When an individual passes on, remaining family members or close family friends are often responsible for the planning of the funeral and burial services. In addition to finding a funeral home or cemetery, the necessary burial accessories need to be purchased. Burial vaults are a common accessory that can be purchased with a casket or urn.



Burial vaults are used to protect a casket or urn once they have been buried in the ground. They act as a large container for a casket or urn. Burial vaults offer the casket or urn protection from the outside weather elements. In addition to protecting the casket or urn, burial vaults are also used to protect the cemetery in which they are placed at. After time, it is possible for a heavy casket to settle into the ground. Once the casket settles, the ground above it may become unstable. Burial vaults help to keep the casket stable in the ground, making the cemetery a safer place to visit. For this reason, many cemeteries may require a burial vault; however, burial vaults are generally an optional accessory that may be purchased if desired.

According to funeralmarket, there are three main types of burial vaults for caskets. These burial vaults are known as a lined burial vault, bell vault, or a grave box. A grave box is a standard concrete made box. In case ground water seeps into the grave box, there are holes on the base that allows the water to effectively drain out.

A bell vault is used before and after burial. In many areas, it is impossible to bury an individual once the ground becomes frozen. A bell vault is a popular choice when a casket cannot be buried right away. Although a bell vault is often chosen for its use above ground, burial vaults can be used underground as well.

Lined burial vaults are often referred to as premium burial vaults due to their extra protection. Lined burial vaults offered extra protection and lining for the interior and exterior of each vault. Due to their strength, lined burial vaults are able to withstand the harsh underground elements or weight due to cemetery construction equipment.

Once a general casket burial vault style has been selected, family members can select from a large number of materials or vault designs. Burial vaults are made from a wide variety of different materials. Depending on where a burial vault is purchased from, there usually is a wide section of burial vault designs available. Burial vaults can have common religious designs or be multi-colored. For families interested in a certain burial vault style, many vault companies or funeral homes can arrange for a customized burial vault to be built.

In addition to burial vaults for caskets, burial urn vaults are also available. Burial urn vaults are popular choice for families members who have had their loved one cremated, but still wish to bury their remains. Burial vaults for urns are similar to those made for caskets; however, they are smaller. As with casket burial vaults, they can be made from a wide variety of materials and have numerous art design displays.

Although burial vaults have multiple purposes, there are often used by family members for peace of mind. Even items buried underground can suffer damage from outside elements. Once an individual passes on, they will forever remain in their final resting spot; therefore, it is comforting for families to know that their loved oneís memory and remains are being protected by a burial vault.