Wooden Coffins & Caskets
About Wooden Coffins
Wooden coffins are often made from hardwoods like oak, mahogany and walnut, or from softwoods like pine. They can either be left in a natural finish, varnished, painted or lacquered to enhance their appearance and durability.
Types of Wood for Coffins
As well as the different types of wood used to make wooden coffins, they may be constructed from solid wood, semi-solid or wood veneer. Here are some of the most popular woods:
- Pine – a softwood that is lightweight and relatively affordable
- Oak – a high-end, strong, durable hardwood with a beautiful grain
- Mahogany – a high-end, reddish-brown hardwood with rich appearance
- Maple – a lighter-coloured hardwood, often a more affordable alternative to oak and mahogany
- Walnut – a beautiful dark, rich colour with a distinctive grain
Eco-friendly Wooden Coffins
Some suppliers offer eco-friendly coffins using sustainably sourced wood with biodegradable finishes and coffin furniture (handles, hinges, etc).
To find out more about environmentally friendly coffins, please see our Inspiration Biodegradable Coffins page.
Customised Wooden Coffins
If you are looking for a custom made or customised wooden coffin, a number of suppliers produce coffins which are painted or decorated with standard or personalised designs. Alternatively a local carpenter or woodworking shop may offer this as a service.
Choosing a Wooden Coffin
The type of wooden coffin you choose will depend on a number of factors:
- Burial location – most natural burial grounds have rules and regulations around coffin materials
- Cost – hardwood coffins tend to be more expensive than softwood or composite
- Personal preference – you or the person who has died may have a particular style in mind
- Timing – if it is made to measure there may be longer lead times
Find Further Helpful information About Choosing a Coffin or Shroud
To find out more about choosing a coffin, please go to our Information about Choosing a Coffin, Urn or Shroud.
Or for comprehensive information about planning a funeral, celebration of life, or memorials service, please see whiteballoon’s Funeral Planning Information.
Find Coffin and Shroud Suppliers in the whiteballoon Community
If you would like to find more suppliers of coffins and shrouds, please go to our Provider Directory for Coffins, Urns & Ashes.
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Ideas and Inspiration
A carefully curated selection of poems, readings and music, as well as other ideas and inspiration for legacy and memorials, plus helpful books and guides.