Coffin prices vary significantly, ranging from as low as $300 up to $10,000+ for the most lavish and customised designs. While coffins are generally cheaper than caskets, most of the information in this guide is also applicable to caskets.
Let’s start with a broad overview of the features you can expect a coffin to have at different price points.
Cremation Capsule (Price: $300 – $700)
A cremation capsule (also known as a cremation casket) is the cheapest coffin option for families and they typically range between $300 – $700 in price.
It is a container that is designed specifically for direct cremations (i.e. cremations with no attendance or service). Because the coffin is not seen and will shortly be turned into ashes, families are able to save a significant amount of money by using a coffin that is purely functional without any embellishments. Cremation capsules are generally a simple box made out of cardboard or particleboard.
Not all funeral directors use cremation capsules and might instead use their cheapest coffin for direct cremations. So if saving money by using a cremation capsule is important, it’s best to confirm that your funeral director is able to provide this.
Cheap Coffins (Price: $800 – $1,200)
The starting price for a traditional coffin is around $800, but it really depends on the funeral director. Many funeral directors start their ranges higher at $1,000 or $1,200.
Entry range coffins generally have the following characteristics:
- Made from plywood or medium-density fibreboard (MDF)
- Plastic handles
- Flat lid
- May be assembled from a “flat-pack” by funeral staff
Mid-Range Coffins (Price: $2,000 – $4,000)
Mid-range coffins are similar to entry level coffins in that they are also usually made from MDF except they usually exhibit a higher level of detail, use higher quality parts, and are constructed with greater craftsmanship.
Mid-range coffins generally have the following characteristics:
- Made from MDF or steel
- Metal handles
- Tiered lid
- Varnish finish
- More complex construction and details
Expensive Coffins (Price: $6,000 – $10,000+)
Top of the line coffins start from $6,000 and move upwards quickly. There’s really no limit to how much you can spend on a coffin, with no set rules on customisation or embellishments. Take Michael Jackson’s coffin for example, plated in 14 carat gold, which cost a cool $32,000.
While the possibilities are endless, going to such extremes is not for everyone. More traditional high-end coffins have the following characteristics:
- Made from solid wood (usually mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, oak, poplar or pine)
- Alternatively, made from solid copper or bronze
- Bronze, copper or precious metal plated handles
- Tiered lid
- Detailed carvings on the exterior
- Velvet interior
- Expertly hand crafted
Ask for All Options
Finally, when discussing coffin and casket choices with your funeral director, make sure you ask them about all of the options as funeral directors may not always display or show you the cheapest options.
Choose What’s Right for You
As you can see, coffin prices range quite significantly. from the simplest of cardboard boxes to the most luxurious gold plated, velvet lined caskets. There are also a number of alternative, cheap coffin options that families can explore if they are working to a budget.
Purchasing a coffin is a sensitive experience, so don’t get pressured into buying something you don’t want. The most important thing is that you take the time to consider all of your options and choose what’s right for you and your loved one.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
