Introduction
To find the best choice for your loved one’s final resting place, consider the strongest materials available. Copper and bronze caskets are among the highest quality caskets on the market. Made of semi-precious metals, these caskets are beautiful, non-corrosive, and highly durable.
If you want a casket that is not only timeless and elegant but is also trusted for its strength and durability, a bronze or copper casket may be exactly what you’re looking for. (Gold caskets are another high-quality option.)
We recommend Titan Caskets, an online retailer with great prices. Skip down to our full review.
It is common to use the terms casket and coffin interchangeably. Every copper (or bronze) casket I have ever seen is a casket, not a coffin, by their formal distinction.
Caskets Made from Copper and Bronze
These caskets are, of course, made of metal—but not just any metal. They are made of copper and bronze alloy and are virtually indestructible.
Both bronze and copper are corrosion resistant. Copper is one-third stronger than stainless steel. Bronze beats both; it is the strongest material commercially used in constructing caskets.
Both bronze and copper will patina, a chemical reaction that forms a protective coating over the surface to prevent rust. The green-blue patina of copper is what gives the Statue of Liberty its iconic color—believe it or not, the statue used to be brown.
Copper and bronze caskets tend to be expensive. The raw material price can fluctuate and will be a factor in the overall price. While it seems like common sense that copper and bronze are more expensive than wood and stainless steel, most people wouldn’t guess copper is more expensive than bronze—especially as bronze is an alloy of copper.
That said, copper and bronze caskets are very similar in price depending on individual finishes.
These semiprecious metals result in caskets that are stronger than steel and last longer than wood. They are also more versatile in appearance because of the wide range of styles, designs, and colors.
Metal Caskets
Caskets made of bronze and copper fall under the wider category of metal caskets—those that are made of bronze, copper, stainless steel, and non-stainless steel.
Metal caskets are known for their ability to keep elements away from penetrating their interiors. Funeral providers often describe them as “protective” or “gasketed” caskets (or use the word “coffin”).
When a casket is referred to as gasketed, it means that it has a thick rubber gasket used to seal the casket after it is closed. This will then seal the enclosure of the lid, keeping any outside elements from entering. Gaskets are extremely common for steel caskets. Some retailers include them as standard. Wooden caskets can never be sealed or gasketed.
Gasketed caskets will not keep a body from decomposing, but the process will happen much slower than with wooden caskets. In conjunction with embalming, metal caskets can preserve a body many times longer than the wooden standard.
Many people find it best to use a sealed metal casket and are comforted by the level of strength and quality. Copper and bronze caskets are also available with elegant paint and lacquer finishes to further personalize the chamber. The casket interior may also vary according to the material, stitching, color, and plushness. Metal caskets are truly versatile.
Trivia: According to CNBC’s 2013 documentary “Death: It’s a Living”, metal caskets outsell their wood counterparts at a ratio of 4:1. This may come as no surprise since metal caskets—such as those made of bronze or copper—are more modern-looking.
One additional point regarding metal caskets.: when it is necessary to transport corpses internationally, often there are regulations in place requiring the casket to be hermetically sealed which means the casket is gasketed metal, not wood.
More on Bronze and Copper Caskets
Copper and bronze caskets are considered upmarket because of their high-end materials.
Of the 1.7 million caskets sold in 2007, the Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America estimates the following production of caskets according to type:
| Percentage | Type of Casket |
| 47.3% | gasketed steel |
| 17.8% | hardwood |
| 15.6% | non-gasketed steel |
| 10.8% | cloth-covered caskets |
| 4.0% | stainless steel |
| 2.2% | copper or bronze |
| 1.9% | Infant & Children (14 and under) |
| less than 1% | composite materials |
The “Gauge” of Copper and Bronze
While most metal caskets are measured by gauge, copper, bronze, gold, and silver caskets have a different standard. If you are considering the purchase of a copper or bronze casket, take note that the metal components in the casket are measured by weight instead of by gauge (the measurement used in steel caskets).
If you find a copper or bronze casket with “32-oz.” in the product details, it means that the material weighed 32-oz per square foot. You may also see “48 oz”. As common sense would suggest, 32 oz is cheaper than 48 oz.
Curious about actual casket weights. Read our article where we answer: how much do caskets weigh?
Why Should I Choose a Copper Or Bronze Casket?
Aside from the top-quality features of durability and strength, these type of caskets have an edge for of the following reasons:
- They have a wide range of styles and designs.
- They allow for customization.
- They enable you to personalize a casket for your loved one.
Because bronze and copper caskets are in the higher price range, casket providers can and do offer a wider range of styles and options. Which provides more choices for you to honor your deceased loved one.
