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.

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