If a person is to be buried, the deceased needs to be first placed in a casket. Caskets range greatly from quite simple to extravagant. Basic caskets are generally plain wooden boxes, while more expensive caskets may be made from exquisite woods and furnished with satin and lace linings. You can construct a casket on your own. Due to its simple form, a casket is not that difficult to build.
Instructions
1. Know the measurements of the deceased. You will need the individual's height to determine the casket's length. You will also need the shoulder width to determine the casket's width. Finally, you'll need the feet measured from the heels to the toes to determine the height.
2. Add 3 to 4 inches onto each of your measurements. This ensures the deceased will fit comfortably into the casket.
3. Choose the type of wood you would like to use. Caskets are commonly made from pine, cherry and oak woods.
4. Cut two large, rectangular pieces of wood to serve as the casket's base and cover. The length and width of these two pieces will be determined by your prior measurements.
5. Make the sides of the casket by cutting two pieces of wood, according to your measurements. These two pieces will be the same length as the base and cover. Their width will be according to the deceased's feet height.
6. Create the head and foot of the coffin. These are the two pieces of wood that fit onto each end, thereby creating a full rectangular box. These should also be cut according to your measurements, with their height matching that of the side walls, and their width matching that of the base and cover.
7. Nail the base and walls together. Use sturdy 2-inch nails to ensure a strong fit. Nail the head and foot pieces to the casket. You know have an open, rectangular box.
8. Attach the cover to one wall of the casket, using hinges. Simply screw the hinges onto the wall and cover. This will allow the casket to easily open and close.
9. Line the casket with the material of your choice. You can place a blanket underneath the top lining for added padding.
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