Why are caskets so expensive? Reasons and Solutions
The materials used for making the casket, the number of hours to build it, and the casket design are the main factors in the final price of a casket. Caskets made of rare hardwoods like mahogany are more expensive than models made of more common and widely available woods like pine. If you’re looking for a metal casket, you will discover that the regular steel casket models are more affordable than the high-end models made of bronze or copper.
But it’s not only the material that gives the final price of a casket. Read on for the details.
What do other factors count for the price of a casket?
Even if the material is the primary factor in the cost of a casket, other aspects will play a role as well. Customization and personalization can increase the final price significantly.
The markup for caskets varies as much as does the price, and comparing the costs can help you decide on a model. Funeral homes and retail showrooms have the highest markups, whereas online providers like Trusted Caskets have the most affordable pricing.
For a better understanding of the price of caskets, here are some details about the relevant factors.
Decorative detailing
The casket's interior can be made of various fabrics, and some are more expensive than others. Crepe sits in the most affordable category, whereas velvet is one of the most costly and luxurious fabrics for caskets. Despite its price, velvet is often chosen as it is soft and frames the casket beautifully.
Crepe and cotton-polyester are also commonly used for the inside of the casket. Not as luxurious as velvet, these materials do look nice during viewings, and the affordable price seals the deal for many customers.
Sealed vs. unsealed casket
If you take a look at the casket market, you can see that not all caskets are airtight. The airtight caskets feature a rubber gasket that creates an effective seal against air, dirt, insects, etc. The gasket makes a some markup on the final price of the casket.
Brands of caskets
Shopping for a casket is one of the most challenging things to do. Not only are you emotional, but you need to make a decision you have never made before. At Trusted Caskets, we are a team of compassionate and experienced professionals who can guide you when selecting a casket.
Popular casket brands will impact the cost of a casket. If you have a generous budget, you can buy expensive brands such as Batesville or Matthews. Many funeral homes are under contract with certain brands and will offer products exclusively from those brands, even if these caskets are much more expensive. When you buy from online sellers like us, you have the opportunity to take a look at various casket models made out of the same materials and high-quality workmanship. Needless to say, the prices are always lower than those offered by funeral homes or any other casket provider.
How much will you pay for a casket?
The answer is tricky because the prices can vary greatly. A basic casket with no embellishment can cost you as low as $1099 from online sellers, whereas the price can be double at a funeral home. The more detailing and customization you want on the casket, the higher the price will be.
One good thing about caskets being so different is that you can find the model that accommodates your preferences and budget the most. At Trusted Caskets, we can find a model together that reflects the love and respect you have for the lost one, at a price you can afford.
What’s the difference between a casket and a coffin?
Even if many people use the terms casket and coffin interchangeably, the two aren’t the same. They do have the same purpose- to provide the deceased with a respectful way to house the remains. However, the casket and the coffin have different shapes.
A coffin is made with eight sides, which is similar to a human body. Unlike the coffin, the casket is rectangular. Nowadays, not many people use coffins in North America. In other parts of the world, though, coffins are more popular than caskets. The funeral is always very expensive, fortunately, now people can apply for the funeral reimbursement program to get part of the money back.
Blog Author: Tim