In this ultimate guidebook on caskets, you’ll find a clear explanation of the different types of caskets available today. We’ll also break-down the cost of caskets in straightforward terms.
This guidebook was written because we understand that choosing a casket is often one of the most emotionally difficult decisions families face after a loss.
Grief can make even simple choices feel overwhelming, and the variety of materials, styles, and price ranges when it comes to caskets only adds to the pressure.
Many people worry about making the “right” decision while balancing personal wishes and budget concerns.
However, with the right information, you can make a thoughtful, confident choice during a challenging time.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Types of Casket — What to Consider Before Purchasing
Choosing a casket can feel overwhelming, especially with the wide range of options available today.
Caskets come in many materials and styles, including steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze, hardwood, softwood, eco-friendly designs, and personalized models.
When considering types of caskets, start with your budget, as prices can vary significantly.
Next, consider the type of service and final disposition — burial or cremation — as this affects material choices.
Then think about personal preferences, such as appearance, durability, and any customization options.
Focusing on these priorities can help you select a casket that feels both practical and meaningful.
Wood Caskets — A Classic Choice When it Comes to Types of Caskets
When purchasing a wood casket, consider wood type, durability, colour, craftsmanship, and cost.
You should also examine the joinery, finish quality, and interior materials to ensure the casket meets both your aesthetic preferences and budget.
Here are succinct descriptions of the most common types of woods used in making caskets:
Mahogany Wood Casket
When it comes to types of caskets, mahogany is a popular choice.
Mahogany is a generally straight grain wood and is usually free of voids and pockets.
It has a reddish-brown colour which darkens over time, and displays a strong sheen when polished.
It has excellent workability, and is very durable. Mahogany is resistant to termites and rot.
Cherry Wood Casket
Cherry is a tight grain wood which ranges in colour from a deep, rich red to reddish-brown.
It also darkens with both age and exposure to sunlight.
Maple Wood Casket
Maple is a strong, close grained wood that is predominantly off-white in colour – although it also contains light hues of yellow-brown and pink.
Hard maple occasionally contains light tan or small dark mineral streaks.
Oak Wood Casket
Oak is hard, durable and highly resistant to water and other liquids. It is a strong open grained wood with a coarse texture and a straight grain.
It can range in colour from red to brown and can be streaked with other colours.
Ash Wood Casket
Ash is a strong, straight grained heavy wood which ranges in colour from off-white (sapwood) to light brown to pale yellow streaked with brown.
Poplar Wood Casket
Poplar is a even-textured straight grained wood which varies in colour from creamy white in the sapwood to pale yellow-brown or olive green fro the heartwood.
The heartwood darkens when exposed to natural light, eventually turning to a rich shade of brown.
Poplar is very popular because it can be stained to look like most other types of wood.
Wood Veneer Casket
This is often used for types of caskets that fall in the lower-cost bracket.
Wood veneer is a thin slice of natural wood — typically thinner than 1/40 inch (0.635 mm) — adhered to a substrate like MDF, particleboard, or plywood to create the look of solid wood.
Walnut Wood Casket
Walnut is a strong wood with a medium to coarse texture that varies in colour from white to dark brown.
It is generally straight grained, but can also have wavy or curly-like grain that produces an attractive and decorative element.
Pine Wood Casket
Pine is a straight grained durable wood with a fine texture and low contrast.
It is often white, yellow or reddish-brown in colour.
Metal Caskets — A Durable Option When it Comes to Types of Caskets
These types of caskets are favoured for their durability and protection against the elements.
They are primarily constructed from steel (20 or 18 gauge), stainless steel, copper, or bronze.
Many metal caskets are gasketed, featuring a rubber seal designed to keep out water and soil.
Non-gasketed models are also available for those interested in budget-friendly options.
There are many styles of metal caskets – from traditional to ornate – with a wide range of finishes.
Options include brushed finishes – a polished, hand-applied look – or painted finishes, which can come in a wide range of colours.
Here are the most common types of metal caskets:
Steel Caskets
Steel caskets are among the most common metal caskets used in traditional burials.
Steel caskets are known for their strength, durability, and clean, polished appearance.
These types of caskets are typically made from carbon steel and are available in different thicknesses, often measured in “gauge” (the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel).
An eighteen-gauge steel casket is thicker, more durable, but also more expensive, than a twenty-gauge steel casket.
