How much does a casket cost? It’s a question many people ask themselves as they plan for a funeral. You might be surprised to learn that this seemingly simple question leads to a variety of factors influencing the final price.

Understanding the different types of caskets, costs, and alternative options empowers you to make informed choices that honor your loved one and your budget. The experts at Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks have put together a helpful guide that details the average cost of caskets, as well as the different materials that can affect overall prices. Read on to learn more.

Average Cost of a Casket by Type

Typically, the cost of a casket is dependent on the type of casket materials it’s crafted from.

Metal Caskets

The gauge of a metal casket (typically steel or stainless steel) directly affects its durability and price. A lower gauge number indicates thicker steel, resulting in a sturdier, often heavier casket, but at a higher cost. A higher gauge number, on the other hand, denotes a thinner, less sturdy (but more affordable) option.

Here’s a general overview of how metal gauge sizes typically relate to pricing:

  • 16-gauge: This is the thickest and most durable option currently available on the market. Caskets in this gauge typically cost between $2,300 and $3,400+.
  • 18-gauge: Boasting a medium thickness, these caskets offer a balance between affordability and sturdiness. They typically range from $1,125 to $2,750+.
  • 20-gauge: The most economical option, 20-gauge caskets, use thinner steel. Prices for these casket types usually range from $825 to $1,125+.

Wood Caskets

Wood caskets continue to be a popular choice, and are appreciated by many for their classic elegance and natural appearance.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for different types of wood caskets, on average:

  • Pine: Pine is a lightweight, softer, more affordable wood, costing between $999 and $2,000+ per casket.
  • Hardwood Veneer: These caskets strike a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness, hardwood veneer caskets are typically made of engineered wood covered by a thin layer of premium wood (like cherry or mahogany). This gives the appearance of solid hardwood at a lower price. Hardwood veneer caskets generally range from $1,000 to $1,999+.
  • Maple: Caskets made from maple are known for their warm hue and depth of design. They typically cost between $1,500 and $3,200+.
  • Oak: Durable and traditionally styled, oak caskets cost between $2,200 and $3,850+, on average.
  • Walnut: These options are often prized for their rich, dark tones, andtend to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. The average cost of a walnut wood casket is between $2,295 and $3,900+ per casket.
  • Pecan: Known for its unique grain, a pecan casket typically falls within the price range of $2,650 to $2,950+.
  • Solid Poplar: Poplar caskets offer another reasonably priced solid hardwood choice, with prices typically ranging from $1,299 to $3,999+.
  • Solid Mahogany: Solid mahogany caskets are known for their solid structure, simple luxury, and rich beauty. Mahogany caskets often range in price from $2,300 to $7,500+ or more.

Factors That Influence The Cost of Caskets

How much a casket costs truly depends on variables that extend beyond material and craftsmanship. Here are some factors that affect the price of caskets:

1. Materials Used

The type of material used in the casket’s construction plays a crucial role in its pricing. As you’ve seen, simple wooden caskets (such as pine caskets) are typically more affordable; while those made from premium hardwoods — like mahogany bronze, or copper — tend to command higher prices due to material costs and craftsmanship.

2. Design and Craftsmanship

Intricate carvings, elaborate inlays, and custom-designed hardware also contribute to higher casket prices. Clients can choose to make their casket as ornate or simple as they’d like, ultimately choosing an option that aligns well with their current budget and needs.

3. Interior Fabric

The interior lining of a casket can influence its final price. Luxurious fabrics — such as velvet or high-quality satin — can add to the cost. Those wishing to save on their casket can choose more affordable, “standard” lining materials, like crepe or fiberboard.

4. Casket Size

While standard-sized caskets accommodate most individuals, oversized options might be necessary for larger body types. These come with increased material and manufacturing costs, further impacting the casket’s end price.

5. Additional Features and Accessories

Families often seek ways to personalize their loved one’s final farewell. Some funeral homes and online retailers offer customizable engravings, decorative handles, or even corner accents. While adding a personal touch is encouraged, if the family feels that it’s appropriate, it’s important to keep in mind these will increase the final cost.

How to Manage Casket Costs

Now that we’ve answered the question of, “How much does a casket cost?”, you might now be worried about managing the costs associated with a funeral.

There are several approaches families can consider when navigating funeral costs. We’ve summarized a few of the most popular strategies below.

1. Explore Alternative Options

Rental caskets are an option that many consider when looking to avoid high funeral costs. These “display” caskets are often chosen for visitations or viewings before cremation, alleviating the cost of purchasing a casket outright. Typically, rental caskets cost between $725 and $1,500+, depending on where you rent the casket from. You can learn more about your rental options by contacting your local funeral home directly.

2. Research and Compare Pricing

As with any investment, it’s always recommended that you shop around to explore the best possible options that suit your budget. As you call around to different funeral homes and manufacturers, it’s important to remember that you can freely request general price lists — which are required to be provided to you at no additional cost per the Federal Trade Commission’s “Funeral Rule.”

3. Financial Assistance

There are several resources available for those seeking financial assistance for funeral costs. For example: Some states offer supplemental funeral assistance or expense insurance through their social service or human service agencies. You might also seek third-party funds and support through sites like GoFundMe.

Understanding the options available to you is the first step toward minimizing the financial stress of funeral planning. Consider reaching out to your local funeral homes or human service agencies for more information.

FAQs

The terms “casket” and “coffin” are often used interchangeably to define the same thing: A container that is designed to hold the decedent for their service, and their burial or cremation. They are generally the same price, which can vary depending on the materials used to build the coffin or casket.

You have the legal right to purchase a casket from a third-party vendor for use in a funeral service. Not only are funeral homes required to accept outside caskets, but they are also prohibited from charging extra fees or service fees for doing so, per the Federal Trade Commission.

Cremation caskets are wooden caskets that a body is placed in before being cremated. Cremation caskets are burned along with the body.

Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Helps You Stay In-Budget For Your Funeral Services

Determining the cost of a casket involves considering several factors, including material, design, size, and features. By understanding these variables and exploring alternatives like online retailers or considering cremation, families can make informed choices that align with both their budget and their wish to honor their loved one.

If you have questions, we’re here to help. Connect with Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home today for more information regarding services, casket prices, and ways to save on your future arrangements. It’s our pleasure to support you.