Caskets

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

If you are planning a cremation but still want a traditional viewing, many funeral homes offer rental caskets —a high-quality outer shell with a removable, combustible interior liner [22, 27]. 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]. Many metal caskets are marketed as "gasketed" or

The average cost of a casket is between , though high-end models can exceed $10,000 [6, 16, 26]. Buying Tips: Saving Thousands If you are planning