Buying a Casket

What to Look for When Shopping for a Casket

Buying a casket is one of the most significant (and challenging) funeral product purchases you can make. They are big-ticket items with prices and features that vary widely. Fortunately, there are many beautiful selections in every price range.

When buying a casket, it is not always easy to tell precisely what the price includes. To make matters worse, you have to make this significant purchase at a time when you are extremely vulnerable, emotions are high, and you are under time constraints.

Your best defense against overspending is to shop in advance. Even when time is short, you can avoid some of the pitfalls that come with making such a significant purchase during a difficult and emotional time by learning as much as you can before you start shopping. Following a few basic steps will help the selection process go smoothly and ensure that you get the casket that suits your needs without an unnecessary burden on your finances.

BUYING A CASKET: STEP-BY-STEP

Set a budget.
Caskets can cost from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. The best way to avoid overspending is to have a price range in mind before you start shopping. If you are buying from a funeral home, the funeral director is required to show you a price list before showing you the actual caskets. This will help you view only those selections that fall within the range you have in mind. Funeral homes are also required to accept caskets purchased from other providers.
Think about your loved one’s wishes.
If you are shopping for a loved one who has left instructions on the type of casket they would prefer, then you will have that information to guide you. Often this is not the case. Thinking about the person’s personality and tastes will help you narrow down your choices on casket material, linings, and trim. If you are buying for yourself, then think about what is important to you regarding how you would like to be memorialized.
Enlist a shopping companion.
When you start to shop, take along a friend or family member with whom you are compatible. Keep in mind that it is the funeral home’s job to guide you in selecting their products. Chances are, you are working with an experienced, well-trained sales professional. That is not to say that they are trying to trick or deceive you.

Most funeral professionals are compassionate people who have your best interests at heart. However, they are also business people, and their job is to make money. For example, most funeral homes will show you the more expensive models first. These are the models that will be on display. You may have to request to see the lower-priced models. Having someone with you can help make it easier to request access to more information. Your companion may also think of things that you don’t. It is always helpful to talk over the pros and cons of particular models and features.
Take your time.
If you find yourself being overwhelmed, step back and take a deep breath. Leave the showroom and clear your mind. Sometimes just taking a break can make all the difference.
Check alternate providers.
Remember that you don’t have to buy the casket from the funeral home. There are many options these days. Independent retailers, big box stores such as Costco and Walmart, and online vendors all offer a wide selection of caskets and accessories. Funeral homes are required to accept these products without charging you an extra fee. Please note that delivery charges may apply. Still, many people find the cost when buying from outside the funeral home can be cheaper–even with the delivery fee.
Know your rights.
As a buyer, you do have rights. Rules and regulations regarding the sales of funeral products can vary by state. There are also federal laws designed to prevent you from being pressured into buying items you don’t want. The Funeral Rule, enforced by the FTC, requires that funeral homes provide you with transparent pricing. To learn more about your rights, visit our Consumer Protection page.
Ask questions.
A reputable provider will not pressure you or make you feel uncomfortable when asking questions. If for any reason you think that you are being taken advantage of, pressured into buying particular items, or not being provided with accurate information, leave and look for another provider.

Types of Caskets

The material used in constructing the casket is a critical component in the cost. The most commonly used materials are metal and wood. Hardwoods, such as mahogany and walnut, are among the most beautiful and also among the most expensive. More commonly found softer woods such as pine and poplar are generally less costly. Among the metals, bronze is typically the most expensive, followed by copper. Stainless steel is usually the most economical choice. Besides traditional wood and metal, alternatives such as wood covered in cloth and wood veneers are available. New options, such as fiberglass and plastic, are becoming increasingly available.

Metal Caskets

Metal caskets are typically are more durable than those made of wood. You sometimes see metal caskets referred to in merchandising as “protective.”.

Metal caskets typically use a rubber gasket to seal the casket, helping to prevent outside elements from entering. The gasket does not slow down the decomposition process. You may be able to reduce the cost of the casket by eliminating the gasket or choosing a casket that does not require a gasket. Wooden caskets do not use a gasket.

Bronze and copper are the most durable metals and are non-rusting. They will, over time, oxidize, but in general, they are considered the most durable. Bronze and copper are measured by weight per square foot. Therefore, a 48-ounce copper casket is 50% heavier than a 32-ounce model. Bronze and copper caskets are generally the most expensive.

Stainless and carbon steel are less expensive and come in different gauges of thickness, typically 16, 18, and 20 gauge. The smaller number is thicker and heavier, therefore, 16-gauge steel is denser than 20-gauge.

Hardwood caskets are made of solid wood, such as mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, oak, pecan. Pricing is much like that of solid wood furniture. Harder woods, such as mahogany, walnut, and cherry, are at the high end. Other woods such as pine, poplar, and willow are generally the most affordable. Mid-range materials include oak, birch, and maple.

