Guide to Casket Selection

Comprehensive guide to choosing the right casket or burial container in Phoenix, including materials, styles, and cost considerations.

Written and reviewed by the Phoenix Funeral Guide Editorial Team. Last updated August 2026.

Types of Caskets

Metal Caskets

  • Steel (various gauges)
  • Stainless steel
  • Copper
  • Bronze
  • Protective sealing available

Wood Caskets

  • Pine
  • Oak
  • Maple
  • Cherry
  • Mahogany

Alternative Options

  • Eco-Friendly Choices
    • Biodegradable materials
    • Wicker or bamboo
    • Unfinished wood
    • Cardboard (for cremation)
  • Specialty Options
    • Oversized caskets
    • Military themes
    • Custom designs
    • Religious specifications

Price Ranges

Average Costs by Material

  • Basic steel: $2,000-$3,000
  • Premium steel: $4,000-$7,000
  • Copper/Bronze: $8,000-$20,000
  • Basic wood: $2,000-$3,000
  • Premium wood: $5,000-$10,000
  • Eco-friendly: $1,000-$3,000

Features to Consider

  • Interior
    • Fabric type and quality
    • Pillow and lining options
    • Color choices
    • Memory drawers
  • Exterior
    • Finish options
    • Hardware style
    • Corner designs
    • Personalization options

Consumer Rights

FTC Funeral Rule Protections

  • Right to detailed price list
  • Can purchase from outside sources
  • No requirement for "protective" caskets
  • Can use alternative containers for cremation
  • No required purchases for specific services

The FTC has directly inspected Phoenix-area funeral homes for Funeral Rule compliance before — a 2004 sweep of 26 funeral homes in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro found only 1 in violation. That inspection is old and isn't a guarantee of current practices, but it shows these consumer rights are actively enforced locally, not just a national policy on paper.

Selection Tips

  1. Set a budget before viewing options
  2. Consider long-term plans (burial vs. entombment)
  3. Review material durability
  4. Check cemetery requirements
  5. Consider environmental impact
  6. Ask about warranties

Common Questions

Are gaskets or sealing features necessary?

No, they're optional and don't preserve remains indefinitely.

Can I buy online or from another source?

Yes, funeral homes must accept caskets from other sources.

What's required for cremation?

A combustible container is required; elaborate caskets aren't necessary.

Personalization Options

  • Custom Panels
    • Religious symbols
    • Military insignia
    • Hobby themes
    • Personal photos
  • Engraving
    • Names and dates
    • Messages
    • Symbols