Coffin Requirements

Cremation

• A standard coffin may be purchased from some funeral directors. Standard coffins are usually made of chipboard with veneers and fittings approved for cremation purposes.
• You can construct your own coffin, using chipboard as the preferred material. Ferrous screws are acceptable in small numbers, and wood braces will give strength but must not be placed on the underside. No PVC, sealant, plastic or heavy metal such as lead should be used. Handles are useful but not strictly necessary.
• Coffins of an 'environmentally friendly' construction e.g. cardboard or wicker may be accepted although they are required to have a smooth wood ply base. Where an open-type basket weave is to be used we would recommend you wrap the body in a cotton shroud.
• Coffins may be decorated, but the coatings must be compatible with cremation. Gloss or extensive paint finishes are not acceptable.
• The full name of the deceased must be displayed upon the coffin, either as a plate, a card, or painted or written on the lid or sides. As fluid can leak from the body, absorbent cloth or cotton wadding is essential.
• The maximum permitted external coffin size is 2 metres (79 inches) long, 76 centimetres (30 inches) wide and 60 centimetres (24 inches) high. Casket shaped coffins not to exceed 1.98 metres (78 inches) long.

Burial