Caskets Here

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

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference in design: 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]. Many metal caskets are marketed as "gasketed" or

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 Buying Tips: Saving Thousands While the terms are

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].

These offer a classic, furniture-like warmth. Hardwoods like mahogany, walnut, and cherry are premium choices, while softwoods like pine or poplar are more affordable [5, 8, 21, 24]. In damp soil, a wooden casket typically begins to break down within 5–15 years [12].