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Casket Prices by Material, Cremation Urn Sizes, and the Federal Rule That Lets You Buy From Anywhere
Your Funeral Rule Rights: The $3,000 Question Nobody Tells You
Under the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule (our plain-English guide to the Funeral Rule covers every protection), every family has the legal right to buy a casket from any source and require the funeral home to use it. The funeral home cannot refuse your casket. They cannot charge a casket handling fee. They cannot require you to purchase their inventory.
Most families never hear this in the arrangement room, and the state funeral home directory shows what local homes actually charge. That is why caskets stay marked up 200 to 500 percent at funeral homes, and why families who read this page first save an average of two to eight thousand dollars on the casket alone.
Memorial Merits’ verified retail partner, Discount Caskets, ships free to any funeral home in the lower 48, and the casket arrives in 2 to 3 business days. If the service is sooner than that, overnight delivery is $199. No handling fee, no surcharge, no up-sell at the counter. The price on the casket is the price you pay.
- A casket costs $995 to $9,195 when you buy it retail direct. Funeral homes quote $2,000 to $10,000 or more for the same models; the NFDA median for a metal casket at a funeral home is $2,500.
- Under the FTC Funeral Rule you can buy a casket from any source. The funeral home must accept it and cannot charge a handling fee.
- Discount Caskets, the vetted retail partner on this page, stocks 400 plus caskets across nine US warehouses and ships free to any funeral home in the lower 48 in 2 to 3 business days ($199 overnight).
- Ten casket types, sixteen reviewed caskets with live prices and direct links, and seven head-to-head model comparisons are covered below, in that order.
- Urns: a 200 cubic inch urn fits nearly every adult, most urns cost $50 to $500, and keepsake, companion, and pet urns each have their own section further down.
Don’t want to pick up the phone?
Have a question about any casket on this page? Let Care Bridge call on your behalf. One short form and a funeral concierge handles the questions, the back-and-forth, and the confusing sales conversations while you step away from the sales line. No hold music. No voicemail tag. No pressure. They call. You stay with your family.
Let Care Bridge Handle the CallCasket Prices by Material in 2026
A casket costs between $995 and $9,195 when you buy it directly from a retailer, and $2,000 to $10,000 or more when you buy the same casket from a funeral home. The National Funeral Directors Association puts the median funeral home price of a metal casket at $2,500 in its 2023 General Price List study. That median is for a 20 gauge steel casket, the same casket a retailer sells for $1,195. The difference is the markup, not the casket. To see what the casket does to the whole bill, run the numbers in the Funeral Cost Calculator before the arrangement meeting.
The table below uses live retail prices from Discount Caskets, checked on August 22, 2026, next to the range funeral homes typically quote for the same tier. The funeral home column is a range, not a rule. Some homes price fairly. Most do not, because the FTC Funeral Rule requires them to show you a casket price list only when you ask, and almost nobody asks.
| Casket type | Retail direct (Discount Caskets) | Typical funeral home quote | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 gauge steel | $1,195 to $2,310 | $2,500 to $4,500 | The most common American casket. Lighter steel, full color range, every burial type. |
| 18 gauge steel | $1,195 to $2,795 | $3,000 to $5,500 | Heavier steel, more weight in the hand, the same finishes. A preference, not a durability need. |
| Wood | $995 to $9,195 | $2,000 to $12,000 | Poplar and pine at the low end, solid mahogany at the top. Required by some Jewish cemeteries. |
| Batesville | $1,760 to $9,195 | $4,000 to $15,000 | The brand name funeral homes stock. The same model, retail direct, runs thousands less. |
| Oversized (28 to 32 inch) | $1,695 to $4,195 | $3,500 to $8,000 | Anyone over about 6 feet 4 inches or 250 pounds. Funeral homes often double the base price on these. |
| Military (Hero series) | $2,695 to $2,995 | $4,500 to $7,000 | Branch insignia, full couch for a flag presentation, every service branch. |
| Copper and bronze | $1,195 (copper finish) to $8,350 (solid copper) | $5,000 to $20,000 | Heirloom weight and finish. Solid copper and bronze cost more because the metal does, not because of the showroom. |
| Stainless steel | $5,695 | $8,000 to $12,000 | Polished, corrosion resistant, chosen for full daylight visitations and military officers. |
| Eco, pine box, bamboo, wicker | $995 to $2,195 | $1,500 to $4,000 | Green burial cemeteries, natural burial, families who want the body returned to the earth. |
| Cremation casket | $995 to $1,895 | $1,300 (NFDA median) to $3,500 | A viewing before cremation. Any combustible container is legal; a funeral home cannot require wood. |
| Clear glass | $3,395 | Rarely stocked | Public and historic services only. |
Retail prices read from the Discount Caskets catalog on August 22, 2026. Funeral home ranges reflect the 200 to 500 percent markup the FTC documented when it wrote the Funeral Rule and the quotes families report to Memorial Merits; ask any funeral home for its General Price List and casket price list to see the exact number.
