When planning a funeral, one of the first decisions families face is choosing between a coffin and casket. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct styles of burial containers — each with its own design, cultural meaning, and cost.
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In Australia, both options are available, and your choice can depend on tradition, appearance, and budget. This guide explains the differences between coffin and casket, what they symbolise, and how to choose the right one for your loved one — or yourself.
🔍 Quick Answer: Coffin vs Casket
| Feature | Coffin | Casket |
| Shape | Tapered, wider at shoulders | Rectangular |
| Lid | Removable, flat | Hinged, split lid |
| Interior | Plain or modestly lined | Padded, plush interior |
| Design Origin | Traditional (UK, Australia) | Modern (USA) |
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Usage in Australia | More common | Gaining popularity |
What Is a Coffin?
A coffin is the more traditional of the two, with origins dating back centuries. It’s six-sided, narrowing at the head and foot, which follows the natural contours of the human body. In Australia, this is the style most commonly seen at funerals, especially in regional areas and with independent funeral homes.
Key Features of Coffins:
- Tapered design
- Made of wood, cardboard, or biodegradable materials
- Often simpler in appearance
- Lids are fully removable
- Typically used in religious and cultural ceremonies
💡 Eco-friendly coffins are often available in this shape, including cardboard and natural timber options like Daisybox.
What Is a Casket?
A casket, on the other hand, is rectangular in shape and is often associated with North American funerals. It features a split lid that can be opened to reveal only the upper half of the body — a design that supports viewings and open-casket ceremonies.
Key Features of Caskets:
- Rectangular shape with four equal sides
- Built-in hinges and handles
- Luxuriously padded interior
- Made from timber, metal, or steel
- Preferred for formal or “modern” funerals
Caskets are usually more expensive than coffins, largely due to the craftsmanship, materials, and interior finishes.
Cultural Differences: Why the Design Matters
The choice between a coffin and casket often comes down to personal preference and cultural background. In Australia:
- Coffins are favoured in rural communities and by families following British or European traditions.
- Caskets are more popular in metropolitan areas and among those seeking a more contemporary or American-style service.
Some people associate coffins with simplicity and humility, while others view caskets as a symbol of honour or celebration.
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no right or wrong choice — it’s about what feels appropriate for the deceased and what aligns with your family’s values.
Choose a Coffin if you:
- Prefer a more traditional or minimalist funeral
- Are planning a green or eco-friendly burial
- Have a tighter budget
- Want a simpler farewell
- Prefer the symbolism of a tapered design
Choose a Casket if you:
- Want a more formal or luxurious service
- Plan to have an open-casket viewing
- Are willing to spend more for a premium finish
- Prefer symmetry and sleek design
- Want additional comfort features
What Do Coffin and Casket Cost in Australia?
Prices can vary greatly depending on materials and design:
⚰️ Coffin Prices:
- Budget options (cardboard or MDF): $300 – $1,000
- Mid-range timber coffins: $1,200 – $3,500
- Custom or eco coffins: $800 – $2,500
🪦 Casket Prices:
- Basic caskets (wood-look MDF): $2,000 – $4,500
- Solid timber caskets: $5,000 – $10,000
- Metal or steel caskets: $6,000+
- Imported luxury caskets: $10,000+
💡 At eziFunerals, you can compare prices across multiple providers to find the best value for your needs.
Major Coffin and Casket Manufacturers & Suppliers in Australia
If you’re planning a funeral or comparing prices, knowing where coffins and caskets come from can help you make a more informed decision. In Australia, there are a range of manufacturers and suppliers, from traditional timber craftsmen to eco-friendly innovators.
1. Daisybox Australia
Type: Natural cardboard coffins
Known for: Flat-pack, biodegradable coffins for eco-conscious funerals
Website: daisybox.com.au
Highlights: Delivered direct to families or funeral homes, low-cost and sustainable
(eziFunerals may earn a commission on Daisybox sales via its site)
2. LifeArt Australia
Type: Environmentally friendly coffins
Known for: Custom-printed cardboard coffins made from sustainable materials
Website: lifeart.com
Highlights: Lightweight, lower carbon footprint, 100% cremation compliant
3. Expressions Coffins
Type: Personalised timber coffins
Known for: Photo-printed coffins with custom themes (e.g. beach, sports, military)
Website: expressionscoffins.com
Highlights: Popular for unique celebrations of life and non-traditional funerals
4. ABC Caskets & Coffins
Type: Timber and MDF caskets and coffins
Known for: Supplying funeral homes across Australia
Website: abccaskets.com.au
Highlights: Wide range of styles and price points, including basic cremation coffins
5. Final Resting
Type: Metal caskets and premium timber
Known for: High-end finishes and imported options
Website: finalresting.com.au
Highlights: US-style caskets for premium or formal viewings
6. Titan Casket (International Supplier)
Type: Steel and hardwood caskets
Known for: Direct-to-consumer casket sales (primarily US-based but now expanding)
Website: titancasket.com
Highlights: May appeal to Australians planning ahead or sourcing directly
7. Wicker Coffin Suppliers (Various)
Eco-conscious families are increasingly choosing woven willow, seagrass, or bamboo coffins. While there’s no one national wicker brand, many Australian funeral homes and green burial providers source from:
- The Natural Funeral Company
- Daisybox Australia
- Tender Funerals
- The Green End
- Eternal Spirit (NSW)
How to Choose a Supplier Through eziFunerals
At eziFunerals, we help you connect with funeral providers who offer a wide range of coffin and casket options — including those from trusted manufacturers above. You don’t have to accept the first quote or settle for what’s available in a showroom.
✅ Compare prices and options from local independent funeral homes
✅ Request quotes that include your preferred coffin or casket style
✅ Ask about eco and low-cost alternatives
✅ Access exclusive products like DaisyBox directly through our site
Do You Need a Coffin or Casket for Cremation?
Yes — for cremation, Australian regulations require the body to be enclosed in a coffin or container that is:
- Made of combustible materials
- Fully enclosed and leak-resistant
- Equipped with a nameplate
You can use a basic cremation coffin made of cardboard or plywood. These are affordable and environmentally friendly.
For burial, you may choose either a coffin or a casket depending on cemetery regulations and your family’s wishes.
Funerals in Australia: Shifting Trends
Australia’s funeral industry is evolving, and with it, preferences around coffins and caskets are changing:
- Direct cremation (no service) is on the rise
- Personalised funerals are becoming more common
- Eco-friendly options are gaining traction
- Online funeral planning is making price comparison easier
As Australians seek greater control and transparency, platforms like eziFunerals are empowering families to plan funerals that are meaningful, affordable, and unique.
How eziFunerals Can Help
At eziFunerals, we help you make informed decisions by offering:
✅ Coffin and casket comparisons
✅ Quotes from trusted funeral providers
✅ Eco-friendly and budget options
✅ Planning tools to document your preferences
✅ Support to avoid overspending on funeral products
We’re 100% independent — meaning we don’t sell coffins or caskets, and we don’t receive commissions from funeral homes. Our goal is to help Australians plan smarter and save thousands.
Start now: https://ezifunerals.com.au
Final Thoughts
The difference between a coffin and a casket isn’t just shape — it reflects tradition, emotion, values, and how we choose to say goodbye. Whether you want something simple and humble, or elegant and ornate, you deserve the freedom to choose without pressure.
With eziFunerals, you can compare options and plan a farewell that’s truly your own — one that fits your budget, beliefs, and legacy.
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Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.