Understanding Casket Pricing and Options

Whether you’re pre-planning for end-of-life services, or have just lost a loved one, finding the right casket can be a difficult task. There are many different types of caskets to choose from, as well as outer burial containers that may be required, depending on your circumstances.

Generally speaking, purchasing a funeral casket is often one of the more expensive aspects of planning and coordinating final arrangements. It is also a purchase that is often made during a very emotional time, which can make it a difficult decision. Fortunately, however, there are a variety of casket pricing options available today, so you can choose a casket that fits your budget.

Common Casket Types

As you might imagine, funeral caskets prices depend on what they are made of. Caskets are most often made of metal or wood, but can also be made from other types of products, such as fiberglass, or a variety of natural products, such as in cases where a green burial is desired. The main types of caskets available include:

Metal Caskets

Metal caskets are made of either bronze, copper, or steel, and are a popular choice due to their ability to withstand the elements. All three types of metal caskets are durable and highly resistant to rust. While bronze and copper caskets are typically priced according to their weight, stainless steel caskets are priced based on their thickness.

Steel caskets are available non-sealed, lightweight, standard, and stainless steel, and pricing increases in that order. Copper and bronze caskets are typically significantly more expensive than steel caskets.

Wooden Caskets

Wooden caskets are commonly made of hardwoods including maple, ash, poplar, elm, pine, walnut, cherry, mahogany, and oak. Wooden caskets are often hand sculpted, and polished for a beautiful visual appeal. Pine caskets are the least expensive of the wooden options.

Wood Veneer Caskets

Hardwood veneer caskets are an alternative option for those looking for a lower priced casket, but prefer the look of solid wood. These are typically fiberglass with a wooden veneer attached.

“Green” Caskets

Eco-friendly or “green” caskets are made of natural materials, which are non-toxic and biodegradable. Materials used to construct these types of caskets include willow, seagrass, cardboard and bamboo, which means they are usually less expensive than metal, wooden and fiberglass caskets. Phaneuf also offers a green burial package, where a biodegradable hand-woven willow branch casket is used instead of a metal or wood casket.

Cloth Covered Caskets

Another less expensive option is a cloth covered casket. These types of caskets are made of corrugated fiberboard or pressed wood, which is then covered with cloth.

Veterans Caskets

It is common for family members of veterans to include additional specialty items in the services, such as customized inner panels, flags, markers, and medals, among other embellishments. At Phaneuf, we can customize the inner panel of the casket by adding a special panel to indicate the branch of service for which the veteran served, free of charge.

Vaults and Outer Burial Containers

Although vaults and other outer burial containers are not required by law, they may be required by the cemetery. In this case, a burial vault or a grave liner will suffice. Burial vaults can be made of various materials, such as bronze, steel lined, copper lined, and more.

Phaneuf sells all of the casket types discussed above, along with outer burial containers, which be purchased either individually, or as part of a package. You may view our general price list, and burial package pricing, or contact us directly with any questions you may still have.