Is it cheaper to buy your own casket?
Yes, by $1,000 to $8,000 on most funerals, and federal law protects the choice. The FTC Funeral Rule lets you buy a casket from any source, requires the funeral home to accept it, and bars them from charging a handling fee for doing so. Shipping from Discount Caskets is free, so the retail price is the whole cost. The one case where buying your own casket does not save money is a direct cremation with no viewing; a cardboard alternative container from the crematory is usually the lowest cost path there.
How much is a Costco casket?
Costco sells caskets online through third-party suppliers, mostly Titan Casket and Prime Caskets, at roughly $1,150 to $1,600 with shipping included, and the listing page now routes members to Titan Casket through Costco Next. Two things to check before you order: Costco’s casket listings ask you to call the supplier to confirm delivery timing before purchase, and the catalog is small (a handful of steel models). A retailer with 400 plus caskets in stock across nine warehouses gives you the same price tier with far more choice and a delivery window you can see before you pay.
What drives the price inside each tier
Three things move a casket’s price inside its material tier: the gauge or wood species, the interior (crepe is standard, velvet costs more), and the hardware (swing bar handles and decorative corners add cost). Sealed gaskets add $200 to $500 and do nothing for preservation; the FTC prohibits any claim that they do. Everything else is finish and color, and color does not change the price at Discount Caskets.
Funeral, Memorial, and Family Costs Can Add Up Fast
Before you walk away from the casket, memorial jewelry, cremation option, or service your family actually wants, compare the financial paths available first.
Memorial Merits built a dedicated financial resources page to help families review funeral financing, personal loan options, free memorial crowdfunding, government benefits, partner savings, and practical ways to reduce costs during one of life’s hardest weeks.
Compare your options before you commit; the right funding path can protect both your family’s wishes and your budget.
Ten Casket Types, All From One Verified Retailer
Each block below covers one casket category at Discount Caskets with direct links to live inventory (the full Discount Caskets review covers the company, the warranty, and the delivery process). Every casket listed ships free to your funeral home in 2 to 3 business days. Prices shown are retail direct, checked August 2026, and usually thousands below what a funeral home will quote for the same exact model.
1. Budget Caskets From $995
Price-first families often assume a casket under $1,200 must be flimsy or embarrassing. That assumption belongs to the funeral industry, not reality. The Low-Priced Casket Collection at Discount Caskets holds 35 house-brand steel models at $1,195 flat, in every color from white and gold to black and silver, with crepe interiors, reinforced swing bar handles, and the same construction standards as the mid-tier models. The eco casket with handles is $995 and the Norfolk cremation casket is $1,175. These caskets sit beside $5,000 models at visitations and burials every day without anyone noticing the price tag.
2. Steel Caskets, 18 Gauge and 20 Gauge
Steel is the most popular casket material in the United States. The gauge number refers to the thickness of the steel, with lower numbers meaning thicker metal. An 18 gauge casket uses heavier steel and weighs more, while a 20 gauge casket runs lighter and more affordable. Both offer strong construction, both rest underground for decades, and the gauge choice is usually visual preference and budget rather than durability. The full steel casket collection covers finishes from matte pewter to polished silver rose.
3. Premium Metal Caskets: Copper, Stainless Steel, Chrome
The premium metal tier covers solid copper, stainless steel, and chrome casket finishes. These are the heirloom-grade options, chosen for weight, corrosion resistance, and a polished finish that holds up in full daylight visitations. Solid copper caskets carry a warm red-brown patina and are often selected for military officers, family patriarchs, and matriarchs. Stainless steel and chrome bring a cleaner modern finish. These caskets cost more because the raw material costs more, not because a funeral home added another zero to the price tag.
