Hardwoods

Solid Bronze

Bronze, a semi-precious material and an alloy of copper and either zinc or tin, is the strongest and longest-lasting of any casket-construction material. Bronze is resistant to corrosive elements, an important consideration in selecting a casket.

Solid Copper

Copper is considered a precious metal and evidence of its longevity rests in the original copper roof and pipes existing in the world's great architectural gems. It, too, resists corrosion. Copper is one-third stronger than stainless steel and available in 32-ounce weight.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of carbon steel containing ten percent or more chromium. Nickel and other chemical elements are also used in the formulation of various types of stainless steel.

16 Gauge

Steel as we know it was invented by Henry Bessemer in England in 1855. Up to that time, cast iron was the primary building material, but it was brittle and difficult to work. Henry mixed pig iron with other metals like nickel and copper to produce the first steel.
Andrew Carnegie pioneered steel production in the US. The use of steel transformed industries such as ship building, railroads, architecture, and even casket making. By the late 1850s, heavy cast iron coffins were being replaced by lighter, and less expensive sheet metal caskets. Today, cold rolled steel is the leading material used for casket production. The primary difference in steel caskets lies in the thickness of the steel employed. 16 gauge steel means that it takes 16 sheets of steel to make a stack an inch thick. So, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal. 16 gauge is the thickest steel used in the casket industry. Because of the extra thickness, it is possible to achieve more attractive casket stylings such as elegant urn shapes and stately rounded corners. Families seeking the very best in solid steel choose 16 gauge.

18 Gauge

Eighteen gauge steel is the most common material used for casket production in America today. It is 1/3 thicker than 20 gauge steel and offers steel’s many benefits at a lower cost than the thicker 16 gauge caskets. Steel is one of man’s most durable products. Well known structures like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco stand as testimonial to steel’s remarkable durability. 18 gauge steel can be formed into rounded corner caskets or stamped into rectangular shapes. Often, corner posts and columns are added to accent the casket’s design. A wide variety of finishes and interior fabric options are featured in 18 gauge caskets—a very versatile material.

20 Gauge

Twenty gauge steel is among the lightest weight of steels used in the casket industry today. About 1/3 as thick as 16 gauge steel, 20 gauge steel is chosen by those seeking a more economical alternative. These caskets are generally stamped into rectangular forms with square corners, feature various corner decorations, and painted finishes.