Coffin Prices in the UK: Types, Materials and Regulations (2024)

When it comes to planning a funeral, one of the significant costs can be the coffin. Coffin prices in the UK can vary widely depending on the type of coffin you choose. Many different types of coffin and links to their costs are listed to help find the cheapest coffin prices. Coffins for cremation such as cardboard use less energy to burn than traditional wood. Cardboard, wooden and wicker coffin prices are the most commonly searched for, lead lined coffin prices being less popular

Coffin prices in the UK vary widely depending on the type of coffin you choose. You can buy coffins from suppliers who deliver throughout the UK which are shown below. However, in some cases you will only be able to buy through an undertaker. For up-to-date prices on a chosen coffin visit the links below:

• Willow
• Wicker
• Timber
• Cardboard
• Banana leaves Not supplied to the public – purchase from funeral director.
• Pandanus leaves
• Cane Not supplied to the public – purchase from funeral director.
• Seagrass Not supplied to the public – purchase from funeral director.
• Bamboo
• Wool Not supplied to the public – ask your funeral director to purchase through JC Atkinson Tel: 0191 415 1516.

Types of coffins

There are many different types of coffins available, including, cardboard and chipboard. Eco-friendly options made from natural timber, bamboo, banana leaves, cane, pandanus leaves, seagrass, willow, and wool. Each type of coffin has its own unique features and benefits to the person purchasing it.

Natural timber coffins

Environmentally friendly timber coffins are perhaps the most traditional of coffins. However, it’s important to check that the timber is sourced from sustainable sources. It is important not to contribute to deforestation or a loss of natural habitat. Most natural timber coffins are joined together with wooden dowels not metal screws or nails. This is so that there are non-biodegradable items in the coffin. Handles are normally natural rope, which again degradable. These handmade coffins are not the lowest coffin prices due to the labour in making them.

Cardboard coffins

Cardboard coffins take around 60% less energy to burn with up to 90% less emissions compared to wood. It is for these reasons that some people prefer cardboard coffins for cremations.

Cardboard coffins are made from recycled cardboard and are designed to be biodegradable, making them a popular choice for people who are looking for a sustainable and affordable option for their loved one’s final resting place.

One of the main benefits of cardboard coffins is their affordability. They are typically much less expensive than traditional coffins made from wood, metal, or other materials. This can be a particularly important consideration for people who are on a budget or who want to keep coffin prices as low as possible.

Another benefit of cardboard coffins is their sustainability. Because they are made from recycled materials, they have a low environmental impact. They are also designed to biodegrade quickly and safely, without releasing harmful chemicals or gases into the environment.

Cardboard coffins are also customisable, with many companies offering the option to personalise the coffin with artwork, photographs, or messages. This can make them a meaningful and personal choice for those who are looking for a way to honour their loved one’s memory.

I once attended a funeral where the family had purchased a cardboard coffin online, had it delivered to their home and the children painted the coffin in bright colours and flowers. The undertaker then picked the coffin up from the family. Interestingly, this was not to save money. The family wanted a more environmentally friendly coffin and asked the children to paint the coffin so that the funeral would not be so sombre. It all worked very well.

If you were planning to decorate the coffin, then you are often told to use water-based paints, such as emulsion, powder paint or acrylics. Cardboard coffins can come as a plain brown colour or white finish.

Chipboard coffins

Chipboard coffins, also known as particle board coffins, are an affordable option for funerals. These coffins are made from recycled wood chips that are compressed and bonded together with a resin adhesive to create a strong and durable material. The surface is then usually covered in a thin plastic veneer to imitate a wood grain look.

One of the main benefits of chipboard coffins is their affordability. They are typically much less expensive than traditional coffins made from wood, metal, or other materials. This can be a particularly important consideration for people who are on a budget or who want to keep funeral expenses and coffin prices as low as possible.

Chipboard coffins are also customisable, with many companies offering the option to personalise the coffin with artwork, photographs, or messages. This can make them a meaningful and personal choice for those who are looking for a way to honour their loved one’s memory.

In addition, chipboard coffins are often designed to look similar to traditional coffins, so they can be a good option for people who want a more traditional appearance without the high cost.

Chipboard coffins are sometimes referred to as a traditional veneered coffin. Around 80% of coffins used for burial are chipboard construction. They are the most popular choice due to their affordability and ease of manufacture.

