Different Types of Caskets

Mangano Family Funeral Homes • March 6, 2022

When choosing a coffin for a funeral, there are a number of things to take into account. What type of caskets are there? What materials are the caskets made of?

funeral homes in Deer Park, NY

Choosing the right casket for a funeral is an important part of the funeral planning process. There is no wrong choice when it comes to choosing a casket, but people may not be aware of how many choices there are to choose from. There are a few things to consider when picking out a casket: the material, the design, and the type of funeral or service that you are having. While most people are probably familiar with caskets made of wood or metal, there are also caskets more suitable for cremation, as well as biodegradable caskets. It may seem overwhelming to have to decide on which casket to pick, but funeral homes in Deer Park, NY can provide more information to help make the decision-making process easier. 


The various types of caskets and what they have to offer will allow you to pick the one that is most suited for your needs. 


Wooden Caskets: Wooden caskets can be made from several different types of wood. Different types of woods have different attributes that make them appealing. Woods like pine and poplar are common choices and are usually among the more affordable options. Woods like cherry, mahogany, and walnut are often picked for their distinct colors, but they are also among the more expensive options. Oak and maple are some of the strongest woods and have beautiful patterns that can give a casket a refined and distinguished look. There isn’t a bad choice when it comes to picking a wooden casket, but it should be known that a few years after burial, any wooden casket will start to break down. 


Metal Caskets: Metal caskets are often made from bronze, copper, or stainless steel. Bronze and copper caskets are more expensive than stainless-steel caskets. But the beauty of a casket made of either bronze or copper is that the two materials have rust-resisting properties that will keep the casket looking pristine. No matter the type of metal, its structural integrity will hold longer after burial than a wooden casket. Metal caskets usually come with a gasket feature that other types of caskets do not have. The gasket is a rubber piece that lines the base and lid. Its job is to keep outside elements from entering the casket after burial. 


Cremation Caskets: These caskets are just what their name implies. They are meant to hold the body while they are placed into the cremation chamber. They can be made from wood or anything that will easily catch fire. The caskets can not contain any metal, toxic materials, and they must be sturdy. 


Biodegradable Caskets: Biodegradable caskets are made from materials that will not harm the Earth as they are put into the ground. They are oftentimes made of cardboard or bamboo and do not include any metal. These caskets are part of the new trend of eco-friendly funerals, also known as, green funerals. 


Choosing a casket for yourself or a loved one is a very personal decision to make. Wooden and metals caskets have been the norm and standard for years, but there are several options offered by funeral homes for anyone interested in purchasing a casket. 


You can learn more about funeral homes in Deer Park, NY. Talk to us at Mangano Family Funeral Homes to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in New York or call our locations.


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