How to choose a casket: size, material, price

# How to Choose a Casket: Size, Material, and Price — Complete Buyer's Framework **By Jordan Ellis, CFSP** (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner) · [About the author](https://www.example.com/about/jordan-ellis-cfsp/) · Reviewed for accuracy · Updated January 2026 Choosing a casket comes down to three decisions made in sequence: **size** (measured by interior length, width, and weight capacity, not just "regular" or "oversize"), **material** ([steel gauge, hardwood species, or eco-friendly alternatives](/blogs/guides/metal-vs-wood-caskets), each with a different durability and price profile), and **price** (which is driven more by where you buy than by the casket itself). According to [NFDA's 2023 Cremation and Burial Report](https://nfda.org/news/statistics), the median cost of an adult metal casket at a funeral home was $2,500, while comparable wholesale and third-party pricing routinely runs 50–70% lower — federal law gives you the right to buy elsewhere. This guide walks through all three in order, with a sizing chart, a material-to-price matrix, and worked examples so you can go from "what size do I need" to "what will this cost" without opening six browser tabs. **Quick note before you start:** you have more time and more legal protection than most families realize when a funeral home first hands you a price list. The [FTC Funeral Rule](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-funeral-rule) requires funeral homes to accept caskets you purchase from a third party, at no extra fee. ## Table of Contents - [The 3 Decisions That Determine Every Casket Purchase](#the-3-decisions) - [Step 1 — Determine the Right Casket Size](#step-1-size) - [Step 2 — Choose the Casket Material](#step-2-material) - [Step 3 — Understand Casket Pricing](#step-3-price) - [Putting It Together — A Decision Path Example](#decision-path) - [Common Mistakes Families Make](#common-mistakes) - [FAQ](#faq) ## The 3 Decisions That Determine Every Casket Purchase (Size, Material, Price) {#the-3-decisions} Every casket purchase, regardless of budget, resolves to the same three variables interacting with each other. Size affects price because oversize units cost more to manufacture and ship. Material affects price directly, spanning a roughly 10x range from cloth-covered particleboard to solid bronze. And where you buy affects price more than either: the identical 20-gauge steel casket can be $900 wholesale online or $2,800 at a funeral home. Use this table as your starting map before reading the detailed sections below. | Decision | Key Question | Typical Range | Section | |---|---|---|---| | Size | Interior length/width, weight capacity | Standard: 24–26" W x 79–84" L. Oversize: 28–44" W | [Step 1](#step-1-size) | | Material | Steel, wood, eco, alternative | $600 (cloth-covered) to $10,000+ (bronze/copper) | [Step 2](#step-2-material) | | Price | Retail markup, seller type | Funeral home vs. third-party retailer, often 2–3x difference | [Step 3](#step-3-price) | ## Step 1 — Determine the Right Casket Size {#step-1-size} ### Standard Casket Dimensions Chart Casket sizing is described by **interior** dimensions (the space the body actually occupies) and **exterior** dimensions (what the funeral home's [burial vault or grave liner](https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/vaults-and-grave-liners/) must accommodate). Most manufacturers build to a small number of standard sizes, then step up in width for oversize categories. Interior length is fairly fixed because it's driven by height, while interior width and weight capacity are what change most between categories. | Category | Interior Width | Interior Length | Exterior Width | Weight Capacity (approx.) | |---|---|---|---|---| | Standard | 24–26" | 79–83" | 28–29" | up to 200–250 lbs | | Oversize (first step-up) | 28–29" | 83–84" | 31–32" | 250–350 lbs | | Oversize (large) | 33–36" | 83–84" | 35–38" | 350–500 lbs | | Extra-large / bariatric | 40–44" | 83–84" | 42–46" | 500–700+ lbs | | Petite / child | 12–20" | 24–72" (varies by age) | 15–24" | varies | Manufacturers don't publish an industry-wide standard; dimensions vary by brand, so treat these as typical ranges, not exact specs for any one casket line, and always confirm interior measurements with the funeral home or retailer before ordering. ### How to Measure for an Oversize or Petite Casket Funeral homes typically size a casket using three data points, not one: **height** (determines interior length), **shoulder width** (the widest point of the torso, which determines interior width), and **weight** (determines whether the casket's frame and hardware can safely support the body during transport and viewing). Shoulder width matters more than overall body weight for width sizing. A tall, broad-shouldered person of average weight may need an oversize casket while a shorter person at a higher weight may not. **How to measure:** 1. Measure height from heel to crown while lying flat, or use the person's known height. 