Traditional caskets cost an average of $2,500 and are designed to resist the very earth they’re buried in. For families seeking something different, basket caskets offer a return to simplicity.

These handwoven vessels, crafted from willow, bamboo, seagrass, or rattan, have been used for centuries across cultures. Now they’re experiencing a revival as more families choose natural burials and eco-friendly farewells that honor both their loved one and the environment.

This guide covers what basket caskets are, why they’re gaining popularity, the materials and costs involved, and how to choose the right one for your family.

What Is a Basket Casket?

Basket caskets, also called wicker or woven caskets, are handcrafted burial containers made from natural materials like willow, bamboo, seagrass, or rattan. Skilled artisans weave these fibers into sturdy vessels capable of supporting 300+ pounds, comparable to traditional caskets.

Unlike metal or treated wood caskets designed to delay decomposition, basket caskets are fully biodegradable. According to the Green Burial Council, certified green burial products must break down naturally without releasing toxins into the soil. Basket caskets meet this standard, typically decomposing within a few years depending on soil conditions.

Woven burial containers aren’t new. They’ve been used for centuries across cultures, from traditional English willow coffins to woven bamboo caskets in parts of Asia. What’s changed is accessibility. Families in the United States can now purchase basket caskets directly from online retailers rather than relying solely on funeral homes.

Why Are Basket Caskets Gaining Popularity?

1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choice

Traditional caskets carry a hidden environmental cost. According to the Berkeley Planning Journal, conventional burials in the U.S. put approximately 800,000 gallons of embalming fluid, 90,000 tons of steel, and 30 million board feet of hardwood into the ground each year.

Basket caskets sidestep all of this. Made from renewable, fast-growing plants like willow and bamboo, they contain no metal hardware, synthetic linings, or chemical treatments. They decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the soil rather than sealing them away.

For families who want their final farewell to reflect their environmental values, basket caskets offer a tangible way to reduce their ecological footprint.

2. Connection to Nature and Simplicity

There’s something grounding about a basket casket that metal and lacquered wood can’t replicate. The visible weave, the natural texture, the imperfections that prove human hands made it.

Many families describe the experience as more intimate. Rather than lowering a sealed vault into the earth, they’re returning their loved one in something that feels organic, almost gentle. Some families choose to place wildflowers, letters, or meaningful items directly into the casket before burial, a practice many traditional caskets don’t accommodate as naturally.

For families drawn to home funerals or simple graveside services without elaborate ceremony, basket caskets fit both aesthetically and philosophically. They strip away the industrial and bring focus back to the person being honored.

3. Personalization and Handcrafted Elegance

Because basket caskets are handwoven rather than factory-produced, no two are identical. Each carries subtle variations in weave pattern, color tone, and texture that make it one of a kind.

Beyond the inherent uniqueness, many manufacturers offer customization options:

• Linings: Natural cotton, wool, or unbleached muslin in various colors
• Handles: Rope, leather, or woven extensions matching the casket material
• Decorative elements: Dried flowers, ribbons, or painted accents
• Shape variations: Traditional rectangular, tapered, or rounded styles

Families have adorned basket caskets with handwritten notes tucked into the weave, fresh flowers from their garden, or fabric from meaningful clothing. The open structure invites personalization in ways that sealed metal caskets simply don’t allow.

Most basket caskets sold in the U.S. are crafted by artisans in the UK, where willow coffin weaving has a long tradition, or in Southeast Asia where bamboo and rattan craftsmanship thrives. Companies like Discount Caskets offer a range of imported options at prices well below funeral home markups.

4. Cost-Effective Alternative

Traditional caskets at funeral homes typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with metal options often exceeding $5,000. Basket caskets, by comparison, generally cost between $800 and $1,500 depending on material and craftsmanship.

Here’s a rough comparison:

What many families don’t realize: you’re not required to purchase a casket from your funeral home. The FTC Funeral Rule guarantees your right to buy a casket from any vendor and requires the funeral home to accept it with no handling fee.

