3 Steps to Finding an Affordable Casket

Funeral homes are not the only options for finding affordable caskets Troy. However, consumers should check out what their funeral home has to offer before going ‘offsite.’ Many funeral homes offer special deals when consumers purchase funeral services as a package, making the cost of the casket worthwhile. The following steps can help consumers find a suitable casket for their departed loved one at a reasonable price.

Where to Buy

After seeing what the funeral home has to offer, consumers can compare casket prices and designs from other sources such as casket retailers, specialty stores and online dealers to see what they have to offer.  Comparison shopping for a casket gives consumers a better idea of what’s available at what cost. How the casket will be used, i.e. for viewing only or burial, will make a difference in the type of casket people buy.

If consumers have a preference as to casket materials, color or design, this can help narrow their choices. When buying from the funeral home, consumers can get a close up view of the casket to evaluate quality and style. Most funeral homes have a wide selection of caskets to suit most any budget. This gives consumers greater options for choosing a product they’re happy with within their price range.

What Kind to Buy

Caskets come in metal, wood and fiberglass as well as ‘green’ materials. Metal caskets may be constructed of copper, bronze or stainless steel, with steel being the least costly of the three, generally starting at $1,000. Wood caskets may be made of hardwood (i.e., walnut, pine, cedar, elm or cherry), laminate, wood fiberboard or cloth covered plywood. Prices vary depending on quality and design.

Fiberglass caskets are lightweight yet durable and come in faux wood or faux marble finishes. Some funeral homes offer ‘green’ caskets constructed of biodegradable materials like bamboo, banana leaf or rattan for individuals who are concerned about the environment.

How to Decide

As most people have little knowledge on how to choose a casket, it’s good to work with the funeral home in making this decision. Setting a budget for this expense will help narrow consumers’ choices. When in doubt, consumers should ask the director to guide them to affordable options, without feeling pressured into buying a product that’s beyond their budget. Taking personal preference, casket use and budget into account, consumers can choose a casket they’re comfortable with at a reasonable cost.