2. Measure shoulder-to-shoulder width across the widest point (back, not front, if possible). 3. Note current weight, since funeral homes use this to select frame/handle hardware rated for that load. 4. Compare all three numbers against the dimensions chart above, rounding up when in doubt. 5. Confirm with the funeral director, who will do a final in-person or reported assessment before ordering. Most funeral homes will ask for these numbers over the phone rather than requiring you to measure in person, especially for cremation or [when the death has already occurred](/blogs/guides/what-to-do-when-someone-dies). ### What Happens If a Standard Casket Doesn't Fit — Oversize Ordering & Upcharges If a standard casket doesn't fit, the funeral home orders an oversize unit. This is routine, and manufacturers keep these in regular production rather than as special-order rarities. The upcharge is real but predictable: expect to pay **$200–$600 more** for the first oversize step (28–32" width) and **$800–$2,000+ more** for large or extra-large sizes (36"+), because oversize caskets use more material, reinforced frames, and often require a larger, more expensive [vault or grave liner](https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/vaults-and-grave-liners/) to match. Ask specifically whether the vault/liner needs upsizing too; this is a cost families frequently miss because they price the casket alone. If a body has already been prepared and doesn't fit a casket ordered too small, funeral homes can typically exchange it before burial, but this adds delay, so confirm sizing before the casket arrives. ### Sizing for Cremation vs. Burial Caskets Cremation doesn't require a casket at all in most states. A cardboard or unfinished wood **cremation container** is legally sufficient, and these are sized the same way as burial caskets (by height/shoulder width) but built lighter since they don't need decades of ground durability. See our [cremation vs. burial cost comparison](https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/cremation-vs-burial-costs/) for a full cost breakdown. If you want a viewing before cremation, funeral homes offer **rental caskets**: a full-size, finished exterior shell with a removable wood or cardboard interior insert that holds the cremation container. Rental caskets come in standard sizing only at most funeral homes; oversize rental units exist but are less widely stocked, so ask early if the person was larger than average, since a home may need to source one from another location. ## Step 2 — Choose the Casket Material {#step-2-material} ### Metal Caskets (Steel Gauge, Stainless, Bronze, Copper) Metal caskets are described by **gauge**, and a lower number means thicker, heavier steel. **20-gauge** is the entry point for metal caskets, **18-gauge** is a mid-tier step up in thickness and price, and **16-gauge** is the heaviest and most expensive common steel option. Thicker gauge means better resistance to denting and, combined with a rubber gasket seal, better resistance to outside elements, but "sealed" caskets don't prevent natural decomposition, they only slow moisture and air intrusion. **Stainless steel** resists rust better than painted carbon steel and typically costs more. **Bronze and copper** are non-ferrous metals sold by weight per square foot (commonly 32-oz or 48-oz bronze), don't rust, and represent the top of the metal price range, often chosen for their appearance and long-term durability rather than any functional necessity. ### Wood Caskets (Hardwood Species, Veneer, Particleboard) Within wood caskets, the price driver is species and construction, not size. **Solid hardwoods** (mahogany, cherry, walnut, oak, maple) sit at the top of the wood range because of material cost and finishing labor; mahogany and cherry are typically the most expensive common species. **Veneer caskets** (a thin hardwood layer over engineered wood) look similar at a glance but cost meaningfully less because they use less solid lumber. **Particleboard or cloth-covered caskets** are the budget entry point in wood, often finished with fabric rather than wood grain, and are functionally simple but perfectly adequate for burial or cremation viewing. None of these materials are structurally tied to casket size: an oversize casket in cloth-covered particleboard still costs far less than a standard-size solid mahogany casket. ### Alternative and Eco-Friendly Materials Eco-conscious families increasingly choose materials designed to break down faster or use fewer synthetic components: **fiberboard** (a plain, biodegradable panel material, usually the least expensive option overall), **bamboo and willow** (woven, lightweight, commonly used for [natural or green burial](https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/green-burial-guide/)), **cork**, and **recycled or unfinished wood**. These materials are generally offered in standard sizing, but oversize options are more limited than in steel or hardwood lines simply because fewer manufacturers produce them. If you need both eco-material and oversize dimensions, expect fewer choices and call ahead rather than assuming availability. Pricing for eco caskets spans a wide range: simple fiberboard units are among the cheapest caskets sold, while finely woven willow or bamboo caskets can cost as much as mid-tier wood caskets due to labor-intensive construction. ### Casket vs. Coffin — Shape, Material, and Price Differences A **coffin** is the tapered, six- or eight-sided shape (wider at the shoulders, narrower at the feet) historically associated with older or European burial traditions. A **casket** is rectangular with a hinged lid, the standard shape sold by nearly all funeral homes in the United States today. Coffins are available in similar materials (wood, occasionally metal) but are far less commonly stocked domestically, so they're often special-order items, which can raise the price relative to an equivalent-material casket simply due to lower production volume and shipping distance. If you specifically want a coffin shape, ask early; this is one of the few decisions in this framework that can extend lead time, not just cost. ## Step 3 — Understand Casket Pricing {#step-3-price} ### Price by Material Table These are general market ranges for a standard-size casket in each material category, purchased from a funeral home, current as of early 2026. Third-party retailers (below) typically run 30–60% lower for the same specifications. | Material | Typical Price Range (Standard Size) | |---|---| | Cloth-covered particleboard | $600 – $1,500 | | Fiberboard / cremation container | $50 – $300 | | Veneer wood | $1,200 – $2,500 | | Solid hardwood (oak, maple) | $2,000 – $4,500 | | Solid hardwood (mahogany, cherry) | $3,500 – $7,000+ | | Steel, 20-gauge | $900 – $2,000 | | Steel, 18-gauge | $1,500 – $3,000 | | Steel, 16-gauge | $2,500 – $4,500 | | Stainless steel | $3,000 – $5,500 | | Bronze / copper | $5,000 – $10,000+ | | Eco / willow / bamboo | $800 – $3,000 | Prices vary significantly by region, retailer, and manufacturer. Use these as planning ranges, and always request an itemized [General Price List (GPL)](https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/general-price-list-explained/) from any funeral home, which the FTC Funeral Rule requires them to provide free of charge. ### How Size Affects Price — Oversize and Custom Surcharges Size surcharges stack on top of the material price rather than replacing it. An oversize (28–32") steel casket typically adds $200–$600 to the base material price; a large oversize (36"+) can add $800–$2,000 or more, and extra-large/bariatric sizing can add even more depending on custom fabrication needs. The surcharge tends to be a smaller percentage of the total price on expensive materials (bronze, hardwood) and a larger percentage on budget materials, since the absolute manufacturing cost increase is similar regardless of the base material. Remember to price the [vault or grave liner](https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/vaults-and-grave-liners/) upsize separately; it's a common add-on cost families miss when they only ask about the casket itself. ### Rental Caskets, Cremation Caskets, and Budget Options If cost is the primary concern, three options consistently save the most money without compromising a dignified service: a **rental casket** for viewing before cremation (typically $700–$2,500 for the rental, far less than purchasing a full casket for a body that will be cremated), a **cremation container** for direct cremation with no viewing (often under $300), and a **cloth-covered or fiberboard casket** for a traditional burial on a tight budget. None of these compromise the ceremony itself: a rental casket looks identical to a purchased one from the outside, and only the interior insert is disposable. ### Where You Buy Matters — Funeral Home Markup vs. Third-Party Retailers Under the [FTC Funeral Rule](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-funeral-rule), you have the legal right to buy a casket from any retailer (online casket companies, warehouse clubs, or local third-party sellers), and the funeral home **must accept it and cannot charge a handling fee** for doing so. This single fact is the biggest lever families have over total cost, because funeral home casket markups commonly run 100–300% over wholesale, according to [NFDA's 2023 Cremation and Burial Report](https://nfda.org/news/statistics). > "Families are often surprised to learn the casket is one of the only funeral costs they can actually shop around for. The law is on their side — they just have to ask before they sign anything." > > *This is an illustrative statement reflecting guidance commonly given by licensed funeral directors, not a verified quotation from a named individual. For consumer-facing guidance directly from a regulator, see the [FTC's funeral goods and services rule summary](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-funeral-rule).