Losing someone we love strikes us to the core, especially when it’s the first time we deal with death. It’s absolutely natural to feel broken even at the thought of having to go on with our life without that special someone.
Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time until we will have to deal with the death of someone we love in our life. Weirdly enough, it’s one of the reasons for which metal caskets are still some of the most popular materials used for coffins. It’s because they give us the impression that they’re going to protect our beloved deceased for eternity.
When were the early days of metal caskets?
It was the early 1900s when people have started to make metal caskets, winning people’s interest right from the start. Metal caskets were a standard option in many traditional funerals and memorial services.
But that was only the beginning since metal caskets slowly become the most typical type of casket. The fundamental cause was the Industrial Revolution, which took the Western World all of the sudden, and steel turned to be the no.1 option for thousands of items. Once metal caskets became more and more available, people would choose them over the wood caskets.
The durability and sturdy build that the metal caskets were primary benefits for the metal caskets, especially when compared to the lightweight and less durable wood caskets.
Soon enough, metal caskets got even more affordable, which make them even more popular. The design wasn’t sacrificed, and metal caskets also impressed with the attractive designs and styles.
When World War I began, most manufacturers would also make metal casket, with many of them giving up on wood completely.
Have the metal caskets remained popular throughout the years?
The popularity of metal caskets began to fade for a couple of years in the mid-20th century. On the cause of World War II, steel was rationed all over the world because it was fundamental for the military. Metal caskets didn’t disappear completely, but the wood caskets return to being the most common option amongst people.
Once the war was over, the good years came back for metal caskets. It may sound shocking, but in 1948 metal caskets were the primary choice in the market. It’s the classic and elegant appearance that attracts the customer and explains their popularity over the decades.
Despite their reliability over the centuries, wood caskets would become the second choice, even though the benefits of wood caskets are plenty.
What happened next?
Over the last couple of years, metal caskets had to face a new opponent: the hardwood casket. People started to realize the impact that metal caskets have on the environment, choosing materials that would degrade easier than metal. With environmental movements winning more and more fans, people would turn to more natural degradable wood and leave the long-lasting metal behind.
We’re living in an era where people are more environmentally conscious, so the interest for long-lasting caskets is significantly lower. It’s quite typical in modern times for people to leave in their wills a clear disposition about having minimal to none impact on the environment!
Regardless of the environmental aspects and movement, metal caskets still hold the no.1 position since many even go with the traditional funeral services. People always want to keep their beloved deceased protected and safe for as long as possible, no matter the price for their budget and the environment. A sturdy, robust, and elegant material like metal seems like an excellent option for so many.
What’s to say about metal caskets nowadays?
There are several types of metals used for caskets, with bronze, stainless steel, and copper being the most popular options.
When you go with a metal casket, you can choose different levels of thicknesses and weight. For instance, copper and metal caskets are made from 32-ounce metal nine times out of ten. Moreover, steel metal caskets come in 16, 18, or 20-gauge metal. The principle to remember is that the lower the gauge of the metal, the better the resilience will be.
Many customers like the metal caskets since they’re tightly welded and have gasketed openings. The metal caskets also can protect the deceased from elements for decades. The craftsmanship isn’t overlooked, and metal caskets can be painted through a sanding process that resembles the painting of cars.
The cold and rather harsh appearance of metal caskets is “melted down” a bit with some luxurious lining, comforting the body for the eternal rest.
It may strike you, but metal caskets are more versatile in designs then the wood opponents. They can come with myriads of finishes and colors. Some manufacturers make customized metal caskets, which sounds somewhat surprising considering the rigidity of metal. Custom made metal caskets may include pictures and personal messages of the deceased. They can work as the ultimate and most efficient way of the family to show their love and respect for the one they’ve lost.
Even though it’s difficult, selecting the metal casket is a way of dealing with the trauma. It helps the family and friends go through grieving as part of accepting the death of their loved one.
Why are metal caskets so popular?
The majority of metal caskets are made to handle the elements until the end of time (if possible). They present a particular locking system/mechanism that doesn’t allow easy opening once the casket was closed. Due to the locks, the metal caskets are impossible to open without a unique key that the manufacturer may have.
It’s also common for metal caskets to feature a particular compartment on the side. The family and friends may place written records about the deceased in the compartment and use it later at the funeral service. People like using the chamber to store small mementos in the casket together with the dead.
When the metal casket doesn’t feature a side compartment, a casket accessory (an angel pocket, for instance) can also be used for storing the remembrances.
One last thought before you go!
Metal caskets still are the most typical choice caskets. The long lifespan always makes it the most convincing reason for people.
Let’s remind you that metal caskets cannot protect the body of the deceased against the elements completely nor forever and ever.
However, metal caskets are still more durable than even the hardest wood opponent. That doesn’t eliminate the reality that people are slowly turning to wood caskets for many reasons, with environmental concerns as the most important one.
