Types of Caskets: Materials, Styles and What They Cost

Caskets are made from steel, other metals such as stainless steel, copper and bronze, solid or veneer wood, fiberboard, and biodegradable materials like wicker and willow. The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) says the average casket costs about $2,000 to $5,000. A simple cloth-covered wood casket might cost about $1,000, and a deluxe bronze model can run over $30,000. Material, finish and where you buy it decide most of the price.

What is a casket, and how is it different from a coffin?

A casket is a container designed to hold a body for burial. The NFDA's glossary describes it as made from materials such as steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze or wood, and a coffin as a six-sided container usually made of wood. In everyday US use the words overlap. A casket is typically rectangular, often with a split lid so only the top half opens for a viewing. See casket vs coffin for the full comparison.

An alternative container is different. It is a simple enclosure, typically heavy cardboard or chipboard, that does not meet casket standards and is used for cremation.

Metal caskets

Metal caskets come in a few tiers.

• Carbon steel. Steel is sold by gauge, which is the thickness of the metal. A lower number means thicker steel, so 18-gauge is thicker than 20-gauge.
• Stainless steel. Sold as a higher tier than standard steel.
• Copper and bronze. Usually the costliest metals. The FCA reports deluxe bronze models over $30,000.

Many metal caskets have a rubber gasket around the lid, often called a "sealer." One retailer's FAQ notes the gasket is meant to help keep the casket impervious to the elements, and that sealing can be required for some long-distance transport.

Metal caskets cannot be cremated, according to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). If cremation is possible, pick a combustible casket or rent one for the service. Our rental casket guide explains how.

Wood caskets

Wood caskets range from plain pine boxes to polished hardwoods. The FTC requires a funeral home's casket price list to describe each casket, including the type of wood. A few terms you may see:

• Solid hardwood. Woods such as oak, cherry, walnut or mahogany. Usually the costliest wood options.
• Softwood. Pine and similar woods, often simpler and lower priced.
• Veneer. A thin layer of real wood over a core material. Usually lighter and lower priced than solid wood.

Many cemeteries also require an outer burial container, whatever the casket is made of. More on that in burial vaults explained and the metal vs wood comparison.

Fiberboard, cardboard and alternative containers

Federal rules require funeral homes that arrange direct cremation to offer an alternative container. The FTC says these may be made of unfinished wood, pressed wood, fiberboard or cardboard. The FCA puts their cost at $50 to over $1,000, depending on the model and markup. Some families dress a plain container with a cloth or quilt for the service.

Ask the cemetery which containers it accepts for burial. See the cardboard caskets guide for details.

Green and biodegradable caskets

For a green burial, the Green Burial Council says the body is placed in a biodegradable container with no burial vault. That can be a casket, shroud, urn or pouch made entirely of biodegradable materials. Hybrid cemeteries (a conventional cemetery with a natural section) prohibit non-organic caskets in that section.

Common materials include wicker, willow, bamboo, untreated wood and cardboard. Before you buy, confirm that the cemetery or natural burial ground accepts the container. Related guides:

• Wicker and willow caskets
• Eco-friendly caskets
• Shroud burial
• Green burial guide

Personalized and oversized caskets

Specialty options include printed or themed exteriors, custom interiors, military touches and other personal details. Our guides to specialty caskets, casket customization and sports-themed caskets cover them.

Standard caskets do not fit everyone. See the casket sizing guide for oversized options and the child-size casket guide for smaller sizes. An oversized casket can also affect the grave space and outer container, so tell the cemetery early.

How much do caskets cost?

These are older figures and prices have likely risen, so use them for comparison and get current prices in writing. The FCA notes that the funeral home's basic services fee is now often the largest single charge, so compare totals and not only casket prices.

Your rights when buying a casket

• See the casket price list first. Under the Funeral Rule, you have the right to a written casket price list before you see the caskets. It must describe each casket, including the gauge of metal or type of wood, trim and interior fabric.
• Buy elsewhere. A funeral home cannot refuse a casket you bought online or from a local store, cannot charge you a fee to handle it, and cannot require you to be there for delivery.
• Not required for cremation. No state or local law requires a casket for cremation.

See buying a casket online, bringing your own casket and the General Price List guide for how this works in practice.

How to choose a casket

1. Start with the plan. Burial, cremation, or a viewing followed by cremation. This decides whether metal, wood, or a combustible container suits.
2. Ask the cemetery. Some require an outer burial container, and green burial grounds require biodegradable containers with no vault.
3. Think about faith and wishes. Some traditions prefer simple wooden containers or shrouds, so ask the family's clergy or the person's written wishes.
4. Check the fit. Confirm interior size with the funeral director.
5. Compare prices. Get a written price from the funeral home and from at least one outside seller, including delivery time.

What to do next

1. Ask for the funeral home's casket price list and General Price List.
2. Ask the cemetery or crematory what containers and outer containers it requires.
3. Compare one or two outside sellers, and confirm delivery to the funeral home before the service date.