* If you go this route, confirm delivery timing carefully: third-party caskets need to arrive before the scheduled viewing or service, so order as soon as the date is set, and get the exact interior dimensions from the funeral home first so the casket you buy actually fits. **Ready to compare real prices?** Use our [casket price comparison tool](https://www.example.com/tools/casket-price-comparison/) to check third-party pricing against a funeral home quote before you commit to either. ## Putting It Together — A Decision Path Example {#decision-path} **Scenario 1: Average-size budget burial.** A person of average height and build, family wants a traditional burial on a modest budget. Path: standard size (no surcharge) → cloth-covered or veneer wood material → purchased from a third-party retailer instead of the funeral home. Estimated total: $700–$1,800 for the casket, plus separate funeral home service fees. **Scenario 2: Oversize metal burial.** A tall, broad-shouldered person requiring a 34" interior width, family wants a durable metal casket. Path: oversize (large) sizing → 18-gauge steel → check whether the funeral home's in-house price or a specialty online oversize retailer is cheaper (oversize is where third-party savings are often largest, since funeral home oversize surcharges tend to be steep). Estimated total: $2,200–$4,000 including the size surcharge, plus a larger vault if burying in a cemetery that requires one. **Scenario 3: Cremation with rental viewing casket.** Family wants a viewing before cremation but doesn't need to keep a casket permanently. Path: standard size (rental caskets are usually stocked in standard only) → rental casket shell with cardboard cremation container insert → booked directly through the funeral home, since rentals aren't typically available from third-party retailers. Estimated total: $700–$2,500 for the rental and container combined. ## Common Mistakes Families Make When Choosing Size, Material, or Price {#common-mistakes} Families most often lose money or time in three ways: assuming standard size will fit without measuring shoulder width, which delays the service when a casket has to be re-ordered; picking a material based on showroom appearance alone without asking whether a cheaper material (veneer instead of solid hardwood, for instance) looks nearly identical; and not knowing about the FTC Funeral Rule, which means they never ask whether the funeral home will accept an outside casket. A fourth common miss: forgetting that an oversize casket usually requires an oversize [vault or liner](https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/vaults-and-grave-liners/) too, which is a separate line item that can equal or exceed the casket surcharge itself. ## FAQ {#faq} **What are the standard interior and exterior dimensions of a casket?** Standard caskets typically measure 24–26 inches of interior width and 79–83 inches of interior length, with exterior width of about 28–29 inches and weight capacity up to roughly 200–250 lbs. Oversize caskets step up in defined stages: a first oversize tier runs 28–32 inches wide and supports 250–350 lbs, a large oversize tier runs 33–36 inches and supports 350–500 lbs, and extra-large or bariatric caskets range from 40–44 inches and support 500–700+ lbs. Manufacturers don't follow one universal standard, so exact interior and exterior measurements vary by brand and casket line. Because vaults and grave liners must also accommodate the casket's exterior dimensions, always confirm both interior and exterior measurements directly with the funeral home or retailer before ordering, rather than assuming a "standard" label means the same thing across brands. **How do I know if I need an oversize casket, and how much more does it cost?** You likely need an oversize casket if shoulder width exceeds roughly 24–26 inches, or if body weight exceeds about 200–250 lbs, since those are the common upper limits for standard interior dimensions. Funeral homes weigh shoulder width more heavily than overall weight when sizing for width, because a broad-shouldered person can require oversize dimensions even at an average weight. Cost-wise, the first oversize step (28–32 inches) typically adds $200–$600 to the base material price, while larger oversize categories (33 inches and above) can add $800–$2,000 or more, depending on the material and manufacturer. On top of the casket surcharge, many cemeteries also require a larger burial vault or grave liner for oversize caskets, a separate cost families frequently overlook until the funeral home mentions it during arrangement. **How is casket size determined — by height, weight, or shoulder width?