How to Choose a Casket: A Guide to Materials & Style
Choosing a casket is one of the most personal—and often one of the most difficult—decisions you will make when arranging a funeral. It is the vessel that holds your loved one, a focal point for their final farewell, and a reflection of their personality.
At Lagoon View Funeral Services, we understand that this choice can feel overwhelming. With so many materials, finishes, and styles available, it’s hard to know where to start. Is solid wood better? What are the benefits of metal? Can you really draw on a casket?
This comprehensive guide breaks down the five different materials caskets are made from, their specific benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs, budget, and values.
Why Material Matters
Before we look at specific styles, it helps to understand why the material is important. The construction of a casket determines four key things:
- Aesthetics: The look, feel, and warmth of the casket.
- Cost: Different materials vary significantly in price.
- Durability: How long the casket will last (important for burials).
- Suitability: Some caskets are better suited for cremation, while others are designed for burial or repatriation.
Whether you are looking for a traditional tribute, an eco-friendly statement, or a blank canvas for family creativity, there is a material to match.
The 5 Different Casket Materials Explained
At Lagoon View, we offer a diverse range of caskets to suit every family. Here are the five main categories you need to know about.
1. MDF Sealed Caskets (The Personal Canvas)
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) sealed caskets are a modern, versatile choice. They are constructed from engineered wood and finished with a smooth, painted surface—usually in bright, solid colours or classic white.
Why choose this style?
The biggest benefit of an MDF sealed casket is its customisability. Because of the smooth, sealed finish, these caskets are perfect for families who want to be hands-on.
- You can draw all over them: Use marker pens, sharpies, or paint to write messages of love, draw pictures, or sign names directly onto the surface.
- Therapeutic for children: This is a beautiful way for grandchildren to say goodbye, turning a scary moment into a creative act of love.
- Affordable: They are generally more budget-friendly than solid wood or metal.
Best for: Families who want a personalised, interactive farewell or a specific colour theme.
2. MDF Woodgrained Caskets (Classic Look, Modern Value)
If you love the warm, traditional look of timber but need to be mindful of your budget, MDF woodgrained caskets are an excellent solution.
These caskets feature an MDF core with a high-quality wood-effect veneer or finish applied to the exterior. They are designed to mimic the grain patterns and rich tones of natural wood like Rimu, Mahogany, or Oak.
Key Benefits:
- Aesthetics: Indistinguishable from solid wood to the untrained eye.
- Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than solid timber.
- Versatile: Suitable for both cremation and burial.
Best for: Families seeking a dignified, traditional aesthetic without the premium price tag.
3. Solid Wood Caskets (Timeless Elegance)
For centuries, solid wood has been the standard for a premium, respectful farewell. These caskets are crafted from natural timber boards—often sustainably sourced—and polished to highlight the wood’s natural beauty.
Why choose solid wood?
- Natural Beauty: No two solid wood caskets are exactly alike; the grain patterns are unique to every tree.
- Warmth: Wood offers a natural warmth that feels less industrial than metal.
- Status & Tradition: A solid Rimu or Mahogany casket is often seen as the ultimate gesture of respect.
Best for: Traditional funerals where quality, craftsmanship, and natural materials are the priority.
4. Metal Caskets (Strength & Protection)
Metal caskets (often made from steel, copper, or bronze) are highly durable and offer a distinctively sleek, modern look. While less common in New Zealand than in the US, they are a popular choice for families looking for longevity.
Key Features:
- Durability: Metal is incredibly strong and resistant to the elements.
- Sealing: Many metal caskets come with a gasket seal (often called "protective" caskets) which seals the casket against air and water.
- Finish: Available in high-gloss automotive-style finishes in a wide range of colours.
Best for: Burial in a mausoleum, international repatriation (where protection is required), or families wanting a sleek, modern aesthetic. See our Batesville Gold Cross or Batesville Spectra for more clarity.
Tip: If you like the design of metal, mosuoleum type caskets but love the raw material of solid wood caskets, try out our Batesville Libra.
