Casket Options

Caskets are typically crafted of either wood or metal. The cost of a casket is most influenced by the type of material used in construction and the grade of interior fabric. There are many dignified options available in a broad price spectrum to suit your individual needs.

The selection of casket is a very personal one and will be determined based on the deceased’s wishes, economic considerations and personal taste. There are many options because each family’s needs are different.

Some of the typical materials used in casket construction are:

Wood

• Mahogany
  
• Cherry
  
• Walnut
  
• Hickory
  
• Cedar
  
• Maple
  
• Pecan
  
• Ash
  
• Oak
  
• Pine
  
• Poplar
  
• Cloth-Covered Wood
  

Metal

• Bronze
  
• Copper
  
• Stainless Steel
  
• 16-gauge steel
  
• 18-gauge steel
  
• 20-gauge steel

Interior fabric used in casket construction can range from simple crepe fabric to a more luxurious look using plush velvet. In addition, some caskets are designed to be “protective”, meaning they are designed to withstand the entrance of outside elements and other gravesite substances.

Your NFDA funeral director is committed to ensuring you understand your choices and helping you select the casket that best suits your family's needs.

Outer Burial Container Options

Many cemeteries have a requirement that an outer burial container be placed around the casket in the ground. The primary reason for this is that the casket is not designed to withstand the weight of the grave and the heavy equipment used in routine maintenance of the cemetery. An outer burial container helps to support the weight of the grave, protect the integrity of the casket and aid in keeping the grave level, which contributes to the overall positive appearance of the cemetery.

Like caskets, there are options in outer burial containers from which you can choose based on your personal needs, taste and budget. Some of the materials that are commonly utilized in manufacturing outer burial containers include concrete and various types of metal.

Your NFDA funeral director will advise you as to the outer burial container options that are available in your area and are most widely utilized in the cemetery of your choice.