Coffins

Coffins vs caskets

A coffin is wider at the shoulders and narrower at the foot. A casket is regular in shape. It is up to you whether you choose a coffin or a casket provided the size complies with the cemetery or crematorium requirements.

Range available

A large range of coffins and caskets are available. Funeral directors have a range for sale but it is not practical for funeral directors to stock them all. There is now also at least one company selling direct to the public. An indication of  the range and price of coffins generally available is found on the  following websites:

  • Lifeart Coffins - decorative coffins including plain coffins you can create your own artwork on.
Environmentally friendly coffins
  • OnEarth Australia - industry approved cardboard funeral caskets directly to the Australian public for use in all states.
  • Earthbeds from the Rose and The Lily Funeral wares
  • Biobods are a type of shroud combined with a patented handle system and work as a coffin. The shroud is lined with compliant 100% compostable film.   A segment on ABC Television's New Inventors (Episode 18  June 3 2009) may be seen at www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s2585919.htm 
Build your own coffin

The Natural Death Centre has instructions for building your own coffin. As they say, if you can build a bookshelf, you can build a coffin.