4. Wood Caskets in Oak, Cherry, Mahogany, and More
The wood casket collection covers the full range of American hardwoods and softwoods: oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, maple, poplar, and pine. Hardwood models like oak, cherry, walnut, and mahogany offer richer grain patterns and longer burial durability. Softwoods like pine and poplar run lighter and less expensive while still looking traditional at a service. Families who lean toward natural materials or want a casket that looks like furniture rather than a box tend to choose wood. Every species has its own character, and Discount Caskets carries the full spread.
5. Batesville Caskets
Batesville is the most recognized name in American casket manufacturing. The brand has built funeral industry caskets for over a century and represents a visible upgrade in finish quality, interior appointments, and hardware detail. Funeral homes carry Batesville at significant markup, often 200 to 400 percent above retail. Through Discount Caskets, Batesville models start at $1,760 for the Saturn Blue and run to $9,195 for the Premier Mahogany, with most of the 58 models in stock between $1,900 and $3,000. That is usually thousands below what the funeral home will quote for the exact same casket. You can bring the Batesville casket you want without paying the funeral home middleman.
Still have a question about a specific casket?
Have a question about any casket on this page? Let Care Bridge call on your behalf. One short form and a funeral concierge handles the questions, the back-and-forth, and the confusing sales conversations while you step away from the sales line. No hold music. No voicemail tag. No pressure. They call. You stay with your family.
Let Care Bridge Handle the Call6. Military Caskets for Every Branch
Veterans and active-duty service members deserve a casket that reflects their service. Hero caskets at Discount Caskets cover every branch: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. These models feature full couch openings for flag-draped presentations, military insignia accents on handles and panels, and formats designed for standard military honors ceremonies. Many are eligible for partial VA burial benefits (check VA.gov for current figures). A veteran’s final casket should match the pride they carried in uniform.
7. Oversized Caskets
Standard caskets measure about 24 inches wide at the shoulders. An oversized casket runs 28, 30, or 32 inches wide and accommodates heavier or broader body types with dignity and proper fit. Funeral homes often apply a steep upcharge on oversized models, sometimes doubling the base casket cost. Discount Caskets keeps oversized inventory priced honestly, with metal and wood options in multiple gauges. Fit the person, not a standard.
8. Eco-Friendly, Pine Box, and Wicker Caskets
Green burial and natural casket options have moved from niche to mainstream. Pine box and eco-friendly caskets plus willow and wicker caskets let families choose burial that returns the body to the earth without embalming chemicals, metal vaults, or plastic liners. Many states and natural cemeteries require or strongly prefer these materials. The aesthetic is simple, honest, and often more personal than a polished hardwood. For families aligned with environmental values or earth burial traditions, the full range is here.
9. Cremation Caskets
Cremation caskets serve two purposes: a dignified vessel for viewing or service before cremation, and a combustible container for the cremation itself. Rental caskets cover viewings with a removable liner, while combustible cardboard and pressed wood caskets go directly into the retort. Families often assume funeral homes require a wood casket for cremation. They do not. Federal law allows any combustible container. Discount Caskets offers both rental-style and single-use cremation caskets at rates that fit the cremation budget rather than fighting it.
10. Specialty Caskets: Full Open / Couch, Clear
Specialty caskets cover viewing and presentation styles outside the standard half-couch format. Full open (also called full couch) caskets open along the entire length, showing the deceased from head to toe. This is the traditional military presentation style and is also chosen by families preparing a full-body viewing. Clear glass caskets, though rare, give visitors full visibility of the deceased and are occasionally used for historic or public services. If your family needs a format beyond the common half-couch, both are in stock.
Sixteen Reviewed Caskets: Current Prices and Direct Links
Every casket Memorial Merits has reviewed, with its live retail price and a direct link to the product page at Discount Caskets. Prices were checked against the catalog on August 22, 2026, and three models now carry new names at the retailer; the links go to the same caskets. Click through to see the current price, colors, and delivery window, or read the head-to-head comparison first.
Batesville Silver Rose: $7,095 at Discount Caskets
Batesville 18 gauge sealed steel in the violet-shaded Silver Rose finish with an embroidered natural velvet interior. The brand funeral homes stock, retail direct. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Silver Rose vs Aurora Copper comparison.
