Caskets & Coffins
Our caskets and coffins embody the simplicity of a "plain pine box": unpretentious and naturally beautiful.
Eno River
Our Eno River casket captures the beauty and spirit of this pristine natural area in the heart of Hillsborough, NC.
We build this his version of a "plain pine box", occasionally called a 'country casket',
from Southern Yellow Pine or other sustainable pine depending on availability.
Traditional joinery such as pegs, dados and dovetail joints eliminate the need for metal fasteners. Gentler to the earth.
price: $ 1,800
Cates Creek
Cates Creek is a small tributary of the Eno River that runs near our old shop, just south of Hillsborough.
Our caskets are certified "3-Leaf" by the Green Burial Council, their highest rating for environmental responsibility.
Certification is based on use of natural materials harvested in an environmentally sustainable manner and efforts toward minimizing carbon footprint.
_edited_edite.jpg)
price: $ 1,700
Our Cates Creek casket is a simpler and plainer version of our Eno River casket -- unfinished and built without handles. This casket usually requires preorder.
Q:
What's the difference between a casket and a coffin?
A:
CASKET
COFFIN
A casket has a rectangular shape.
A coffin is tapered to make it wider at the shoulders, more closely mimicking the human form.
Southern Counties
Inspired by a coffin style from the southern counties of England, we designed our version with the counties of North Carolina in mind.
The southern counties coffin features curved side walls.
The sides are curved by making a series of vertical saw cuts ('kerfs'), applying hot water, bending, and clamping. Prayer is helpful during the bend.
Square-cut, wrought-head nails give the finished edge a rustic look that reflects the history and tradition of the coffin-making trade.
Due to the shape of a coffin, each one must be scaled based on the height of the intended occupant. Pre-order only - we are not currently building this coffin, but please contact us if you are interested. We'll talk.
price: $ 2,400
We understand that 'family' comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes with paws.
We'd be glad to build something for your animal companion.
ORDERING:
Our goal is to always have a casket in stock, but if we do not, it can take 7 to 14 days to build one to order.
Contact us to check availability.
We will need to know the height and approximate weight of the person for whom the casket is intended.
DELIVERY:
We can deliver to you or to your preferred funeral home. We personally deliver within a 10 hour radius of our farm. Motor freight is available beyond that range, but we prefer to bring the casket you ourselves.
Payment is expected at the time of delivery.
We may request a deposit of up to 50% on custom orders.
Information about NATURAL BURIAL
Natural ('green') burial involves practices that are aligned to the organic processes of the earth.
Other Funeral Goods
URN
A cremation or funeral urn is often envisioned as a rounded vase with a lid, made out of metal or pottery.
We offer thoughtfully crafted wooden boxes as a naturally beautiful alternative.
Prices: beginning at $300
BIER
A bier is used to carry a shouded body to the graveside. We built this oak bier for St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Greensboro, NC. In their practice the shrouded body is then lowered into the grave and the bier is stored until it is needed again.
At right is an example of a more organically shaped bier.
