Buying a casket or coffin can be a challenging task, especially since many people aren't familiar with the process. While families often have a clear idea of where their loved one will be buried, they might not know much about choosing a casket or coffin. This decision can be both overwhelming and expensive. To help simplify this process, we've put together a guide to assist you in selecting the right casket or coffin for your needs and budget.

Casket vs Coffin: What’s the Difference?

First things first: let’s clarify the difference between a casket and a coffin. Both are used to hold a deceased person, but they differ in shape and design.

What is a Casket?

A casket is a rectangular container with four sides, a hinged lid, and is often lined with cloth. It’s designed to hold the body for viewing, burial, or cremation. Caskets are usually made from metal or wood and can be customized with different decorations and linings to reflect the deceased's personality.

What is a Coffin?

A coffin, on the other hand, has a six-sided design that tapers to fit the shape of the human body. The top is wider than the bottom, and it has a removable lid with no hinges. Coffins are typically made from wood and are often simpler in design compared to caskets. They’re generally less expensive, though they can be harder to find and may incur additional shipping costs.

How Much Do Caskets and Coffins Cost?

The price of a casket or coffin can vary widely based on the material and design.

Caskets: Prices range from $900 to $20,000, with most falling between $2,000 and $5,000. Metal caskets, made from materials like bronze or steel, tend to be more expensive. Wooden caskets and biodegradable options are usually more affordable. Renting a casket for viewings is a cheaper option, typically costing between $900 and $2,000.

Coffins: Generally less expensive than caskets, with prices ranging from $500 to $9,000. The cost can vary based on the type of wood and design. Coffins are usually simpler and may be harder to find.

How Much Does a Casket Weigh?

Knowing the weight of a casket is important if you have pallbearers. A typical casket, including the body, weighs between 350 and 400 lbs (159 to 181 kg). However, oversized caskets can be heavier.

The weight depends on the material and size. For example, a metal casket will be heavier than a wooden one. Standard caskets usually weigh 160 to 220 lbs (72.5 to 100 kg) and can support a body weighing up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Oversized caskets weigh between 220 and 280 lbs (100 to 113 kg) and can hold up to 500 lbs (227 kg).

Types of Caskets

Caskets come in various types, with metal and wood being the most common.

Metal Caskets

Steel: Available in different gauges, with 16-gauge being the thickest and most expensive. Thinner gauges like 18 and 20 are less costly.

Copper and Bronze: More resistant to rust and corrosion, making them durable but often pricier. Prices typically start around $6,000.

Wood Caskets

Hardwood: Made from oak, walnut, mahogany, or cherry. Hardwood caskets are usually more expensive.

Softwood: Pine and other softwoods are more affordable.

Fiberwood/Fiberglass: Lightweight and lower-cost options that resemble wood or metal.

Wood Veneer: A less expensive alternative where a thin layer of expensive wood covers a cheaper base.

Wood caskets generally cost between $500 and $9,000, with more affordable options falling within the $800 to $4,000 range.

Cremation Caskets

Cremation caskets are made from materials like cardboard or pressboard and are designed to hold the body during cremation. They are typically more affordable, with prices under $700. They weigh significantly less, around 20 to 80 lbs (9 to 36 kg).

Biodegradable or "Green" Caskets

These caskets are made from materials that decompose naturally, making them suitable for environmentally friendly burials. Options include simple wooden caskets, woven caskets (from wicker, bamboo, or willow), and fabric shrouds. Prices vary, with woven caskets ranging from $900 to $1,500 and shrouds costing between $195 and $1,000.

Rental Caskets

Rental caskets allow families to use a high-quality casket for viewings at a lower cost. The rental casket includes a removable insert where the body is placed, and the insert is then buried or cremated. Rental caskets usually cost between $900 and $2,000 and are often lighter due to cheaper materials.

Casket Types by Final Location

Cemetery Burial: Caskets are placed in a grave and covered with soil. The size and type of casket must fit the dimensions of the burial plot.

Crematorium: Requires a casket or rigid container for cremation, but it can be replaced with a more affordable cremation container.

Mausoleum: A building where caskets are stored above ground. Options vary between public and private mausoleums.

Where to Buy a Casket

You can buy caskets from funeral homes, but this often comes with a significant mark-up (30-50%). Alternatively, consider purchasing from third-party vendors like online retailers or specialty suppliers. Shipping costs and delivery times should be factored into your decision, especially if ordering from outside your area. In Ontario, funeral homes are not required by law to accept third-party caskets, but if they do, they cannot charge extra if the casket meets the required standards.

By understanding your options and their associated costs, you can make an informed decision that aligns with both your needs and budget.