The Difference Between a Coffin and a Casket

The Difference Between a Coffin and a Casket

We are often asked this question and ‘are they just the same thing?’

So whilst the purpose of both are the same (to hold the body of the person who has died), there is a difference.

Its All in the Shape

A coffin's shape is similar outline to that of a person. For example, narrow at the base (where the feet will rest) and wider at the shoulders, before getting a little narrower at the head. Most coffins have handles (although many of the basic wood and cardboard ones dont) and handles are frequently not load bearing - this means you shouldnt rely on those handles when carrying a coffin. The lid of the coffin screws down into the top of the coffin sides, to keep it secure and closed. Again some of our wicker coffins, screw at the sides with toggles.

A casket's shape is the same all the way round, and most commonly rectangular in design. Caskets tend to be bigger than coffins, for example in length and also in weight. Most people tend to think about the American style caskets where the lid can be opened so that mourners can see the person who has died in their coffin - these American styles are available in metal or in wood - these are available in the UK.

But in the UK, we also have caskets that dont have the lid that opens half way, and available in either solid wood (and the solid oak or mahogany wood we find are the most popular for burials) or come in wood veneered. These are available in flat lid or raised lid as shown on the photo below.

Difference between a coffin and casket for cremation and burial?

The main difference is the handles as most coffin materials can be used for both (but you cannot use the metal coffins for cremations). For example cremations the handles will have to be plastic or wood, whereas for burial you have more choice including metal - if you are having a traditional burial. Our quality coffin supplier has a large range of handles, so we are able to offer choice to our families on coffin and casket accessories.

Traditional or Countryside Funerals

With countryside funerals becoming more popular, natural burials have a strict criteria on the material of the coffin or casket. For example, it must be biodegradable. So you can choose a coffin or a casket in willow or natural materials. Many come in either a curved end shape or a traditional coffin shape. Again you can have these materials of coffin or casket shape for a traditional burial and a cremation, but for a natural burial the everything must be biodegradable including the lining and the handles.

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How to Personalise Your coffin or casket?

We recognise that choosing a coffin or casket is one of the most difficult decisions for many families; it almost sets the tone you can of the funeral ie traditional or celebration of life reflecting the person whose life you wish to remember. Some families choose to have a religious symbol on the coffin or casket - like a cross, ohm, or Khanda for example where as some choose to have the coffin or casket painted a bright colours (and we can have these painted in all colours including white), or even decorate it themselves by using our plain (ie no design) premium cardboard where you can write messages on them, or draw pictures; or we can arrange to have your photos or designs printed onto the coffin. Alternatively we can organise to have words or icons engraved onto the wood coffin or casket. If you are preferring to be eco friendly, then there is a large range of possibilities.

Choosing the Right Coffin or Casket

Choosing a coffin can be a stressful decision at a difficult time, so we encourage our families to take time in making that choice. We start off asking them what material they think they would like ie wood product, veneered wood, or solid wood, then other choices are the wicker or cardboard options, or what colours, or if they would like to personalise it in any way - for example if their loved one adored cats, then we can look at our picture coffins with cats designed onto them. With such an abundance of choice, there is a choice or casket for everyone in all shapes and sizes!

Why not have a look at our range of coffins and caskets. ‍