Your Guide to Funeral Planning | 12.01.2022

What Is A Half Couch Casket?

What Is A Half Couch Casket?

Reviewed By: ELIZABETH SIEGEL

Cross Checked By: JOSHUA SIEGEL

What Is A Half Couch Casket?

A casket with a lid consisting of two separate hinged pieces is termed as a half couch casket or a split lid casket. Since such caskets technically have two lids, one covering the top half of the casket and the other covering the bottom half, you can choose to have only the top half open for viewing. 

This would allow friends and family members to view just the face and the upper body of the deceased. That said, some families opt to have both the halves of a half couch casket open, although doing so would defeat its purpose. Half lid caskets are very common; more so than full couch caskets since they make for a respectable and dignified open casket funeral. 

Why Choose a Half Couch Casket?

A half couch casket strikes a balance between tradition and modernity. It offers the dignity of a closed casket while allowing for a respectful viewing experience. This style is suitable for various cultural and personal preferences, making it a versatile choice for many families.

Half Couch Vs Full Couch Casket: The Difference

Both half couch caskets and full couch caskets are very similar to one another. The primary difference between the two rests with the way the lid opens. In a half couch casket, the lid is split into two separately hinged parts, allowing you to open just one half of the casket or have both halves open. In a full couch casket, on the other hand, there’s just a single-piece lid that opens up fully to display the entire body of the deceased. 

Another major difference between these two kinds of caskets is with its usage. Half caskets are used for open casket funerals, as in such viewings, the mourners don’t get to see the deceased. A full couch casket, meanwhile, is always preferred for closed casket viewings and may also be used for open casket funerals. 

And finally, the third point of difference between half couch vs full couch caskets is availability. Since most family members of the deceased tend to prefer half couch caskets for their loved ones, they’re almost always readily available in a wide range of designs and materials. Although not hard to find, a full couch casket, on the other hand, may have limited options for you to choose from. 

The Various Types Of Half Couch Caskets

Half couch caskets are categorized according to the kind of material that they’re made from. There are three major types that you can opt for. Here’s a closer look at each of these kinds of caskets. 

1. Wood half couch caskets
Wood caskets with split lids have been in existence for over hundreds of years. Depending on your requirement, you can get half couch caskets made from different types of wood. Some of the more popular wood options include Poplar, Pine, Mahogany, Walnut, Cherry, Willow, Oak, Birch, and Maple. Based on whether the casket is for a regular burial, eco-friendly burial, or cremation, you can have them treated with chemicals or not.  
2. Metal half couch caskets 
Though wood half couch caskets do last for a long time before succumbing to natural degradation, they’re not indestructible. If you wish to have your loved ones encased in a casket that can stand the test of time, you may have to opt for a metal half couch casket. Again, as with wood caskets, you can find caskets made from a wide range of metals. While steel is often the most preferred metal to make a metal casket, many families also tend to opt for caskets made from bronze or copper since they offer a more rich and elegant appearance. 
3. Eco-friendly half couch caskets
If you’re planning for an eco-friendly burial of your loved ones, you may be disallowed from using a traditional wood half couch casket. This is because wood caskets are often treated with multiple chemicals to give it a more elegant appearance and a bright sheen. In that case, you can opt for eco-friendly half couch caskets that degrade entirely when buried within the ground. Pine wood, bamboo, seagrass, cardboard, wicker, or wool are a few of the materials used to make eco-friendly caskets. 

Choosing The Right Casket Gives You Closure 

Shopping for a casket right after your loved one’s death can be very stressful. At the same time, choosing the right casket can help you find solace as well. If you’re planning on holding an open casket funeral, a half lid casket may be the right option. On the other hand, you could also consider a full couch casket too if you’re okay with having the entire lid open for viewing.

Whatever may your choice be - a half casket or a full casket, you can find the right one online at Titan Casket. Our range of half and full couch caskets are elegant, made from high-quality materials, and are affordable compared to funeral home caskets. Additionally, we also offer free shipping and guaranteed deliveries on all our caskets. 

Scott Ginsberg

Scott Ginsberg Scott Ginsberg

Scott Ginsberg

About Scott

Casket entrepreneur and market disruptor Scott Ginsberg has been a driving force in the casket industry for nearly three decades manufacturing and supplying caskets and building and shaping the direct-to-consumer casket market.

Scott Ginsberg founded Titan Casket in 2016. He owned and developed Northern Craft Casket where he realized the potential of the DTC market. Scott’s desire to support people in their time of need and vision of the untapped casket marketplace emerged as Scott dream of Titan Casket emerged. His interest in this space was born out of his desire to help people, and to shake up an industry that hasn’t innovated in a century that was ripe for disruption as consumers become comfortable making complex purchases online as well as offering more choices.

Scott received his BA from Salem State University and his MBA from Columbia Business School; he is based in Boston.