The proper burial of a deceased person is a very personal choice, and one of the most significant things to make decisions about is the choice of coffin or casket to use. The correct way to choose a coffin is to consider the person’s life and its significance and to make sure their wishes are honored. There are several things to consider when choosing a coffin which will be explained in this article. You’ll also learn about the difference between wooden caskets and coffins.
Difference Between a Casket and a Coffin
This is one of the most asked questions when people plan their burial or that of a loved one. Caskets and coffins both serve the purpose of carrying the deceased, but they differ in design.
Coffins have six sides, narrow bottom, and a wide top with a removable lid, while caskets, on the other hand, have four sides and look like rectangular boxes with the same width at the top and bottom. Caskets also come with hinged lids (lids divided at the center); they also come with linings and cushions.
Types of Coffins
There are different types of coffins available to suit different personalities. They are made from different materials and vary in price. Here are some of the most types of coffins.
Wooden Coffins
Wooden coffins are built from wood; the most common wood types are ash, oak, pine, and mahogany. Each wood type has the characteristics that make it suitable for use when building a coffin. Wooden coffins can be finished with natural or painted finishes. If you choose a natural finish on a coffin, it’s important to remember that this type of finish may change over time as the wood ages. Natural-finish caskets have a more rustic look than those with painted finishes.
If you want an eco-friendly option for any part of your funeral arrangements (including choosing a green burial plot), then consider an eco-friendly wooden coffin. They’re made from sustainably sourced timber or bamboo, which will help protect the planet for future generations.
Metal Coffins
Metal caskets or coffins are made from stainless steel, copper, and standard steel and broken. The ones made from stainless steel are often used for cremation because they don’t rust or corrode easily compared to other metals. Metal coffins built from copper have natural antibacterial properties that resist mold growth inside the coffin or casket. However, metal coffins are more expensive compared to wooden caskets and difficult to transport due to their weight.
Cardboard (Fiberboard) Coffins
These are usually made from recycled paper pulp fibers laminated together using starch glue or synthetic resins under high pressure. Cardboard coffins are the way to go if you’re looking for a cost-effective coffin. They are also easy to move around, so they’re perfect if you want your loved one’s final resting place to be portable. Cardboard coffins come in a wide variety of styles and colors, so you can choose one that matches the personality of your loved one. In addition to being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, cardboard coffins are also biodegradable; this means that once your loved one has passed on, their decomposing body will naturally break down into compost over time.
Wicker Coffins
Wicker coffins are made from natural materials like willow, bamboo, jute fiber, and banana. They come in many different styles and finishes, including shiny lacquer with intricate carvings or matte satin with a simple design. Wicker coffins are eco-friendly and sustainable because they’re made from renewable resources. You can be confident that your loved one will not harm the environment when buried in it.
Wicker coffins are affordable, lightweight, and easy to transport, which makes them an ideal choice for transporting over long distances.
Things to Consider When Choosing a coffin
Choosing a coffin is an important decision; you want to ensure that your loved one’s final resting place is exactly what they would have wanted. You can search online for various options of coffins or visit the funeral home in person. However, ensure to consider the deceased’s personality, hobbies, interests, and budget before choosing a casket or coffin. Here are some other significant things to consider.
The coffin size
You can choose a simple size or opt for a custom-made one. A custom-made coffin will cost more, but it is worth the extra cost because of its quality and durability.
The Material
Consider the materials mentioned earlier; wood, metal, fiberglass, bamboo, or eco-friendly.
The shape
The most common shapes are Rectangular, square with rounded corners, oval, and other custom shapes. Endeavor to pick one that you like.
The Design
Consider the design elements such as handles, interior linings, cushions, the finishing (glossy or matte), and more.
