Coffin or Casket? The Difference, and Which Suits a UK Funeral

The main difference is shape. In the UK, a coffin is usually tapered: wider at the shoulders and narrower at the head and feet. A casket is rectangular.

American style caskets also tend to be heavier and fully lined, often with a split or hinged lid. Which one suits your funeral depends on the look you prefer and on practical suitability. Cremation suitability in particular varies by casket, so check it for the specific product.

The key differences at a glance

Coffins: the traditional UK choice

Traditional tapered coffins

The tapered coffin is the most familiar shape at UK funerals. According to Compare the Coffin’s current listings, its traditional British coffins:

• are handcrafted in the UK from oak veneer
• include handles, a coffin liner and a blank nameplate
• are listed as suitable for burial or cremation

Tapered coffins are also made in other materials, including cardboard and woven natural materials. You can compare coffin types and materials to see the wider range.

Rectangular casket shaped coffins

Some families prefer a rectangular shape without the look or weight of an American casket. A rectangular British coffin gives that shape while keeping the construction and fittings of a traditional coffin.

Being rectangular does not make a coffin an American casket. The difference lies in construction, lining, lid design and materials, not shape alone.

American caskets explained

According to the current Compare the Coffin range, American caskets are made of solid wood or sheet steel. They come fully finished with plush linings and exterior fixtures and fittings.

Many have a split lid, which allows the upper part to be opened for viewing. Some listings include features such as an adjustable bed. Details vary between models, so check the product page for what each casket includes.

American caskets can be substantially heavier than a standard coffin, so discuss handling and bearers with your funeral director.

Browse American caskets, or view the wood caskets and steel caskets separately.

Burial, cremation and repatriation: which is suitable?

Burial

Many coffins and caskets in the current range are listed as suitable for burial. Always check suitability on the individual product page and with the burial provider, as cemeteries and natural burial grounds can have their own requirements.

Cremation

Cremation suitability varies by casket. Most American caskets in the current Compare the Coffin range are listed for burial, while specific styles are designed for cremation.

One example is the Polar American Casket for Cremation, which is made of MDF and has a split lid. It is designed for cremation; confirm acceptance with the crematorium.

Crematoria generally prefer coffins that burn cleanly. International cremation guidance advises against metal furniture and fittings on coffins for cremation and against certain coatings. This is one reason many metal or metal fitted caskets are not suitable.

For more detail, see caskets for cremation and coffins for cremation.

Repatriation

According to the current category page, all American caskets in the Compare the Coffin range are suitable for repatriation. If a body is being repatriated, the receiving country and the airline or funeral provider handling the journey may have their own requirements, so confirm these as well.

Which should you choose?

A few questions usually settle the choice:

• What look do you want? A tapered coffin is the traditional UK shape. A rectangular coffin or casket gives a different presence.
• Is it a burial or a cremation? For cremation, choose a product listed as suitable and confirm with the crematorium.
• Will there be a viewing? A split lid casket is designed with viewing in mind.
• What is your budget? American caskets usually sit at the higher end of the range.
• Are there handling considerations? Heavier caskets may need more bearers.

What to check before ordering

1. The product specification: check the listed materials, fittings and suitability.
2. The crematorium or burial ground: confirm they will accept the chosen coffin or casket.
3. The dimensions: check the internal and external measurements carefully before ordering.
4. Identification: crematoria require the coffin to carry adequate identification of the person, usually a nameplate.
5. Delivery: agree where the coffin should be delivered, which is usually the funeral director.

Frequently asked questions

Is a casket more expensive than a coffin?

American caskets usually sit at the higher end of the range. Traditional coffins cover a wide range of prices depending on material and finish.

Can a casket be cremated?

Some can. Most American caskets in the current range are listed for burial, while specific styles are designed for cremation. Always check the product and confirm with the crematorium.

Is a rectangular coffin the same as a casket?

Not necessarily. A rectangular British coffin shares the shape of a casket, but not always its construction, lining or lid design.

Can we buy a casket ourselves and have it delivered to our funeral director?

Yes. Many families buy the coffin or casket directly and have it delivered to their funeral director.