When choosing a casket, costs can vary widely based on materials and style. If you're looking for high-end options, bronze and copper caskets range from $5,000 to $50,000. However, if you're seeking a more budget-friendly choice, 18-gauge and 20-gauge steel caskets typically cost between $900 and $3,500. For wooden caskets, prices generally range from $900 to $4,000.

What Is the Cheapest Type of Coffin Available?

The most budget-friendly coffin option is a cardboard coffin, which is primarily used for cremation. If you're looking for the cheapest option available, consider the following choices:

Cardboard Coffins

Cardboard coffins are an eco-friendly and affordable alternative. Made from biodegradable and recycled materials, they are easy to customize and generate low carbon emissions. These are typically used for cremation and start at around $350.

Flat-Pack Coffins

Flat-pack coffins are another cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. You can order them online and assemble them at home, making them a practical choice for those on a tight schedule. Since they take up to 80% less space during transport, they also have a lower carbon footprint. Like cardboard coffins, flat-pack coffins are usually intended for cremation.

Pandanus Coffins

If you're looking for a coffin with a natural appearance, pandanus coffins are a great option. Handwoven from rattan and pandanus leaves, these coffins decompose quickly and are ideal for those who want an environmentally friendly burial.

Coffin Options in the Mid-Range Price Category

If your budget allows for something beyond the most basic options, mid-range coffins typically cost between $1,000 and $1,300. Here are some popular choices:

Veneered Wood Coffins

Veneered wood coffins offer an elegant look without the high price of solid hardwood caskets. They feature natural wood tops and wood veneer panels, providing a refined appearance. Many traditional funerals feature veneered wood caskets because they closely resemble solid wood models.

Bamboo Coffins

Bamboo is a strong, eco-friendly material often used in construction. Bamboo coffins are handwoven around a sturdy frame and can be customized with natural decorations like flowers or leaves. These are popular choices for green burials.

Seagrass Coffins

Seagrass coffins, woven into bamboo frames, offer a unique and soft oval shape. Their natural look makes them a popular eco-friendly choice.

Willow Coffins

Willow coffins are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Sustainably grown and biodegradable, they’re a great choice for environmentally conscious buyers. They can also be customized to suit personal preferences.

Woolen Coffins

Woolen coffins are an unconventional yet comforting choice. They consist of a cardboard base upholstered with 100% wool, giving them a warm and cozy feel compared to traditional caskets.

Budget-Friendly Casket Choices

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly casket, online retailers like Discount Caskets offer some of the best prices. Here are some of the most affordable types available:

DIY Caskets

For those with woodworking skills, a DIY casket is the most cost-effective option. In the past, it was common for families to build caskets for their loved ones. Creating a simple pine casket can be a meaningful and healing experience.

Cardboard Caskets

Cardboard caskets, which are biodegradable and sturdy, are widely used for cremations and green funerals. Basic models start as low as $300.

Affordable Steel Caskets

Steel caskets, especially 20-gauge and 18-gauge options, offer durability at a reasonable price. Prices range from $900 to $3,500, depending on features like interior fabric and locking mechanisms. The cheapest steel casket, a 20-gauge non-gasket model with a crepe interior, costs around $900. A mid-range 18-gauge steel casket with a gasket and crepe interior typically costs between $1,200 and $1,400.

Wood and Pressed Wood Caskets

Wooden caskets remain a classic choice, with prices varying based on the type of wood used. A simple pine casket with a crepe interior can be found for around $900.

Hemp Caskets

Hemp caskets have gained popularity in recent years. Made from lightweight pressed hemp board, they are highly customizable and can be painted in various colors. Prices start at around $1,000, making them a reasonably priced alternative to traditional wood or metal caskets.

Wicker Caskets

Wicker caskets are another eco-friendly option that can be decorated in creative ways. Prices start at approximately $900, similar to budget-friendly steel and wood caskets.

The Cheapest Casket You Can Purchase

The cheapest casket available is a cardboard casket, starting at around $350. Whether you choose to build your own, purchase a pre-made model, or assemble a kit, buying a casket from a funeral home is usually the most expensive route. To save money, consider purchasing from an online retailer instead.