Steel caskets often include protective sealers designed to resist moisture and external elements.
One of the main benefits of steel caskets is affordability compared to precious metal options.
They offer a balance of durability, appearance, and cost, making them a practical and popular choice for many families.
Stainless Steel Caskets
Stainless steel caskets are similar to standard steel caskets, but are made with added chromium, which increases resistance to rust and corrosion.
These types of caskets typically have a sleek, refined finish and are available in various colours and interior fabrics.
Because stainless steel resists oxidation better than regular carbon steel, it may provide enhanced long-term durability in certain environments.
These caskets are often considered a step up from standard steel in terms of quality and longevity.
While usually more expensive than basic steel models, stainless steel caskets appeal to families seeking added strength and a polished, modern appearance.
Copper Caskets
Copper caskets are crafted from a semi-precious metal known for its natural beauty and resistance to corrosion.
Copper is considered a premium material. Unlike steel, copper does not rust, making it highly durable over time.
These types of caskets are often constructed in heavier weights. Caskets with 32-ounce or 48-ounce thicknesses are common.
They also feature elegant finishes, detailed hardware, and luxurious interiors.
Copper’s distinctive warm tone gives it a rich and dignified appearance.
One of the primary benefits of copper caskets is their longevity and resistance to the elements.
However, they are generally more expensive than steel options.
Families who choose copper often value its durability, craftsmanship, and classic aesthetic appeal.
Bronze Caskets
Bronze caskets are made from a high-quality alloy primarily composed of copper and tin.
Highly durable, bronze caskets are often considered the most luxurious choice.
Like copper, bronze does not rust, making it extremely resistant to corrosion and environmental damage.
Bronze caskets are typically heavier and are often associated with premium craftsmanship and design.
They may feature hand-finished details, protective sealing systems, and luxurious interior fabrics.
Because of their durability and elegant appearance, these types of caskets are considered one of the highest-end metal options available.
While they come at a higher cost, many families appreciate bronze for its lasting strength, refined beauty, and sense of permanence.
Military Caskets
These specialty caskets are generally made of durable steel for a, sturdy, and dignified appearance.
Military caskets are decorated with special insignias, emblems and fabrics representing either the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.
Because these types of caskets symbolize service, they are often decorated with branch-specific colours.
For navy and coast guard personnel, the military casket is often white or blue.
Army military caskets are often black, while marines often have caskets of scarlet and gold. Military caskets in the air force is often dark blue.
Green Caskets — A Sustainable Option When it Comes to Types of Caskets
There is now a considerable selection of eco-friendly caskets on the market. This reflects the increasing environmental consciousness relating to burial.
The idea behind these types of caskets is to have a casket that is easily broken down without harm to the earth and that is made from sustainable forests and recycled wood and paper products.
To this end, biodegradable materials such as wood, wood shavings, recycled newspapers, hemp, natural branches and dried grasses, are commonly used in the manufacture of green caskets.
Many green caskets also manufactured without the use of non-toxic glue.
Organic cotton is used for the internal lining of the casket and the enclosed pillow is filled with pine shavings.
Green caskets are generally suitable for cremation, or burial in woodland sites or traditional cemeteries, and biodegrades naturally over time when placed in the ground.
Although, if you are planning on being buried in a traditional cemetery, remember that you will most likely need to purchase a burial vault.
Green caskets can also be ideal for orthodox Jewish burial.
These are the most common types of green caskets.
Woven and Fibre Caskets
Woven and fibre caskets are made from natural, renewable materials such as wicker, willow, bamboo, seagrass, rattan, or banana leaf.
They are handcrafted by weaving plant fibres around a sturdy frame, creating a lightweight yet strong structure suitable for burial or cremation.
These types of caskets are fully biodegradable and designed to break down naturally in the soil.
Their appearance is simple and organic, often featuring soft, neutral tones and cotton linings.
Many families appreciate their handcrafted look and connection to traditional craftsmanship.
Woven and fibre caskets are commonly used in green burials and natural cemetery settings.
Wood Caskets (Unfinished)
Unfinished wood caskets are made from solid, sustainably sourced timber such as pine, poplar, or other softwoods, without varnish, stain, or chemical sealants.
Unlike conventional polished caskets, these types of caskets are left in their natural state in order to allow the wood to biodegrade more easily.
They typically feature simple construction, flat lids, wooden pegs or basic hardware, and minimal interior lining made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen.
