Coffins vs. Caskets: How to Differentiate Between Both
You’ve probably heard people use coffin and casket interchangeably when referring to a burial container. Funeral Homes in Colonie, NY, use both too according to the family’s wishes.
In this blog, we discuss the features that immediately jump out to you about a coffin and a casket to help you tell them apart henceforth.
1. Shape
The most apparent difference between a coffin and a casket is the shape. Where caskets are often rectangular with four sides, coffins are typically hexagonal, i.e., six sides.
A coffin thins out towards both ends to conform to the body’s shape, and the container’s top is usually wider than its bottom.
On the other hand, the casket’s opposite sides (side to side, bottom to top) are equal in size.
2. Lid
The lid of a coffin is designed to be completely removable such that you can lift it completely off the container and replace it as needed.
Caskets, however, feature lids that usually come hinged to one side of the container and need not be detached fully before, during, or after use.
3. Material
Coffins are typically made of wood, whereas caskets come in materials ranging from wood to metal, often mixed.
Both coffins and caskets have a customizable interior lining made of soft clothing material for comfort for the deceased.
Unlike the rails on either side of a casket’s exterior that function primarily as handles for lifting, the fittings on a coffin serve more as a testament to the deceased’s affluence.
4. Price
Another difference worth mentioning between the two burial containers is the price point. Compared to coffins, caskets usually require more materials to make because of their shape, design, and several customizable add-ons.
The tapered design of a coffin saves some cost on stock material, not to mention it’s generally considered more minimal than its casket counterpart.
But then again, it all depends on the material quality you opt for and craftsmanship, among other factors influencing cost.
5. Availability
Finally, you are more likely to find caskets around than coffins readily these days. One reason for this is the higher demand for the former in modern times.
Coffins are customarily made out of wood and are thus a simpler, though just as effective, option.
Considering the burial container is a significant focal point for many funerals, consumers opt more for caskets because it offers more variety in terms of aesthetics.
This shift in demand has made coffins something of a unicorn. Such that you may have to custom order one for yourself as opposed to casually walking into any funeral home near you to procure a casket.
This, of course, can incur additional costs all around, so when all is said and done, it just comes down to your preferences.
Hopefully, this little guide helps clarify between coffins and caskets going forward.
For more insight into coffins and caskets, or if you’d like to see the differences for yourself, contact us. We cater to end-of-life needs whether you are just curious or need a funeral home in Colonie, NY. Visit us today or give us a call at any time.
