There are important differences between caskets that should be noted prior to making your selection. The two distinct groups of caskets are Metal and Hardwood.

There are four types of metal caskets: Solid Bronze, Solid Copper, Stainless Steel, and Carbon Steel. They range in durability as well as price, with Bronze and Copper being the most durable, and therefore the most expensive. The type of metal, the casket shell design, and the interior fabric determine the price.

Hardwood caskets consist of many different types of wood. The price is determined by the specific type of wood, the casket shell design, and the fabric used to make the interior.

The interior fabrics, of metal and wood caskets, are available in velvet, velour, crepe and satin. Through head panels and hardware, some caskets reflect a theme such as nature, floral, and religious.

Metal
Metal caskets provide a wide range of eye appeal, durability, and pricing. This is why metal caskets account for two thirds of all caskets sold in the United States today. Available in a wide variety of colors and features, metal caskets provide great value and make for a fitting tribute. Metal caskets come in bronze, copper, stainless steel, and carbon steel.

Bronze, a semi-precious material is an alloy of copper, zinc, and tin. It is the strongest and most enduring of any casket-construction material.

Bronze is resistant to corrosive elements, an important consideration in selecting a casket. Bronze caskets are available in a hand brushed finish or painted finish. Bronze makes an elegant, exquisite remembrance.

Copper is considered a precious metal and evidence of its longevity rests in the original copper roofs and pipes existing on the world’s great architectural gems. It is resistant to corrosion.

Copper is one third stronger than stainless steel and available in a 32 ounce weight. Finishes are hand brushed or painted and applied by skilled artisans. This natural and precious metal expresses a remarkable life.

Stainless steel is an alloy metal. It’s strength and longevity derive from additions of chromium and nickel to carbon steel. The chromium protects against rust and oxidation. Stainless steel is 8.3 times longer lasting than 16 gauge carbon steel.

Aurora applies hand brushed or painted finishes to its stainless steel caskets. Skilled painters apply each coat by hand, then reheat the top coat, letting it harden into a smooth as glass finish.

Steel, The long lasting nature of metal coupled with its affordability and performance make steel caskets one of the most popular. Strength, reliability, pricing, and beauty all translate into the obvious value of steel caskets. Steel caskets are available in 18 gauge thickness and 20 gauge thicknesses.

WOOD
Hardwood caskets are made from a variety of different species. Prices are determined by the different species, casket shell design, and the fabric used to make the interior.

Mahogany is revered by many as the premier hardwood. Mahogany has a very distinct, pleasing grain and its propensity for high luster finishing creates unmatched beauty and eye appeal.

Cherry is one of the most popular species for casket construction. It is light, very strong, hard, and fine-grained. Used extensively in fine furniture, it is a very beautiful and suitable hardwood for caskets.

Maple, This North American hardwood is known for its distinctive grain along with an unsurpassed strength and durability. Maple is a favorite hardwood in the home furnishing industry.

Many of the same characteristics that make it appealing for use in the home also make it popular for use in casket construction.

Oak, A very hard, heavy and strong wood, Oak is durable and readily takes a great variety of fine finishes. The grain patterns of any two trees are never exactly alike providing individualism not found in other casket materials.

Caskets of Oak have a natural warmth and beauty that have remained the mark of fine quality and prestige.

Pecan, A durable and strong material used in all areas of woodworking. The deep grain provides an appealing color contrast. The red and brown heartwood accents create a unique appearance.

Hickory, A durable and strong material used in all areas of woodworking. The deep grain provides an appealing color contrast. The red and brown heartwood accents create a unique appearance.

Poplar, Strength, value, and versatility make Poplar appealing for any practical use and especially for casket construction. It is a hardwood native to forests in the northern United States and parts of Canada.

Hardwood Veneer, Veneer is a thin layer of wood produced by peeling, slicing, or sawing of logs. It allows for production of wood caskets in affordable price ranges. Color and grain patterns are similar to those found in solid hardwood caskets.