Cremation Boxes FAQ

WHAT SIZE BOX DO I NEED?

The rule of thumb is that you need one cubic inch of volume for every pound of body weight. An adult weighing 180 pounds would need 180 cubic inches of volume. A box with inside dimentions of 6" X 6" X 6" would hold 216 cubic inches of volume. We make most of our boxes 200 cubic inches or larger.

WHAT IS A MEMORY POCKET?

A "memory pocket" is a wooden panel placed in the lid of a box for storage of items of memorabilia to be interned with the remains.

A LOVED ONE HAS PASSED AWAY BUT I WANT TO SAVE THE REMAINS TO BE BURIED WITH MINE. HOW CAN I ACCOMPLISH THAT?

We suggest either the August Brass Chest or the Mojave Memory Chest. Both boxes can be customized to hold two temporary containers of any size. Remains can be safely stored in one half and locked or sealed until the other half is needed. The box can then be buried (if that is the final disposition) in a cemetery half lot (most cemeteries will agree to divided a casket size lot in half for cremations).

HOW MUCH DOES A CREMATION COST?

Basic cremation (without a funeral) costs around $1500 and goes up from there. The federal government has attempted to standardize the cremation process but costs vary by region. Many people are not aware that embalming is not required for a cremation. That will save hundreds of dollars. Adding a memorial service or funeral, graveside burial, and obituaries will increase the cost. Expect to spend $4000 - $5000 or more in total, but thousands of dollars less than a "casket" type burial.

WHAT TYPE OF WOOD CAN I CHOOSE FROM?

It's up to the customer. For direct burial (within six months) so we suggest pine. The grain and knots in pine provide a warm attractive presentation for memorial services and funerals. For indefinate preservation we suggest a harder wood. We keep oak, maple, cherry, and mahogany in stock and have access to most any exotic wood that exists. HOW WILL I RECEIVE THE REMAINS?

It will depend on the crematorium where the remains are being processed. Usually the remains will be enclosed in a sealed plastic bag and placed inside a "temporary" container (cardboard box, metal container or a rigid plastic container) bearing a certification regarding the name of the deceased and the date and location where the remains were processed.

IF I ORDER A BOX TODAY, HOW LONG BEFORE I RECEIVE IT?

Most of the boxes posted on our website can be shipped in three to five business days. Our boxes are usually made to order and don't take long to assemble. However, finishes and sealers may require two to three days to dry thoroughly before we can ship. Custom designs take longer. Call us if you have special requests.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BURYING THE REMAINS?

Regulatios vary by state, municipality and even by cemetery. Some locations are very restrictive because of environmental concerns and require that the remains be placed inside a rigid container (a box for example) then buried inside a concrete vault. Other locations have a designated area where remains can be spread on the ground. Most are somehere in between. Check with your local health department, a funeral director or contac our customer service department.