When faced with the challenging circumstance of arranging a funeral, you may hear the terms ‘coffin’ and ‘casket’ used interchangeably. Although both coffins and caskets certainly serve the same purpose, there are in fact some differences between the two.

To help in making funeral arrangements for a loved one, let’s explore the difference between a coffin and a casket. This will hopefully provide you with adequate information to select between a coffin or a casket for the type of funeral that you’re trying to achieve.

What is a coffin?

In terms of shape, a funeral coffin is tapered at the head and feet and can have either six or eight sides. Resembling the shape of the human body, with a wider shoulder and narrower feet, a funeral coffin does in fact offer a snug fit.

You will notice that a funeral coffin is usually made from wood or timber products, such as MDF, and can feature a detachable lid.

Different countries and cultures have varying preferences when making a choice between funeral coffins or caskets. In Australia, coffins are traditionally more popular compared to caskets amongst those with some Anglo-Celtic ancestry. Perhaps a significant reason for the wider use is that coffin prices are generally lower, compared to casket prices.

What is a casket?

A casket will usually have four sides of both equal length and width, offering a more modern aesthetic. Some people perceive funeral caskets to have a particular level of design elegance. In fact, the mid-19th century was when caskets were developed for the funeral industry in other countries. Some saw the design of a casket to be less confronting, as the shape does not appear to signify the contours of the human body.
Caskets are designed with a higher profile, requiring more material to be used. This can contribute to the higher cost of a casket when comparing them to a coffin.

Funeral directors in Melbourne introduced caskets

We understand that caskets were introduced by a funeral director in Melbourne Australia in the 1950s. The idea was to give families more up-market options - not for the cheap funerals in Melbourne and elsewhere that families sometimes prefer. In turn, they were part of a concept of ‘merchandise’ which came from a cultural influence from the American funeral sector at the time. This philosophy likely increased the average funeral costs in Melbourne and other parts of Australia.

What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?

The main and most obvious difference between a coffin and a casket is the overall shape. As mentioned previously, a coffin’s hexagonal shape actually resembles an outline of the human body. A casket, on the other hand, appears to be more uniform and symmetrical with a rectangular shape.

A coffin usually has a detachable lid, providing the option for viewing prior to the funeral or an open coffin during the funeral. Whereas a casket has a hinged lid which may be split, restricting viewing to the top half only. This gives the feeling of a more intimate viewing option for funeral guests.

A casket can have a dome lid which can have a split design to facilitate viewing of just the torso. Other casket lids can have multiple raised lids, with small steps per se.

From a material perspective, coffins can be made from solid wood for a more natural look. Nowadays, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is often used as the construction base, with a wood veneer. Caskets can look more modern, being made from a range of materials – wood, metal (steel, bronze, or copper), bamboo, pandanus, or banana leaves. Both coffins and caskets can be produced from renewable resources, such as plantation pine.

Cardboard coffins tend to be more expensive than people think, given the need to compensate the design and manufacturer for the properties that cardboard does not inherently possess, such as its strength. They also often have a veneer that makes them look more pleasing and mitigates any degradation from dampness prior to the funeral. They can be made from recycled materials.

Mausoleum burial in Melbourne and Sydney

For some people, particularly in some Catholic traditions, mausoleum burial or burial in a family crypt is important. In these instances, it is better to have a solid timber or metal casket to mitigate any complications in time. Your loved one would need to be placed in a metal liner within the coffin or the casket which then needs to be soldered. If a viewing is required, this would need to occur before the day of the funeral.

Recommendations and tips for choosing a coffin or a casket

Most families we serve choose the Richmond coffin, given the price, design, and options. This is a cost-effective coffin option that we offer. It comes in different veneers, such as teak, maple, rosewood, black or white. The flat lid also means that more photos and memorabilia can be easily displayed on the top. There is also a choice of silver or gold-coloured handles and a nameplate.

From a design perspective, the construction of funeral coffins and caskets differ, and personal preferences will determine which option you select. When finalising funeral arrangements, do factor in the type of viewing experience you would like to have. For a more intimate option, perhaps a casket would be more suitable, as the hinged lid may provide some privacy, depending on the orientation of the casket on the day of the viewing. On the other hand, an open-casket funeral service may be your preference.

Price is another important factor to consider when finalising funeral arrangements. If budget constraints are to be considered, a coffin may be more practical.

Salvos Funerals is there to support you through one of the most emotional and challenging circumstances in your life. We journey with you through the funeral arrangement process, showing empathy and compassion at a time when it is needed most. Helping you to make decisions, including exploring casket versus coffin options, will ensure that you are provided with care and support to meet your needs and ensure you are able to celebrate the life of someone you have loved. For more information about Salvos Funerals, visit https://salvosfunerals.com.au/