Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will I get my casket?
We maintain a limited inventory of caskets available for immediate local delivery within a six-hour drive. These are prioritized for urgent need and typically delivered within 36 hours. If you are planning funeral arrangements in advance, kindly allow 3-4 weeks for production and shipment.
Why build caskets?
Caskets are expensive. We don't think you should have to break the bank to take care of your loved one or worry about burdening your family when it's your time to go.
What should I line my casket with?
There are several options. Some patrons prefer the clean, natural look of the pine casket's interior. Some prefer a personal blanket or a favorite pillow. We offer an unbleached, hand-made muslin sack filled with pine shavings from the shop.
I'm worried about assembling my casket when it arrives. Is it easy?
Yes, its easy! The corner joints are secured with small pegs and you just need to tap them into place with a hammer or mallet. The lid is fastened with wrought iron nails.
Can my casket get cremated?
Yes. Our 100% biodegradable design is well suited for cremations and will leave no toxic residue.
Why buy an old-fashioned casket?
Our casket’s simple design delivers meaningful advantages. It’s eco-friendly, with a significantly smaller carbon footprint than conventional caskets, and it’s 100% biodegradable—breaking down naturally without releasing heavy metals or synthetic chemicals into the soil. It’s also lighter and collapsible, making it easy to store discreetly in a closet or attic until needed. And for those drawn to creativity, sentiment, or tradition, it’s fully customizable: paint it, stain it, or decorate it to
What is your refund policy?
We are happy to refund or replace defective caskets provided that they have not been used.
Do you build child caskets?
Yes, though they are not listed in our online store. Further,
we do not charge patrons who have lost a child.
Should patrons wish to make a donation, they may do so via check, cash, or venmo.
Do you build urns?
We can build wooden urns but do not maintain an inventory of them at this time. Please contact us to learn if the style of our urn would meet your preferences.
Is it true that you deliver?
Yes, we currently deliver within a six-hour drive of Topsham, Maine.
How should I store my casket?
We recommend caskets be stored in a cool dry place. A spare closet, heated garage, under a bed, or in a utility room would all be good options. We discourage storing caskets anywhere with extreme temperature or humidity fluctuations.
Can I use my casket at a funeral home?
Yes. Federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets that customers purchase from other sources. For more information about your rights and funeral options, please visit lastthings.net
Have a different question?
Send us an email or give us a call and we'll personally answer. No robots, no phone menus, just real people.
Partners and Resources We Trust
Funeral Planning and End-of-life Resources
We aren't experts of all the different parts of home funeral planning, but we know the folks who are. Chuck Lakin and his team at Last Things have decades of experience and an extensive, comprehensive resource library. Visit their website at lastthings.net.