Who would have ever thought that coffins and caskets have differences? Unless you are in the trade of either constructing the burial boxes or an undertaker, I guess most people would gave thought they were one and the same. But there is a small difference in coffins and caskets however, even though ultimately it doesn’t matter which one you decide to use. Do you want to know what the difference between a coffin and a casket is?
The difference between a coffin and a casket is in it’s shape. A coffin has the tell tale look of tapering at the shoulders. It’s pretty much unmistakeable. A casket on the other hand is a rectangle. No tapering, just a simple box.
Though both are designed for the sole purpose of holding a corpse, the personal preference of one over the other us just that, a personal preference. To the deceased laying inside I doubt they would worry one way or the other.
Here are some more facts about coffins and caskets and the differences around the world.
Coffins and caskets are made out if non biodegradable material.
In the US around 80 to 85 percent of coffins and caskets are made out of stamped steel, with only about 10 to 15 percent being constructed out if wood or particle board. This is in stark contrast to Australia where about 85 to 90 percent are made out of solid wood or particle board. In the U.K. The traditional casket or coffin is made out if a chip board with a timber veneer.
But there exists a problem with the chosen methods of coffin and casket construction and use. They are often made out of exotic or endangered species of wood, which has an immediate environmental impact. The other issue facing cemeteries is that as they are designed in such a way to prevent decomposition, and they themselves don’t decompose, the glues used in the construction can be toxic, contaminating the ground where they are buried.
But there is a solution. Many cemeteries and undertakers are supporting the development and use of cardboard boxes. The cardboard is extremely versatile and makes for an environmentally better choice.
