Selecting a casket for your loved one is a very personal decision and an important part of creating a memorable service experience. However, with many options to choose from and the complicated technical terms used when describing them, it is easy to become overwhelmed and confused.

We provide the following information to help you make informed decisions without overpaying and without having to settle for items that do not exactly meet your needs.

Caskets are available in a wide variety of materials, colors, styles, and themes (i.e. military), and may be buried directly in the ground, placed in a burial vault, or cremated with the body.

Metal Caskets

Steel

• The thickness of the steel and the hardware on the casket will affect the price of the casket. Steel thickness is measured in gauges. Casket thicknesses vary from 20 to 16 gauge, with the lower number representing thicker steel.
• Gasketed caskets utilize a rubber gasket and a locking mechanism to offer some degree of protection from outside elements. However, funeral homes are prohibited from claiming that the gasket will preserve the remains indefinitely. Gasketed caskets are offered on all thickness gauges.
• Non-gasketed caskets lock via a clasp and offer no protection from outside elements. Most non-gasketed metal caskets are constructed of 20 gauge steel.

Stainless Steel

•  Stainless steel is a metal that will not rust or corrode as soon as regular steel, and tends to be slightly more expensive. The quality of stainless steel varies by the content of chromium and nickel.

Copper

•  Copper is a semi-precious metal that will not rust or corrode, and tends to be more expensive that steel and stainless steel.

Bronze

• Bronze is the strongest, most durable metal used for constructing caskets, and tends to be the most expensive of the metal caskets.
• A semi-precious metal that will not rust or corrode, bronze has been used throughout history in fine works of art, and bronze sculptures have survived from the time of ancient civilizations.

Wood Caskets

The grade of the wood type and the hardware on the casket will affect the price of the casket. Wood caskets are usually non-gasketed and offer no protection from outside elements.

• Cloth Covered - Pressboard or fiberboard covered with cloth that comes in multi-textured finishes and is usually the lowest-cost option
• Basic Hardwoods – Include poplar, pine, and pecan
• Fine Hardwoods – Include oak, maple, and cherry
• Premium Hardwoods – Include walnut and mahogany