By Joe

The difference between a veneer wood casket and a solid wood casket primarily revolves around their construction, appearance, durability, and cost.

We at Casket Emporium sell all different types of wood caskets: http://www.casketemporium.com

Here’s a comparison of the two:

1. Construction

• Solid Wood Casket:
  • Made entirely from solid pieces of natural wood, such as oak, cherry, walnut, or pine.
  • Each part of the casket, including the sides, lid, and base, is crafted from whole wood planks.
• Veneer Wood Casket:
  • Composed of a thin layer of high-quality wood (the veneer) that is adhered to a core material, often plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or particleboard.
  • The veneer gives the appearance of solid wood but uses less actual wood.

2. Appearance

• Solid Wood Casket:
  • Has a natural, rich wood grain throughout the entire casket.
  • Each casket is unique due to natural variations in the wood grain and color.
  • Can develop a patina over time, adding to its beauty.
• Veneer Wood Casket:
  • The veneer provides a uniform and consistent wood grain on the surface.
  • Can mimic the appearance of more expensive or exotic woods at a lower cost.
  • Visually similar to solid wood but may lack the depth and character of genuine wood grain.

3. Durability

• Solid Wood Casket:
  • Extremely durable and long-lasting.
  • Less prone to damage and more resistant to wear.
  • Can be more susceptible to warping or cracking in extreme temperature or humidity conditions.
• Veneer Wood Casket:
  • Generally less durable than solid wood, depending on the quality of the core material.
  • Veneers can peel, chip, or bubble, especially if exposed to moisture or rough handling.
  • The core material can affect the overall sturdiness of the casket.

4. Cost

• Solid Wood Casket:
  • More expensive due to the cost of raw wood and the labor involved in crafting it.
  • Prices vary widely based on the type of wood used, with hardwoods being more costly.
• Veneer Wood Casket:
  • Typically more affordable than solid wood caskets.
  • Offers a budget-friendly alternative with the look of real wood.
  • The cost can vary depending on the type of veneer and the core material used.

5. Weight

• Solid Wood Casket:
  • Heavier due to the density of natural wood.
  • Provides a substantial and sturdy feel.
• Veneer Wood Casket:
  • Lighter, depending on the core material.
  • Easier to handle and transport but may not feel as solid as a full wood casket.

6. Environmental Impact

• Solid Wood Casket:
  • Can be more environmentally friendly if sourced from sustainable forests.
  • Fewer industrial processes are involved, which can be better for the environment.
• Veneer Wood Casket:
  • Uses less natural wood, which can be seen as more resource-efficient.
  • However, the production of core materials like MDF may involve chemicals and processes with environmental impacts.

Summary

• Solid Wood Caskets are ideal for those who value traditional craftsmanship, durability, and the natural beauty of wood, and are willing to invest in a higher-quality product.
• Veneer Wood Caskets provide a cost-effective option that offers the appearance of a solid wood casket at a lower price, though with some compromises in durability and longevity.

If there are any questions please feel free to call us anytime 800 618 4642 and we will show the difference in all types of wood caskets. We have a highly trained staff that can show you the difference in all caskets, we just do not have people answering our phones or chats, they actually know what the casket looks like and feels like.