Caskets Official

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference in design:

Under federal law, funeral homes must accept a casket you purchased elsewhere and cannot charge you an extra fee for doing so [5, 11]. CASKETS

Known for their longevity, metal options like stainless steel can last 50–80 years [5, 12, 23, 33]. High-end materials like bronze and copper are rust-resistant and can endure for over a century [5, 12, 22, 23, 33]. Steel caskets are often categorized by "gauge" (thickness); a lower gauge, like 16-gauge, is thicker and more durable than a 20-gauge model [5, 30]. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there

Many metal caskets are marketed as "gasketed" or "sealed" [5, 8, 23]. While a rubber gasket does help prevent outside elements like water or soil from entering the casket, it prevent or slow down the natural process of decomposition [5, 8, 12]. Federal regulations even state that these features cannot be marketed as a way to preserve the body indefinitely [5]. Buying Tips: Saving Thousands Steel caskets are often categorized by "gauge" (thickness);

For those prioritizing sustainability, biodegradable caskets made from wicker, bamboo, or even recycled paper are increasingly popular [7, 11, 12, 24]. These are designed to return to the earth naturally within 1–5 years [33]. The "Gasketed" Myth

are rectangular and feature a hinged lid [16, 28, 37]. This design is the standard in North America and is often preferred for open-fiancée viewings [16, 28, 37].

are "anthropoidal," meaning they follow the shape of the human body—wider at the shoulders and tapered at the head and feet [16, 28, 37]. They are more common in European traditions and are often chosen for their simpler, more traditional aesthetic [16, 28]. Understanding Your Material Options