Caskets
For some families, casket choice is one of the
most important decisions they need to make. For others, casket
choice is not important at all.
There are a number of factors that influence a family in choosing a
casket:
- Personal taste
- Religious requirements
- Cultural requirements/expectations
- Financial
- Pre-arranged instruction.
Most funeral homes in New Zealand offer a comprehensive range of
caskets to allow families to select a casket to suit their
individual requirements and financial situation. Casket choices
range from plain customwood (medium density fibreboard - MDF) up to
an ornate American style couch casket.
While funeral directors will have in stock some of the standard
style caskets, some options available may need to be procured from
a distance or made to order and this can incur a delay of 24-48
hours.
Customwood (MDF)
Caskets made of MDF are available in most casket styles, with
the majority finished in a wood grain foil veneer to give the
timber look finish. Some of the finishes available are rimu,
mahogany, hickory, cherry, maple, plain custom wood or painted to
any colour a family may choose.
Solid timber
Solid timber caskets are
also available in most casket styles. Some of the traditional solid
timber caskets are rimu, mahogany, oak, pine, macrocarpa and
totara.
Couch caskets
A couch casket is rectangular as opposed to the traditional
shaped casket. Simple style couch caskets are available in
customwood (MDF), with more ornate styles available in solid
timber. Also available (imported into New Zealand) are the American
style couch caskets made of solid timber or metal, in a variety of
finishes.
Coloured or themed caskets
Many families wish to
customise a casket to their specific wishes - painted a particular
colour, adorned with a special scene, or supplied with a plain
finish for family members and friends to paint or write their own
personal messages on.
Eco friendly options
Most funeral directors would
be able to procure on request an untreated radiata pine casket.
This style of casket available shaped or rectangular is fitted with
rope or wooden pine handles and can be lined with unbleached calico
creating an overall simple appearance.
Many people enquiring about the use of a cardboard casket still
wish to have the "normal" style of funeral involving a service in a
church or chapel, pallbearers, casket at home etc and it is
difficult to source an acceptable standard of cardboard casket that
would not restrict families' choices.
Casket furnishings
All caskets are lined with a waterproof lining, and furnished
with an interior lining (sideset).
Most caskets are fitted with six handles (some economy or basic
caskets have only four), a nameplate (a legal requirement), and
thumbscrews to attach the lid. Other ornaments such as a Lodge or
RSA badge, an "At Rest" or crucifix may be added to the casket when
appropriate.
Most funeral Homes will have standard style handles and casket
linings that they offer with particular styles of caskets. However,
if you have any specific thoughts about handles, casket linings or
anything else, feel free to discuss these with your funeral
director when choosing a casket.