Q. Do I have to have a vault?

A. There is no state or federal law that requires the purchase of any type of outer enclosure. Some cemeteries do require the use of an outer enclosure for the casket because it supports the weight of the earth and helps to keep the grave from sinking in over time, reducing cemetery maintenance. Your funeral director can explain to you the different types of outer enclosures available and any requirements concerning their use.

Q. Do wood caskets seal?

A. Wood caskets typically do not feature a rubber gasket around the opening that makes them resistant to the entrance of water found in the ground around the gravesite. Wood is a porous material, which renders a gasket ineffective. If this is a concern, the use of a vault will protect the casket from elements found in the soil at the gravesite. Some wood caskets are available with inner liners constructed of metal with a rubber gasket around the opening of the liner.

Q. Can I change interiors from one casket to another?

A. Casket interiors are permanently installed during the manufacturing process and cannot be transferred from one casket to another. If another color is desired, your funeral director can tell you whether or not the casket you have chosen is available in a different color.

Q. One casket looks as good as another. Why is there such a big difference in cost?

A. The price of a casket is determined by many things. The material from which the shell of a casket is constructed, the design of the shell, the type of fabric used in the interior and the way that fabric is stitched, whether or not it has a gasket around the opening, the type of hardware (handles, mounts and corners) used on the casket, and the amount of hand detailing (brushing, pin striping, custom finishes, etc.) all contribute to the final cost of the casket. Caskets are very similar to any other type of merchandise; the quality is reflected in the price.

Q. What is the difference between a grave liner and a vault? Isn’t one just as good as the other?

A. A grave liner has a single purpose. It is a load bearing container that is designed to support the weight of the earth and help keep the grave from sinking in over time. A vault serves two purposes. It is a load bearing container just like the grave liner, but it has the addition of a sealing mechanism that makes it resistant to the entrance of water found in the soil around the gravesite.

Q. I will not be able to gather the photographs for the memorial DVD tribute in time for the service. Can I do it at a later time?

A. You may bring the photographs in at your convenience following the service and we will be glad to produce the memorial DVD tribute for you as a family keepsake.