Casket Emporium

Steel vs. Copper vs. Bronze Caskets: Which Funeral Casket Is Best?

Posted by

Joe

September 11, 2026

On September 11, 2026

By Joe.

Steel vs Copper vs Bronze Caskets | Complete Buying Guide

Compare steel, copper, and bronze caskets. Learn about durability, price, construction, finishes, 18 gauge vs. 20 gauge steel, and how to choose the right metal casket from Casket Emporium.

Steel vs. Copper vs. Bronze Caskets

When families begin shopping for a metal funeral casket, three of the most important materials they may encounter are steel, copper, and bronze.

All three can provide a dignified and attractive funeral casket, but they differ significantly in:

Material
Construction
Corrosion resistance
Weight
Appearance
Price
Availability
Overall style

So which one should you choose?

For many families, steel caskets provide the best combination of selection, strength, appearance, and affordability.

For others, solid copper or bronze caskets offer the distinctive appearance and premium construction they are looking for.

At Casket Emporium, families can compare traditional steel caskets with premium metal options so they can choose based on the actual product—not simply a sales pitch.

Shop Metal Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/

What Is a Steel Casket?

Steel caskets are among the most common metal funeral caskets sold today.

They are generally categorized according to the thickness of the steel.

Common options include:

20 gauge steel
18 gauge steel
Heavier specialty gauges

One important rule to remember:

The lower the steel gauge number, the thicker the steel.

That means 18 gauge steel is thicker than 20 gauge steel.

The FTC also notes that most metal caskets are constructed from rolled steel in different gauges and confirms that lower gauge numbers indicate thicker steel.

Shop 18 Gauge Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/gauge-metal-18/

Read 18 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge Steel Caskets:
https://www.casketemporium.com/18-gauge-vs-20-gauge-caskets

Why Are Steel Caskets So Popular?

Steel caskets offer families tremendous variety.

They are available in:

White
Black
Blue
Navy
Silver
Gold
Copper-finish
Bronze-finish
Red
Purple
Green
Rose
Two-tone combinations

Families can also choose different:

Interiors
Hardware
Handle styles
Lid configurations
Religious designs
Veteran designs

For families looking for an attractive casket at a reasonable price point, steel is often an excellent starting point.

18 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge Steel Caskets

One of the biggest decisions within the steel category is whether to choose 18 gauge or 20 gauge.

18 Gauge Steel Caskets

18 gauge steel is thicker than 20 gauge.

Many 18 gauge models offer features such as:

Velvet interiors
Swing-bar handles
Gasketed construction
Premium finishes
Decorative hardware
Adjustable beds

Casket Emporium currently carries a large 18-gauge selection, including products such as Orion, Kensington, Galaxy, Delta, and many others.

Shop 18 Gauge Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/gauge-metal-18/

20 Gauge Steel Caskets

20 gauge steel caskets use thinner steel than 18 gauge models but can still provide an attractive, dignified option.

They are generally more affordable and are available in many colors and finishes.

Casket Emporium currently lists 20-gauge non-gasketed models such as the Andover Series in black, blue, silver and white.

Shop Metal Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/

What Is a Copper Casket?

A solid copper casket is manufactured using copper rather than ordinary carbon steel.

Copper belongs to a different class of metals than steel and is valued for its distinctive appearance and natural resistance to rust.

Copper caskets are generally considered premium funeral merchandise and usually cost considerably more than standard steel caskets.

Families may choose solid copper because they appreciate:

Rich metallic appearance
Premium construction
Distinctive brushed finishes
Corrosion resistance
Heavier, substantial feel
Luxury presentation

Casket Emporium currently carries solid copper models within its premium metal collection.

Shop Solid Copper, Stainless Steel & Premium Metal Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/gauge-premium/

Solid Copper vs. Copper-Finish Steel: Know the Difference

This distinction is extremely important.

A casket can be copper-colored without actually being constructed from solid copper.

For example, an 18 gauge steel casket may have:

Copper brushed finish
Copper-colored exterior
Bronze-and-copper styling

while the underlying material remains steel.

That is very different from a solid copper casket.

Before purchasing, ask:

Is this casket actually constructed from copper, or does it simply have a copper-colored finish?

Casket Emporium currently offers both copper-finish steel models and premium solid-copper-category products, making this distinction especially useful for buyers.

Example: Orion Series Copper

The Orion Series Copper is an example of an 18 gauge steel casket with a dark bronze exterior and copper-brushed finish.

