When a loved one dies, regardless of the family's choice of how the deceased person's body is prepared and disposed of and the type of burial, a coffin is necessary. This is an unavoidable expense, even when you opt for cremation. And there are several coffin options which will make the cost of the funeral service vary depending on your choice. At Stelae we believe it is important to know how much a coffin costs and what factors influence its cost so that families have a better idea of how one of the main expenses after the death of a loved one is going to affect their budget.
On average, how much does a coffin cost in Spain?
According to a study by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), a coffin in Spain can cost between 800 and 1,600 euros, so, on average, the cost of a coffin is about 1,200 euros.
However, there are different types of coffins that are tailored to the needs of each family, so the choice of this can significantly influence the final price of a funeral service.
Are there different price ranges for coffins in the Spanish market?
As there are different types of coffins, the price range is also wide and varied. How much does a coffin cost in Spain? The following options are available:
- Low range coffins. The price of a basic coffin is about 500-600 euros, although you can find even cheaper options. These are coffins with simple finishes, with very little decoration and made with modest, natural wood without varnish. It is the cheapest range.
- Medium range coffins. There is a great variety of prices in this group, as the coffins are made with many different types of wood and colours, and come in different finishes. This type of coffin costs between 700 and 1,500 euros, approximately. They are often the ones offered by insurance companies in their death insurance policies.
- High range coffins. These are the coffins with a higher level finish. They are more elaborate and made with solid woods of a supreme quality. It is the thickness of the wood and their finishes that set them apart from the previous range. The price can go up to 3,000 or 3,500 euros in the most expensive models.
What are the factors that influence the price of a coffin in Spain?
The range of the chosen coffin is what determines the price of a coffin in Spain, so the factors that determine this cost are, mainly:
- The quality of the wood used in its manufacture, as well as the thickness of it.
- The place where the coffin was manufactured, as those that are made in Spain are usually of better quality than those that are imported from China, for example.
- The type of finishes, both in terms of the decoration of the wood and the interiors. In this sense, for example, coffins with square finishings tend to be cheaper than coffins with rounded finishings.
Price of a coffin for cremation
As mentioned at the beginning, even when the option of cremation is chosen, a coffin is necessary and these do not have to be any different from other coffins.
The only requirement of a coffin for cremation is that it must be eco-friendly and comply with UNE 190001:2017. This is in order to reduce emissions during the cremation process.
This special feature does not mean that the price of a coffin for cremation is more expensive than a conventional coffin.
Types of coffin for cremation
As with conventional coffins, there are different price ranges for coffins for cremation. But these eco-friendly coffins are no different in price, so there is also a low, medium and high range classification and the costs are similar to those of conventional coffins. So what makes them different?
- The origin of the wood is certified, meaning it only comes from forests with controlled and sustainable logging.
- The use of water-based varnishes and dyes.
- The use of natural and biodegradable fabrics.
- The absence of metal elements.
What happens if a family member dies and I have no money?
For some families, even a lower range coffin is not affordable or they may simply prefer a more modest option.
In these circumstances, the most economical option is the one offered by Stelae: direct cremation. It is the cheapest alternative when a family member dies because it is quick, simple and straightforward.
If you are considering this option to lower the costs of a funeral service, have a look at Stelae’s direct cremation prices.
