A carefully selected range of coffins and caskets for burial and cremation. We will guide you through the choices with care, clarity and respect.
Traditional, eco-friendly and personalised coffin options for burial and cremation, with clear guidance from our Sunderland team.
Every family is different, and there is no single right choice. Some families prefer a simple traditional coffin, while others may choose an eco-friendly coffin, a personalised design or a casket style. We will explain what is suitable for burial or cremation, what the differences are, and any costs involved before you decide.
If you would like help choosing a coffin or casket, our caring team can explain the options, suitability and costs clearly, without pressure.
Our traditional coffins are crafted from high-quality wood and veneers, offering a dignified and timeless appearance.
Options may include:
These are suitable for both burial and cremation.
For families who prefer a more environmentally conscious option, we offer eco-friendly coffins made from:
These are biodegradable and suitable for natural burial grounds and cremation.
Some families wish to choose something more personal.
We can arrange:
Every option is handled with dignity and respect.
Choosing a coffin or casket can feel difficult, especially when a family is already dealing with the loss of someone close. There is no right or wrong choice. Some families prefer a simple traditional wooden coffin, while others may choose an eco-friendly coffin, a personalised design, or a casket-style option.
At Tony Clarke Funeral Directors, we will explain the choices clearly and help you understand what is suitable for burial, cremation or direct cremation. We can also explain the difference in materials, styles and costs, so you can make a decision that feels right for your family.
If you are arranging a full funeral service, you may also wish to view our Funeral Packages & Prices. For families arranging a burial, our Burial Services in Sunderland page explains what may be needed. If your loved one is being cremated, you may find our Cremation Services in Sunderland page helpful. We also offer Direct Cremation in Sunderland for families who want a simpler, unattended option.
Our role is to guide you without pressure. We will help you choose a coffin or casket that feels appropriate, respectful and within your wishes.
For some families, a simple coffin can still feel personal and meaningful. This jute coffin was chosen as a more affordable option and was carefully dressed with white flowers to create a softer, natural appearance.
Floral touches can make a simple coffin feel more individual without needing to choose a more expensive willow or bamboo coffin. We will always explain what is suitable, what can be safely added, and how different coffin materials may affect the style and weight of the floral tribute.
At Tony Clarke Funeral Directors, we help families choose from a range of coffins and caskets in Sunderland, including traditional wooden coffins, eco-friendly options, personalised designs and simpler choices for direct cremation or cremation services. Our aim is to help you make a decision that feels respectful, appropriate and within your wishes.
If you are unsure what to choose, we will explain:
We are here to help you make an informed decision without pressure.
We show a selection of coffins and caskets on this page, but many more styles may be available. Some families prefer to look through supplier ranges first, especially if they are considering a personalised coffin, eco-friendly coffin, casket-style coffin or a particular colour or design.
Families are welcome to browse our supplier ranges for ideas. If you see something suitable, please speak to our team and we will check availability, suitability for burial or cremation, and any costs before anything is ordered.
Browse coffin and casket options:
Halliday Funeral Supplies
J C Atkinson
Please note: supplier websites are provided for guidance only. Coffins and caskets are normally arranged through the funeral director, and availability, suitability and prices may vary. We will confirm all options with you clearly before you make a decision.
Many coffins can be suitable for both burial and cremation, but the best option depends on the material, construction and the requirements of the crematorium or cemetery.
A coffin chosen for cremation must be suitable for the cremator and should be made from materials that can be safely cremated. Some simpler coffins are designed to be lighter and more suitable for cremation.
For burial, families may prefer a stronger or more solid coffin or casket, especially where the coffin will be placed in the ground. Burial coffins and caskets can also be chosen for their style, finish, strength and personal appearance.
We will explain the options clearly, including what is included in your funeral package and what upgrades are available.
No. Not every coffin or casket is suitable for cremation.
For example, metal caskets are not normally suitable for cremation because they will not burn in the cremator. Coffins for cremation should meet crematorium requirements and should not include unsuitable fittings, materials or coatings.
We only arrange coffins and caskets that are suitable for the type of funeral being planned, and we will check the details before anything is ordered.
