casketting

Casketting refers to the design and manufacture of caskets, the containers used to hold a deceased person's body for burial or cremation. In contemporary usage, a casket is a rectangular box with a hinged lid, while a coffin traditionally has a tapered form; however, the term "casket" is often used generically in many markets. Casketting encompasses product development, material selection, fabrication, finishing, and quality control within the funeral industry.

Casket bodies are built from a range of materials, including solid lumber (such as hardwoods and softwoods), veneered or laminated wood, metal (steel or aluminum), and non-wood options (fiberboard, wicker, polymer composites). Cremation caskets are designed to burn more efficiently and may employ lighter materials or biodegradable components, and all-casket products for green burials emphasize sustainable or compostable materials, such as low-impact finishes and natural textiles.

Interior features vary but commonly include soft lining, a pillow or cushion, and muffling fabric; hardware such as handles, hinges, nameplates, and gaskets may be added; some caskets are fully-lined with satin or crepe. Finishes may be stained, painted, or laminated, with exterior hardware and decorative elements reflecting cultural or religious preferences.

Manufacture involves design, cutting, assembly, finishing, and quality assurance, with strict production controls to ensure weight, fit, and sealing for transport and ceremony. The market includes standard burial caskets, cremation caskets, and biodegradable or eco-friendly options, and is regulated by local standards and consumer protection rules in many jurisdictions. Casketting is one of several core services in the funeral industry, and demand patterns are influenced by cultural practices, religious considerations, and environmental concerns.