It includes:

18 gauge steel
Gasketed construction
Ivory velvet interior
Half couch design
Adjustable bed
Swing-bar style presentation
Standard burial vault compatibility

View Orion Series Copper:
https://casketemporium.com/product/orion-series-copper/

This is a great example of why families should read product specifications rather than assuming that “copper” in a product name automatically means solid copper.

Example: Solid Aegean Copper

Casket Emporium also carries the Solid Aegean Copper within its premium metal category.

The model features a bronze finish, natural brushing, almond velvet interior, swing-bar handles, and premium hardware.

View Solid Aegean Copper:
https://casketemporium.com/product/solid-aegean-copper/

What Is a Bronze Casket?

A bronze casket represents another premium metal option.

Bronze is a copper-based alloy and has historically been valued for:

Durability
Distinctive appearance
Corrosion resistance
Premium finish
Traditional elegance

Bronze caskets are generally positioned at the higher end of the casket market and can cost substantially more than standard steel models.

Casket Emporium currently offers premium products such as the Sovereign Series Bronze and Sovereign Series Bronze/Gold in its premium metal collection.

Shop Premium Copper, Bronze & Stainless Metal Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/gauge-premium/

Bronze Casket vs. Bronze-Finish Steel Casket

Just as with copper, families need to distinguish between:

A bronze-colored steel casket

and

A casket manufactured from bronze.

Casket Emporium offers many steel caskets with bronze finishes, including 18-gauge models such as Galaxy Horizon Bronze, Kensington Series Bronze, and Orion Series Bronze.

Those caskets can provide the rich appearance of bronze at a significantly different price point from premium solid-bronze construction.

So before ordering, always read the material description.

Steel vs. Copper vs. Bronze: Quick Comparison

Feature	Steel	Copper	Bronze
Typical Positioning	Affordable to premium	Premium	Premium/luxury
Common Construction	18 or 20 gauge	Solid copper options	Bronze alloy
Color Selection	Very large	Usually metallic tones	Usually rich metallic tones
Rust Resistance	Varies by construction/finish	Naturally does not rust like ordinary steel	Strong corrosion resistance
Price	Usually lowest of the three	Higher	Often highest
Availability	Very broad	More limited	More limited
Best For	Value, selection, colors	Premium metal preference	Luxury/traditional premium choice

The right choice depends on your family’s priorities rather than one material being universally “best.”

Which Casket Is the Most Affordable?

In most cases, steel caskets are more affordable than solid copper or bronze caskets.

Steel provides manufacturers with the ability to offer:

More price points
More colors
More styles
More interiors
More configurations

Casket Emporium’s current catalog illustrates this difference. Many 18-gauge steel models are listed around the mid-$1,000 range, while premium solid-copper/bronze-category caskets are several thousand dollars. Actual prices can change, so always verify current pricing on the product page.

Read the Complete 2026 Casket Price Guide:
https://casketemporium.com/how-much-does-a-funeral-casket-cost-in-2026-complete-price-guide/

Which Casket Is the Strongest?

There isn’t a useful one-word answer.

Strength and performance depend on:

Material
Thickness
Construction
Welding
Hardware
Design
Manufacturer specifications

An 18 gauge steel casket uses thicker steel than a 20 gauge steel casket.

Copper and bronze are different metals with different physical properties, so comparing them purely through steel gauge terminology is not always meaningful.

Instead of asking only:

“Which is strongest?”

ask:

“Which construction and features best fit my family’s preferences and budget?”

Which Casket Resists Rust Better?

This is one of the clearest differences.

Ordinary steel contains iron and can rust when exposed to certain environmental conditions.

Copper does not rust in the same way steel does, although it can naturally oxidize and develop a patina over time.

Bronze also has strong corrosion-resistant properties.

That is one reason copper and bronze caskets are positioned as premium metal choices.

However, families should understand something extremely important:

No casket preserves human remains forever.

A premium metal casket should not be purchased because someone claims it will permanently preserve a body.

The FTC explicitly warns consumers that no casket, regardless of qualities or cost, preserves a body forever.

Read:
https://www.casketemporium.com/do-sealed-caskets-last-longer

FTC Funeral Costs & Pricing Checklist:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/funeral-costs-pricing-checklist

What Is a Gasketed or Sealed Metal Casket?

Many metal caskets are described as:

Gasketed
Protective
Sealed
Sealer caskets

These caskets contain a gasket or similar closure feature designed to delay penetration by outside elements.

But this should never be confused with permanent preservation.

The FTC makes clear that such features do not preserve remains indefinitely.

Learn More About Sealed Caskets:
https://www.casketemporium.com/do-sealed-caskets-last-longer

Are Copper and Bronze Caskets Worth the Extra Cost?