In some cases, yes, a coffin that is suitable for cremation may also be used for burial, depending on the coffin type and the family’s wishes.
However, some families prefer to choose a more solid or higher-grade coffin for burial. This can affect the final cost, so we will always explain the options clearly before you make a decision.
Not always. Some burial-style coffins or caskets may not be suitable for cremation, especially if they contain metal, unsuitable fittings, certain coatings or materials that do not meet crematorium rules.
If a family wants a particular style, such as a casket, we will check whether a cremation-suitable version is available.
For cremation, some personal items may be allowed, but there are important safety rules. Items such as letters, photographs, cards, small soft keepsakes and certain natural materials may be suitable.
Items that are usually not allowed include batteries, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, lighters, aerosols, glass bottles, alcohol, large metal items, rubber, PVC, leather or items that could explode or give off harmful fumes.
Rules can vary between crematoria, so we will always check if you are unsure. GOV.UK also explains that funeral directors and crematoriums can advise families on the cremation process and the relevant forms.
Jewellery can sometimes be left with the person, but families should understand that it may not be recoverable afterwards. Some metals may melt or become unidentifiable during cremation.
If you want jewellery returned, it is usually best to remove it before the cremation. We can talk this through with you gently before the funeral.
If you want jewellery returned, it is usually best to remove it before the cremation. We can talk this through with you gently before the funeral.
Letters, cards and photographs are often suitable, depending on the crematorium’s rules.
A small amount of ashes may sometimes be placed in the coffin, but this should always be discussed with the funeral director and crematorium first. We will help check what is allowed before the funeral takes place.
Burial usually allows more flexibility than cremation because there is no cremator heat involved. Families may wish to place letters, photographs, small keepsakes, clothing, soft items or personal belongings inside the coffin.
However, we still advise using common sense. Items that may leak, pollute the ground, contain batteries, chemicals or non-biodegradable materials may not be suitable. If you are unsure, we will advise you before the funeral.
Yes. Flowers can be placed on top of the coffin, and in some cases around the sides.
Willow, wicker and bamboo-style coffins can be easier for florists to dress with flowers because of the woven design. Traditional coffins can also be decorated, but the florist may need to use a different method.
We will explain what is suitable for the coffin chosen and help coordinate this with the florist.
No. Some coffin handles are decorative only, especially on lighter cremation coffins.
Where a coffin is to be carried by family or friends, we will advise whether this is safe and suitable. We may recommend using the funeral staff, a bier or a trolley, especially where the coffin is heavy or where there is a risk of trips, steps or uneven ground.
Our priority is always the safety and dignity of everyone involved.
Yes, family members can often carry the coffin if they wish, but this must be planned carefully.
We will consider the weight of the coffin, the route, the surface, steps, weather and the number of bearers available. If we believe it would be safer to use a trolley or funeral staff, we will explain this clearly.
Yes. Coffins can often be personalised with colours, pictures, themes, flowers or meaningful details.
Families may choose a football theme, floral design, printed coffin, painted coffin, eco-friendly coffin or a more traditional style. We can show examples of personalised coffins and caskets in Sunderland and help you choose something that feels right.
Many eco-friendly coffins can be suitable for cremation or burial, but it depends on the material and construction.
Willow, bamboo, cardboard, jute and other natural coffin options may be available. We will confirm whether the coffin is suitable for the funeral being arranged and explain any practical considerations, including weight, floral decoration and cost.
This depends on the funeral package chosen.
A simple coffin may already be included within the package. Families can usually upgrade to a different coffin, casket, eco-friendly option or personalised design if they wish. We will always explain what is included and what any change would cost before you decide.
Yes. Some families prefer a simpler coffin to keep costs lower, especially for direct cremation or a more straightforward funeral.
We will explain the suitable options and help you choose something respectful, practical and within your wishes.
Choosing a coffin or casket can feel difficult, especially when you are already arranging a funeral. We can explain traditional, eco-friendly, personalised and casket-style options, including what is suitable for burial, cremation or direct cremation. Please call us for clear guidance and current availability.