When you are planning a funeral for a loved one, choosing their eternal resting place is one of the most difficult—but important—decisions. The many options available can be overwhelming, but your funeral home director can explain the choices available to help you make an informed decision.

Below, the funeral services team at Porto Funeral Homes, with locations in East Haven and West Haven, CT, explains the differences between caskets and vaults:

Caskets & Vaults Explained

Caskets

Caskets hold the body that will be buried or entombed. They have historically been made of wood such as oak, pine, or mahogany, but even the most decay-resistant wood breaks down when it is buried in moist soil. Metal caskets made from steel, bronze, or copper are popular and can keep the body preserved longer than wood caskets. Hermetically sealed caskets provide an air-tight seal, which preserves the body for an even longer period. These types of caskets are free of internal oxygen and keep insects out.

Burial Vaults

Burial vaults are required by many cemeteries to protect the casket from crumbling under the weight of the ground above it. Without vaults, the earth above the casket can sink or collapse, posing a threat to visitors and cemetery staff. Vaults can be made of concrete, plastic, or metal, and there are many different designs available. The casket is placed inside of the vault, which is then buried. 

The team at Porto Funeral Homes will work with you to pre-plan your funeral arrangements or host funeral services for your loved one. Give them a call at (203) 467-3000 to speak to a member of their caring staff, or visit their website to learn more about their funeral services.