Steel Caskets Provide Durability At Prices More Families Can Afford

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The emotional upheaval caused by a death in the family cannot be understated. The loss of a loved one causes tremendous stress and mental fatigue. Unfortunately, the grieving process for many is often interrupted by an additional layer of stress generated by planning a funeral and attempting to keep the cost of a service and necessary purchases in check.

Even a simple service requires making many decisions starting with the most basic: burial or cremation? When a burial service is chosen for a loved one, several additional purchases and rentals become necessary. Transportation to a gravesite is necessary. A funeral service location must be chosen and essential items must be selected, such as a casket and flowers.

For the family on a restricted budget, a 20-gauge steel silver casket is one of the more economical types of casket available. While affordable, the casket remains a traditional, tasteful option for a loved one's service. Many models offer design elements and color options, such as silver, blue, or copper, that make the casket resemble many more expensive options.

A 20-gauge steel casket differs from other metal options by virtue of its strength. The lower the gauge of steel, the thicker the metal. An 18-gauge of 16-gauge casket will be thicker. However, 20-gauge steel is a serviceable option and is used in several other familiar industries—it provides body panels on some automobiles and also used to make common exterior household items like gutters and flashes. The casket will be durable, and its durability can be increased by upgrading slightly to a stainless steel model.

The primary concern with a steel casket is accelerated rusting. More expensive metal caskets, such as those crafted from copper and bronze, feature rust-resistant properties. However, these metals still break down over time through the oxidization process. Picture the gradual discoloration of copper structures and finishing like the exterior of the state of liberty or the dome of buildings with copper tops to visualize what oxidation will look like overtime.

Other options for caskets include woods ranging from low-cost pine options to exceptionally durable, dense woods like walnut and cherry. Environmentally conscious options also are an option for those who want to embrace a greener lifestyle. Bamboo, sea grass, and even cardboard are options.

For the family that does opt for a 20-gauge steel casket, other standard choices will include selecting a finish and trim options. Steel caskets general feature less embellishment variations than more expensive models, but families can choose between a cover that lifts fully or lifts from the middle with two separate hinges—known as full couch or half couch. Liner options, such as crepe or velvet, can also be chosen as well as decorations for the lining. 

For more information about 20-gauge steel silver caskets, contact funeral homes in your area.

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28 May 2019

Decorating a Funeral Venue

My beloved paternal grandmother passed away almost 4 years ago. Before her death, this special woman suffered many months due to a fatal lung disease. After her passing, her large extended family wanted to celebrate her unique life with an elaborate funeral service. They chose to work with the funeral home staff to decorate the funeral venue with things she loved. Because she enjoyed fishing, a large floral arrangement in the shape of a fish was purchased. Also, the family bought a floral cross to illustrate her devotion to her faith. On this blog, you will discover how to work with a funeral home staff on decorations at the funeral service venue.