Outer Burial Containers

An outer burial container is an encasement that surrounds a person’s casket inside a grave space. The purpose of this container is to protect a person’s casket from the weight of the earth, maintaining the integrity of the cemetery grounds over time. Outer burial containers may be purchased through the cemetery or through Mt. Scott Funeral Home directly. Our staff will explain all of the options available to you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Most cemeteries require an outer burial container for in-ground casket burial. They are designed to maintain the integrity of the cemetery grounds, by preventing the caskets from collapsing over time from the weight of the earth and the heavy machinery that the cemeteries use.

Outer burial containers may be purchased through Mt. Scott Funeral Home or through the cemetery directly. We recommend families compare the cost of both entities before making a selection.

Types of Outer Burial Containers

There are two types of outer burial containers; grave liners and burial vaults. They both serve the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the grave space. The distinctive difference between a grave liner and burial vault is its protective qualities.

Burial Vault - Burial vaults are made from reinforced concrete and have a protective liner and a gasket seal that helps to keep a casket clean and dry.
Grave Liners - Grave liners are made from reinforced concrete or a heavy polyurethane plastic and do not have any type of protective liner or gasket seal.

Following are some illustrations and videos that help describe outer burial containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a grave liner and a burial vault?

What is the difference between a grave liner and a burial vault?

A burial vault has a protective liner on the inside and a gasket seal that helps to keep a person’s casket clean and dry. A grave liner on the other hand does not have any of these protective qualities, allowing water and debris to flow through them.

Is an outer burial container required?

Is an outer burial container required?

Most cemeteries do require an outer burial container. They prevent the casket from collapsing from the weight of the earth and the heavy machinery that drive over the cemetery grounds. With that said, some cemeteries may offer garden areas where they do not require an outer burial container such as a natural burial site.

Do you need an outer burial container for cremated remains?

Do you need an outer burial container for cremated remains?

Most cemeteries will require that a person’s urn either be placed in an outer burial container or that the individual is placed in an urn that is designed specifically for burial.

Should I buy my outer burial container from the funeral home or a cemetery?

Should I buy my outer burial container from the funeral home or a cemetery?

Pricing can vary drastically between cemeteries and funeral homes so we recommend that families check with both entities before making a selection.

Can I pre-purchase my outer burial container?

Can I pre-purchase my outer burial container?

Yes! When you pre-purchase your outer burial container with Mt. Scott Funeral Home, you are guaranteed to pay no more than today’s costs, regardless of any future price increase.

Mt. Scott Funeral Home | (503) 771-1171
4205 SE. 59th Ave. Portland, OR 97206