5. Eco Caskets (Gentle on the Earth)
As we become more environmentally conscious, "green" funerals are rising in popularity. Eco caskets are designed to return to the earth naturally, leaving minimal footprint.
These are typically made from:
- Unfinished pine or sustainable timber.
- Woven wicker, willow, or seagrass.
- Recycled heavy-duty cardboard.
Why go eco?
- Biodegradable: They break down naturally without releasing harmful chemicals (varnishes, glues, or metals) into the soil.
- Natural Aesthetic: They have a soft, organic look that feels less formal and more grounded.
- Cremation Friendly: They burn cleanly, requiring less energy during cremation.
Best for: Nature lovers, natural burials, and families committed to sustainability.
Comparison: Casket Materials at a Glance
| Material | Cost Level | Durability | Key Benefit | Ideal For |
| MDF Sealed | $ | Moderate | Write-on surface | Personal messages & creativity |
| MDF Woodgrain | $$ | Moderate | Value for money | Traditional look on a budget |
| Solid Wood | $$$ | High | Natural beauty | Traditional, premium service |
| Metal | $$$ | Very High | Protective seal | Mausoleums & longevity |
| Eco / Wicker | $$-$$$ | Low (Biodegradable) | Sustainability | Green funerals & nature lovers |
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing
If you are still undecided, ask yourself these four questions to narrow down the list.
1. Is this for burial or cremation?
If you are choosing cremation, you may not want to spend money on a heavy-gauge metal casket or an expensive solid hardwood that will be consumed by fire. An MDF or Eco casket is often the practical choice.
For burial, durability matters more, making solid wood or metal attractive options.
2. What was their style?
Did they love nature? An Eco casket is a perfect tribute. Were they artistic or full of life? A colourful MDF Sealed casket covered in messages might fit their spirit best. Were they traditional and dignified? You can't go wrong with Solid Wood.
3. What is the budget?
Funerals can be expensive. There is no shame in choosing an MDF Woodgrain casket to keep costs down. It looks dignified and respectful, allowing you to spend that budget on other aspects of the memorial, like the wake or catering.
4. Do we want to participate?
If your family wants to be involved in the final touches, the MDF Sealed option allows you to physically add your mark to the casket. This can be a profound part of the grieving process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really draw on an MDF sealed casket?
A: Yes! This is one of their unique features. The smooth painted surface works like a whiteboard or canvas. We encourage families to bring markers, paints, or stickers. It is a deeply healing activity, especially for children.
Q: Are eco-friendly caskets strong enough?
A: Absolutely. Whether made from wicker or reinforced cardboard, eco caskets are engineered to hold weight securely and dignify the deceased just as well as a traditional casket.
Q: Which casket is the cheapest?
A: Generally, MDF Sealed caskets are the most affordable entry-level options. MDF Woodgrain offers a mid-range price point.
Q: Do I have to buy a casket from the funeral home?
A: While most families find it easier to arrange everything through their funeral director, you are generally entitled to purchase a casket independently. However, purchasing through Lagoon View ensures the sizing, quality, and delivery are handled professionally, removing stress from you.
Q: What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?
A: It’s mostly about shape. A casket is rectangular with a hinged lid (usually split-lid). A coffin is tapered at the head and foot and wider at the shoulders (anthropoidal shape). In NZ, the terms are often used interchangeably, but rectangular caskets are very common.
Summary
There is no "right" or "wrong" choice when it comes to caskets. Whether you choose the solid dependability of wood, the sleek finish of metal, or the creative freedom of a write-on MDF casket, the most important thing is that it feels right for you and your loved one.
At Lagoon View Funeral Services, we are here to guide you through these choices without pressure. We invite you to view our range and ask as many questions as you need.
Once you’ve chosen a casket, knowing what to expect during a viewing can be helpful – our Casket Viewing Guide covers the traditions and etiquette. If cost is a concern, see our post on Affordable Traditional Funeral Care for budget‑friendly options, and read our breakdown of Burial Costs in Auckland to understand how casket choice affects overall expenses.
Ready to discuss your options?
We are here to help you create a meaningful farewell.
View our Caskets & Urns Range
Call us anytime: (09) 527 1866