** Casket size is determined by three separate measurements, not one, because each measures something different. Height determines interior length, since the casket must be long enough for the body to lie flat comfortably. Shoulder width, measured at the widest point of the torso rather than the front of the chest, determines interior width and is the single biggest factor in whether a standard casket will fit or an oversize unit is needed. Weight determines whether the casket's internal frame, hinges, and handles are rated to safely support and carry the body during transport, viewing, and burial. Funeral homes typically ask for all three numbers, often over the phone, before recommending a casket size, and they will round up rather than risk ordering a unit that's too small. **What is casket rental and can I size it for a larger person?** A rental casket is a full-size, finished exterior shell, typically wood or veneer, with a removable interior liner that holds either a cremation container or, less commonly, a standard casket insert. Families use rental caskets when they want a traditional viewing or funeral service before cremation but don't want to pay for a casket that won't be buried or kept. From the outside, a rental casket is visually indistinguishable from a purchased one, so the choice doesn't compromise the appearance of the service. Rental units are typically stocked in standard sizing only at most funeral homes, since demand for oversize rentals is lower. If the person who died was larger than average, ask the funeral home early, since they may need to source an oversize rental unit from another location. **What's the difference between casket gauge numbers in steel caskets and how does that affect price?** Steel casket gauge refers to the thickness of the metal, and lower gauge numbers mean thicker, heavier steel, similar to how gauge works in wiring. 20-gauge is the thinnest and least expensive common option, typically used in entry-level metal caskets. 18-gauge is a mid-tier step up in both thickness and price, offering somewhat better resistance to denting. 16-gauge is the heaviest and most expensive gauge commonly sold, offering the best dent resistance of standard steel options. Thicker gauge steel, combined with a rubber gasket seal around the lid, slows the intrusion of air and moisture, though no gauge or seal prevents natural decomposition entirely. Stainless steel, a separate category from gauge, resists rust better than painted carbon steel and generally costs more than any of the three carbon steel gauges. **Which wood species are used in caskets and how does that change cost?** Casket manufacturers use a range of hardwood species, and species is the primary driver of price within the wood category, more so than casket size. Mahogany and cherry typically sit at the top of the wood price range due to material cost and finishing labor, followed by walnut, oak, and maple, which are still solid hardwoods but generally cost less. Veneer caskets apply a thin layer of real hardwood over an engineered wood core, which looks similar to solid hardwood at a glance but costs meaningfully less because far less solid lumber is used. Cloth-covered particleboard sits below veneer as the most affordable wood-adjacent option, finished in fabric rather than wood grain. As with metal, wood species and construction method affect price independently of size — an oversize cloth-covered casket still costs far less than a standard-size solid mahogany casket, so choosing species first and size second is the more useful order for budgeting. **What is the difference between a casket and a coffin?** A coffin is the tapered, six- or eight-sided shape — wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet — historically associated with older or European burial traditions. A casket is rectangular with a hinged lid and is the shape sold by nearly all U.S. funeral homes today. Both are available in similar materials, but coffins are far less commonly stocked domestically in the U.S., so they're typically special-order items. That lower production volume, plus shipping distance, usually makes a coffin more expensive than an equivalent-material casket and can add lead time, so ask about availability as early as possible if the shape matters to your family. **Is it legal to buy a casket somewhere other than the funeral home?** Yes. The FTC Funeral Rule gives consumers the legal right to purchase a casket from any third-party retailer — online casket companies, warehouse clubs, or local sellers — and requires the funeral home to accept that casket and use it in the service. The funeral home cannot charge a handling fee, refuse the casket, or require you to buy from them instead. This protection is national and applies regardless of state. The practical steps: get exact interior dimensions from the funeral home before ordering elsewhere, confirm delivery timing so the casket arrives before the viewing or service, and ask the funeral home in writing (many will note it on the General Price List) to confirm they'll accept an outside casket at no extra charge. **Are eco-friendly or green caskets available in oversize sizes?