Aurora Series Copper: $1,395 at Discount Caskets
18 gauge sealed steel in a dark copper finish with an ivory velvet interior. The house-brand alternative to the Silver Rose with the same construction specs. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Silver Rose vs Aurora Copper comparison.
Mercury Series Silver: $1,695 at Discount Caskets
20 gauge steel, 28 inch oversized shell, non-sealed, white crepe half couch interior with square corners and silver hardware. Needs an oversized vault; confirm with the cemetery. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Mercury vs Goliath 32 oversized comparison. Many manufacturers now offer a variety of designs that cater to different preferences and budgets. Choosing such options not only honors loved ones but also aligns with a growing commitment to sustainability.
Goliath 32 Silver (now sold as the Magnus Series 32 Silver): $2,095 at Discount Caskets
32 inch oversized steel casket for the widest fit Discount Caskets carries. Same product page, renamed by the retailer in 2026. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Mercury vs Goliath 32 oversized comparison.
Monroe White: $1,195 at Discount Caskets
20 gauge steel in white with a matching crepe interior, one of the lowest priced full-size steel caskets in the catalog. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Monroe White vs Venus Pieta comparison.
Venus Series Pieta (now sold as the Jupiter Series Pieta): $1,195 at Discount Caskets
20 gauge steel with the Pieta religious panel and crepe interior. Same product page, renamed by the retailer in 2026. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Monroe White vs Venus Pieta comparison.
Batesville Roman Bronze: $1,910 at Discount Caskets
Batesville 20 gauge steel in a warm bronze finish with a cream velvet interior. The entry point to the Batesville line at retail direct pricing. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Roman Bronze vs Churchill Blue comparison.
Batesville Churchill Blue: $2,595 at Discount Caskets
Batesville 20 gauge steel in deep blue with a light blue satin interior, the Roman Bronze platform in a different finish. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Roman Bronze vs Churchill Blue comparison.
Infinite Silver: $1,195 at Discount Caskets
20 gauge steel, silver finish, white crepe interior, non-sealed. The best reviewed entry price steel casket on this page. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Infinite Silver vs Orion Blue comparison.
Orion Series Blue (sold as the Clair Series Blue): $1,195 at Discount Caskets
20 gauge steel, light blue finish, blue crepe half couch interior, non-sealed, square corner posts and silver hardware. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Infinite Silver vs Orion Blue comparison.
The Veteran Stainless Steel: $5,695 at Discount Caskets
Stainless steel in brushed platinum with a white velvet interior, built for a military farewell. The top tier of the Discount Caskets catalog. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Veteran vs Liberty stainless steel comparison.
The Liberty Stainless Steel: $5,695 at Discount Caskets
Stainless steel in midnight blue with a pearl velvet interior. Identical construction to The Veteran; the finish is the only difference. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Veteran vs Liberty stainless steel comparison.
Gemini Series Gold Oversized: $2,095 at Discount Caskets
18 gauge sealed steel, 28 inch oversized shell, ivory velvet half couch interior, gold finish. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Gemini Burgundy vs Gold oversized comparison. Different options offer various aesthetics and durability, allowing you to personalize the final resting place. Exploring choices like wood, metal, and eco-friendly materials can lead to a suitable decision that honors your loved one’s memory.
Gemini Series Burgundy Oversized: $2,095 at Discount Caskets
18 gauge sealed steel, 28 inch oversized shell, ivory velvet half couch interior, burgundy finish. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Gemini Burgundy vs Gold oversized comparison.
Going Home: $1,795 at Discount Caskets
18 gauge metal casket with the Going Home panel embroidery and crepe interior. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Going Home vs God Care comparison.
God Care (now sold as In Gods Care): $1,795 at Discount Caskets
18 gauge metal casket with the In Gods Care panel embroidery and crepe interior. Same product page, renamed by the retailer in 2026. Price checked August 2026. Full write-up in our Going Home vs God Care comparison.
Casket Model Comparisons and Reviews
Below find side-by-side comparisons of popular casket models and brands to find the bes model for you or a loved one.
The Veteran vs The Liberty: Stainless Steel for a Military Farewell
Discount Caskets stainless steel, $5,695 each, rated 4.5 out of 5, prices updated August 2026
The highest tier in the Discount Caskets catalog, built for families sending off someone who served. Brushed platinum with white velvet, or midnight blue with pearl velvet. Identical underneath: stainless steel, 500 pound capacity, standard vault fit, air cargo delivery. The difference is what the finish says to the room. One names the service. The other carries the flag. Reviewed by a Navy veteran with pricing compared against funeral home stainless steel and every branch of the military addressed.
