Picking a Burial Vault

January 3, 2023

A lot of different components combine to make a funeral. There are parts of a funeral that often go without being noticed. You of course have the funeral itself, the caskets, the hearse, and where the deceased will be buried. But one part of the funeral, and it is among the most important, is often left out in discussions. This is the burial vault. While the vault will go unseen by friends and family, it plays a very large role in the burial process. If you do not know what a vault is, that is fine. When you go to discuss your loved one’s funeral and what you would like to have in it, the vault will be brought up. This is when you can learn and pick the type you would like. If you need any more help regarding burial vaults, you can contact funeral homes in Ridge, NY. They would love to help you with everything that you need.

What Is a Burial Vault?


A burial vault is a container of sorts. It surrounds the casket and keeps it safe after it has been buried in the ground. These are essential to making sure that the casket you have purchased stays in great condition. There are different types of vaults so you can pick the one that suits your needs best.

Do I Need a Burial Vault?


While it isn’t necessarily something that everyone will purchase, most funeral homes will ask that you purchase one. This is done for the structural integrity of the casket itself. If there is no vault covering the casket, the weight of the dirt can crush it over time. Also, if there is not a vault, then the earth can shift and leave a hole that can be unsightly and dangerous.

Types of Burial Vaults

  • Burial Liner – This option of a burial vault is a bit different than most. It has no bottom to it, meaning the casket is exposed to the Earth. But it still provides the other sides with protection from everything around it. They are often made of concrete to keep them strong.

  • Concrete Burial Vault – This expensive choice is also the most popular. All four sides of the casket are covered. These vaults are strong and are meant to last for a long time. They will keep your loved one’s casket safe from the elements around it.

  • Metal Burial – Metal vaults come in copper, bronze, or steel. All of them are sturdy and are meant to last for as long as possible. Another good thing about metal vaults is that they are made to be rust-proof. This will help their longevity.

  • Urn Vault – While it may seem strange, there are also vaults for urns. If your loved one has been cremated, and you and your family are planning to bury the ashes, then an urn vault is something that you will need to seriously consider. Much like a vault made for a casket, urn vaults are there for protection from all the elements that it will encounter while underground.


The burial vault is a very important part of the burying process. If you and your loved one would like to know more, you can contact funeral homes in Ridge, NY.

Celebration of Life vs. Memorial Service: What's the Difference?
By FCM Management July 28, 2026
Whether you're planning ahead or making arrangements for someone who has just passed, we want you to feel confident about which path is right for your family. Here's a closer look at both options.
How Pre-Planning Reduces Stress for Loved Ones
By FCM Management July 6, 2026
It's a small act of planning now that turns into a meaningful gift for the people you love later
Burial Traditions That Still Matter Today
By FCM Management June 22, 2026
Here's a look at some of the most enduring burial traditions including religious considerations and why they still matter deeply today.
How to Start the Funeral Planning Conversation With Family
By FCM Management June 8, 2026
This guide is here to help you approach it with the care and sensitivity it deserves.
Graveside vs. Funeral Home Services: What's the Difference?
By Anthony Standard Advisors May 18, 2026
So let's break things down clearly and help you understand what each option involves, who it tends to work best for, and how to know which one is right for your family.
Funeral vs. Memorial Service: How Suffolk County Families Decide
By Anthony Standard Advisors May 4, 2026
To help you think it through, here's a clear look at what each option involves and when one may work better than the other.
How Funeral Homes Help Families During an Immediate Need
By Anthony Standard Advisors April 13, 2026
Understanding what happens in those first hours and days, and knowing who to turn to, can make an enormous difference.
Cremation With a Service vs. Without One: How Families Choose
By Anthony Standard Advisors April 6, 2026
To help you think it through, let's walk through what each option really means — and what to keep in mind as you decide.
What Information Is Needed to Pre-Plan a Funeral in NY
By Anthony Standard Advisors March 23, 2026
So, what exactly do you need to get started? Let's walk through it together.
Who to Call First When a Loved One Passes Away on Long Island
By Anthony Standard Advisors March 9, 2026
This guide is here to walk you through it — step by step, gently and clearly — so that you can focus on what matters most: being with your family and honoring the person you lost.