Caskets, urns, and flowers are essential products used both during the ceremony and interment. But if you've attended funerals often, you've probably noticed that there's usually another container inside which the casket is placed before it's lowered into the grave. This outer container, otherwise called a vault, is another common requirement necessary for safe and efficient burial.

But are burial vaults mandatory, and what purpose do they serve in funerals? The short answer is, it depends on each specific state and cemetery regulations. A burial vault is not mandatory but is a necessity as it adds an extra layer of protection to both the deceased and the cemetery grounds. Today, we will talk about burial vaults and grave liners, their importance, and why they may be mandatory in some cases. 

Should You Include A Burial Vault in Your Funeral Budget?

For the record, there are no federal or state laws that require the use of outer burial containers apart from the casket. It's usually cemetery laws and regulations that recommend their usage. Most cemeteries require a casket to be placed inside a burial vault or covered with a grave liner to keep the ground from caving in above the casket. 

Otherwise, the cemetery will have to conduct regular maintenance to ensure proper ground level. A grave liner, which is but a simple concrete box with a lid, is the most basic requirement for meeting such cemetery rules. Ideally, the base of the grave liner is placed into the grave after the casket has been lowered into the ground so that the base encloses it all around with the top lid.   

Burial Vault vs. Grave Liner: The Difference

A burial vault is sometimes called a grave vault or burial liner. It is a sturdy, protective container for the casket. The first vaults were manufactured in 1890, and the primary materials used then were wood and brick. Later developments saw the introduction of various materials, including plastic, fiberglass, stainless steel, copper, bronze, vinyl, or reinforced concrete coated with tar or asphalt. Regardless of the material used, the goal of using grave vaults is to ensure the grave doesn't cave in or cause the casket to sink deep into the soil.

A typical vault encloses the casket on four sides, top and bottom. Unlike a grave liner, the casket is placed into the vault first, sealed with a sturdy butyl tape seal, and then lowered into the grave. From there, it's further sealed shut with a lid at the top for maximum protection. 

A grave liner looks and serves the same purpose as a burial vault. The only difference is it doesn't usually have a bottom and is usually positioned into the ground after the casket has been lowered. There are unique grave liners with a bottom on the base, but these typically include holes to allow water to be out of the container.

Burial vaults come in various designs and materials, meaning the prices vary. The price is also determined by the various customization and personalization options available. These options further vary depending on aesthetics, warranties, and levels of protection. 

In contrast, grave liners are less expensive, although they're less effective or durable than vaults. Still, they offer significant protection against degradation and collapse. Burial vaults are the most popular option for many people. The most cost-effective options are plastic and fiberglass, while stainless steel and bronze varieties are more durable and pricier. 

Personalization used in today's burial vaults include unique emblems such as:

• The American Flag 
• The Star of David 
• The Army, Marine, Air Force, and Navy Seal
• Cross and Crucifixes 
• Customized photographs
• Various attractive colors 

So, Do You Really Need a Vault For Burial?

The concept of using grave vaults in burials has existed for over 100 years. They were officially incorporated into burials in the late 1800s and are now common in most states across North America, Canada, Australia and Europe. Despite their popularity and significance in traditional burials, most people still question if they really need to put a casket inside a vault. 

We already pointed out that this is part of cemetery regulations to ensure maximum protection of cemetery grounds and prevent the need for costly maintenance.

Given the heavy machinery used in cemeteries, such as lawnmowers and excavators, the chances of the soil sinking and the caskets caving in are high. This would, in turn, make the cemetery grounds unleveled, leading to safety issues. That's why cemeteries require families to purchase a receptacle for the casket. 

In addition, a burial liner helps support the earth's weight while shutting out external elements such as water, dirt, and living organisms that may penetrate the casket, ensuring the remains are protected from degradation.

So if the cemetery you intend to work with to inter your loved one's remains does not require a grave vault, you might still want to get one for a different reason: to preserve and protect your loved one's remains for many years.