That depends entirely on what your family values.

A premium copper or bronze casket may be worth considering if you want:

Distinctive material
Premium metal construction
Rich brushed finish
Traditional luxury appearance
Greater exclusivity
Corrosion-resistant metal

However, if your priority is:

Affordability
Large color selection
Numerous styles
Strong construction
Broad availability

then an 18 gauge steel casket may provide better overall value.

There is no reason for families to feel they must purchase copper or bronze simply because it costs more.

Does a More Expensive Casket Mean a Better Funeral?

No.

A funeral’s meaning is not determined by the price of the casket.

A family may choose a $1,500 steel casket because it perfectly matches their loved one’s personality.

Another family may choose a premium copper or bronze casket because they prefer its material and craftsmanship.

Both choices can be dignified.

Choose based on:

Family preference
Budget
Appearance
Material
Craftsmanship
Personal meaning

—not pressure.

Steel Caskets Offer the Largest Color Selection

One major advantage of steel is versatility.

Casket Emporium carries metal caskets in colors including:

White
Black
Silver
Navy blue
Royal blue
Copper
Bronze
Gold
Burgundy
Purple
Green
Red
Rose

Read the Casket Color Guide:
https://casketemporium.com/best-casket-colors-and-their-meanings-complete-guide-to-choosing-the-right-casket-color/

That makes steel especially attractive for families who want the casket to reflect their loved one’s favorite color or personality.

Copper-Finish Caskets: Premium Look at a Different Price Point

Families who love the warm look of copper but don’t necessarily want a solid-copper casket can consider a copper-finish steel model.

Casket Emporium currently offers options such as:

Orion Series Copper:
https://casketemporium.com/product/orion-series-copper/

Kensington Series Copper:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/

These models give families access to warm copper tones while retaining steel construction.

Bronze-Finish Steel Caskets

The same idea applies to bronze.

Families can choose steel caskets with bronze-colored or brushed bronze finishes without moving into the price range of premium bronze construction.

Casket Emporium’s metal category currently includes models such as:

Galaxy Horizon Bronze
Kensington Series Bronze
Kensington Series Bronze and Gold
Orion Series Bronze

Browse Metal Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/

Premium Copper and Bronze Caskets

For families specifically looking for premium materials, Casket Emporium maintains a dedicated collection that includes:

Athena Copper Casket
Solid Aegean Copper
Sovereign Series Bronze
Sovereign Series Bronze/Gold
Stainless-steel models
Chrome caskets

Shop the Premium Metal Collection:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/gauge-premium/

How Do Copper and Bronze Caskets Compare in Price?

Copper and bronze caskets are generally more expensive than steel because they use premium metals and are produced in lower volumes.

The FTC notes that while the average casket costs a little over $2,000, some premium mahogany, bronze and copper caskets can reach $10,000.

Casket Emporium’s own current premium-metal category offers several copper, bronze and stainless models in the several-thousand-dollar range.

For current prices:

Premium Metal Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/gauge-premium/

Complete Casket Cost Guide:
https://casketemporium.com/how-much-does-a-funeral-casket-cost-in-2026-complete-price-guide/

Should You Buy a Metal Casket Online?

Absolutely.

Shopping online allows families to compare:

Steel gauge
Material
Price
Color
Interior
Size
Hardware
Product specifications

without being limited to a handful of showroom models.

The FTC confirms that families may purchase a casket from a third-party retailer and have it shipped directly to the funeral home. Funeral homes covered by the Funeral Rule must allow its use and cannot charge a fee merely because it was purchased elsewhere.

Buying a Casket Online vs. Funeral Home:
https://www.casketemporium.com/buying-casket-online-vs-funeral-home

Can a Funeral Home Refuse a Copper, Bronze or Steel Casket Bought Online?

Covered funeral homes cannot refuse an outside casket simply because it was purchased from another retailer.

That applies whether the casket is:

Steel
Copper
Bronze
Wood
Oversized
Religious
Veteran-themed

The FTC Funeral Rule provides these consumer protections nationwide.

Casket Emporium Funeral Rule Guide:
https://www.casketemporium.com/ftc-funeral-rule-outside-caskets

Official FTC Funeral Rule:
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising/funeral-rule

How Fast Can a Metal Casket Be Delivered?

Delivery depends on:

Product availability
Material
Model
Warehouse location
Destination
Funeral date

Steel caskets generally offer the broadest inventory because they represent such a large portion of the market.

Premium copper and bronze models may have more limited availability, so families working with a short funeral schedule should confirm inventory before placing an order.

