Casket Guide: Types, Costs, and What to Know Before You Buy

A complete breakdown of casket types, pricing, where to buy, and what every family should understand before making this decision.

By Terry Feely|Former Firefighter and Paramedic|April 2026

Casket vs Coffin

The words "casket" and "coffin" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct types of burial containers. A casket is rectangular in shape with a hinged, split lid that allows the upper half to be opened for viewing. The interior is typically lined with fabric, padded, and includes a small mattress and pillow. Caskets are the standard choice for funerals in the United States.

A coffin, by contrast, is hexagonal or tapered. It is wider at the shoulders and narrows toward the head and feet, following the general shape of the human body. Coffins are more common in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and are also used in certain religious traditions. They tend to be simpler in construction and less expensive than caskets.

In the United States, nearly all funeral homes sell caskets rather than coffins. If you prefer a coffin, you may need to order one from a specialty retailer or custom builder. Both serve the same fundamental purpose and either is appropriate for burial.

Types of Caskets

Wood caskets are among the most popular choices and range in price from approximately $2,000 to $5,000. Common wood types include pine, poplar, oak, cherry, walnut, and mahogany. Pine and poplar are the most affordable, while mahogany and walnut are considered premium options. Wood caskets have a warm, traditional appearance and are required for certain religious traditions, including Jewish and some Christian denominations.

Metal caskets are available in steel, bronze, and copper. Steel caskets are the most common metal option and typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the gauge of steel used. Thicker steel (lower gauge number) is more durable and more expensive. Bronze and copper caskets are at the top of the price range, often costing $5,000 to $10,000 or more, and are valued for their resistance to corrosion.

Biodegradable caskets are a growing option for families interested in green burial. These are made from materials like wicker, bamboo, seagrass, or unfinished wood and are designed to break down naturally in the earth. They are generally less expensive than traditional caskets and are required at most natural burial grounds.

How Much Does a Casket Cost

The average casket in the United States costs between $2,000 and $10,000, with the majority of families spending somewhere in the $2,500 to $5,000 range. The casket is often the single most expensive item on a funeral bill, sometimes accounting for a third or more of the total cost.

Prices vary significantly based on material, construction quality, interior fabric, and whether the casket includes features like a rubber gasket seal or adjustable mattress. Funeral homes typically offer a range of caskets at different price points, and they are legally required to show you an itemized price list before you make a selection.

It is worth noting that a more expensive casket does not provide better protection for the body over time. All bodies decompose regardless of the casket material. Choosing a casket should be based on your budget, personal preferences, and any cultural or religious requirements, not on claims about preservation.

What Affects Casket Prices

Several factors influence the price of a casket. Material is the biggest driver. A basic 20-gauge steel casket will cost significantly less than a solid bronze casket, and a pine casket will cost less than one made from hand-finished mahogany. The gauge of steel matters as well. 18-gauge steel is thicker and more expensive than 20-gauge steel.

Interior finishing also affects the price. Caskets lined with velvet or silk cost more than those with crepe or basic fabric. Hardware such as handles, corner pieces, and locking mechanisms can add to the cost, especially if they are made from solid metal rather than plastic. Specialty features like a sealed gasket, which is marketed as providing added protection, also increase the price.

Where you buy the casket has a major impact on price. Funeral homes typically mark up caskets significantly because the casket sale is a major revenue source. Third party retailers often sell the same or comparable caskets for 30% to 50% less than funeral home prices.

Open Casket Funerals

An open casket funeral means the upper half of the casket lid is raised so that mourners can see the deceased during the viewing, visitation, or funeral service. The body is typically embalmed, dressed in clothing chosen by the family, and prepared with cosmetics to create a natural and peaceful appearance.

Open casket services are common in many Christian denominations, African American funeral traditions, and Catholic practice. They are valued for providing mourners with an opportunity to see the person one last time and begin processing the reality of the loss. For some families, this visual farewell is an important part of the grieving process.

Not all deaths allow for an open casket. If the body has been significantly altered by trauma, decomposition, or medical procedures, the funeral director may advise against it. The family always has the final say, but the funeral director's professional judgment is worth considering.

Closed Casket Funerals

A closed casket funeral means the lid remains shut throughout the service. Families choose closed casket services for a variety of reasons, including the condition of the body, personal preference, or religious requirements. In Jewish and Muslim traditions, for example, the casket is always closed.

