For some people, the idea of spending a lot of money on a coffin or casket is nonsensical. This is particularly true when it comes to the younger generation who believe that if they’re cremated, a coffin or casket is simply used to transport their body to their funeral and then burned.
For others, the choice of a coffin or casket is much more significant and should be a dignified mode of accommodating a body before, during and after a funeral service. Coffins and caskets can also serve as a way of demonstrating status and wealth.
The Difference Between Coffin and Casket
The basic difference between a coffin and a casket is the shape. A coffin has 6 sides whereas a casket has 4. But, overall, a casket is heavier and bulkier than a coffin.
Materials used for construction vary too. Caskets are usually made from wood or metal, whereas coffins are more varied in terms of the materials used. Coffins can be made from solid wood, veneer, cardboard, wicker, and bamboo.
Whatever your personal preference for a coffin or casket is, here are the different types that you can choose from.
Traditional Coffin
A traditional coffin is characterised by a flat top, its sarcophagus shape (narrower at the head and toes than the shoulder level) and simple fittings. But, they can be personalised to have raised lids and additional details on the side like wreaths.
In the case of a burial, a coffin plate will be attached to the lid. This will state the name of the deceased and when they passed away. During a cremation, the coffin is burned with the body. Traditionally, coffins are plain polished wood and for small children they are white.
Cardboard Coffin
A cardboard coffin is a strong but lightweight coffin that is made to meet the needs of those who prefer an environmentally friendly coffin. Over the past few years, demand for “greener” and less wasteful funeral services have increased.
There’s a wide variety of cardboard coffins available and come in many different designs and colours. It is also possible to personalise this type of coffin with things like poems, lyrics, or photographs. You could even decorate one yourself with old birthday cards, or you could write messages on it if you wish.
Wicker Coffin
Wicker coffins are becoming more and more popular are funerals continue to become less traditional, and as people become more aware of the different variety of coffins available. Many businesses provide them by growing and weaving their own. And, have been making coffins for a number of generations.
Bamboo Coffin
A coffin made from bamboo is 100% natural and environmentally friendly. Therefore, they can used for green funerals and can be used for both cremation and burials. Not only are they increasingly popular and good for the environment, but they’re also an attractive product that can make a statement. Other benefits of bamboo coffins are:
- They’re 100% biodegradable.
- Bamboo produces 30% more oxygen than trees.
- It is one of the fastest growing plants.
- No nails, staples or screws are used to seal the coffin.
Eco Coffin
An eco coffin is made from a variety of sustainable and biodegradable materials including pine woods, banana, and bamboo. The advantage of this is that these materials are grown and harvested in an environmentally friendly way, and they are left untreated so they will degrade naturally. Unlike traditional coffins, eco coffins do not contain metal, wood, plastic fitting, or formaldehyde.
Wooden Casket
Many people feel that wood is an ideal material for a casket as it’s rustic in its appearance. And, of course, wood is a material that tends to give the effect of a body returning to nature which for some, can be very comforting. Wood caskets can be made from a variety of woods. Among the most popular, however, are maple, mahogany, oak, walnut, and pine.
Metal Casket
Metal caskets are believed to last much longer than traditional wooden one which helps to prolong the preservation of the deceased body. Steel, copper, and bronze are the common metals used to make this type of casket. As with superior wood, caskets made out of finer metal will be more expensive, and there are options in include rubber seals to also help with preserving a body.
S. Stibbards & Sons Are Here to Help You
Choosing a coffin or casket can be a very emotional process, but S. Stibbards & Sons are here to help you. We have five generations of experience and have been serving the local community since 1867.
This means every little detail matters to us just as much as it matters to you. Our close connection with families has allowed us to build and run one of the most well-respected funeral directors in the South-East.
We have a wide selection of coffins and caskets in a variety of woods and alternative finishes. If you would like to discuss a coffin or casket for a loved one, please get in touch through our contact page today.