A less expensive alternative to solid hardwood is wood veneer. Cloth-covered fiberboard and pressed wood are the least expensive caskets.

Casket Size

For some people, the size of the casket can be a concern. The length is rarely an issue but the width can be. A standard casket is generally 84 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 23 inches tall. These sizes can vary depending on the model so be sure to ask for specific dimensions. For the average-sized person, this is generally plenty of space. If the deceased is somewhat larger than average, you may need to look at an “oversized” casket. These larger caskets come in a variety of widths with 31 inches being common.

Choosing Features When Buying a Casket

Casket Lids

Caskets come in two basic lid types: half-couch and full-couch. A half couch refers to a two-piece lid of equal lengths. Typically, only one lid piece is opened for viewings to reveal the deceased from the waist up. A half-couch is the most common lid style.

A full couch refers to a one-piece lid that extends the length of the casket.

Casket Lining Materials

You have a variety of choices when it comes to the interior of the casket. The most popular options are satin, velvet, and crepe, but you may also choose from velour or linen. Velvet is among the most expensive fabric choices, and crepe is among the most economical.

The interior fabric of the casket is installed in various ways. The most common choices are ruffled, tufted, or tailored. You can select almost any color. There are also specialty interiors available. You can choose from various custom options that reflect the deceased’s love for a particular sports team, hobby, rock group, or other interest. Of course, the greater the customization, the higher the cost.

Special Casket Features

Memory drawers are a “hidden” compartment in the lid of the casket. It is usually a small drawer where you place small personal items to accompany the deceased. Items left in the drawer after funeral services are buried with your loved one.

Other Casket Options

Caskets are available in a variety of shapes such as square or rounded corners and contoured sides. With specific models, you can choose “casket corners” that attach to the corners of the casket. Casket corners are a thoughtful way to reflect the life of the person, whether it is a symbol of a favorite hobby like golfing or fishing, or a symbol of public service such as a firefighter.

There are a variety of embroidered head panels and other customization available. Be sure to keep your budget in mind since many options will add to the cost of your casket. Casket lid inserts or cap panels are a way to make the casket unique to the person. Personalized designs, such as Military style, are readily available. Designs can be custom ordered and produced within a few days.

Choosing a Casket Provider

FUNERAL HOMES: The most convenient way to buy a casket is through the funeral home handling your arrangements. When you buy from a funeral home, you are protected by something called The Funeral Rule. This law requires the funeral home to provide you with a price list before you see sample caskets. You have the right to look at only those products that fit your budget. To learn more protections for casket buyers under The Funeral Rule, click here.
THIRD-PARTY RETAILERS: By law, funeral providers are required to accept caskets from third-party retailers. If your local area has a stand-alone casket showroom unaffiliated with the funeral home, you can purchase a casket through this company. These sellers do not fall under The Funeral Rule.
ONLINE: In recent years, it has become easier than ever to purchase caskets from online retailers. Big-box stores such as Costco and Walmart now sell caskets online, and there are dozens of national online casket providers. Be aware that you’ll probably have to pay a delivery fee, but many people find that buying online saves considerable money and reduces stress. Learn more about how to buy a casket online.

Caskets for Cremation

Once you decide on cremation you’ll be asked to choose the type of container you’d like to purchase for the cremation. To make the decision that’s right for you, it helps to know what the function of the cremation casket is and how it may differ from caskets that are used for burial.

The primary difference between a casket for burial and a casket for cremation is that a cremation casket cannot contain metal parts. A casket for cremation must be rigid, leak-proof, covered, and most importantly, entirely combustible. The reason the casket (or container) cannot have metal parts is that the deceased will be placed inside and both will enter the cremation chamber. In other words, the casket will be cremated along with your loved one.

Alternative Containers

While cremation casket is the term you hear most often, what is used for cremation doesn’t actually have to be what we think of as a casket at all. It is perfectly fine to use what is referred to as an alternative container. Alternative containers are similar in shape to a casket but simpler in design. They are made from a variety of materials including unfinished wood, cardboard, fiberboard, woven reeds, or composition wood products. Many of these are considered to be eco-friendly. Alternative containers can be very reasonably priced. A heavy cardboard container can cost as little as $125.

If you choose to have a funeral before the cremation you can purchase a traditional casket as long as it doesn’t contain metal. These are available in many beautiful styles in a wide range of prices. If you buy the casket from the funeral home you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to as much as $20,000.

Note: You don’t have to buy the casket from the funeral home. By law, the funeral home is required to accept caskets purchased from third-party sellers.

Renting a Casket for a Funeral With Cremation

There is an option besides buying. You can rent a traditional casket for use during the funeral service. These caskets are sometimes referred to as ceremonial caskets. While prices vary, estimates for renting a casket for the ceremony range from $750 to $1,500.