This means you can order a basket casket online, have it shipped directly to the funeral home, and save hundreds or thousands compared to funeral home pricing. Browse options in our Caskets, Urns & Monuments directory to compare.

5. Aligns with the Concept of Natural Burials

Natural burial goes beyond just choosing a biodegradable casket. It’s a complete approach that typically includes:

• No embalming (or only non-toxic alternatives)
• No concrete vault or grave liner
• Biodegradable burial container (or shroud only)
• Native plantings instead of traditional headstones

Basket caskets check every box. They contain no metal, no synthetic materials, and no chemical treatments that would disrupt decomposition or leach into the soil.

The number of certified natural burial cemeteries in the U.S. has grown significantly over the past decade. The Green Burial Council’s directory lists certified providers across the country, ranging from dedicated natural cemeteries to hybrid cemeteries that offer both conventional and green burial sections.

If you’re considering a natural burial, confirm with your chosen cemetery that basket caskets are permitted. Most certified green cemeteries welcome them, but some hybrid cemeteries have restrictions on container types or require specific documentation.

For families exploring eco-friendly embalming alternatives to pair with a basket casket, options like refrigeration, dry ice, or plant-based preservation fluids can maintain the body without traditional formaldehyde-based embalming.

Understanding the Materials of Basket Caskets

The material you choose affects appearance, durability, price, and environmental impact. Here’s what to know about each option:

Willow

Willow is the most traditional and widely available material for basket caskets. Grown primarily in the UK, willow has been used for coffin weaving for centuries. It produces a refined, honey-toned casket with a tight, elegant weave.

• Appearance: Classic wicker look, warm golden-brown tones
• Weight: Lightweight (typically 25-35 lbs empty)
• Price range: $1,000 – $1,500
• Best for: Families wanting traditional craftsmanship with proven durability

Bamboo

Bamboo grows up to three feet per day, making it one of the most renewable materials on earth. According to the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees, adding to its environmental appeal.

• Appearance: Clean, modern lines with a lighter color palette
• Weight: Very lightweight (often under 30 lbs)
• Price range: $800 – $1,200
• Best for: Families prioritizing sustainability and modern aesthetics

Seagrass

Harvested from coastal tidal areas, seagrass creates a softer, more textured casket with a distinctive green-gray hue. The looser weave gives it a delicate, organic appearance.

• Appearance: Soft texture, muted green and tan tones
• Weight: Lightweight
• Price range: $900 – $1,300
• Best for: Coastal families or those drawn to a softer, more natural look

Rattan

Rattan is a vine-like palm that grows in tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Its sturdy fibers create a durable casket with a classic woven appearance similar to willow but often at a lower price point.

• Appearance: Warm brown tones, slightly chunkier weave than willow
• Weight: Lightweight but sturdy
• Price range: $700 – $1,100
• Best for: Budget-conscious families who still want handcrafted quality

Quick Comparison

Basket caskets represent just one option within the broader movement toward eco-friendly burial alternatives. Families also consider biodegradable shrouds, simple pine boxes, or cardboard caskets depending on their preferences and cemetery requirements.

Choosing the Right Basket Casket: What to Consider

Choosing the Right Basket Casket: What to Consider

Selecting a basket casket involves more than picking a material you like. Here are the practical factors to work through:

Confirm Cemetery Requirements First

Before purchasing, contact your cemetery directly and ask:

• Do they permit basket caskets?
• Is a burial vault or grave liner required? (Many natural cemeteries don’t require one, but traditional cemeteries often do. A vault defeats the purpose of a biodegradable casket.)
• Are there size specifications?
• Do they need documentation about the casket materials?

If you’re using a certified green burial cemetery, basket caskets are typically welcomed. Hybrid or conventional cemeteries vary widely in their policies.

Coordinate with Your Funeral Home

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere and cannot charge a handling fee. However, it helps to communicate early:

• Inform them you’re providing your own casket
• Confirm delivery instructions (address, receiving hours, contact person)
• Ask if they have experience with basket caskets for viewing or services

Some funeral directors are unfamiliar with woven caskets and may have questions. A quick call prevents surprises.

