Guide To Buying A Coffin

Whether you’re planning a funeral for a loved one or starting to think about your own send-off, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to coffins, that’s why we set up our Unique & Bespoke ranges, offering a choice like never before.

Below we will outline some of the main types of coffins and styles available to choose from, and how much you can normally expect to pay.

How much is a coffin?

The price of a coffin depends on the type of coffin, the material it’s made of, and the workmanship needed to build it.
For example, a cardboard coffin will cost much less than a solid wood coffin.

Here to save you money. Profit margins on coffins can be high, so if you’re looking to cut these costs and have the widest choice, you can buy your own and get it delivered to your home, collect from our office or even delivered direct to your funeral home of choice across throughout England.

What are the types of coffins and caskets?

Here are some of the most popular choices for every price range:

Economy coffins

Economy coffins usually range from anywhere between £300 to £750 but our prices start from Only £150. The most common type is:

Cardboard coffin– Cardboard coffins are the most affordable option; these can be easily customised. They are becoming more and more popular. They are made from biodegradable cardboard and cremate quickly, producing lower carbon emissions. It’s important to consider the person’s size when choosing a cardboard coffin, as there are weight limitations. Those with printed designs can be a few hundred pounds and even more when made fully bespoke.
Jute coffin – These are a very recent addition to the coffin world, as not only do they come flat packed, but they are also classed as Eco-friendly. These natural fibre coffins afford an alternative to cardboard at around half the price of a traditional willow coffin. Jute coffins are suitable for both burial & cremation.

Mid-range coffins

Mid-range coffins usually cost around £425 to £900, but we start from Only £225. Popular types of moderately priced coffins include:

Veneered wood– Veneered wood coffins offer a quality look without the steep price tag. They are made with veneer panels and a real wood top. This offers a feeling of luxury and makes them a popular choice for a traditional funeral.
Wood effect – Laminate wood effect coffins offer a quality look without the price of having a layer of wood veneer. This offers a feeling of wood and luxury and makes them a popular choice for a traditional funeral.
Willow– Willow coffins are great for creating a natural look that doesn’t compromise on quality. Willow is known for being strong and beautiful. It’s sustainably grown, making willow coffins an eco-friendly choice. They are also considered good value for money and are easy to personalise.

Bespoke Coffins By Mark

These are Exclusive to us at Affordable Funeral Supplies, as all our coffin collections have been personally put together by Mark our founder and chief designer, to offer everyone truly unique styles and finishes, our Exclusive Collections range anywhere from £499 up to £1,200, depending on the style and materials you choose.

Heritage Colour Collection– These are part wrapped by our inhouse team in a range of contemporary colours and styles.
Classic Collection– These are part wrapped in a classic stone finish, which gives a more traditional high-end appeal to any burial or cremation.
Glitz & Glamour Collection – Part wrapped in a range of high textured glitter finishes or from our digital range, these include leopard print and diva designs.
Commissioned Pieces – As the name suggests these are coffins designed in collaboration with Mark our designer, offering a one-of-a-kind coffin, unlimited only by your imagination.
Statement Collection – These have been designed around our clients requests for something a bit out of the ordinary, with our customers taking the lead on design and finishes touches.

Comparing coffins

There are many types of coffins in stock. It’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of each to decide which one is best for you.
Think about what kind of funeral you or your loved one would like to have. Then pick a coffin that’s in keeping with the theme.

What to consider when choosing coffins

When choosing coffins, it’s important to bear these things in mind:

The price– Whatever your price range, coffins can be expensive. Elaborate coffins made from premium materials will cost far more than standard designs. Sometimes you can barely tell the difference between one style over the other. It’s good to weigh up the costs of each to see if it’s worth paying extra. A solid wood casket may be high quality, for example, but it might look almost the same as a cheaper veneer coffin.
Materials– Consider the material of your coffin carefully. Think about cost, and whether it’s what you or your loved one would want. For example, is it important to you that your coffin is eco-friendly, like cardboard or jute? Or would you prefer something more durable, like wood effect or veneer?
Style– Would you prefer a more traditional look, or something that expresses your personality? Perhaps you’d like a wicker coffin with your favourite flowers woven in. Or maybe a plain cardboard design for your guests to write messages of love on at the service.
Any special requirements– There may be rules and regulations about certain types of coffins. For example, coffins made from non-biodegradable materials release toxic fumes when burned, or when buried in the ground. So, they might not be allowed for cremations or eco-friendly burial grounds. If you want a green funeral, always ask the burial site whether the coffin you’d like meets their guidelines

Can I buy my own coffin?

You can always source your own coffin. We can deliver your order directly to your home or funeral director’s premises.
Funeral directors are there to help and should always allow you to purchase your own coffin if it’s FFMA approved, which all our coffins are.
Shopping with us not only gives options and choices but will also save you quite a bit of money as not limited by package, company or anything else.

How to carry a coffin

Carrying a coffin can be a big responsibility. All eyes are on you and your fellow pallbearers.
The funeral director will help you raise the coffin onto your shoulder when the service begins. When you walk, keep the coffin close and follow the director’s movements.
Always walk in line with the other pallbearers. Pay your respects by holding your head up and keeping your back straight.