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Types of Coffins and Caskets Explained

Whether you are choosing a coffin for a beloved departed family member, or thinking about your own, it can be very confusing.  There are so many types of coffins and caskets around these days, and a huge range of prices.  We have explained what is available on the market. 

Why not choose your own and save your family a lot of angst and expense.  It can be very hard for families to come to an agreement when buying the casket for a funeral.  Some may feel that if you don't buy the most expensive one you didn't care enough, while others think that it is a waste of money.  At the very least, make your wishes known in your will.  

Learn about the different types of coffins you can choose and where to buy them.

First of all, what is the difference between a coffin and a casket? 

  • It's in the shape.  
  • A coffin is six sided and is the traditional shape we all think about immediately and the one celebrated in vampire films and Halloween.  
  • A casket is rectangular in shape and is the most common shape used in the USA.  
  • In the UK the traditional coffin shape is still widely used, but the more American casket shape is becoming as popular. 

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traditional coffinTraditional Coffin by The Coffin Co. UK
casket in oakBeautiful Oak Casket Available in USA

Different Types of Coffins and Caskets

Wooden Coffins and Caskets

Coffins and caskets were traditionally made of wood.  They are usually available in a wide range of woods from the very expensive hardwoods such as mahogany, cherry, and oak, to the cheaper pine.  

Metal Coffins and Caskets

These days, there are a lot of metals also being used to construct coffins and caskets.  These include copper and steel, but they are only suitable for burial.  

Check out our recommendations for luxury caskets in the USA

Picture Cardboard Coffin from The Coffin Company UKPicture Cardboard Coffin by The Coffin Company UK

Personalised Coffins

These days there are several companies who make coffins with your own choice of images and pictures. 

Cardboard Coffins 

Used mainly for cremation, cardboard coffins are an economical choice and are also better for the environment. These days you can get them in all kinds of colours and covered with beautiful images of gardens, flowers, sunrises and more.  Plain ones can be decorated yourself for a more personal touch.  Check out these beautiful cardboard coffins available in the UK. 

Types of Environmentally Friendly Coffins

Nowadays, it is becoming more common to think about the environment when choosing a coffin. There are lots of different types of green coffins.  They can be made of cardboard as above, but also of bamboo, willow, wicker, paper and even wool.  You can order biodegradable caskets here.  

Related Pages: 

Luxury Caskets

Biodegradable Caskets

Cardboard Coffins

Eco-friendly Coffins from the UK. 



Where to get help: 

Have You Considered One-on-One Online Grief Counseling? 

Get Expert and Effective Help in the Comfort of Your Own Home

The following information about online counseling is sponsored by 'Betterhelp' but all the opinions are our own. To be upfront, we do receive a commission when you sign up with 'Betterhelp', but we have total faith in their expertise and would never recommend something we didn't completely approve.  

Do you feel alone and sad with no support and no idea how to move forward?  It can be tough when you are stuck in grief to find the motivation to get the most out of your precious life. 

Online counseling can help by giving you that support so you don't feel so alone. You can have someone to talk to anytime you like, a kind and understanding person who will help you to find meaning in life again, to treasure the memories of your loved one without being overwhelmed and to enjoy your activities, family and friends again.

  • Simply fill out the online questionnaire and you will be assigned the expert grief counselor most suitable for you.  It only takes a few minutes and you don't even have to use your name.  
  • Pay an affordable FLAT FEE FOR UNLIMITED SESSIONS.  
  • Contact your counselor whenever you like by chat, messaging, video or phone. 
  • You can change counselor at any time if you wish.
  • Click here to find out more and get started immediately.
  • Or read more about how online counseling works here.  
Woman Crying. Get Started with Online Counselling

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Hypnosis for Grief - 10 Ways It Can Help You

Try a gentle hypnotherapy track to relax the mind. Learn how self-hypnosis can help you cope with grief at any time of the day or night.  

Read more about it here. 

For Remembrance: 

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Heart Shaped Sterling Silver Pendant for Cremation Ashes, Engraved Forever Loved

Memorial Jewelry to Honour a Loved One

Check out our lovely range of memorial jewelry for any lost loved one.  Pendants, necklaces, rings or bracelets, we have them all in all kinds of styles.  Choose for yourself or buy as a sympathy gift. 

Click here to see our selection

Create an Online Memorial Website

Honour your loved one with their own memorial website.  Share photos, videos, memories and more with your family and friends in a permanent online website.  Free for basic plan with no ads. 

Find out more here.