Where can I see a GRC casket in person?
We keep stock and display models available at our workshop location. We are open to the public by appointment. Please call Jodi at 906.251.0166 to set up a time.
Will a GRC casket fit in a regular pick-up truck?
Yes, with the tailgate down. You will need ratchet straps to secure your casket for travel.
Does GRC sell casket kits?
No. We do not sell kits, but woodworking guidance and casket plans are widely available online. A google search should get you started. Once you have your materials list, please consider purchasing your lumber from Wilson Creek Woodsmithing. Call Justin at 906.360.7288
Will GRC make a casket out of a tree from my backyard?
No. Technically this could be done, but due to the complicated nature of the process it does not make sense for our business. If you would like to have WCW mill a tree into lumber to make your own casket, here are some guidelines:
- Unless you have access to a kiln for drying, white pine will be your best bet. Red pine is less ideal, but also an option.
- If only one tree is being milled, you’ll need an 8 foot length section with a minimum 18“ consistent diameter. Depending on your casket design and the quality of the log, this could produce enough boards to build a simple casket. You will need to know what size boards and how many you want out of the log(s) you have.
- You will need a way to transport the log(s) to our mill site and transport the lumber back home.
- After your lumber is milled, you will want to “sticker” it for a summer. Stickered wood means it has been stacked with spacers to allow the wood to dry evenly. Not stickering your wood is a recipe for mold and rot. Building with green wood that has not had ample time to dry could cause your final product to warp, bend or break.
Will a GRC casket fit in any cemetery plot?
Yes. Our caskets are made to fit easily in a standard grave opening with room on either side for lowering.
Does GRC store customer caskets?
No. We do not store caskets for customers except during the time frame from purchase to delivery/pick-up. Long term storage is logistically impossible for us. Pick-up and delivery details are listed on each product page.
How should I store my GRC casket?
To prevent water damage you’ll want to keep excessive humidity and all surface moisture from your casket. A garage or dry basement is a good location. It is always advisable to keep stored wood items up off the ground if there is a risk of moisture. Exposure to UV light will not damage the structural integrity of your casket, but it does tend to darken the color of most wood species, including pine. Caskets with and without a finish are susceptible to sun-staining.
How does a GRC casket get to the funeral home?
Scenario 1. You have purchased a casket for a recently deceased loved one and are planning a service with a funeral home. -We can deliver the casket directly to the funeral home. You will first want to communicate with the funeral director about times and location for delivery so you can check this info with us. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule, but can not guarantee delivery sooner than 2 weeks. Regular delivery rates apply. -You can make arrangements to pick the casket up from us and drop it off at the funeral home. You will want to take weather into account.
Scenario 2. You have purchased your casket ahead of time and have it stored at your home or another location. The time has come to use it: -Along with your pre-planning, you will want to designate a person who can handle picking up your casket from it’s storage location and delivering it where it needs to go. As a small family business, GRC does not have the delivery capacity to offer this service.
Will my funeral home accept a GRC casket?
Yes. All funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere per The Funeral Rule. This preserves your ability to purchase a burial vessel that suits your unique needs and wishes.
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