Anyone who has buried a loved one would tell you that the coffin or casket is the most expensive item, irrespective of the funeral home you use.
Whether you use a metal casket or a wooden casket, the fact remains that a casket will take a chunk out of the funeral budget. Consequently, it is important to communicate with the funeral director regarding which type of casket you want, as well as your budget.
While the cost of a casket may be alarming, it is best to purchase one of good quality over a cheap one.
If you’re unsure about what to look out for when buying a cast, then look no further. This article will educate on all there is to know about how much a wooden casket can cost.
The Average Cost of a Wooden Casket
Although funeral casket prices may differ, the average cost of a wooden casket is typically between $2,000 to $5,000.
Conventional wooden caskets are usually within the price range of $2,000 and $3,000, and this is because they are made from common woods such as pine or poplar.
On the other hand, burial caskets made from woods like walnut, cherry or mahogany, typically cost upwards of $4,000, with some considerably more than this.
There are a variety of reasons that coffin prices are as high as this, some of which include the type of material the casket is made from, the casket size, and the casket style. Furthermore, adornments such as plaques, gaskets, and decorative handles can further drive up the price.
Compared with previous years, the cost of caskets and funeral services in 2024 are noticeably higher.
For instance, in 2020, it cost between $1,800 and $4,000 to buy a casket. This upward trend in funeral cost can be attributed to supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19, inflation, and increasing material costs.
Factors Affecting Wooden Casket Prices
There are a variety of factors that can affect wooden caskets prices, some of which are touched upon above. Below, you will find explanations of these factors in greater detail.
Casket Materials
While this article focuses on wooden caskets, it’s important to note that there are many other materials that can affect the prices you should expect when purchasing.
Several materials can be used to make caskets. These include:
- Steel
- Bronze
- Fiberglass
- Wood
- Copper
So, the cost of a casket is closely linked with the type of material used.
Simple caskets made from inexpensive hardwood such as pine cost less, compared with those made from exotic solid wood such as cherry.
As with wood, caskets made from metals differ in price. Among all the metal materials often used in making caskets, steel is the less expensive material.
However, the price is directly proportional to the thickness of steel used. Similarly, other expensive metals also become pricy as the thickness of the material increases.
You may have heard of caskets made with metals plated with gold. These types of caskets are the most expensive of them all, and they can cost thousands of dollars.
The Types of Wood Used
In this section, you will learn about the different types of wood used, and how this can affect wooden casket prices.
Pine
Pine is among the most popular and commonly used woods for casket manufacturing. It is a lightweight material, making it an easy material to work with.
Thus, it is the number one choice for budget-conscious individuals looking for an affordable casket option. On the downside, pine caskets are less durable and aesthetically pleasing, compared with other wood materials.
However, keep in mind that pine caskets are still far superior than cheap wooden caskets made out of pressed materials or similar.
Poplar
Poplar is typically more expensive than pine wood, but it is still commonly used for constructing caskets.
Poplar is frequently used due to its tensile strength and exquisite finishing, giving it some semblance to more expensive wood materials. This factor can increase the cost of wooden caskets.
Oak
Oak, unlike pine and poplar, has durability and is typically more attractive. Consequently, it is used for mid to high-range caskets. Its distinct grainy appearance and strength make it appealing to those seeking a balance between cost and quality.
Maple
Oak and maple are similar because they are appealing and durable. Furthermore, maple can take on high polish, causing it to resemble high-end wood. Again, this factor can make the cost of wooden caskets more expensive.
Mahogany
For those who are interested in luxurious woods, Mahogany is one of the popular options.
Mahogany has a dark color, fine grain appearance, and is quite durable. It is an elegant and high-end wood for casket manufacturing.
Cherry
Another popular expensive wood material is cherry. It is known for its reddish color and smooth grain appearance. Exquisite craftsmanship and intricate designs are often carried out using cherry wood, which can increase the casket cost substantially.
Walnut
Walnut wood is a durable wood often used in luxurious caskets. It has a rich color and a fine grain appearance, making it appealing to those seeking high-end caskets.
Remember that Wood Quality Affects Price
In the funeral industry, it is a known fact that the more durable and rarer the wood, the costlier the casket.
So, the price of a casket is greatly determined by the type of wood used. As a buyer, the type of wood used should be the first thing in your mind when you look at potential caskets to purchase.