Plan for Shipping and Timing

Most basket caskets ship from the UK or Southeast Asia, though domestic retailers keep inventory in U.S. warehouses. Shipping timelines vary:

If death is imminent or has already occurred, confirm stock availability before ordering. Retailers like Discount Caskets maintain U.S. inventory for faster delivery.

Consider Viewing and Service Needs

Basket caskets work beautifully for viewings and services, but there are a few considerations:

• Open casket viewing: The natural interior is visible. Some families add a fabric lining or quilt for comfort and appearance.
• Weight capacity: Most basket caskets support 300+ pounds, but verify with the manufacturer if needed.
• Carrying: Woven handles are sturdy but feel different than metal hardware. Pallbearers should be briefed.
• Outdoor services: Basket caskets look especially fitting for graveside services in natural settings.

Size and Fit

Basket caskets come in standard sizes similar to traditional caskets, but always verify interior dimensions:

• Standard interior: Approximately 72-78″ long x 22-24″ wide
• Oversized options: Available from some manufacturers for additional cost

Measure or ask the funeral home if you’re uncertain about fit.

The Future of Basket Caskets and Green Funerals

Green burial isn’t a fringe movement anymore. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, over 60% of Americans express interest in environmentally friendly burial options, up significantly from just a decade ago.

Several trends are driving this shift:

More certified cemeteries. The number of green burial cemeteries in the U.S. continues to grow. What was once limited to a handful of locations now spans most states, making natural burial geographically accessible to more families.

Changing generational values. Baby boomers and Gen X, now planning for their own end-of-life preferences, increasingly prioritize environmental impact. Many are pre-planning green funerals and specifying basket caskets in their advance directives.

Funeral home adaptation. As consumer demand grows, more funeral homes are stocking or partnering with eco-friendly casket (aff) suppliers. Families no longer have to fight for alternatives; many funeral directors now actively offer them.

Cost pressures. With traditional funeral costs averaging $7,000-$12,000, according to the NFDA’s consumer survey data, families are seeking dignified options that don’t require financing a funeral. Basket caskets, combined with direct burial or simple services, offer a meaningful farewell at a fraction of conventional costs.

The trajectory is clear: basket caskets and green burials are moving from alternative to mainstream. Families who once had to search for options now find them readily available, and the stigma around choosing something other than a traditional casket has largely faded.

Final Thoughts: A Gentle and Natural Farewell

Basket caskets aren’t just an eco-friendly alternative. They represent a return to something older and more human: the idea that burial should be simple, natural, and gentle.

For families who want their final farewell to reflect values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and connection to the earth, a woven casket offers exactly that. No metal, no synthetic padding, no industrial finish. Just natural fibers shaped by human hands into something beautiful and temporary, designed to return to the soil alongside the person it carries.

Whether you’re pre-planning your own arrangements or making decisions for a loved one, basket caskets deserve consideration. They’re more affordable than most traditional options, widely accepted at green burial cemeteries, and increasingly available from online retailers who ship directly to your funeral home.

Explore our Casket & Urn Comparison Guide to see how basket caskets compare to other options, or browse eco-friendly choices in our Caskets, Urns & Monuments directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in Learning More?

• The Modern Mausoleum: Are These Sustainable Trends Your Best Option?
• Eco-Friendly Embalming Alternatives: Paving the Way for Sustainable Farewells
• Understanding Funeral and Burial Laws: A Guide to Legal Rights and Responsibilities
• 9 Things Funeral Directors Wish They Could Tell You (But Usually Don’t)
• Mausoleum Burial vs. Traditional Burial: What You Need to Know Before Choosing

Author: Gabriel Killian

Founder, Memorial Merits U.S. Navy Service Member Gabriel created Memorial Merits after experiencing funeral industry complexities & exploitation firsthand when his father passed away unexpectedly in 2019. His mission: protect families from predatory practices and provide clear guidance during impossible times. [Read Full Story →] EXPERTISE: • Personal experience with loss • Funeral planning (multiple times) • AI grief support development • Published author (legacy planning)