Going Home vs God Care: Two 18 Gauge Metal Caskets at $1,795
Discount Caskets 18 gauge metal, $1,795 each, reviewed April 2026, prices updated August 2026
The entry point for families who want solid metal without the showroom price. Both models share the same 18 gauge steel construction and the same cost, with two different blue finishes to match the tone of the service. Going Home reads classic and grounded. God Care reads softer and more contemplative. Specs, shipping, funeral home acceptance rights, and a side by side finish breakdown are all covered so the only call you need to make is to the people you love.
Gemini Series Burgundy vs Gold: Oversized Caskets That Actually Fit
Discount Caskets oversized 18 gauge sealed steel, $2,095 each, reviewed April 2026, prices updated August 2026
Finding an oversized casket online is hard enough. Finding one reviewed by someone who actually checked the width specs, vault requirements, and weight ratings is nearly impossible. The Gemini Series comes in burgundy and gold, both sealed 18 gauge steel with free shipping to your funeral home. This review covers every measurement that matters, explains your FTC rights when bringing your own casket, and puts the savings against what the funeral home quotes for comparable oversized models.
Steel Casket Under $1,200: Infinite Silver vs Orion Series Blue
Discount Caskets | 20 Gauge Steel | Infinite Silver $1,195, Orion Series Blue (sold as Clair Series Blue) $1,195 | Free Delivery to Your Funeral Home | Reviewed April 2026, prices updated August 2026
Two of the best-reviewed steel caskets available online, both $1,195 with free delivery. The same 20-gauge steel that funeral homes charge $3,000 to $5,000 for. We reviewed both side by side to help your family choose the right one based on burial type, color preference, and buyer track record.
Batesville Roman Bronze vs Churchill Blue Casket Review
Batesville 20-Gauge Steel | Comparison Review | April 2026
A direct comparison of two Batesville 20-gauge steel caskets that share the same structural platform but deliver completely different visual impressions. The Roman Bronze brings warmth with its copper finish and cream velvet. The Churchill Blue offers a more distinguished, formal presence with deep navy and light blue satin. Full specs, interior photos, pricing, and an honest verdict on who each one is built for.
Mercury Series vs Goliath 32 Oversized Casket Review
Head-to-head comparison | Steel oversized caskets | Reviewed April 2026
Oversized casket buying is rarely a planned purchase. It is a measurement, a phone call, and a clock already ticking. This comparison lays the Mercury Series and the Goliath 32 out flat: interior widths, capacity tiers, sealed vs non-sealed construction, vault implications, and the FTC Funeral Rule rights every family should know before the funeral home quotes a number.
Batesville Silver Rose vs Aurora Series Copper
18 Gauge Sealed Steel | $7,095 vs $1,395 | Silver Rose 4.4/5, Aurora Copper 4.5/5 | Reviewed April 2026, prices updated August 2026
The first cross-tier comparison on Memorial Merits. A Batesville premium casket at $7,095 against a house-brand alternative at $1,395 with identical construction specs. If you are weighing whether a name brand is worth the price difference, this is the review that answers it.
When Cost Is the Problem
Sometimes the question is not which casket. The question is affording a funeral at all. If you are deciding between paying the funeral home and paying rent, this is the section for you.
Memorial Merits Financial Resources Hub
Our financial resources hub covers funeral payment plans, low-credit funeral loans, government assistance programs, veteran burial benefits, nonprofit grants, and state-level emergency funeral funds. None of them require perfect credit. Most families do not know these exist. Start there first before putting a funeral on a credit card.
Crowdfunding Through Ever Loved
Ever Loved is the largest memorial crowdfunding platform in the United States, built specifically for funeral and end-of-life expenses. Unlike GoFundMe, Ever Loved charges zero platform fees. A campaign goes live in under ten minutes and reaches extended family, neighbors, coworkers, and community who want to help but do not know how. It works, and it works fast.
Quick Answers Before You Buy
Ten honest answers to the casket questions funeral homes rarely volunteer. If you need the deeper breakdown, the detailed FAQ at the bottom of this page covers more.
What size casket do I need?