Craftsmanship and Design Affects the Cost of Wooden Caskets
Aside from the type of wood used in making a casket, the level of detail put into the manufacturing process significantly affects the overall cost of a wooden casket.
A casket can either be handmade or machine-made; the piece behind each varies.
Handmade Caskets
As with any other handmade items, handmade wooden caskets are equally expensive. A lot of time, detail and skill are involved in the manufacturing process, so the price is often high.
The benefit of handmade caskets is that customers can provide custom details and requirements. You don’t find this type of casket at a casket depot.
Machine-made Caskets
Unlike handmade caskets, machine-made caskets are less expensive; the process requires less labor and time overall.
People often assume that because machine-made caskets lack the intricate carvings that come with handmade caskets, they are of a lesser quality, but this is not always the case.
Machine-made caskets can also be of high-quality; it all depends on the type of wood that is used.
Generally, the inclusion of custom designs and intricate details will increase the cost of a casket – whether it is handmade or machine-made.
These designs could be stain finishes, engraving, special paint, unique carvings or inlays. The rule of thumb is that if a design is tedious or complex, then it will cost you more.
For instance, a machine-made wooden casket with a simple design may cost about $2,700.
However, a handmade wooden casket featuring unique engraving and custom paint could cost upward of $4,500 USD.
Size and Dimensions
Size and dimensions of the caskets also affect the price.
Standard Caskets
A standard casket is typically made to contain the average-sized adult, and standard caskets are the common sizes you will find in many funeral homes.
These types of caskets are less expensive, compared to their counterparts because less labor and material are used.
Oversized Caskets
For individuals with larger than average sizes, the oversized casket is the best option. Oversized caskets require more material and labor to produce, so the resulting price is higher than that of standard caskets.
Typically, oversized caskets come with an additional cost upwards of $1,000, depending on where you choose to purchase.
Interior Features
Interior features within a wooden casket can also affect the total price you can expect to pay.
These include linings, padding, and fabric choices.
The type of interior lining and padding you choose has a significant influence on the overall cost of a wooden casket.
High-end fabrics, such as silk and velvet are pricier than cheaper fabrics like polyester or crepe.
So, select a fabric based on your budget. Additionally, the amount of padding can affect the final price.
A wooden casket with a simple and basic design will cost less than one with a plush and luxurious interior design.
Ways to Save on Wooden Casket Costs
The cost of a casket is often considered the most significant expense when planning a funeral.
However, that does not mean you should break the bank and run into debt.
There are actionable steps you can take to reduce cost while retaining the dignity of the deceased without compromising on quality.
Below are some ways you can save on wooden casket costs
Rent a Casket for Viewing
To save cost, you can rent a hardwood casket from a funeral home for the viewing or service.
These caskets usually come with a removable interior container that holds the body. After the service, the body is transferred to a much simpler, inexpensive casket for the burial ceremony.
Go for a Green Burial
Green burials used eco-friendly materials for the caskets. These eco-friendly materials are typically cheap and biodegradable.
Examples include paper, cardboard, softwood, bamboo, etc. The overall cost of a green casket is determined by the type of material used.
However, it is the most economical method for reducing the cost of a casket.
Use Cremation Receptacle
Another way you can significantly reduce the funeral cost is by having the body cremated.
Depending on your religion, you can use a cremation urn, which are far less expensive than caskets, to hold the remains of the deceased.
Furthermore, if you so desire, you can choose to bury the cremated remains in a cemetery using an inexpensive casket.
FAQ
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the cost of a wooden casket right now.
How much is a standard wooden coffin?
An average wooden casket cost between $2,000 USD to $5,000 USD.
If you decide to add customized features, then the price would be higher.
Which is cheaper: a wooden or metal casket?
For budget-friendly options, browse for metal caskets because they are typically less expensive.
What is the most expensive wood for a casket?
The type of wood determines the price of the casket. Oak, walnut, and cherry are the most expensive wooden caskets.
Summing Up: How Much Does a Wooden Casket Cost?
Now that you know why a wooden casket is more expensive than what is readily available, you should be able to make a well-informed decision on what type of casket should be bought if the need for one ever arises. Please visit our website to see if we have any wooden caskets for sale, and even if we do not,l please don’t hesitate to reach out to us as we are always doing custom work.
And do not forget, out of all the items on the funeral expenses or price list, the casket is the most important. Quality should come first.