What is the Difference Between a Coffin and a Casket?

For those of you who have ever watched an old movie from the first half of the 20th century, you might have heard of the term “coffin”. At funeral homes in Worcester, MA, we often get asked what is the actual difference between a coffin and a casket.

The easiest way to tell a coffin from a casket is through its appearance. Coffins not only have a different shape from their casket counterparts. The number of sides a coffin has also differs from a casket.

The Casket and the Coffin

Both coffins and caskets serve as burial containers that hold the body or ashes of the departed. Funeral homes in Worcester, MA use both types to display the body during a funeral and to bury the deceased. These days, most families prefer caskets to coffins. In this country, most families do not buy caskets.

Whether a family chooses a casket or coffin is largely up to them and their preferences. The reason why few families select coffins is that their designs are less eye-catching, plus finding suppliers can be a difficult process.

The Casket

Caskets are special boxes that hold the remains of the departed. They have a rectangular shape with four sides to them. Rails are placed along the sides of the casket. Many caskets can get used for both burials and cremations.

You can tell a casket by the material that is used to construct it. Most caskets are made of either wood or metal. Once they are constructed, caskets are then lined with cloth so that the deceased may rest peacefully.

The Coffin

Unlike caskets, coffins have six sides to them instead of four. Plus, the top of the coffin is wider than its bottom. Coffins get tapered to conform to the shape of a human form. A coffin also has a removable lid while caskets have lids with hinges.

Coffins are usually made out of wood and lined with cloth interiors. Unlike caskets, they do not have rails that make transportation easier. Instead, coffins have what are known as “coffin furniture” that can give funeral attendees some information about the financial abundance of the deceased in life.

The Price Difference Between Caskets and Coffins

Because coffins don’t require nearly as much material, they are often less expensive than caskets. The tapering of a coffin also affects its price point. The choice between a casket and a coffin is entirely up to you and your family. However, selecting a coffin means additional costs such as transportation and construction.

You can learn why we are among the best funeral homes in Worcester, MA by calling our office or stopping by to visit. Schedule a consultation with us today.