The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule was enacted on April 30, 1984. It was further amended in the year 1994.
The rule was designed to protect the consumers from deceptive and unfair practices undertaken by funeral providers.
For instance, when you are going to purchase a casket, the funeral provider is supposed to give you the price list of all the caskets (even those that are not on display, offered temporarily, or offered only to a select group of customers) require special ordering) to help you make an informed decision.
Caskets that require special ordering may not be included in this list, though.
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Caskets at February 2nd, 2013.
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A casket is a rigid container in which a dead body is placed for funeral service and burial. They are usually made of metal and wood.
However, due to increasing awareness about the need to protect and preserve the environment, nowadays, people are considering green burials with eco caskets.
Furthermore, cremation caskets are also gaining popularity as more and more people are going for cremations instead of burials.
Nevertheless, those who want to honor the deceased with a proper burial and delay the process of decomposition can go for long-lasting caskets and burial vaults.
Types of Materials Used for Making Caskets
Metal
Funeral caskets are traditionally made of a lightweight steel alloy. More often than not, they have options like 16-gauge, 18-gauge, 20-gauge, etc. Gauge indicates the thickness of the metal.
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Caskets at January 28th, 2013.
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Caskets come in a variety of sizes like standard, infant, and oversized caskets. On an average, the casket length is about 84 inches, width is 28 inches, and height is 23 inches.
These dimensions are based on the fact that the average person is almost 60 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 6 inches high.
Nevertheless, you can order a casket or coffin with different dimensions, depending on the size of the individual who is to be placed in it.
In terms of price, there is no considerable difference between the price of an oversized casket and a standard one. However, it is likely to increase the cemetery cost.
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Caskets at January 19th, 2013.
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Being asked to become a pallbearer for a deceased loved one is considered as a mark of respect for a close friend or family member.
However, individuals who have never carried a casket in a funeral tend to be nervous and apprehensive about this task.
Thus, if you have any doubts, you can ask your funeral director to help you learn and even show you the proper way of carrying a casket.
Basically, you need to rest the casket on your shoulder and then extend your arm underneath either to hold the other side or put it on the shoulder of another pallbearer on the other side.
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Caskets at January 15th, 2013.
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A casket or coffin is an integral part of a funeral. Moreover, caskets are usually priced high. Thus, having an elaborate casket tends to increase the funeral cost.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average cost of a metal casket was $2,295 in 2009.
Metal caskets are sturdy and made of steel. Of these, the one prepared from 20 gauge steel are the least expensive.
Furthermore, high-quality solid wood caskets usually cost around $1,500 to $3,000. These caskets can be prepared from a variety of woods like mahogany, oak, cherry, walnut, poplar, and so on.
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Caskets at January 9th, 2013.
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The weight of a casket depends on the type of material it is made of. Thus, cloth covered cardboard caskets tend to weigh less than wooden and heavy gauge metal caskets. On an average, the weight ranges between 100-300 lbs.
Besides, needless to say, the weight also depends on the size of the casket. Hence, oversized caskets are likely to be heavier than the normal one or those designed for children.
Pet caskets, too, are comparatively lighter in weight. Most commercial caskets are tested to carry about 300 to 500 lbs so that they can successfully bear the weight of the deceased.
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Caskets at January 2nd, 2013.
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The sight of a casket or coffin is often disturbing, especially when coping with the loss of a loved one. Yet, in order to honor the deceased, you need to purchase a good casket or coffin for the funeral service.
Funeral caskets are constructed from sturdy materials like stainless steel, bronze, copper, and plastic composite material known as Polystyrene. Steel, in particular, has options like 16-gauge, 18-gauge, and 20-gauge steel.
‘Gauge’ refers to the thickness of sheet metal used. Thus, 16-gauge steel caskets have more wall thickness than the other two.
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Caskets at December 8th, 2012.
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An eco casket, as the name suggests, is a natural burial container for the body. Thus, it is a good choice for those who prefer burial over cremation.
These caskets are mostly prepared from natural and biodegradable materials like pine ply, cane, stems and leaves of coconut palms, etc. instead of metal. They are strong yet light in weight.
More often than not, they are lined with organic cotton liners or other fabrics. In addition, they include natural cotton pillows and shrouds as well.
Most eco-friendly caskets and coffins do not use metal nails, screws, plastic fittings, toxic glues and finishes, too.
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Caskets at November 5th, 2012.
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The loss of a beloved pet is hard to deal with and making appropriate arrangements for your pet’s final disposal is a part of the healing process as you get to lay him to rest and say a final good-bye.
Whether opting for cremation or burial, you can get a beautiful pet casket for both the cases. Moreover, if you are concerned about the environment then you may purchase a biodegradable casket for your adorable pet.
These caskets are mostly made of recycled paper or wood with minimal hardware. They do not include rubber gaskets. Pet caskets are prepared from a variety of woods, metals, and high-impact polystyrene plastic.
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Caskets at October 23rd, 2012.
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An infant or child casket is specifically designed for keeping the body a child. The sudden death of a child is truly devastating and extremely painful for the parents. Nevertheless, you can say a last good-bye to your little angel by organizing a funeral service.
If the service involves viewing or visitation then you may look for a warm and high-quality casket for the child. Caskets meant for children are smaller in size.
They can be further divided into caskets made for infants, toddlers, children, or youths. These caskets are usually designed for kids under 14 years of age.
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Caskets at October 9th, 2012.
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