Choosing the right casket for a deceased loved one is an emotional process. You may feel overwhelmed by all of the options for materials, designs, and finishes. If you’re ready to browse, start with our hardwood caskets and compare against all caskets to see every option.
Clear comparisons of different casket materials can ease your stress. When you’re choosing between hardwood caskets vs. other materials, use this guide to find the final resting place for your loved one.
When Is Hardwood Best?
For thousands of years, many different cultures have used wooden caskets to bury the departed with pride and honor. Today, you have more options, but wood remains a popular material.
Hardwood is typically a premium choice in the wooden casket category because of its beauty and durability. Here’s when it may be the right option.
You Want a Timeless Look
If you have a specific vision for the casket that includes a natural, earthy, and timeless appearance, hardwood will provide what you’re looking for. You can choose particular finishes and stains to personalize the casket for the viewing and burial.
You Need an Affordable and Beautiful Option
Many hardwood options can be more budget-friendly than premium metal caskets, depending on the wood species, finish, and the type of steel. If you’re on a tight budget for the funeral and burial, hardwood is a good option that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics for affordability.
You Value Variety
Wood caskets come in many different types, so you have plenty of variety when choosing. If your family is having a hard time making your selection, consider narrowing it down to a specific type of wood or finish.
Hardwood vs. Steel
Both hardwood and steel caskets are good options for honoring a loved one. However, these materials differ in aspects like appearance, feel, and price.
Appearance
Hardwood caskets have a timeless, natural appearance. They’ve been used for funerals and burial rituals for much longer than metal caskets, which makes them a good choice for a traditional service. The casket may be tinted reddish brown, light brown, or rich, dark brown, depending on the wood type, stain, and finish.
Steel caskets are sleek and shiny. They’re typically gray but can be painted or finished in any color. Steel options are more reflective and appear very modern and polished.
Feel
Wooden caskets have natural grains and divots. Different finishes can make them feel smooth and glossy or naturally textured.
Since a steel casket is made of metal, its exterior will feel smooth and cold to the touch.
Price Considerations
Families with smaller funeral budgets often choose wooden caskets. However, a premium hardwood option may require a larger budget.
Steel caskets can cost more depending on the type of steel and design details, but pricing varies by model. If your family values strength and long-lasting support even after the burial, the added costs can be worth it.
Common Hardwood Options and Finishes
You can find wooden caskets in a variety of shades and finishes, depending on the type of tree used to make them.
Some of the most common wood casket options in funeral homes include:
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Oak
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Mahogany
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Cherry
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Walnut
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Maple
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Birch
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Pine
Harder woods typically cost more to source than softer woods, so they may come at a premium price.
The finish determines how shiny or glossy the casket is. General finish options include:
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High gloss
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Semi-gloss or semi-matte
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Full matte
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Satin
Certain finishes bring out the best qualities in specific wood species. For example, dark woods with rich colors like cherry benefit from high gloss finishes.
How to Choose the Right Casket for Viewing and Burial
Choosing a casket requires privacy and sensitivity. To best honor your loved one, you should take your time and make a thoughtful decision.
Keep the most important factors in mind as you search. If price is your top consideration, go for a cost-effective wooden casket or high-gauge (thinner) steel. For services with a viewing, you may also want to compare half-couch caskets (upper portion viewable) and full-couch caskets (interior fully viewable).
If your loved one was a veteran or had other special honors, consider spending more for a personalized casket to reflect their achievements. If military honors are part of the service, we also offer military caskets designed for that tradition. Many families choose steel caskets for an elegant and sophisticated look.
Delivery Timing and Funeral Home Coordination
At Solace Caskets, we work directly with your funeral home to deliver the casket in time for the service and burial. We take care of the shipping and delivery timelines and coordination, and we communicate them clearly to the funeral home while keeping you in the loop.
This takes a lot of stress off you as you mourn. The last thing you need is to worry about dates, times, and complicated logistics. Let us take care of it so you can focus on creating a service that will honor your loved one.
Next Steps
Now that you know how hardwood caskets fit in among other options, you’re ready to start looking. We’re here for you during this difficult time, and we’ve made it as easy as possible to make your selection.
Browse our hardwood caskets to narrow your choices, or browse all caskets to compare wood, steel, and other materials side by side.
