How to Make a Wooden Casket

Cut the cost of your funeral by making your own casket. Although not a pleasant topic of discussion, your palm bearers will thank you if the casket feels sturdy yet lightweight. Plywood constructs easily and is noted for its strength and durability. A three-dimensional rectangle forms a casket whereas a coffin is wider at the shoulder area and slopes sharply in towards the feet. There are two ways to make a simple casket. The first way requires that you have built onto your floor parallel slats enabling you to secure two lengthwise boards perpendicular to the floor. The second way involves framing the inside of the casket. You build the casket without another pair of hands keeping the sides upright. Also, you add more surface area to staple and glue the sides together.

Things You'll Need

• 2 treated plywood boards, 23 inches x 28 inches long X 1/2 inch
• 2 treated plywood boards, 23 inches x 84 inches long X 1/2 inch
• 2 treated plywood boards, 28 inches x 84 inches long X 1/2 inch
• 4 treated pine boards, 1 inch x 2 inches x 83 inches
• 4 treated pine boards, 1 inch x 2 inches x 27 inches
• 4 treated pine boards, 1 inch x 2 inches x 23 inches
• Air compressor staple gun
• Staples, one and one half inches x 3/8 inches
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Lay down both 83-inch pine boards parallel to each other. Place inside flush with the edges your 23-inch pine boards. Staple both ends. Repeat on the opposite end of the 83-inch pine board. You have built one frame. Staple one 27-inch pine board flesh at the end of the 83-inch pine board. Repeat on the opposite end of the 83-inche board.

2. Attach the four 27-inch pine boards flesh to the end of each frame, one upper and one lower. You have just built the frame for the inside of your casket

3. Place a string of wood glue around the inside edge of the 23-inch by 84-inch plywood board. Attach it to the lengthwise side of the frame. With a maul hammer make sure it is flesh with the ends leaving a half inch overhang on each end. Staple the ends, sides, bottom and top of the 84-inch plywood board to your frame. Repeat with the remainder 23-inch by 84-inch plywood board.

4. Place a string of wood glue around the inside edges of the 23-inch by 28-inch plywood board. Attach it to the end of the frame, matching the sides and fitting it as best as possible. Use a maul hammer to wedge it into place. Staple all the around the edges. Repeat this step with the remainder 23-inch by 28-inch plywood board to the other end of the frame.

5. Place a string of wood glue around the inside edges of 28-inches by 84-inch plywood board Attach it to the top side of the frame. With a maul hammer make sure it is flesh with the ends. Staple the ends, sides, bottom and top of the 84-inch plywood board to your frame.

6. Insert the body into the casket. Repeat Step 5 with the remaining 28-inch by 84-inch plywood board.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding veneer or varnish boosts the image of your casket. Many people line the casket with plush purple or scarlet velvet. Let your casket reflect your lifestyle. Make it as simple or as ornate as you wish.

• Most states only require a simple box for a casket. Funeral parlors may require vaults and linings for your casket. Be prepared in advance so you have the funds to finish your project.

References

• "Casket structure, laminate covering therefor, and method of making same"; Leland D. Ozbun, John D. Soroka; October 1993
• Friends of Oak Grove Cemetery