Standard caskets fit most adults at about 24 inches wide at the shoulders. If the person measured over 6’4″ or 250+ pounds, an oversized model at 28, 30, or 32 inches is usually the right call. A reputable retailer will walk you through sizing before you commit.
Can a funeral home refuse a casket I bought elsewhere?
No. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a funeral home has to use a casket you supply, and they cannot charge a handling fee or mark it up. This is federal law, not negotiable.
Do sealed caskets preserve the body?
No. The FTC specifically prohibits funeral homes from claiming any casket preserves remains. Sealed caskets cost $200 to $500 more for a rubber gasket that does nothing for preservation. It is a preference feature, not a protection feature.
How heavy is a casket?
Most steel caskets weigh 180 to 250 pounds empty. Hardwood runs 150 to 220. Copper and bronze sit heaviest at 300+ pounds. Pallbearers typically share the load across six to eight people, so even a heavy casket carries comfortably.
What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?
A coffin has six or eight sides and tapers at the feet. A casket is rectangular, four-sided, and is what most American families use today. The difference is shape, not quality or purpose.
Can a regular casket be used for cremation?
Only if it is fully combustible. Metal caskets cannot go into the cremation retort. If the family wants a viewing before cremation, a rental casket with a removable liner is the standard approach and costs far less than a full wood model.
How fast will a casket arrive at the funeral home?
Discount Caskets delivers to the funeral home in 2 to 3 business days, free, anywhere in the lower 48. Overnight delivery is $199 when you order before the daily cutoff. Business days exclude weekends and holidays, so if the service is already scheduled, order first and then tell the funeral home the delivery date; you do not need their permission.
Are budget caskets embarrassing at visitation?
No. A $1,195 casket and a $5,000 casket sit side by side at services every day. Visitors are there for the person, not to judge the materials. Interior liners and hardware differ; the overall impression rarely does.
Can a casket be customized?
Most caskets allow interior embroidery (military insignia, religious imagery, personalized names) and corner decorations. Ask before ordering. Customization usually adds a small fee and one to two business days to delivery.
What if the casket does not fit the cemetery vault?
Standard cemetery vaults fit virtually every commercial casket. Oversized caskets may require an oversized vault, which costs more. Ask the cemetery for vault dimensions before choosing an oversized model, and confirm with the funeral home before ordering.
Cremation Urns Comparison Guide
Types of Urns:
- Wood Urns. Crafted from natural wood, offering a warm, traditional look with a variety of finishes like oak, cherry, and mahogany.
- Ceramic Urns. Elegant, handcrafted urns made from ceramic materials, known for their timeless beauty and durability. Pulvis Art Urns hand-makes ceramic urns in Europe and ships to the United States; the Memorial Merits coupon code MemorialMerits (case sensitive) applies at checkout.
- Metal Urns. Durable and sleek, these urns are available in materials like brass, stainless steel, and aluminum, offering long-lasting protection.
- Biodegradable Urns. Eco-friendly urns made from natural materials designed to break down naturally over time, ideal for green burials.
- Stone Urns. Made from marble or granite, these urns are known for their strength and elegant appearance, often used for long-term preservation. A different path in the same spirit: Parting Stone solidifies the full remains into 40 to 80 smooth stones, so there is no urn at all.
- Glass Urns. Delicate and artistic, glass urns provide a unique way to memorialize a loved one with intricate designs and vibrant colors. Spirit Pieces works a small portion of the ashes into hand-blown glass keepsakes and jewelry.
- Keepsake Urns. Small urns designed to hold a portion of the ashes, ideal for sharing among family members or keeping a small memorial at home. Lee Alexander and Co. makes the heirloom jewelry version.
- Modern Urns. Featuring contemporary designs, these urns often combine unique materials like resin, acrylic, or metal to create a more modern aesthetic.
- Photo Urns. These urns have space for a photograph, allowing families to add a personal touch to the memorial.
- Pet Urns. Designed specifically for pets, available in various materials like wood, ceramic, or metal, offering a loving tribute for pets of all sizes. The full pet section is further down this page.
Categories of Cremation Urns
Of all these kinds of cremation urns, they usually can be classified into 3 different categories: Keepsake, Companion & Standard, which is described below.
