Coffin or Casket? A Clear Guide for Australian Families

Coffin or Casket? You’ve probably used both words without thinking twice. Most Australians do. But when you’re planning a funeral, often for the first time and under pressure, the difference between a coffin and a casket can start to matter.

It may affect whether an open viewing is possible, the overall tone of the service, what you spend, and how well the choice reflects the person you’ve lost. This guide explains the difference clearly, so you can make a decision that feels right, without jargon, pressure, or unnecessary detail.

What Is a Coffin?

A coffin usually has a single flat lid covering the full length, with handles mounted along the sides. The interior is often simpler than a casket, although this depends on the material and finish chosen.

Coffins are available in many options, from recycled cardboard and bamboo to MDF, timber veneer, and solid hardwood. They can be used for both cremation and burial, and for many Australian families, a coffin is the most common starting point.

What Is a Casket?

Caskets usually have richer interior padding and lining, bar-style handles, and a heavier overall construction than comparable coffins. These features can make them more expensive, but they also create a more formal presentation.

A casket is often suited to burial services, traditional church funerals, and any service where a viewing is planned.

Coffin vs Casket: The Key Differences at a Glance

Here is a simple side-by-side comparison to help you understand how coffins and caskets differ in shape, design, use, and starting price.

Feature	Coffin	Casket
Shape	Six-sided, tapered at the head and feet	Rectangular, with uniform width
Lid	Single flat lid covering the full length	Split lid, with the top half opening independently
Handles	Side-mounted handles	Bar-style handles
Interior	Usually simpler lining	Often padded and more richly lined
Construction	More compact and uses less material	Heavier build with more material
Best suited for	Cremation, burial, and closed services	Burial, open viewing, and formal services
Open viewing	Possible on request, but less practical	Designed specifically for this purpose
Typical starting price	From around $600	From around $1,500
Word origin	Traditional English term used in Australia and the UK	Originally meant a jewellery box before becoming common in American funerals

Most Australians use the words coffin and casket interchangeably, but the terms have different origins. Coffin is the traditional English word used in Australia and the UK. Casket originally meant a small decorative box for jewellery or valuables. In the 1800s, American funeral directors began using “casket” because it sounded softer and less confronting than “coffin.” Over time, caskets became more common in the United States, while Australia continued to use “coffin” as the everyday term.

What Does a Coffin or Casket Cost in Australia?

The coffin or casket is typically the single largest item cost in a funeral. According to Australian funeral industry data, the average spend on one sits at around $2,808, though what families actually pay ranges from a few hundred dollars to well over ten thousand, depending on material, finish, and provider.

Here is an honest breakdown of current Australian pricing:

Option	Approx. Cost (AUD)
Cardboard / eco coffin	$600 – $900
Basic MDF coffin	$800 – $1,500
Mid-range timber coffin	$2,000 – $4,000
Premium hardwood coffin	$4,000 – $10,000+
Entry-level casket	$1,500 – $3,000
Premium metal or timber casket	$5,000 – $15,000+

Source: Australian funeral industry pricing data, 2024–2025

Caskets cost more than coffins of comparable material, the split lid mechanism, heavier construction, and richer lining all add to the price. It is not about the shape; it is about what goes into building one.

At Majestic Funerals, pricing is discussed openly from the first conversation. You can explore our full range of coffins and caskets to compare simple, affordable options for direct cremation through to premium hardwood coffins and formal caskets for burial services. We will always help you choose an option that fits your needs, preferences, and budget.

Coffin or Casket: Which Is the Right Choice for You?

There is no wrong answer here. The right choice is the one that reflects the person you have lost, the type of service you are planning, and the farewell your family feels comfortable with.

If you are planning a cremation

A coffin is the most common choice for cremation in Australia. It is practical, widely available, and entirely appropriate for both attended and unattended cremation services.

For a direct cremation with no formal service beforehand, a simple MDF, cardboard, or eco coffin is often enough. In this situation, the choice is usually less about presentation and more about dignity, simplicity, and budget.

If you are planning a burial

Both coffins and caskets can be used for burial. The decision usually comes down to the style of service, family preference, budget, and whether there will be a viewing.

If the service will be closed, a coffin is completely suitable. If the burial includes a formal viewing or a more traditional presentation, a casket may be the more practical option.

If you are planning an open-viewing service

A casket is usually the better choice for an open-viewing service because the split lid is designed for this purpose. It allows the upper half to remain open while the lower half stays closed, creating a respectful and composed presentation.

A coffin may allow a full-open viewing in some cases, but it is not designed for this in the same way.

Open-viewing services are less common in Australia but they are important in some cultural and religious traditions. In Sydney, this may be relevant for families from Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Chinese-Australian, Vietnamese, and other communities where seeing the deceased forms part of the farewell.

Families who are unsure whether a viewing is right for their loved one may also find it helpful to understand the differences between a wake, viewing, memorial service and funeral.

Do Cultural or Religious Traditions Affect the Choice?

In Sydney’s multicultural communities, the choice between a coffin and a casket may also be shaped by religious or cultural traditions.

• Jewish funerals may require a simple wooden coffin with no metal fittings or decorative lining. 
• Hindu funerals usually involve cremation, so a simple coffin is often appropriate. 
• Greek Orthodox and some Catholic services may include an open viewing, which can make a casket more practical. 
• Chinese-Australian and Vietnamese families may have preferences around colours, materials, symbolism, or the length of the service.

If your family has specific cultural or religious requirements, it is best to raise them early with your funeral director. At Majestic Funerals, we support families from many Sydney communities and can help arrange a coffin or casket that respects your traditions, values, and wishes.

Coffin and Casket Materials: What Australian Families Need to Know

The material you choose can affect the price, appearance, environmental impact, and suitability for burial or cremation. In Australia, families usually choose from a few main options.

• MDF and plywood: are among the most common and affordable choices. They are widely used for both cremation and burial and are available in different colours, finishes, and veneers.
• Solid timber: such as pine, oak, or mahogany, offers a more traditional and premium appearance. It is often chosen by families who want a warmer, more natural look for the service.
• Eco-friendly materials: including wicker, willow, bamboo, cardboard, and recycled fibre, are becoming more popular with families who want a simpler or more environmentally conscious farewell. Cardboard coffins, in particular, should not be seen as a lesser choice. 
• Metal caskets: such as steel or stainless steel, are generally premium options used for burial rather than cremation. They are less common in Australia than in countries like the United States, but some families choose them for a more formal presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re Here When You Need Us

Most people making this decision have never made it before. That is completely normal, and it is exactly why having someone to talk it through with can make a difference.

The coffin or casket you choose will not define the farewell. It is simply one part of it. What matters most is the care behind the decision and the people who gather to say goodbye.

If you would like to understand your options or talk through what may suit your family, Majestic Funerals is here to help you. Call us on 1300 69 89 09 whenever you are ready.