Types of Coffins: Materials, Prices and Suitability Compared

The main types of coffin available in the UK are:

• traditional wood veneer coffins
• cardboard coffins
• woven natural material coffins, such as willow, bamboo and banana leaf
• fabric covered coffins
• decorated or printed coffins
• American style caskets

They differ in construction, appearance, materials, price positioning, environmental characteristics and funeral suitability. Whether a coffin suits a cremation, burial or natural burial always depends on the specific product and the requirements of the crematorium or burial ground.

Coffin types at a glance

Prices change and vary by product, so check the live listings for current prices.

Traditional wood veneer coffins

Wood veneer coffins are the most familiar choice at UK funerals. According to Compare the Coffin’s current listings, its traditional wood veneer coffins are handcrafted in the UK from oak veneer. They include handles, a coffin liner and a blank nameplate, and are listed as suitable for burial or cremation. They come in both tapered and rectangular styles.

Cardboard coffins

Cardboard coffins are simple, lightweight and easy to personalise with printed designs. Compare the Coffin describes its current cardboard range as:

• suitable for cremation and burial
• able to carry weight up to 23 stone
• fully assembled and lined
• made from at least 70% post consumer waste
• manufactured in the UK
• natural and biodegradable

If you are deciding between cardboard and wood, see our cardboard versus wooden coffins comparison. You can also browse the cardboard coffin range.

Woven natural coffins: willow, bamboo, banana leaf and pandanus

Woven coffins have a softer, natural look. Construction, origin and suitability vary by product, so check each listing.

Willow and wicker

According to the current listing, Compare the Coffin’s English Willow coffins are made from willow grown on the Somerset Levels by one of the UK’s oldest willow coffin makers. They are supplied with a cotton liner, headrest and name plate. See the wicker and willow range.

Bamboo

The bamboo coffins in the current range are listed as produced by a UK owned Fair Trade company in China and are supplied with a cotton liner, headrest and name plate. See the bamboo coffin range.

Banana leaf and other woven materials

Banana leaf, pandanus and similar woven coffins offer a softer texture. Some products in the range, such as the pandanus coffins, are listed as made by a Fair Trade company in Indonesia. Origin and construction vary, so check the individual product page.

See the banana coffin range and the wider natural material coffins.

Fabric covered coffins

Fabric covered coffins combine a cardboard structure with a decorative outer covering, called a pall. Compare the Coffin’s fabric covered coffins are described as UK manufactured cardboard coffins with a Fragrant Root or Woven Banana Leaf pall, handmade in a fair trade facility in Indonesia.

For more detail, see our fabric coffin guide.

Decorated and printed coffins

Decorated coffins carry printed designs, colours or personal imagery and can reflect a person’s interests or personality. Construction varies, so check each product page for materials and suitability.

American caskets

American caskets are rectangular, fully lined and often have split lids. According to the current Compare the Coffin range, they:

• are made of solid wood or sheet steel
• are mostly listed for burial, with specific styles designed for cremation
• are all suitable for repatriation

If you are weighing up a traditional coffin against a casket, read our guide to coffin versus casket.

Choosing for cremation, burial or natural burial

• Cremation: choose a product listed as suitable and confirm with the crematorium. See coffins for cremation.
• Burial: check the product’s listed suitability and any rules set by the cemetery.
• Natural burial: check the specific coffin and the burial ground’s requirements. See coffins for natural burial and eco coffins.

If budget is the main priority, our guide to the cheapest coffins in the UK compares lower cost options.

Before you order

• Check the product’s listed suitability for your funeral type.
• Confirm requirements with the crematorium or burial ground.
• Check the internal and external dimensions of the specific coffin.
• Agree the delivery address, which is usually your funeral director.

When you are ready, you can browse the full coffin and casket range.

Frequently asked questions

Which type of coffin is best for cremation?

Any coffin that is listed as suitable for cremation and accepted by the crematorium. Traditional veneer and cardboard coffins in the current range are both listed as suitable.

Which coffins suit a natural burial?

It depends on the burial ground’s rules and the specific coffin. Check both before ordering.

What is the difference between wicker and willow?

Wicker describes the woven technique; willow is one of the materials commonly woven. Many wicker coffins are made from willow.

Can a coffin be personalised?

Many can. Cardboard and printed coffins are particularly suited to personal designs. Check the product page, or contact Compare the Coffin with your request.