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Copper - premium and long-lasting
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Bronze - less common, higher-end option
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Stainless steel - durable and mid-range
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18- or 20-gauge steel - the most common and affordable choice
Most families select 20-gauge steel caskets because they provide durability at a lower cost, while bronze and copper are higher-end specialty options that are less commonly chosen.
Spouses and family members often choose high-quality metal caskets for their timeless appearance. They want a beautiful, durable casket that reflects their loved one’s character and strength in life.
Wood Caskets - Classic and Affordable
Most families select 20-gauge steel caskets because they provide durability at a more affordable cost. Stainless steel is also a popular mid-range choice. Bronze and copper are considered higher-end specialty options that are less commonly selected.
Many families choose metal caskets for their combination of strength, durability, and timeless appearance. These caskets reflect a balance between lasting protection and the ability to honor a loved one with dignity.
Eco-Friendly Caskets - Green Burial Options
Was your loved one a friend to Mother Earth during their lifetime? If so, choosing an eco-friendly casket material would be appropriate. Eco-friendly caskets made from green materials like wicker, untreated wood, and bamboo are more sustainable than traditional options and support a natural burial process.
Over time, biodegradable caskets will break down and feed nutrients and other materials back into the soil where your loved one is buried. This beautiful life cycle is a great way to honor your loved one’s respect for the planet they lived on.
Consider How Your Loved One Will Be Buried
There are longer-lasting metal caskets that will house your loved one’s remains in the ground for many years to come. For families choosing cremation, cremation-friendly caskets made from biodegradable materials are designed specifically for the process.
Cremation caskets make the process easy and respectful. They go directly into the cremation chamber with the body, since they’re made of naturally degradable materials.
These caskets are elegantly and timelessly crafted for funerals and showings. You can still honor your loved one’s final image with a beautiful cremation-friendly casket.
Full Couch vs. Half Couch Caskets
Once you’ve selected a casket material, it’s also important to choose a casket style. The difference between full couch and half couch comes down to how the lid is designed and how the casket will appear during a viewing.
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Full couch caskets have a single, full-length lid that opens completely.
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Half couch caskets have a two-piece lid that opens only at the top half, so the midsection and above are visible.
Half couch caskets are more commonly used in modern funerals, though both styles are available. The choice often comes down to family preference and how they wish their loved one to be presented.
Decals and Embroidery
You can adorn your loved one’s casket with embroidery and decals that honor their lifetime achievements and values.
Elements like military embroidery are common for loved ones who performed some kind of public service. Religious decals honor a person’s spirituality after they’ve passed to the other side.
You can also opt for designs that are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to a sense of peace and love during the funeral.
Honor Your Loved One With the Right Type of Casket
Choosing casket materials and designs will never be an enjoyable process, but it can be made easier with the right information. Let this guide assist you as you make the final decisions to honor your loved one’s life and personhood after they have passed.
