Outer Burial Containers: Making Informed Decisions

If you are planning a burial — either for yourself or a loved one — or want to inter cremated remains underground, you may be asked to purchase an outer burial container. These are also known as burial vaults or grave liners.

While not required by federal or state law, many cemeteries insist on them. That’s because outer burial containers help prevent the ground from sinking or becoming uneven over time, making it easier for cemeteries to maintain a tidy, uniform appearance.

What to Know About Burial Vaults and Grave Liners

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), funeral homes must provide you with a general price list that includes outer burial containers before you make a selection. It’s important to shop around and compare prices, including from third-party retailers, which may offer a wider variety of choices and more affordable options.

Here are the key differences between types of outer burial containers:

• Grave Liners: Typically made from reinforced concrete, these cover only the top and sides of the casket. Grave liners are often the minimum requirement at cemeteries.
• Burial Vaults: These are sturdier and usually more expensive than grave liners. Vaults encase the casket on all sides and may be made from concrete or metal. Concrete vaults tend to cost more, while steel is generally the least expensive metal option.
• Air-Sealed Caskets: Some caskets are designed to be sealed with air pressure, though this option is typically more expensive and not necessarily required.

Burial containers are meant to preserve the cemetery's appearance, not to protect the body or slow decomposition. As the FTC states, “Neither grave liners nor burial vaults are designed to prevent the eventual decomposition of human remains. It is illegal for funeral providers to claim that a vault will keep water, dirt, or other debris from penetrating into the casket if that's not true.”

Weather, Geography, and Peace of Mind

Your decision might also be influenced by your region’s weather or geography. For example, in coastal regions or places prone to flooding or extreme weather, some families find comfort in having an additional layer of protection for their loved one’s remains.

Even with cremation, urn vaults offer similar peace of mind for those burying ashes underground.

Exploring Your Options for Burial Containers

If your chosen cemetery requires a burial container, you can legally purchase one from the funeral home or a third-party supplier. For those interested in environmentally friendly alternatives, green burials are an option that typically avoids using vaults or liners.

According to the Green Burial Council, vaults and liners are discouraged in green burials because they “impede natural decomposition and introduce non-biodegradable materials into the earth.”

Some cemeteries offer a “greener” hybrid approach, featuring both areas with vaults and those without, or allowing families to choose whether the body is in contact with the ground.

If you choose cremation, you may prefer to scatter ashes in a meaningful location rather than bury them.

Plan Ahead for a Smoother Process

Whatever option you choose, advance planning helps you make decisions based on your personal values, rather than in the emotional urgency following a death. Be sure to ask for a full price list, weigh your options, and don’t be afraid to consider all of your options for more affordable or meaningful choices.

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