The design is intentionally understated, reflecting simplicity and environmental responsibility.
Unfinished wood caskets are a common choice for green burials, offering durability while remaining fully biodegradable and free from synthetic materials.
Cardboard and Fibreboard Caskets
Cardboard and fibreboard caskets are made from recycled paper products and compressed natural fibres.
Though lightweight, they are engineered to be strong and capable of supporting body weight safely for burial or cremation.
These types of caskets are fully biodegradable and break down naturally over time.
Their appearance is typically simple, but some designs allow for printed patterns, personalized artwork, or messages.
Because they use recycled materials and minimal resources in production, they are considered environmentally friendly.
Cardboard and fibreboard caskets are often among the most affordable green options and are widely accepted in natural burial grounds and crematoriums.
Wool and Felt Caskets
Wool and felt caskets are soft-sided coffins made from tightly compressed natural wool fibres, often shaped around a sturdy biodegradable frame.
The wool is typically sourced sustainably and may be formed using traditional felting techniques without synthetic binders.
These types of caskets are fully biodegradable and suitable for both burial and cremation.
Their appearance is gentle and understated, usually in natural shades such as cream, brown, or grey.
Wool’s natural properties make it breathable and moisture-absorbing, supporting decomposition in a natural burial setting.
Families are often drawn to wool and felt caskets for their softness, simplicity, and environmentally conscious design.
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Personalized Caskets — A Meaningful Option When it Comes to Types of Caskets
A personalized casket is a custom-designed burial container tailored to reflect a person’s life, hobbies, faith, or personality through specialized colours, themes, imagery, and, engravings.
Here are commonly ways a casket can be personalized:
Custom Shapes
Custom casket shapes move beyond the traditional rectangular design to reflect a person’s life, interests, or cultural background.
While less common, these specialty caskets can be crafted in meaningful forms, such as a guitar for a musician, a race car for an enthusiast, or a religious symbol for someone deeply rooted in faith.
Some cultures also use distinctive coffin shapes as part of longstanding traditions.
These designs are typically custom-built and may require additional planning time.
Families who choose this option often do so to create a highly personal tribute that captures the individuality and passions of their loved one.
Casket Wraps
Casket wraps are large, printed coverings applied to the exterior of a standard casket to create a customized appearance.
Made from durable vinyl or similar materials, wraps can feature scenic landscapes, patriotic imagery, sports themes, hobbies, religious symbols, or photo collages.
For example, a nature lover’s casket might display a mountain scene, while a veteran’s may include a flag design.
Wraps allow families to personalize a casket without altering its structure.
These types of caskets may be more affordable than fully custom-built designs, while still offering flexibility when it comes to honouring personality, interests, or life achievements in a visually meaningful way.
Custom Paints and Decor
Custom paints and decorative elements allow families to modify the exterior finish of a casket.
Instead of traditional wood tones or solid colours, a casket may be painted in a favourite colour or finished with specialty effects such as pearlescent or matte coatings.
Additional decor might include hand-painted artwork, engraved nameplates, symbolic emblems, or decorative hardware that reflects hobbies or affiliations.
For instance, floral designs, sports logos, or religious motifs can be incorporated into the finish.
The personalized touches on these types of caskets help transform a standard casket into a tribute that feels unique and reflective of the individual’s personality and life story.
Custom Interiors
Custom interiors focus on personalizing the inside of the casket.
Families can select specific fabrics, colours, and textures, such as satin, velvet, or crepe, to create a softer and more individualized appearance.
Embroidered head panels are a popular option, featuring meaningful words, religious symbols, hobbies, or images stitched into the fabric above the pillow area.
For example, a panel might include a praying hands design, a favourite phrase, or a symbol representing military service.
These interior details are subtle yet meaningful, offering a private, heartfelt tribute that reflects the beliefs, passions, or legacy of the deceased.
Custom Corner Pieces
Some caskets offer removable corner pieces — often called memento corners — that can be personalized and later kept by family members.
The decorative metal or wood accents that are attached to the corners of these types of caskets may feature personalized symbols.
The symbols may represent hobbies, careers, faith, or affiliations, such as musical notes, sports emblems, or service insignia.
After the service, the corners can be detached and given to loved ones as keepsakes.
This option allows personalization during the funeral while also creating a lasting remembrance item.
Memento corners provide a small but meaningful way to honour individuality and preserve a tangible connection.
