Hardwood Caskets

Hardwood caskets are made of natural hardwoods, such as oak, birch, maple, cedar, black walnut, mahogany, and elm. The title “hardwood” does not refer to the hardness of the wood, but simply to the wood of leaf-bearing trees. These caskets are handcrafted, sanded, then finished with a wood gloss or painted. Since no two pieces of hardwood look the same, each hardwood casket has a slightly different appearance.

Metal Caskets

Metal caskets are made of stainless steel, copper or bronze. Metal caskets are often chosen for the durability of their material as well as their affordability. Steel caskets come in various gauges, from 16-gauge steel to 20-gauge steel. A larger numbered gauge represents the lightest steel, which tends to be less expensive. Though made of metal, steel caskets can be made in different colors such as blue, brown, black, pastels, and purple. Bronze and copper caskets are often chosen for the longevity of the material. Both are considered precious metals and are chosen by some to reflect the value of the deceased loved one.

Cloth-Covered Caskets

Unlike hardwood caskets, cloth-covered caskets are made from softwood, corrugated fiberboard or pressed wood. These caskets are then covered with cloth on the exterior and usually have a shiny cloth interior as well. Cloth-covered caskets are the least expensive casket, as their longevity after burial is less than other casket types.

Casket Prices

Price increases with durability, personalization, and ornamentation.

Casket Choices

Experience provides some insight as to why people choose particular caskets.

Automobile Analogy – Compares casket selection to the way in which people purchase automobiles. This is a very personal choice.

• People who drive ecomony cars are apt to choose the lowest quality casket.
• People who drive Rolls Royce’s typically choose the higher end casket.

Expectations of Family and Friends – Consider the family and friends who will be viewing the casket and or attending the services. Loved ones do not need to feel embarrassed by the choice of casket provided as the last purchase for the deceased.

Oversized Caskets

Choosing a standard sized casket for a large person can cause unnecessary problems during the funeral process. Oversized caskets must be special ordered and required extra time and planning.

Open or Closed Casket

There are three very important things to understand when it comes to why the family of the deceased should decide on an open or closed casket. The opinion of the family is the most important one when it comes to deciding this and nobody should try to affect this decision with their opinion.

• Many families want to see if the body is okay or at peace. This promotes healing.
• Families want to be able to say goodbye or to leave special mementos in the casket. This helps the grieving process.
• Families enjoy touching the body of their deceased loved one before they are put underground or whatever the case may be for burial or cremation. People like to give a kiss to their loved one for the last time or touch their hands as a final time to say goodbye.

If the deceased person was in pain or ill, it helps to see them at rest before letting them go. There could be arguments for open or close casket, but the decision lies with the family and that should be respected during the time of grief. The deceased will sometimes give their wishes before they die and this would ultimately supersede any other opinion. Whatever the case may be, the decision should always be made in the family’s best interest.

Casket Enclosures

If there is an open casket at the ceremony, you will be asked about what special clothes you have picked out, what jewelry is to be removed just before the casket is closed, and what is to be included inside the casket, such as small pillows, stuffed animals, keepsakes, etc.

Buying Caskets from Third Party Vendors

While purchasing the casket from wholesaler may initially save you money, there are many things to consider that can end up costing you more.

• Who will store the casket?
• If you buy it without delivery, you need to know how your purchase will be protected.
• Does the product have any warranties or guarantees?
• Be certain that the seller will guarantee the specific product you purchased be available at the ultimate time of need and will include delivery to wherever it is needed.