Durable and Elegant Metal Caskets for Memorable Tributes
Durable and Elegant Metal Caskets for Memorable Tributes
Metal caskets offer a refined balance of strength, sophistication, and timeless beauty. Crafted for families who value durability and style, Batesville’s metal caskets are available in a range of materials and finishes, each designed to create a meaningful final tribute. Whether you prefer the sleek polish of stainless steel, the warm glow of copper, or the rich appearance of bronze, each option reflects exceptional craftsmanship and enduring quality. Many of our caskets also feature Family Choices® personalization options, allowing families to create a memorial as unique as the life being remembered.
Explore our selection to find the right fit for your loved one’s legacy.
Understanding Your Options: Metal Casket Materials Explained
Choosing a metal casket means understanding the different materials available and how they affect durability, appearance, and price. Metal caskets are typically categorized by material type and thickness, referred to as gauge. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and more durable the metal. Batesville’s collection includes carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and bronze options, each with distinct benefits and beauty to honor your loved one.
Carbon Steel Caskets
As the first manufacturer to mass-produce steel caskets in the 1940s, Batesville set the standard for combining strength, beauty, and craftsmanship. Today, steel—also known as carbon steel—remains a trusted and popular choice for its durability, modern aesthetic, and accessible price point.
Available in a wide range of colors, finishes, and styles, our steel caskets offer families a dignified way to honor their loved ones. Steel caskets are produced in different thicknesses, measured in “gauge.” The lower the gauge number, the thicker and more robust the metal.
Batesville offers carbon steel caskets in three gauges:
16 gauge: Our thickest and most durable option, offering premium protection and strength.
18 gauge: A balance of strength and style, with enhanced durability.
20 gauge: Lightweight, economical, and crafted with care for long-lasting appeal.
Every Batesville steel casket embodies our dedication to quality, beauty, and craftsmanship that families can rely on.
Batesville's Metal Caskets
Stainless Steel Caskets
Batesville stainless steel caskets offer superior strength, durability, and rust resistance compared to traditional carbon steel. Available in both premium and basic grades, these caskets are crafted for lasting performance and timeless beauty. Our premium stainless steel includes both chromium and nickel—the highest grade available in the industry—while our basic option includes chromium without nickel for a more affordable choice. No matter the selection, every Batesville stainless steel casket is built to high standards of quality and craftsmanship, with a wide range of styles to suit every family’s preferences.
Copper caskets are valued for their unique beauty and natural resistance to rust and corrosion. Unlike steel, copper is a non-ferrous metal, meaning it won’t oxidize in the same way, making it ideal for those seeking lasting preservation and elegance.
Often considered the pinnacle of quality in metal casket construction, bronze caskets are made from one of the most durable metals available. Bronze is non-rusting and retains its structure and appearance over time. Known for its eye-catching appearance and superior strength, bronze caskets provide a fitting tribute for someone truly special.
The cost of a casket is dependent on multiple factors including metal type, gauge, finish, and other features. Contact your local funeral home for more specific pricing information.
What is the best metal for caskets?
The “best” metal depends entirely on personal preferences and priorities. For example, stainless steel is popular for its durability and balance of quality with cost. Bronze and copper are considered top-tier choices for longevity and luxury.
Are metal caskets cheaper than wood?
It varies. Standard steel caskets can be more affordable than some wood options. Bronze and copper caskets often exceed the cost of more premium wood options.
How long will a metal casket last?
On average, metal caskets are significantly more durable than wood. Stainless steel caskets can resist decay for decades. Bronze and copper caskets, with their corrosion-resistant properties, offer even longer-term preservation. However, all will eventually wear and break down over many years.
What is the difference between steel gauges?
Metal gauges refer to thickness. The lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. In the context of caskets, a lower gauge casket denotes a thicker, more durable option that will generally be more expensive.
Can you be cremated in a metal casket?
No; a cremation casket must be constructed of combustible material like wood.
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