How to Make a Wood Casket
Building a wooden casket is a straightforward construction project that can save you a significant amount of money on what are sure to be expensive funeral arrangements. It will also show a sense of dedication to the person being buried. And building a casket on your own is not as difficult as it may sound.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- 3/4-inch veneered plywood
- Table saw
- Hand sander
- Wood glue
- Rag
- 4 L-brackets
- Drill
- Wood or screws (1 1/2 inches)
- Screwdriver
- Furring strip
- Cabinet hinges
- Veneer tape
- Exterior finish
- Paint brush
Instructions
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1
Measure and cut two pieces of plywood 7 feet long and 3 feet wide for the lid and the base. If the deceased is significantly larger or smaller than those measurements, adjust accordingly. Smooth the cut edges with a hand sander.
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2
Cut two pieces 7 feet long and 1 1/2 feet wide for the sides, which you'll connect to the base using L-brackets placed inside the casket. Set one side, then the other on opposite edges of the base and mark where the L-brackets will go. Apply wood glue to the top and bottom edges, then drill and screw the sides to the base using the brackets. Add L-brackets to all four corners of the casket. Wipe up any excess glue with a wet rag.
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3
Solidify the sides by screwing the base to them from beneath. Space the screws 1 foot apart or closer.
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4
Cut two pieces of plywood 3 feet long and 1 1/2 feet wide for the ends of the casket. Apply wood glue to the edges where they will meet the sides and the base. Drill, then screw them to the sides and the base. Wipe up any excess glue.
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5
Put the lid in place atop the casket and mark where the hinges will go, allowing the lid to open and close smoothly. Screw the hinges on--about 3 feet apart--to the lid and side of the casket. Cut a 7-foot length of furring strip and screw it to the upper, inside edge of the side opposite the hinges. This will ensure that the lid does not fall into the casket.
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6
Cut and stick veneer tape to any exposed plywood ends or edges to make them blend with the rest of the veneer. Give the lid and sides two coats of exterior wood finish to protect the wood and improve the appearance, following the manufacturer's recommendations for drying time. Turn the casket over on its side and apply two coats to the base.
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