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?
We watched our dad build simple pine caskets for friends and family in need, and we’re continuing that tradition. We’ve taken it a step further and designed one that is collapsible, so it is not only affordable and convenient, but also easy to store which allows families to plan ahead.
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. Not only is your casket well suited for any funeral, wake, or viewing, it also doubles as the cremation vessel and will leave no toxic residue.
Why buy an old-fashioned casket?
Our casket’s simple design delivers meaningful advantages. It is 100% biodegradable—breaking down naturally without releasing heavy metals or chemicals into the soil. The clean lines and simple beauty also appeal to a more old fashioned aesthetic. And if you are drawn to creativity and sentiment, it’s fully customizable: paint it, stain it, or decorate it.
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.