How Fast Can You Get a Casket Delivered?
https://www.casketemporium.com/how-fast-can-you-get-a-casket-delivered

What Should You Ask Before Buying a Copper or Bronze Casket?

This is especially important with premium metals.

Ask:

Is this casket actually solid copper or bronze?
Or is it steel with a copper or bronze finish?
What are the interior dimensions?
What does the casket weigh?
What interior fabric is included?
Is it full couch or half couch?
Is it gasketed?
Is the exact model currently available?
What is the total price?
When can it be delivered?

These questions help families understand exactly what they’re paying for.

Steel vs. Copper vs. Bronze for an Oversized Casket

If an oversized casket is required, dimensions should take priority over material.

Families should first confirm:

Required interior width
Overall dimensions
Weight capacity
Funeral home requirements

Then compare available materials.

Casket Emporium offers a substantial oversized casket selection, including metal options.

Oversized Caskets Guide:
https://casketemporium.com/oversized-caskets-explained-what-families-need-to-know-before-buying/

Steel vs. Copper vs. Bronze: Which One Should You Buy?

Here’s a simple way to think about it.

Choose Steel If You Want:

Excellent value
Large color selection
18 or 20 gauge options
Broad availability
Many designs
Numerous price points

Consider Copper If You Want:

Premium metal construction
Distinctive warm appearance
Natural corrosion resistance
A luxury funeral casket
Something less common than steel

Consider Bronze If You Want:

Premium metal construction
Traditional high-end appearance
Strong corrosion resistance
Distinctive brushed finishes
A luxury tribute

None is universally right for every family.

Why Families Choose Casket Emporium for Metal Caskets

At Casket Emporium, families can compare multiple levels of metal construction instead of being pushed toward a single option.

Our metal selection includes:

20 gauge steel
18 gauge steel
Solid copper
Bronze
Stainless steel
Chrome
Copper-finish steel
Bronze-finish steel
Oversized metal caskets
Veteran caskets
Religious metal caskets

That means families can compare both premium and affordable funeral caskets in one place.

Our philosophy remains simple:

NO MASCOT. NO GIMMICKS. JUST CASKETS.

Shop All Metal Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/

Shop 18 Gauge Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/gauge-metal-18/

Shop Premium Copper, Bronze & Stainless Caskets:
https://casketemporium.com/product-category/metal-caskets/gauge-premium/

Frequently Asked Questions About Steel, Copper and Bronze Caskets

Is an 18 gauge steel casket better than a 20 gauge casket?

18 gauge steel is thicker than 20 gauge steel. Whether it is the better choice depends on your budget, preferences, construction and features.

Is a copper casket better than steel?

Not automatically. Copper provides premium material and corrosion resistance, while steel typically offers more selection and lower prices.

Is a bronze casket better than copper?

Neither is universally better. Both are premium metals. The decision usually comes down to appearance, construction, availability and price.

Do copper caskets rust?

Copper doesn’t rust in the same manner as iron-based steel, although it naturally oxidizes over time.

Do bronze caskets rust?

Bronze is highly resistant to corrosion compared with ordinary steel, although environmental exposure can still change its appearance over time.

Is a copper-colored casket made from copper?

Not necessarily. Many steel caskets have copper-colored or copper-brushed finishes. Always check the actual material specification.

Is a bronze-colored casket solid bronze?

Not necessarily. A bronze finish describes appearance, not always the underlying material.

Which is cheaper: steel, copper or bronze?

Steel is generally the most affordable and widely available. Premium copper and bronze caskets usually cost more.

Does a copper or bronze casket preserve the body longer?

No casket preserves remains forever. The FTC specifically warns consumers against indefinite preservation claims.

Can I buy copper and bronze caskets online?

Yes. Casket Emporium offers premium metal caskets online and can help families compare specifications and availability.

Final Thoughts: Steel vs. Copper vs. Bronze Caskets

Choosing between a steel casket, copper casket and bronze casket comes down to what matters most to your family.

If you want the greatest selection and value, steel is difficult to beat.

If you want a premium non-steel metal with a distinctive appearance, copper may be the right choice.

If you’re searching for a traditional luxury metal casket, bronze may deserve consideration.

The most important thing is understanding exactly what you’re purchasing.

Don’t confuse:

Copper color with solid copper.

Don’t confuse:

Bronze finish with bronze construction.

And don’t assume:

A higher price automatically means the right casket for your family.

Compare the material.

Compare the construction.

Compare the price.

Compare the appearance.

Then select the casket that best honors your loved one.

At Casket Emporium, we offer steel, solid copper, bronze, stainless steel and specialty metal funeral caskets for families across the United States.