Keepsake Urns  Keepsake urns are smaller urns designed to hold a portion of the ashes, allowing family members or close friends to keep a small amount of the remains as a personal memorial.
| Companion Urns  Companion urns are designed to hold the ashes of two individuals, usually a couple, allowing them to be memorialized together.
| Standard Urns  A standard urn is meant to hold the full remains of one individual after cremation. Size: Typically holds around 200 cubic inches, which is suitable for the ashes of an average adult. Use Case: Standard urns are the most common type of urn used for single individuals, and they come in a variety of materials and designs to suit different preferences. Typically speaking, this is the type of urn most people see in advertisements and has a classic appeal to them. |
Pet Urns
Pet urns come in every size from a keepsake for a parakeet to a 300 cubic inch urn for a Great Dane, in polished wood, ceramic, and metal, most with engraving. Three Memorial Merits partners cover the range. Pulvis Art Urns hand-makes ceramic urns shaped for dogs, cats, rabbits, and reptiles (coupon code MemorialMerits, case sensitive). PetUrn.Net specializes in engraved wood and metal pet urns with a photo option. Tender Rest builds customizable urns sized to the animal’s weight.
For horses, large dogs, and other animals over about 150 pounds, ask the crematory for the cremated weight first, then size the urn at one cubic inch per pound of that figure. For snakes, lizards, and small mammals, a keepsake urn of 5 to 25 cubic inches is the right scale, and Pulvis makes reptile-shaped urns specifically. No matter the species, the urn should fit the animal you lived with, not a standard.
 Dog urns provide a special way to honor the loyalty and companionship of your beloved dog. Crafted from polished wood or ceramic, many dog urns feature paw prints and personalized engravings, making them a meaningful and personal tribute. Whether commemorating a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, or any other breed, these urns are designed to reflect the unique bond shared with a cherished pet, offering a lasting memorial in a serene and dignified design. | Cat Urns Cat urns provide a graceful way to remember a beloved feline companion. These urns, made from polished wood or ceramic, often feature a cat silhouette engraving, offering a dignified and personal tribute. Whether for a gentle Siamese, a majestic Maine Coon, or any other breed, these urns reflect the unique bond shared with a cherished cat. Their serene design honors the grace and companionship of your pet, ensuring a lasting and meaningful memorial. | Rabbit Urns Rabbit urns offer a heartfelt way to honor the memory of a beloved pet rabbit. Designed from polished wood or ceramic, these urns often feature delicate rabbit engravings, making them a beautiful and personal tribute. Whether for a playful Holland Lop or a gentle Flemish Giant, these urns are crafted to evoke warmth, love, and cherished memories. Perfect for memorializing rabbits of all sizes, they offer a lasting and dignified way to celebrate a special companion. |
Where to Look Next
These are the pages families open next when they are working through the same decision.
Casket and Urn FAQ
Deeper answers covering both caskets and urns. For the quick-hit casket questions, see the Quick Answers Before You Buy block further up the page.
How much cheaper are caskets online versus at a funeral home?
Online retailers like Discount Caskets sell at retail direct prices. Funeral homes typically mark caskets up 200 to 500 percent. A casket retailing for $1,500 online can run $4,500 to $7,500 at a funeral home for the exact same model. Families who read this page first commonly save $2,000 to $8,000 on the casket alone, and shipping to the funeral home is free, so the retail price is the whole cost.
What happens if a casket arrives damaged?
Most online retailers, including Discount Caskets, handle damaged deliveries through replacement or refund. Have the funeral director photograph any visible damage before accepting delivery and call the retailer directly. Refusing damaged delivery is the correct response. Signing for it complicates the claim.
Do caskets come with a warranty?
Many caskets carry limited manufacturer warranties covering construction defects. Sealed caskets sometimes include a separate seal warranty, but the FTC explicitly prohibits any claim that the seal preserves remains. Warranty details appear on each casket’s product page before you order.
How quickly can a casket ship after someone has passed?
Standard shipping from Discount Caskets is free and reaches the funeral home in 2 to 3 business days anywhere in the lower 48. Overnight is $199 and arrives the next business day when you order before the daily cutoff. Business days exclude weekends and holidays. If a service is already scheduled, order first and give the funeral home the delivery date; the retailer coordinates the delivery window with the funeral home directly.
What is the typical price range for a complete casket?
