Death is a unique experience for everyone, even for those left behind. The loss can be intimate, yet it can also be impersonal due to funeral preparations. For example, you may have to postpone your grief to choose a casket.
A casket can be one of the most significant expenses, so you want to make sure you get it right. Help yourself pick the best for your departed loved one with this guide.
1. Material
When it comes to burial practices, the world has indeed come a long way. Before, people would wrap the deceased in linen before they buried them in their yards. Today, you can choose various types of materials. These include metal, wood, and composite board.
Of the three, metal tends to be the most expensive. The material can be stainless steel, if you’re looking for a corrosion-resistant casket, or carbon steel, which is less durable but also cheaper. These types also feature a gasket, which seals the edges of the lid or cap. It helps ensure that no other elements can get into the casket, especially once it is already on the ground.
Wood remains popular for different reasons. It is more affordable than metal, and it comes in a variety of finishes and materials. The best ones are hardwood, such as pine or oak. Composite board is perhaps the most economical of them. It comes from re-engineered wood, so it may also be suitable for eco-conscious consumers.
2. Design
Did you know that you can already have customized caskets in Salt Lake City? It’s one of the best ways to feature the unique or endearing personality of the deceased. As long as the design is doable, you can be as creative as you like.
In many cases, caskets come with ornate carvings around. Metals can have a glossier or more elegant finish than wood, but the texture of the latter can be impressive.
The lining of the casket can also be of different fabrics. The most popular are crepe or linen, but the most expensive can be velvet. The handles may be metal, wood, or even rope. The casket may also be handwoven usually using eco-friendly materials.
3. Sizes
Size matters in caskets. After all, you want the deceased to look comfortable inside. The good news is you have a lot of choices available today. The standard dimensions at 84 inches long or 23 inches tall may also prove to be more than enough for an average-sized person.
The issue can be the width. The United States presently has an obesity problem and it can affect the size of the casket. The deceased may not fit in the standard dimensions. Fortunately, many casket makers now offer oversized choices. Families also always have the option to have the size customized.
Choosing a casket for the loved one can put a lot of pressure on you. After all, you want to give only the best for them. It can, therefore, ease the worry if you can get the dying person’s wish or help them choose a funeral and burial plan before passing. Of course, you can always count on the expertise of the makers, who have been in the business for years.
