Burial vaults are an often confused detail that most cemeteries now require. A vault is a protective container, usually constructed of durable materials like reinforced concrete, metal, fiberglass, or plastic. Cemetery owners initially invented burial vaults to protect the coffin from opportunistic grave robbers. Constructed of wood and brick, these early vaults deterred thieves from digging up recently deceased souls to poach valuables like clothing, jewelry, and even the corpse itself.

Today, burial vaults are likely to be made out of concrete, which is effective at preventing the casket and the grave from sinking into the soil once buried. Vaults enclose the casket on the top, bottom, and all four sides. Most often, the casket is lowered into the vault, then the vault is sealed using a strong butyl tape seal, and then the entire unit is lowered into the ground. Some vaults are constructed with poured cement foundation with four sides and a lid that seals to that base.

Why Put a Casket in a Burial Vault?

Burial vaults preserve the condition of both the casket and the gravesite. Over time, without the support of a vault, the ground above the casket may sink, creating an uneven surface. Old cemeteries perpetually struggle with collapsed gravesites by backfilling with dirt. Vaults guard against groundwater. A water-tight seal prevents water from seeping into the casket, thus preserving the remains and maintaining the gravesite's integrity. In areas where groundwater levels run high, this is a vital function, helping to mitigate environmental concerns associated with burials.

Burial vaults also protect the casket from bearing the weight of the earth above it. Even heavy equipment commonly used at cemeteries, like excavators and lawn movers, can cause the soil to sink and the casket to cave in, leaving the cemetery's ground unlevel and unsafe.

Because of the safety risk, many cemeteries require families to buy a receptacle for the casket.

Types of Burial Vaults

Though all burial vaults provide the same structural support, that does not mean they're all built the same. There are different materials and features to consider that will impact the price.

Burial liner: If you're concerned about cost, a good compromise is a burial liner. This is a bit different from a standard burial vault. There is no bottom to this container, so the bottom of the casket is exposed to the elements. Still, a burial liner provides much of the same support. It will protect the ground from caving into the grave, and many cemeteries often require it.

Concrete burial vault: Concrete vaults are more durable but usually the most expensive choice. They come with an inner liner which consists of material like metal or plastic. Concrete vaults are incredibly secure and won't decompose quickly. These are most common in coastal regions in need of heavy support.

Metal burial vault: Just like a casket, you can choose a metal vault. These come in steel, copper, and bronze. Steel is the most cost-effective choice, with copper and bronze being the most expensive. Metal vaults are very secure against the elements, and they add more flexibility in the appearance of the vault if this is a concern. Metal vaults are often rust-proof to prevent water damage over time.

Are Burial Vaults Required?

It's important to understand the federal and local rules about burial vaults. These lead to a lot of misunderstandings, and many people overspend on burial vaults that they might not need or be able to afford. There are no federal or state laws that mandate burial vaults.

However, your cemetery may require them. The best way to know what's right for you is to research the rules in your area. You can always call multiple cemeteries to see what regulations they have and how they differ. The first step in learning how to plan a funeral is to determine your budget.

Burial Vaults Provide Peace of Mind

While it's true burial vaults aren't always necessary, they do provide much-needed peace of mind for many families. Knowing that the casket is secure and safe from the elements is something that's worth the extra cost for some families. Burial vaults are just as personalizable today as regular caskets, so they allow a lot of freedom of choice.

In most cases, a grave liner is a minimum way to make sure you satisfy any cemetery requirements. If you choose to opt for a full burial vault, this could be worth the added security, especially if you live in a coastal region. Ultimately, these burial decisions are up to you.