At Discount Caskets, caskets start at $995 for an eco casket and $1,195 for a 20 gauge steel model in the Low-Priced Collection. Standard 18 gauge steel and hardwood models run $1,395 to $2,800. Batesville starts at $1,760 and runs to $9,195. Solid copper, stainless steel, and solid bronze caskets range $5,695 to $8,350. Every casket ships free regardless of price. Funeral homes quote $2,000 to $10,000 or more for the same tiers; the NFDA median funeral home price for a metal casket is $2,500.
Do some cemeteries require a specific casket type?
Most do not, but some do. Jewish cemeteries traditionally require all-wood construction with no metal hardware. Green and natural burial cemeteries require biodegradable materials like pine, wicker, or cardboard. Standard cemeteries accept any commercial casket. Confirm with the specific cemetery before ordering.
What are standard casket sizes?
A standard adult casket measures about 84 inches long, 28 inches wide on the outside, and 23 inches tall, with an interior width of roughly 24 inches at the shoulders. It fits most adults up to about 6 feet 4 inches and 250 pounds. Oversized caskets run 28, 30, or 32 inches of interior width and 88 inches long or longer. Youth and infant caskets come in lengths from 20 to 60 inches. If you are unsure, give the retailer the height and weight and let them size it; a casket that is too small cannot be used and a cemetery vault has to match the casket width.
Does Costco sell caskets, and are they a good deal?
Yes. Costco lists caskets online at about $1,150 to $1,600 with shipping included, supplied by Titan Casket and Prime Caskets rather than by Costco itself, and the selection is a handful of steel models. The price is fair and sits in the same tier as a retailer’s Low-Priced Collection. The trade-off is choice and timing: Costco’s listings ask you to call the supplier to confirm delivery before ordering, while a dedicated casket retailer shows the delivery window before you pay and stocks hundreds of models across wood, metal, oversized, military, and cremation.
URNS
What size urn do I need for an adult?
The standard rule is one cubic inch of urn capacity per pound of pre-cremation body weight. A 180-pound adult needs roughly a 180 cubic inch urn. Most standard adult urns hold 200 cubic inches, which accommodates nearly every adult with room to spare. Keepsake urns and cremation jewelry hold smaller portions for family members who want to share remains.
How much does an urn typically cost?
Basic wood or metal urns start around $50 to $100. Ceramic and artist urns typically run $150 to $500. Biodegradable water or earth urns cost $100 to $300. Cremation jewelry ranges from $50 for basic pendants to $2,500 for premium pieces. Memorial diamonds from specialty providers run several thousand dollars. The urn is usually a small fraction of the full cremation cost.
What types of urns are available?
Standard urns come in wood, metal, ceramic, and stone. Biodegradable urns work for earth or water burial. Keepsake urns hold small portions for family sharing. Companion urns hold two sets of remains. Scattering urns are designed to open easily for dispersal. Cremation jewelry preserves a small amount of ash inside a pendant, ring, or bracelet. Memorial diamonds and plantable tree urns are specialty options growing in popularity.
Can you fly with an urn containing ashes?
Yes. TSA allows cremated remains in both carry-on and checked bags, but the urn must pass through X-ray scanning. Dense metal, stone, and ceramic urns often block the scan and will be refused at security. Use a temporary wood or plastic transport urn for the flight, then transfer to the permanent urn at your destination. Carry the death certificate and cremation certificate for international travel.
Can ashes be divided among multiple urns?
Yes. Families commonly divide ashes among a main urn, keepsake urns for each family member, and cremation jewelry pieces. There is no legal restriction on dividing remains in the United States. The crematory or funeral home can handle the division at the time of cremation, or you can do it yourself at home using a simple scoop. Most cremation jewelry kits include the transfer tools and instructions.
Can an urn be buried or does it have to stay above ground?
Both are fine. Urns can be buried in a cemetery urn plot (usually far cheaper than a full casket plot), placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, scattered at a meaningful location, or placed inside an existing family grave. Biodegradable urns work for home garden burial in states that allow private interment. Confirm local regulations before burying on private property.
Is there a Memorial Merits discount code for cremation urns?
Yes. The Memorial Merits coupon code for Pulvis Art Urns is MemorialMerits, case sensitive, entered at checkout on any of their handcrafted ceramic urns, keepsakes, or pet urns. Discount Caskets does not use a coupon code; its retail direct pricing and free delivery to any funeral home apply automatically through the links on this page.
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