Closed casket services often feature a photograph of the deceased displayed on or near the casket, along with flowers, candles, or personal items. This allows mourners to focus on the person's life rather than their physical appearance in death.

Choosing a closed casket does not diminish the service in any way. Many families find that a closed casket allows them to remember their loved one as they were in life, and it removes the pressure of preparing the body for public viewing.

What Happens to the Body Inside a Casket Over Time

After burial, the body undergoes a natural process of decomposition. This process is driven by bacteria, enzymes, and environmental factors. If the body was embalmed, decomposition is slowed in the short term, but embalming does not prevent it indefinitely. Over months and years, soft tissues gradually break down until only skeletal remains are left.

The rate at which this occurs depends on several factors. A sealed metal casket placed inside a concrete burial vault will slow the process compared to a wood casket buried directly in the earth. Soil type, moisture levels, temperature, and climate all play a role. In general, a body in a standard casket and vault will be largely skeletonized within 10 to 15 years, though this can vary widely.

It is important to understand that no casket, regardless of its cost or construction, will preserve the body permanently. Claims about "protective" or "sealed" caskets should be evaluated carefully. These features may slow the process slightly, but they do not stop it.

Where to Buy a Casket

Most families purchase a casket directly from the funeral home, which is the most convenient option but often the most expensive. Funeral homes typically display a selection of caskets in a showroom and provide an itemized General Price List as required by federal law. While this is the traditional route, it is not the only one.

Online retailers have become a major alternative. Companies like Titan Casket, Costco, Walmart, and Amazon sell caskets at significantly lower prices than most funeral homes. These caskets are shipped directly to the funeral home, usually within one to two business days, and arrive ready for use. The quality is comparable to what you would find in a funeral home showroom.

Some families also build their own caskets or purchase from local woodworkers. This is less common but perfectly legal in all 50 states. Homemade caskets must meet cemetery requirements for size and construction, so it is worth checking with the cemetery before going this route.

The FTC Funeral Rule and Your Right to Buy Elsewhere

The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule gives families the legal right to purchase a casket from any source they choose. A funeral home cannot require you to buy a casket from them, and they cannot charge a handling fee or refuse to use a casket you purchased elsewhere. This rule exists specifically to protect consumers from being locked into funeral home pricing.

If a funeral director discourages you from buying a casket from a third party or suggests that an outside casket will not be accepted, they are violating federal law. You can report violations to the FTC. Knowing your rights can save your family a significant amount of money during an already difficult time.

The Funeral Rule also requires funeral homes to provide prices over the phone if asked. This means you can compare casket prices across multiple funeral homes and retailers without visiting each one in person. Taking the time to shop around is one of the most effective ways to reduce funeral costs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a casket and a coffin?

A casket is rectangular with a split lid that opens at the top half for viewing. It has a hinged bar and is typically upholstered on the inside with fabric lining and a mattress. A coffin is hexagonal or tapered in shape, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the head and feet. Coffins are more common in Europe and in certain religious traditions, while caskets are the standard in the United States. Both serve the same purpose, but they differ in shape, construction, and cultural association.

How much does a casket cost?

The average casket costs between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on the material, construction, and finish. Basic wood caskets start around $2,000, while mid-range metal caskets typically cost between $2,500 and $5,000. High-end caskets made from mahogany, bronze, or copper can exceed $10,000. Funeral homes are required by federal law to provide an itemized price list, and families have the right to purchase a casket from a third party retailer without penalty.

Can you buy a casket somewhere other than the funeral home?

Yes. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, families have the legal right to purchase a casket from any source, including online retailers like Costco, Walmart, Amazon, and specialty companies like Titan Casket. The funeral home is required to accept the casket without charging a handling fee or refusing service. Buying a casket from a third party can save families hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to funeral home prices.

What happens to a body inside a casket?

After burial, the body undergoes a natural decomposition process. If the body was embalmed, decomposition is slowed but not stopped permanently. Over time, soft tissues break down through bacterial activity, and eventually only skeletal remains are left. The rate of decomposition depends on factors including embalming, the type of casket, whether a burial vault was used, soil conditions, and climate. A sealed metal casket slows the process compared to a wood casket, but decomposition still occurs in all cases.