** Sometimes, but selection is narrower than in steel or hardwood lines. Fiberboard, bamboo, willow, cork, and unfinished wood caskets are manufactured primarily in standard dimensions because fewer companies produce eco materials at scale, and oversize tooling is a smaller part of their production. Large or extra-large eco caskets do exist, particularly in willow and bamboo from specialty green-burial suppliers, but they may need to be special-ordered with longer lead times. If you need both an oversize casket and an eco-friendly material, call ahead to the funeral home or a natural burial supplier as soon as possible rather than assuming same-week availability, and ask specifically about their largest in-stock eco option before committing to a service date. **Do cremation caskets need to be sized differently than burial caskets?** No — cremation containers and cremation caskets are sized using the same height, shoulder-width, and weight measurements as burial caskets, but they're built lighter since they don't need to withstand decades underground. A cardboard or unfinished wood cremation container is legally sufficient in most states and comes in the same size tiers (standard through extra-large) as burial caskets, just without the reinforced frame or sealed-gasket features. If a viewing is planned before cremation, a rental casket is sized like a standard burial casket on the outside, with a removable interior insert scaled to fit the cremation container. The one meaningful sizing difference is availability: oversize cremation containers are generally easier to source quickly than oversize rental caskets, since they require less specialized construction. **[How much does a casket cost in 2026?](/blogs/guides/casket-price-guide)** As of early 2026, a standard-size casket purchased through a funeral home typically ranges from about $600 for cloth-covered particleboard to $10,000+ for bronze or copper, with most families spending between $2,000 and $4,500 for a mid-tier steel or hardwood casket (see the [price-by-material table](#step-3-price) above for the full breakdown). Buying the identical casket from a third-party retailer instead of the funeral home commonly saves 30–60%, and NFDA survey data has historically put funeral home markups in the 100–300% range over wholesale. Oversize sizing adds $200–$2,000+ on top of the material price depending on how far above standard dimensions you need to go. Because pricing shifts with material costs and regional labor, always request a current, itemized General Price List from the funeral home rather than relying on published averages for a final number. **[What questions should I ask a funeral home about casket size, material, and price?](/blogs/guides/10-questions-to-ask-a-funeral-director)** Bring this list to your first conversation: 1. What are the exact interior length, width, and weight capacity of this specific casket model — not just the size category name? 2. Will this casket require an oversize vault or grave liner, and how much does that add to the total? 3. Can I see the General Price List, including casket prices, before choosing a model? 4. Will you accept a casket I purchase from a third-party retailer, and will you waive any handling fee, as required by the FTC Funeral Rule? 5. Is this material solid hardwood, veneer, or particleboard — and can I see the difference in person? 6. If the person was larger or taller than average, what's your largest in-stock size, and how long would a special order take? 7. Do you offer a rental casket option, and does it come in the size we need? 8. What is the total price including size surcharges, not just the base casket price? ## JSON-LD Structured Data ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/#article", "headline": "How to Choose a Casket: Size, Material, and Price — Complete Buyer's Framework", "description": "A step-by-step framework for choosing a casket by size, material, and price, including a sizing chart, a material-to-price table, and guidance on the FTC Funeral Rule.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jordan Ellis, CFSP", "jobTitle": "Certified Funeral Service Practitioner", "url": "https://www.example.com/about/jordan-ellis-cfsp/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Example Funeral Planning", "url": "https://www.example.com" }, "datePublished": "2025-03-01", "dateModified": "2026-01-15", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/" }, "about": ["Casket sizing", "Casket materials", "Casket pricing", "FTC Funeral Rule"] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/#breadcrumbs", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.example.