Shape difference between a Casket and Coffin

The main difference between a casket and a coffin is its shape.

A coffin is hexagonal in shape. It has six sides to conform the shape of a body, with a narrow head space, a wide shoulder design, and a tapering shape down to the feet.

The word casket is known as a small ornamental box or chest for holding jewels, letters, or other valuable objects, however, in the late 19th century, the funeral industry came to adopt the word “casket” as a synonym for the word coffin.

A casket is four-sided and rectangular in shape. In addition, a casket often contains a split-lid to enable people to view the decedent at a funeral viewing.

Price difference between a Casket and Coffin

The price for both coffins & caskets largely depends on the materials, details, and workmanship used to construct the product. However, as caskets are often made from higher quality material and require higher standards of workmanship caskets usually cost more than coffins.

Which is more popular?

Caskets are becoming more commonly used throughout the world. North America predominantly chooses to use caskets rather than coffins. However over the last 30 or so years caskets are becoming popular throughout the world with the latest technology and changes to caskets and coffins adopting the casket design and shape.
Australia has seen a surge in caskets being chosen over coffins over the last decade.

Which should l choose?

Ultimately, the decision between whether a person chooses a casket or a coffin depends on personal circumstance and personal preference on what they find more visually appealing, because both products will successfully achieve the same purpose.

For this reason, Sydney coffins choose to sell both caskets and coffins.

Please view our casket collections and coffin collections.