BURIAL CASKETS: WOODEN OR METAL?

There are two basic types of burial caskets available: wooden caskets or metal caskets. If you prefer a wooden casket, it can be fashioned of either hardwood such as oak or soft wood such as pine. Whichever type you select, wooden caskets are beautifully crafted with various stains, finishes, and carvings. The hardwood is much more costly than the soft wood. Wooden caskets constructed of wood and wood veneer are also available at a more economical price and have the appearance of solid wood. Some of the more elaborate hardwood caskets are available with memory drawers for the inclusion of special keepsake items.

Metal caskets are the other option when selecting a funeral casket and just like the wooden caskets, they are beautifully crafted. Metal caskets are available in several different semi-precious metals such as bronze or cooper. These are more costly than stainless steel with the plain steel caskets being the least expensive. The steel caskets are available is a wide array of colors. Steel caskets are manufactured from three different thicknesses of metal: 16 gauge steel, 18 gauge steel and 20 gauge steel. The 20 gauge steel casket is 1/20th of an inch thick and the least expensive of the three types. The 18 gauge steel casket is 1/18th of an inch thick and the 16 gauge steel casket is 1/16th of an inch thick being the heaviest and the most costly of the three designs. Another feature of the steel caskets which is currently unavailable on the wooden caskets is the option to have an airtight seal.

Funeral caskets whether constructed of wood or metal are available in sizes appropriate for infants, standard adults or those of more generous proportions.