When families begin thinking about caskets, the conversation often starts with metal. Metal caskets are familiar — they’re what most people have seen at funerals, what’s depicted in films, what comes to mind first. But for many families, a wood casket feels closer to what they’re actually looking for: something warm, natural, and personal.
Wood has been used for caskets for centuries, and for good reason. There’s a quality to wood — its grain, its warmth, the sense that it came from the earth — that resonates deeply with many families, particularly those with religious traditions, cultural backgrounds, or personal values that emphasize a natural return to the earth.
At Casket Mart, we offer solid wood caskets in three distinct lines: the Alpine, the Cervino, and the Meron. Here’s what families should know when considering a wood casket.
The Case for a Wood Casket
Beyond aesthetics and cultural tradition, there are practical reasons families choose wood. Wood caskets are generally considered suitable for both burial and — depending on the specific construction — cremation, though you should always confirm cremation suitability in writing with both the supplier and the crematorium.
Wood is also the natural choice for families interested in green or natural burial. A green burial typically involves a body that has not been embalmed in a biodegradable casket, without a vault or grave liner. A solid wood casket is one of the most commonly accepted options for green burial, as it will naturally biodegrade over time. (Cemeteries that offer green burial sections have their own by-laws, so it’s always worth confirming the specific requirements with the cemetery before purchasing.)
Our Wood Casket Lines
Casket Mart’s three wood series — Alpine, Cervino, and Meron — each offer a distinct look and feel, allowing families to choose a casket that truly reflects the person being honoured.
The names themselves evoke the natural world: Alpine and Cervino are both references to the majestic mountain landscapes of the Alps. Meron carries a sense of quiet dignity. These are not accidental choices — the intention is to offer a product that feels connected to nature, even in name.
Each line is crafted with attention to the warmth and character that solid wood brings. The natural grain of the wood is part of what makes each casket individual — no two will look exactly alike, in the same way that no two lives are exactly alike.
Wood vs. Metal: A Comparison
Families sometimes ask how wood and metal caskets compare. Here’s a plain-language overview:
- Appearance: Wood offers a warmer, more organic look. Metal can be polished to a high sheen or brushed for a more understated finish. Both can be beautiful — the choice is largely a matter of personal preference and tradition.
- Weight: Our standard caskets — whether wood or metal — fall in the 145 – 180 lbs range and can accommodate a person up to 500 lbs. Our oversized option weighs 240 lbs and accommodates up to 900 lbs.
- Cremation suitability: Not all caskets are suitable for cremation. Always confirm in writing that a casket is approved for use by your specific crematorium before purchasing.
- Green burial: Wood is generally preferred for green or natural burial. Metal caskets are not typically used in green burial settings.
- Price: Wood caskets purchased through a direct supplier like Casket Mart are priced competitively — significantly less than you would typically pay for the same product through a funeral home retail selection.
How the Process Works
Purchasing a wood casket from Casket Mart works the same way as any of our products. You browse our selection, ask any questions you have, and place your order. We coordinate delivery directly to your funeral home.
Under Ontario law, your funeral home cannot charge you a handling fee for accepting a casket from an outside supplier. The law is clear on this point — and it applies equally to wood caskets as to metal or wicker. You are exercising a legal right, and that right comes at no additional cost to you.
If you’re considering a wood casket and want to talk through your options, we’re here. There’s no pressure to decide, and no obligation when you reach out. We’re a family business — we answer questions because it’s the right thing to do, not because we’re running a sales clock.
Visit www.casketmart.ca or give us a call at 519 532 2008 or toll free at 1 844 442 2008. We’d be glad to help you find something that feels right.