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].
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference in design: CASKETS
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that reflects your values. Whether it’s a handcrafted Trappist wood casket or a simple biodegradable shroud , what matters most is the intention behind the tribute [19, 31, 35]. are rectangular and feature a hinged lid [16, 28, 37]
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 Whether it’s a handcrafted Trappist wood casket or
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