Cremation Caskets — A Practical Option When it Comes to Types of Caskets
Cremation caskets are specially designed containers used to hold a deceased person’s body during viewing or funeral services, and subsequently, to be incinerated along with the remains in the cremation chamber.
These types of caskets provide a dignified, aesthetic, and hygienic way to hold a viewing, visitation, or funeral service before the cremation process.
Unlike traditional burial caskets, which are often made of metal and designed for long-term preservation, cremation caskets are constructed from fully combustible materials.
Cremation caskets are typically made from wood, cardboard, cardboard, fibreboard, pine, softwoods, or eco-friendly materials like willow or seagrass.
They can range from very simple, inexpensive cardboard boxes (often called “alternative containers” or “cremation containers”) to more decorative wood-veneer or solid wood caskets that look similar to traditional burial caskets.
These types of caskets are designed to leave minimal residue, and must be able to burn safely and completely, meaning they generally lack large metal parts, plastics, or toxic materials.
Here are some common types of cremation caskets:
Hardwood Caskets
Hardwood caskets for cremation are made from solid woods such as oak, maple, cherry, or mahogany.
These caskets are often chosen when families want a traditional funeral service with viewing before cremation takes place.
They typically feature polished finishes, sturdy construction, and upholstered interiors.
While they are suitable for cremation, they are generally more expensive than other cremation container options due to the quality of materials and craftsmanship.
Hardwood caskets provide a dignified and familiar appearance for services, offering the look of a traditional burial casket while still allowing families to choose cremation afterward.
Softwood Caskets
Softwood caskets are made from more affordable woods such as pine or poplar.
They usually have a simpler design and may feature a natural or lightly finished appearance.
Softwood caskets are suitable for cremation and are often chosen by families who want a traditional wood look without the higher cost of hardwood.
Their construction is sturdy but less ornate, with minimal detailing and modest interior lining.
Because softwoods are lighter and less dense, these caskets are often more economical while still providing a respectful presentation for a funeral or viewing prior to cremation.
Cardboard and Fibreboard Caskets
Cardboard and fibreboard caskets, sometimes called alternative containers, are specifically designed for cremation.
Made from recycled paper products or compressed wood fibres, they are lightweight yet engineered to be structurally strong.
These containers are typically simple in design, though some may include printed finishes or fabric linings.
These types of caskets are fully combustible and suitable for cremation without additional preparation.
Cardboard and fibreboard caskets are often the most affordable cremation option and are commonly chosen when families prefer a straightforward service or when no public viewing is planned.
Eco-Friendly Caskets
Eco-friendly caskets for cremation are made from biodegradable, sustainable materials such as wicker, bamboo, willow, seagrass, or unfinished wood.
These types of caskets are designed to minimize environmental impact and are free from metal components or toxic finishes.
They often feature simple construction and natural fabric linings.
Many families choose eco-friendly options to reflect environmental values or to complement a green funeral service prior to cremation.
These caskets are fully suitable for cremation and are valued for their natural appearance, renewable materials, and lower environmental footprint compared to conventional options.
Rental Caskets
Rental caskets are designed for use during a funeral or viewing before cremation.
They provide the appearance of a traditional casket but include a removable interior container that holds the body.
After the service, the inner container is transferred to the crematory, while the outer shell is reused for future services.
Rental caskets are often made of hardwood or finished materials to create a formal look.
This option allows families to have a traditional viewing experience without purchasing a full casket, making it a practical and cost-conscious choice for cremation services.
Veneer or Cloth-Covered Caskets
Veneer or cloth-covered caskets are typically constructed from pressed wood or composite materials and finished with a thin wood veneer or fabric covering.
These types of caskets are lighter and more affordable than solid wood models while still offering a dignified appearance.
Cloth-covered options often feature soft exterior fabric and simple interior linings.
Veneer models provide the look of wood at a lower cost.
Both types are suitable for cremation and are often chosen by families seeking a balance between presentation and affordability for a service prior to cremation.
Cost of Caskets — Find the Price Range For All Types of Caskets
A casket is generally the most expensive item when it comes to funeral planning.
While you have a degree of control over the amount you spend on a casket, you will find that the cost of caskets can range widely depending on the materials used and the level of internal and external design applied to the casket.
The cost of caskets can range from $1,000 for a simple pine or pressed wood box to $15,000 or more for elaborate copper or bonze caskets with innerspring mattresses and plush velvet or silk linings.
