Funeral Metal Casket Guide: Stainless Steel Caskets

When planning a funeral for someone close, picking the right casket really matters. 

Steel caskets stand out for their lasting durability, elegant appearance, and affordable pricing, which makes them a popular choice for families today seeking both quality and value.

Steel caskets can fit many needs and traditions while providing premium quality, durability, and value.

So, what makes steel caskets different from other types? As someone whose family has been casket-making for generations, I’ve seen how steel caskets, with their real strength and dignified design, give families peace of mind.

I know this is an emotional time, and I aim to help you find options for your unique situation.

What Are Steel Caskets?

Steel caskets offer families durable funeral products at a range of prices. Their construction means reliability, resistance to the elements, and plenty of choices for interiors and styles.

Types of Steel Caskets

Most metal caskets used in funerals are made from 20-gauge, 18-gauge, or 16-gauge steel. The lower the gauge, the thicker and heavier the steel.

Stainless steel caskets resist rust better thanks to the chromium alloy in the metal. Standard steel caskets often include seals or gaskets to help keep the inside in good shape.

Interiors run from simple crepe to plush velvet, so you can pick what suits your taste and budget. Caskets meant for burial differ from those for cremation—cremation caskets usually skip metal and use other materials, while steel is mainly for traditional burials.

Steel Caskets vs. Other Materials

Steel caskets last longer than solid wood or veneer, especially in damp places. Bronze and copper caskets are also tough, but they’re pricier. Many steel options include a protective seal that helps block out moisture.

Wood caskets simply don’t last as long as a 20-gauge metal funeral casket.

At Rest In Power, we make our steel caskets from 20-gauge steel as it strikes the right balance between durability, quality, and budget. It’s practical and strong, and the end result is the best caskets available today.

Benefits of Steel Caskets

Steel is a resistant material that withstands time underground. That’s reassuring for families who want to know their loved one’s resting place is protected.

Steel burial caskets cost less than most bronze caskets and usually offer better value than some premium wood options. Most come in a variety of finishes and styles, so you can choose something simple or more elaborate.

Interiors can be matched with different fabrics, offering both comfort and a touch of elegance.

Key Features of Steel Caskets

Steel caskets combine durability, customization, and practical protection. They offer solid construction, many finishes, and thoughtful features that help preserve and honor a loved one.

Construction Quality

Good metal caskets rely on solid craftsmanship and quality materials. Manufacturers usually weld the main body from a single sheet of steel, creating a barrel-shaped shell for extra strength.

Higher-quality caskets use reinforced corners and seamless welds, which help with longevity. Standard features often include a high-gloss finish applied in several coats for a nice, deep shine.

Rust-inhibiting primers help resist corrosion. Standard and oversized options exist, ensuring a respectful fit for everyone.

I’ve seen how much difference careful construction makes for families who want something sturdy and dignified. This is why we at Rest In Power take this tradition seriously and honor it with every casket we make.

Gauges and Metal Thickness

The steel’s gauge tells you its thickness. Lower numbers mean thicker, heavier, and generally tougher caskets. Common gauges include:

A 20-gauge casket offers the best combination of high-quality construction, affordability, and manageable weight. 

Some oversized caskets use thicker gauges for added durability.

Interior and Design Options

Steel caskets offer a variety of interior fabrics and colors. For a high-end feel, you can choose velvet or crepe, which is more classic and straightforward.

Both come in different shades—think light orchid or silver rose. Customization goes further with head panels that can be embroidered with special designs or personal tributes.

On the outside, high-gloss paint finishes and various colors let you personalize the casket’s look. These choices help make the casket reflect your loved one’s personality.

Choosing the Right Steel Casket

Picking a steel casket means weighing practical decisions and emotional needs. Your decision will depend on budget, what funeral service providers offer, and your family’s wishes.

Budget Considerations

Steel caskets range from basic, affordable models to premium ones with more features.

Shopping online or directly from a manufacturer like Rest In Power gets you better prices than buying from a funeral home. Many places offer free standard shipping, so you avoid surprise fees. 

In my years at Rest In Power, I’ve seen how these savings help families focus on honoring loved ones, not stressing over costs.

Working With Funeral Providers

Funeral directors help guide your decisions when you’re grieving. When you meet with a provider, ask to see all steel casket options and request a price list.

Don’t rush—take your time to look over choices and ask questions. Funeral homes work with suppliers like Rest In Power, as required by the FTC funeral regulations. 

If you have time, check the funeral home website for past services to get ideas.

Talk about personalization with your provider if you want a family name engraving or something else special related to a memory of your loved one. They can help sort out the details so everything matches your expectations.

Personalization and Family Needs

Families often look for ways to honor loved ones with specific colors, finishes, or engraved touches. Steel caskets today offer plenty of personalized features, including velvet interiors, themed panels, inscription plates, and more.

Talk with everyone in the family to ensure that all wishes are heard. Sometimes, that means inscribing a family name or nodding to family history in the design.

Funeral homes and casket makers usually have guides to help you customize. I know that small details really matter—every choice, big or small, helps create a meaningful farewell.

History and Development of Steel Caskets

Origins of Steel Caskets

Steel caskets date back to the late 1840s. Dr. Almond Fisk, for example, patented the first cast-iron, airtight models in the U.S., which offered better protection than the usual wooden coffins.

Alloy development for steel caskets began with the wider discovery of iron and chromium in the late 1700s. Places like the mountains of Russia played a role here, as these minerals led to stronger, longer-lasting caskets that could handle the elements underground.

Casket makers started using steel because it was affordable and tough. This shift really set the stage for modern burial practices, giving families secure, dignified enclosures when they needed them most.

Modern Innovations

Designs changed to include gasketed inner lids that guard against moisture and whatever else might seep in at the gravesite. Chromium blending got better, too, so steel caskets now resist rust and hold up longer inside and out.

Thanks to my family’s 180-year legacy, I’ve seen this evolution up close. Every generation seems to make steel caskets a bit more reliable, a little more accessible, and, maybe most importantly, more respectful for families dealing with loss.

Steel Caskets in Today’s Market

Steel caskets still hold a strong place in the market. People choose them because they’re tough, affordable, and available in a variety of finishes.

Most of the models out there use 18-gauge or 20-gauge steel. That gives you a sweet spot between weight, price, and how sturdy they feel.

These days, you’ll see all sorts of styles and finishes, from classic silvers to more custom-painted looks, or even more unique customizations like the Rest In Power Camo Casket Collection.

Conclusion

Choosing the right casket is never easy, especially during a time of need when emotions are high and hard decisions have to be made. 

Higher-quality metal caskets, like the Ret In Power 20-gauge steel caskets, offer peace of mind at the gravesite. 

The market today offers a wide variety of colors, materials, and price points to fit a wide variety of budget concerns, making it possible to honor family members with dignity and value. 

Understanding the manufacturing process of high-quality metal caskets can help ensure you make the best choice for your loved one.