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Funeral Planning", "item": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "How to Choose a Casket: Size, Material, and Price", "item": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/" } ] }, { "@type": "HowTo", "@id": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/#howto-measure", "name": "How to Measure for an Oversize or Petite Casket", "description": "Steps a family or funeral director can follow to determine whether a standard, oversize, or petite casket is needed.", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Measure height", "text": "Measure height from heel to crown while lying flat, or use the person's known height, to determine interior length." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Measure shoulder width", "text": "Measure shoulder-to-shoulder width across the widest point of the torso, from the back if possible, to determine interior width." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Note current weight", "text": "Record current weight so the funeral home can select frame and handle hardware rated for that load." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 4, "name": "Compare against the sizing chart", "text": "Compare height, shoulder width, and weight against standard and oversize casket dimension ranges, rounding up when in doubt." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "position": 5, "name": "Confirm with the funeral director", "text": "Confirm sizing with the funeral director, who will do a final in-person or reported assessment before ordering." } ] }, { "@type": "Table", "@id": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/#table-dimensions", "name": "Standard and Oversize Casket Dimensions", "about": "Interior width, interior length, exterior width, and approximate weight capacity for standard, oversize, extra-large, and petite casket categories.", "url": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/#step-1-size" }, { "@type": "Table", "@id": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/#table-pricing", "name": "Casket Price Ranges by Material", "about": "Typical funeral-home price ranges for standard-size caskets across cloth-covered particleboard, veneer, solid hardwood, steel gauges, stainless steel, bronze/copper, and eco materials.", "url": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/#step-3-price" }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.example.com/funeral-planning/how-to-choose-a-casket/#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the standard interior and exterior dimensions of a casket?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Standard caskets typically measure 24–26 inches of interior width and 79–83 inches of interior length, with exterior width of about 28–29 inches and weight capacity up to roughly 200–250 lbs. Oversize caskets step up in defined stages: 28–32 inches wide (250–350 lbs), 33–36 inches (350–500 lbs), and extra-large or bariatric caskets at 40–44 inches (500–700+ lbs). Dimensions vary by brand, so confirm both interior and exterior measurements with the funeral home before ordering." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know if I need an oversize casket, and how much more does it cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You likely need an oversize casket if shoulder width exceeds roughly 24–26 inches or body weight exceeds about 200–250 lbs. The first oversize step (28–32 inches) typically adds $200–$600 to the base price, while larger oversize categories can add $800–$2,000 or more. Many cemeteries also require a larger vault or grave liner for oversize caskets, an added cost families often overlook." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is casket size determined — by height, weight, or shoulder width?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Casket size is determined by three measurements: height (interior length), shoulder width at the widest point of the torso (interior width, the biggest factor in oversize vs. standard fit), and weight (whether the frame, hinges, and handles are rated to safely support the body). Funeral homes typically collect all three, often by phone, before recommending a size." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is casket rental and can I size it for a larger person?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A rental casket is a full-size, finished exterior shell with a removable interior liner holding a cremation container, used for a viewing before cremation. It looks identical to a purchased casket from the outside. Rental units are usually stocked in standard sizing only, so if the person was larger than average, ask the funeral home early since an oversize rental may need to be sourced from another location." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the difference between casket gauge numbers in steel caskets and how does that affect price?",