The cost of caskets is determined on a number of factors, including:
- the type of material used to construct the casket itself. Generally, caskets are constructed of metal, wood, fibreboard, fibreglass or plastic;
- the interior fabrics used in the caskets. Typical fabrics include satin, velvet, silk, crepe, gold lace and white lace; and
- detail of the overall design (types of handles used and the design on the casket itself).
When it comes to the cost of caskets, the average price is between $2,000 and $5,000.
However, you will be able to discuss your needs with the funeral director and he or she should be able to help you find a casket that meets both your requirements and your budget.
The funeral director should be able to advise you of the individual features of each casket you are interested in, as well as present you with options for added extras – such as interior linings and handles – should that be of interest to you.
Here are the price ranges for various types of caskets.
Wood Casket Prices
Solid Mahogany Wood Casket Price: $3,o00 – $10,000+
Mahogany Wood Veneer Casket Price: $1,o00 – $3,000
Solid Cherry Wood Casket Price: $3,000 – $7,000
Cherry Wood Veneer Casket Price: $2,000 – $2,500
Solid Maple Wood Casket Price: $2,000 – $7,000+
Maple Wood Veneer Casket Price: $1,000 – $3,500
Solid Oak Wood Casket Price: $1,500 – $3,000
Oak Wood Veneer Casket Price: $3,000 – $4,500
Solid Ash Wood Casket Price: $4,000 – $5,500
Ash Wood Veneer Casket Price: $2,500 – $3,000
Solid Poplar Wood Casket Price: $2,000 – $6,000+
Poplar Wood Veneer Casket Price: $7,00 – $1,300
Solid Walnut Wood Casket Price: $2,500 – $4,000
Walnut Wood Veneer Casket Price: $2,000 – $2,500
Premium Pine Wood Casket Price: $1,600 – $2,500+
Standard Pine Wood Casket Price: $1,000 – $1,600
Basic Pine Wood Casket Price: $800 – $1,200
Metal Casket Prices
Steel Casket Price: $1,000 – $5000+
Stainless Steel Casket Price: $2,350 – $10,000+
Copper Casket Price: $3000 – $10,000+
Bronze Casket Price: $3,500 – $12,000
Military Casket Price: $1,300 – $4,000
Green Casket Prices
Woven and Fibre Casket Price: $700 – $3,500
Wood Casket (Unfinished): $700 – $2,000
Cardboard and Fibreboard Casket: $50 – $1,000
Wool and Felt Casket: $900 – $2,500
Personalized Casket Prices
Casket With Custom Shape Price: $2,000 – $20,000+
Casket With Custom Wrap Price: $800 – $2,500
Casket with Custom Paints and Decor Price: $2,500 – $3,000+
Casket with Custom Interior Price: $1,500 – $10,000+
Casket with Custom Corner Pieces (Mementos) Price: $1,100 – $4,700+
Cremation Casket Prices
Hardwood Casket Price: $900 – $4,500
Softwood Casket Price: $500 – $2,500
Cardboard and Fibreboard Casket Price: $50 – $1,700
Eco-Friendly Casket Price: $100 – $2,500
Rental Casket Price: $500 – $2,200
Veneer or Cloth-Covered Casket Price: $450 – $2,500
How Love Lives On Can Help
We hope you found this guidebook on the types of caskets and the cost of caskets helpful.
Our mission at Love Lives On is to make your life a little easier by providing you with the best information online.
Here is other practical information on Love Lives On that you might useful:
- 100+ Best Celebration of Life Ideas
- Curated List of Beautiful Songs for a Funeral Service
- Guidebooks on How to Design a Funeral Service Around a Theme
- Our Curated Collection of the Best Funeral Poems
- Selecting Pallbearers and Their Roles
We also connect you via our Business Directory with caring and skilled professionals in your local area who are ready to help you with funeral planning.
Love Lives On’s useful Business Directory includes funeral homes, celebrants, florists, monuments makers, estate lawyers, grief counsellors, and so much more.
Businesses with Featured Listings in our directory – the comprehensive listings that appear at the top of search results with photos, reviews, and map directions – have all been carefully vetted by our team so that you don’t have to take on this laborious task.
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You can trust that businesses with Featured Listings meet the highest standards for quality, professionalism and reliability.
On a final note, on behalf of everybody here at Love Lives On, we are so sorry for your loss.