Some retailers even allow you to customize the final design of a bronze or copper casket in terms of molding, stamps, interior, and other decorations. You can personalize it according to your deceased loved one’s interests and passions.
To learn more about the different parts of a casket and the interior panel, which is most often personalized, read our article.
How Much Are Bronze and Copper Caskets?
Due to the wide range of options and finishes, it is difficult to pin down a standard average price. Most bronze and copper caskets fall in a range from $3,600 to $10,000 or more. Certain online retailers can undercut these prices (including Titan Caskets) and some extremely high quality caskets will exceed $10,000.
The cost of copper and bronze caskets depend on the material, style, production method, and any protective features. To explore alternative options, read our complete guide to casket prices (including a compendium of average prices and free calculator).
The color and the material of the interior can also factor in the price. Obviously, it will cost more if you prefer to have it customized.
Tip: The FTC requires all funeral homes to provide a general price list of caskets. You can call to discuss prices over the phone, or have a copy sent to you. You may also set an appointment to see the available caskets yourself. Legally, the funeral director is are obliged to (offer to) give you a GPL before you enter the showroom.
Copper & Bronze Casket Cost Calculator
Technical Disclaimer: These estimates have been complied from extensive general price list sampling and regional and national pricing studies, including publicly available data provided by the NFDA. in Valhalla does not imply nor guarantee any caskets will be available from any seller at any of the estimated prices.
Wondering if you need an oversized casket for your loved one? Read our article about standard vs. oversized caskets.
Where Can I Buy Copper and Bronze Caskets?
Online retailers are invariably cheaper than funeral homes. We recommend Titan Caskets as our top choice for metal caskets.
There are plenty of options on where to buy bronze and copper caskets. You can choose to purchase one from your funeral provider, through an independent retailer, or an online supplier.
If you prefer to buy on Amazon, start here for bronze and here for copper caskets. The prices are surprisingly competitive!
Remember: Your funeral home is required to accept any casket that you bought elsewhere. They must not charge you any fee for doing so, nor can they require you to be present at its delivery.
Titan Caskets
Titan is an online business that specializes in manufacturing and shipping caskets. Their expertise means they can afford to offer prices much lower than funeral homes.
We have researched the options and feel that Titan offers the best product, customer service, and easiest experience. Use our research to save time, money, and energy. You can rely on Titan and remove stress from the process.
We like Titan Caskets for a few reasons:
- Great Prices
- Free 2-6 day shipping
- Expedited shipping options
- Totally Customizable (Try their Design Your Own Custom Casket tool)
- Great Customer Service
- Made in the USA
A few other notes:
- They can deliver anywhere: residence, funeral home, or other facility.
- Titan Caskets serve the lower 48 states of America.
Bronze Caskets
Copper Caskets
Alternative Online Retailers
There are many online casket retailers to choose from. They offer the same (or better) quality caskets available in funeral homes, for significantly cheaper prices. Some of these online retailers can even deliver within 24 hours across the U.S.
Large online retailers such as Amazon, Costco, and Walmart even offer caskets, but they will have a limited selection. The ability to personalize the caskets will be minimal.
As you can imagine, the options are overwhelming. We recommend Titan.
Remember: Double-check the delivery details as well and see if the standard shipping time fits your needs. Order your casket as soon as possible in case of shipping delays.
Funeral Homes
You can buy a bronze or copper casket from your funeral provider. They are usually sourced from large casket manufacturers and have a wide variety of options available.
As most funeral homes have some number of caskets on-site, you don’t have to worry about shipping costs or travel time. These savings rarely balance their much higher prices, though.
FAQ
Copper and bronze caskets range in cost from $3,500 to $10,000 and can go much higher. Buying online is cheaper than funeral homes (as low as $1,000). Copper and bronze caskets are among the most expensive caskets because they are made of semiprecious metals. These coffins are also stronger than those made of steel.
Aside from the difference in material, metal caskets are sealed, unlike wooden caskets. The air-tight seal will protect the remains of your loved one from outside elements like water and air for some time. The appearance is also different.
“Better” is a matter of choice. It really depends on your personal preference and if you are planning a green funeral. In this case you may consider wicker or pine box coffins.
Bronze and copper caskets are both metal and considered the highest quality available. They are similar in style and price, the subtle variation is the base material itself. Bronze is actually the strongest material in constructing caskets. Both coffins are strong, durable, and elegant, and allow for elegant finishes and plenty of personal styles to choose from.
No, no metal can be cremated. This includes full-metal caskets all the way down to pine boxes with metal screws.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions or feedback, send us an email at info@in-valhalla.com.