Due to the resins used to bond the chipboard together these coffins are not environmentally friendly as they emit toxins into the earth for over a 100 years. They will in time completely decay provided no plastic or metal handles are fitted.

Wicker coffins

Wicker coffins, also known as willow coffins, are an Eco-friendly and sustainable option for funerals in the UK. These coffins are made from woven willow or other natural materials, making them a popular choice for people who want to honour the deceased in a way that is environmentally friendly.

One of the main benefits of wicker coffins is their Eco-friendliness. They are made from renewable and biodegradable materials, which means they have a low environmental impact. They are also designed to biodegrade quickly and safely, without releasing harmful chemicals or gases into the environment.

Another benefit of wicker coffins is their natural appearance. They are often handcrafted and can be customised with personal touches, such as flowers or ribbons. This can make them a meaningful and personal choice.

Wicker coffins are also a lightweight option, which can make them easier to transport and handle during the funeral service. They are also typically less expensive than traditional coffins made from wood, metal, or other materials, making them a good option for those on a budget.

In addition, wicker coffins are available in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for people of all ages and sizes.

If you’re looking for an Eco-friendly wicker coffin prices, you can also choose from wicker and a variety of other materials such as bamboo, banana leaves, cane, pandanus leaves, seagrass, willow, and wool. These coffins are biodegradable, and do not harm the environment in any way.

Eco coffins

Eco-friendly coffins are a growing trend in the UK as people become increasingly concerned about the impact of traditional burial practices on the environment. These coffins are made from sustainable materials such as those listed above, and are designed to biodegrade quickly and naturally. Cardboard coffins without the waterproof liner are also classed as Eco-friendly coffins.

One of the main benefits of Eco-friendly coffins is their reduced environmental impact. Traditional coffins are typically made from materials such as hardwood, or chipboard which can take decades or even centuries to break down in the earth. This can lead to the release of harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases into the environment. Eco-friendly coffins, on the other hand, are made from natural materials that break down quickly and safely, without harming the environment.

With the exception of veneered chipboard and cardboard coffins another benefit of Eco-friendly coffins is their affordability. Traditional coffins can be expensive, with some costing thousands of pounds. Eco-friendly coffins, on the other hand, are often much more affordable, making them a good option for people who want to reduce their environmental impact without breaking the bank.

Eco-friendly coffins are also often seen as a more personal and meaningful choice. Traditional coffins can feel impersonal and sterile, but Eco-friendly coffins are often more rustic and natural-looking, which can be more fitting for someone who had a strong connection to nature.

Lead-lined coffins

Some traditional solid wood coffins can be lead lined, although this is not normally required unless transporting a body overseas. However, the use of lead-lined coffins is becoming less common due to environmental concerns. Lead is a toxic substance and can poison the soil, potentially contaminating groundwater and other natural resources. As a result, many countries have implemented regulations to limit the use of lead in coffins, or have banned it altogether.

Coffins for cremation

Cardboard coffins are becoming increasingly popular due to their Eco-friendly nature. They take around 60% less energy to burn compared to wood, and emit up to 90% fewer emissions.

If you’re purchasing a coffin for cremation, it is crucial to ensure with the manufacturer that it is FFMA (Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers’ Association) approved. This means that it is a suitable coffin for cremation as it conforms to regulations.

Coffins with an FFMA certificate are also recommended for burial, as they are lined and have a board in the base to give the coffin strength. This is especially important for wicker and cardboard coffins.

Natural burial sites

If you’re planning a natural burial, it’s important to keep in mind that embalming is not allowed due to the chemicals used. Similarly, cardboard coffins may not be accepted at natural burial sites due to the waterproofing chemical which is sometimes used to line the inside of them.

It is crucial to inquire about the type of coffin allowed before making a purchase.

Summary

Coffin prices in the UK can vary widely depending on the type of coffin you choose. It’s important to keep in mind the different materials available, regulations to follow, and eco-friendly options. Choosing the right coffin can make a significant difference in the cost of a funeral, as well as its impact on the environment.

To read further about Eco-friendly coffins please visit Environmentally friendly coffins. To paint and personalise a coffin, you could have the coffin delivered to your home and later collected by the undertaker. If the undertaker cannot collect, there is a UK van delivery service listed under Van transport service.