Planning a funeral is a deeply personal and often difficult task. Choosing the right elements that honor your loved one is critical to preserving their legacy and experience as they pass on.

Among these choices, deciding on the right casket or coffin for burial or cremation is particularly significant. Understanding the various types of caskets and coffins available, common materials, and features to look for can help you make a more informed decision during this difficult time.

Our specialists have put together a guide that details the differences between popular types of caskets and coffins, giving you the information you need to make the right decision for your family. Read on to learn more.

What is the Difference Between a Casket and a Coffin?

Although often used interchangeably, both caskets and coffins have distinct, differentiating features. Coffins are typically wider at the shoulders and taper towards the foot, mimicking the human body’s natural shape. On the other hand, caskets are typically rectangular — offering a more standardized, universal appearance.

Due to evolving aesthetic preference changes, caskets gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, and are now the more common choice for funeral services. However, “coffins” are making a miniature resurgence for those who are a fan of the aesthetic.

Coffins often mimic the shape of a human body, while caskets come in a rectangular form.

Regardless of what you call them, both are vessels that provide a dignified final resting place for your loved one.

(Please note: For readability’s sake, the terms casket and coffin will be used interchangeably in some sections of this article.)

Common Casket Materials

Caskets are very versatile, and can be made of many different materials. We’ve summarized the most common types down below.

1. Metal Caskets

Metal caskets offer durability and a traditional, polished look. Different metals are used for these types of caskets, and are melted together in a blend — allowing the casket to be as long-lasting and cost-effective as possible.

Common blended metals include:

  • Gauge Steel: Steel, specifically gauge steel, is a common addition to the blend of metals used for metal caskets. Gauge, in this case, typically refers to the thickness of the steel. A lower gauge number translates to a thicker, more durable (and expensive) casket; while a higher number indicates a thinner casket.
  • Stainless Steel: Considered premium by most standards, stainless steel caskets are well-known for their rust- and corrosion-resistance. Sometimes enhanced with wood veneers, stainless steel caskets offer lasting elegance and durability you can trust — making them ideal for those in extreme climates.
  • Bronze and Copper Caskets: Considered even more upscale than the other options, are bronze and copper caskets known for their beauty and resilience against the elements. These develop a patina over time, enhancing their visual appeal even years later.

2. Wooden Caskets

Wooden caskets project a warm and natural aesthetic, and are often favored for their elegance. Often crafted from hardwoods, these types of caskets typically offer endless different finishes and customization options.

  • Hardwood Caskets: These casket types feature hardwoods like mahogany, oak, cherry, or walnut, and are prized for durability, elegance, robust color intensity and unique wood grain patterns. The price range for these caskets varies greatly based on the casket’s wood type, finish, and intricacy of detailing.
  • Softwood Caskets: Crafted from pine, poplar, or willow, these alternative wooden caskets offer a lighter-weight (and generally more environmentally friendly option) than hardwood counterparts; despite their lower average price tag.

3. Other Materials

While metal and wood are some of the most common casket types on the market, we do want to note that other types of caskets are also gaining popularity. These include:

  • Cremation Caskets: These are made for those choosing cremation services, and include simpler casket designs made from wood, particle board, wicker, or even cardboard.
  • Eco-Friendly Caskets: “Green caskets” crafted from biodegradable materials (like bamboo, wicker, seagrass, or recycled paper) have become a fast favorite of the current generations. Designed to decompose naturally, they provide a final farewell for the loved one, as well as a final opportunity to directly support our environment.
  • Fiberglass Caskets: Lightweight and offering versatility in design, fiberglass caskets allow for greater customization in color and finish, providing an new, modern-day alternative to traditional materials.

Types of Casket Interiors

The interior of a casket, equally important in creating a respectful resting place, often uses plush, comforting fabrics, the choice of which depends on personal preference and budget.

The most common fabrics lining caskets include:

Velvet

This option is luxurious in feel, and presents an upscale visual for any viewings you might have scheduled. .

Satin

Typically a lower-cost, high-value option, satin provides a classic look that can act as a standalone design element or a complementary addition to others.

Many families appreciate that caskets are customizable, with choices available in fabric color, embroidery details, or even personalized mementos placed inside the casket. The extent of personalization largely depends on the provider, and the family’s budget.

If you have questions regarding the customization of a casket or a coffin for your loved one, we recommend reaching out to your funeral home or manufacturer.

Types of Casket Lids

The style of the casket’s lid is another design element to consider when planning a viewing. They serve a crucial role beyond basic functionality, offering mourners a bit of privacy during their final opportunity to say their goodbyes.

There are two main casket types to consider as you make the final arrangements for your loved one:

1. Half-Couch Lids

Half-couch lids are the most common type of casket lid, as they allow family members to view the upper portion of their loved one while offering privacy and modesty over the bottom half during the viewing and graveside service (if applicable).

Half-couch lids are the most common type of casket lid, and they allow family members to view the upper part of the body.

2. Full-Couch Lids

Full-couch lids are generally suitable for situations where there won’t be a viewing or if the condition or preferences of the deceased prohibit an open-casket service.

Full-couch lids come with caskets that allow the full body to be viewed during the funeral service.

FAQs

Generally, casket prices start around $2,000+, and can be more expensive based on their size, design elements, and the materials used to craft them.

The best casket to be buried in depends on several factors, such as personal beliefs, environmental concerns, and budget. For example, someone seeking a more environmentally friendly choice might consider biodegradable materials, while another person might choose a durable casket made from hardwood or metal for its lasting nature. Only you can determine the best burial option for your specific needs.

In the United States, the most popular type of casket is the half-couch casket made of either metal or wood. These are generally favored for their aesthetic appeal, as well as their functionality during funeral viewings.

Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Is Here To Support You Every Step of the Way

Choosing from among the many available types of caskets and coffins represents a deeply personal decision laden with emotion, often done during an already challenging time.

Understanding your right to explore options is critical as you make the best choice for you and your loved ones.

At Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home, we’re proud to stand by you as you make this decision, and others related to services and the final farewell. Whether you’re looking for pre-arrangement support, or wish to secure services for an immediate need, we’re here to help — from your first call in to the day of the service and beyond.

For more information and to get started today, please contact us. It’s our pleasure to support you.