How Ceremonial Caskets Work

Ceremonial caskets are designed to hold a removable insert container. The insert, generally made of heavy cardboard, slides in and out of the rental casket. After the ceremony, the deceased is moved from the casket to the cremation chamber. From the outside, the casket appears to be a traditional one.

Because the deceased is protected in their inner container, the body can be handled respectfully and with honor. The outer rental casket can also be sanitized between services.

The use of a rental casket can be arranged through a funeral home. Most providers that offer cremation can provide a ceremonial casket.

Consumer Protection

Laws and regulations for funeral products can vary state-by-state. There is, however, the federal government has provided for consumer protection for casket buyers under The Funeral Rule.

The Funeral Rule is a law that is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Its purpose is to help ensure that consumers purchase only the funeral goods and services they really want. The rule applies to purchases made in advance and those made when you need them right away.

The key elements of The Funeral Rule include the right to:

Buy only the funeral arrangements you want.
Get price information on the telephone.
Get a written, itemized price list when you visit a funeral home.
See a written casket price list before you see the actual caskets.
See a written outer burial container price list.
Receive a written statement after you decide what you want before you pay.
Get an explanation in the written statement from the funeral home that describes any legal cemetery or crematory requirement.
Use an “alternative container” instead of a casket for cremation.
Provide the funeral home with a casket or urn you buy elsewhere.
Make funeral arrangements without embalming.

Click to view the entire FTC Funeral Rule

Several key elements of The Funeral Rule apply to buying caskets. One very important element is the fact that you are entitled to see a written price list BEFORE seeing the actual caskets. This enables you to ask to see only those caskets which are in the price range you have in mind.

The Funeral Rule does not apply to third-party dealers or monument companies or to cemeteries that do not have an onsite funeral home.

Here are the top three things you need to know about The Funeral Rule as it applies to purchasing a casket.

Funeral service providers must provide you with a listing of casket prices either along with the price list for other services or in a separate price list BEFORE you look at the caskets. It is not enough for prices to be displayed with the caskets that are in the showroom.
According to the FTC website, the Casket Price List (CPL) must include the following information:
- The name of the business
- The caption “Casket Price List”
- The effective date for the CPL
- The retail price of each casket or alternate container includes enough information to specifically identify each casket.
The information must include enough detail that you understand what you are buying. Only caskets that are usually offered for sale must be included. The CPL does NOT have to include information for caskets that require special ordering. The information on caskets does not have to be listed in any particular order or format. Photographs, manufacturer information, and model numbers may be included but are not considered to be enough information to describe the casket or alternative container.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BUYING A CASKET

Our Caskets Frequently Asked Questions page covers the seven casket questions we hear most often. From cost to whether or not you have to purchase your casket through a funeral home, we can help.

In practical terms, a casket is simply a container designed to hold the deceased’s remains. Caskets protect the deceased’s dignity and provide a beautiful way to have your loved one’s remains on display during a funeral or memorial service. In the early days, the casket (or coffin) was primarily functional. Over time, the tradition of purchasing a casket based on design has grown as a way to honor the person who the casket will protect.

The purpose of both a casket or a coffin is to provide a dignified way to house the deceased’s body. The difference between the two is primarily the design. A coffin has eight sides and is shaped somewhat like a body. A casket is rectangular. While we don’t usually see coffins in North America today, this design is still common in other parts of the world.

Many of our casket questions involve price. That’s because casket costs vary widely. A simple casket may be as low as $1,000. Fully customized high-end models can go as high as tens of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options in all price ranges. You can easily find a beautiful casket to suit any taste and budget.

The cost of a casket is determined primarily by the materials used to make it. Pricing is not unlike that of fine furniture. For example, caskets made of rare hardwoods such as mahogany will be more expensive than those made of more common, readily available woods such as pine. High-end bronze models will be more costly than those of stainless steel. The amount and type of ornamentation will also be a factor in the price. Customization and personalization can also add to the cost of the casket. The mark-up for caskets varies as widely as the prices. While it may be difficult to shop around, it is possible to save money by comparing prices. Funeral homes tend to have the highest mark-ups, followed by retail showrooms. Online providers typically have the lowest pricing.

While the law doesn’t require you to purchase a burial vault, most cemeteries require one. The vault protects the ground from collapsing around the casket. Many cemeteries permit the use of a less expensive grave liner. Another option is a lawn crypt. The best thing to do is to consult your cemetery for their policies regarding vaults and liners.

The use of a casket for cremation is optional. You will, however, be required to have an alternative container–a box designed for cremation use. Alternative containers are typically made of heavy-duty cardboard and can offer a cost-effective alternative to a traditional cremation casket.

No. You do not have to purchase your casket from the funeral home. The Funeral Rule, a law designed to protect consumers, specifies that your funeral home is required to accept a casket from a third-party seller.

Buying a Casket