Coffins

What is the difference between a casket and a coffin?

When people refer to a casket, they are referring to the American style box, which is rectangular in shape and is used for a funeral. A coffin is cruciform in shape in that it widens at the shoulders and tapers toward the feet.

What types of coffins are there?

There are a vast range of coffins from veneered coffins, solid wood coffins, you can now have cardboard coffins, or wicker work basket type coffins, biodegradable coffins, there is virtually an infinite range of materials now being used for coffins, however people generally tend to pick the standard type UK coffin, which is normally a veneered finish.

How much does a coffin cost?

Price of a coffin varies from funeral director to funeral director. Some funeral directors build profit off of the funeral into the cost of the coffin. Whereas other funeral directors build the profit of the funeral into their service charge, and consequently the coffin seems to be that bit more economical. However I think as a guide funeral directors would tend to charge anything from two hundred pounds for an ordinary coffin up to maybe three, four thousand pounds for an elaborate American style casket.

What are coffins made of?

The more economical type of coffin will perhaps be made of some form of chipboard or MDF with a laminate or a foil finish. A more expensive coffin would perhaps be made from solid oak, and have panel sides and raised lids.

Are coffins biodegradable?

Some coffins are biodegradable. There is a consciousness in part of funeral directors and society in general to provide the equal option for families.

Is a coffin always used for a funeral?

Generally speaking, a coffin is always used for a funeral. The remains are contained inside the coffin which itself has been lined with a waterproof membrane, thereby protecting against any unpleasantness. There are, of course, exceptions for it, such as religious practices where a coffin may not be used.

What is an urn?

An urn is a container which is normally used for holding the cremated remains of someone who has been cremated.