Years ago, people buried their loved ones in shallow graves. They used nothing to protect the casket. This made it easy for thieves to dig up their graves and steal any valuables they could find.
These days, an outer burial container, or “burial vault,” is used to protect the casket in ground.
But what is a vault?
In this guide, we’ll dig into each of the below questions:
- What are burial vaults, and why are they needed?
- What is the difference between grave liners and burial vaults?
- What do most burial vaults cost?
Let’s get started.
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Burial Vaults 101
A burial vault is a concrete container that protects a casket from outside elements. These include water and the downward soil pressure caused by maintenance equipment.
A burial vault protects a casket from the pressure, weight, and moisture of the ground around them.
Casket vault prevents the ground eventually collapsing on the casket itself.
Burial Vaults Vs. Grave Liners
So, how long does a casket last in the ground? It depends on the containers used for its protection.
Like burial vaults, grave liners are outer burial containers intended to protect the casket and the cemetery ground above it. However, they are certainly not the same.
The image below should help you compare the two.
Buying A Burial Vault
Where Can I Purchase A Burial Vault?
If you have a funeral service, your local funeral home will likely have burial vaults for purchase.
When purchasing from a funeral provider, don’t forget your rights under the Funeral Rule (a Federal law designed to protect grieving consumers from unscrupulous business practices from funeral providers). You should receive a General Price List from the funeral home director before discussing specific products or services.
You can also check with your local cemeteries to see if they are available on site.
If this is not possible, there are online retailers of burial vaults, but you’ll pay a hefty fee for shipping, especially if you need it rush delivered.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying A Burial Vault?
When purchasing a vault for caskets, it’s essential to get the right one for your needs. If your plot is large, it might be wise to buy more than just one burial vault because they are heavy and will need more support from each other.
It’s also important to remember that most of these vaults have a lifespan of 50 years before needing replacement or repair.
Finally, be sure to check with your local cemetery, as cemetery requirements can vary. Most cemeteries require that a burial vault completely fits inside the grave. Local laws may also govern this, so don’t forget to check those (or ask local funeral homes, as they should be familiar with local requirements).
What Should I Do If I’m Not Sure What Size To Get?
If you’re unsure of the appropriate size, consider buying one larger than required and cut it down.
This can be done by using a concrete saw or handsaw. If your burial vault is too big for the plot, fill any excess space with dirt.
What Type Of Vault Should I Get?
There are several types of burial vaults. You’ll want to install a concrete vault for casket if you’re installing it into hard ground. Steel ones are typically better for softer ground, as they flex and accommodate more weight.
Steel burial vaults can be cheaper than concrete ones, but they won’t last as long. They also come with heavier shipping and handling fees because of their weight.
Check Out: The expense of a headstone: What to expect
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You never know what battles people may be fighting.
How Much Does A Burial Vault Cost?
What is the average cost of burial vaults? This depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The material type
- Whether the container is single- or double-reinforced
- Whether your casket is over-sized
- Your geographic location
For a basic funeral vault reinforced with plastic or steel, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000.
Vault pricing varies a lot.
For a double-reinforced version made of heavy concrete and lined with plastic, porcelain enamel, or metal (aluminum, bronze, copper, or stainless steel vaults), your vault prices can be anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000.
How much does a vault cost if you want a premium vault? Outer burial containers made of metal or vaults with a marble or granite exterior can cost between $5,000 and $16,000.
Outer burial containers are not sold directly to the public, so you will have to purchase your vault from a funeral home or cemetery.
Other burial costs include the opening and closing of the grave, the plot itself, the casket, and the headstone (or grave marker). These costs can add up significantly, and this does not even include the memorial service cost, the fee you will pay to the funeral home for their services and rental of their location or any other fee.
Burial Vault FAQs
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Conclusion
It clearly isn’t cheap to die these days, especially when considering how much your funeral and burial cost. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, average funeral costs in the U.S. are now over $10,000.
Thinking about funeral planning in advance is a fantastic way to save money and reduce stress.
If you have any additional questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or send us an email.
Warm Regards,
The GetSure Team
Article Sources
- Webster, Robert D. Field Notes From a Funeral Director
- Trigard. Are Burial Vaults Required? Why Place a Casket in a Vault?
- Trigard. Burial Vaults
