Wicker Coffins in the UK: Options, Costs, and Suppliers

Wicker coffins have become a popular choice for families seeking a natural, environmentally conscious farewell. Whether for a woodland burial, a natural burial ground, or a standard cremation, a wicker coffin offers a dignified and beautiful alternative to conventional wood. This guide covers the materials available, what they cost, where to buy them, and how to specify one even if your funeral director does not routinely stock them.

Wicker coffin materials: willow, seagrass, and banana leaf

The term 'wicker coffin' is often used loosely to describe any coffin woven from natural plant fibres. The three main materials used in UK coffins are:

Willow is the most traditional and widely available option. Most UK willow coffins are made from Somerset-grown willow, a crop that has been cultivated in the Somerset Levels for centuries. Willow coffins are sturdy, handsome, and entirely biodegradable. They tend to have a warm golden or buff colour and the woven pattern gives them a distinctive, artisan quality. Willow is well-suited to both burial and cremation.

Seagrass is harvested from coastal and aquatic environments, primarily in Asia. Seagrass coffins have a slightly different texture from willow — smoother and more tightly woven — and are often a natural pale green or straw colour when dried. They are among the lightest of the wicker options, which makes them easier to carry. Seagrass has strong eco credentials as it absorbs carbon during growth.

Banana leaf coffins are made from the fibrous leaves and stems of banana plants, typically woven or pressed into flat panels and shaped. They produce a smooth, slightly rustic appearance and are generally less expensive. Most banana leaf coffins are imported, primarily from South and South-East Asia, which some families note reduces their carbon footprint credentials compared to British-grown willow.

Are wicker coffins suitable for cremation?

The vast majority of UK crematoria accept wicker coffins made from willow, seagrass, or banana leaf. However, acceptance is not universal and there are some practical points to check:

• Metal fittings: Some wicker coffins include metal handles, brackets, or nameplate fixings — crematoria typically require that all metal components be removable or that a metal-free version be specified
• Internal lining: Crematoria require an absorbent internal lining — most wicker coffins come with a wool, cotton, or recycled paper lining as standard
• Structural integrity: The coffin must be rigid enough to be placed on the crematorium catafalque and handled safely — reputable wicker coffin makers design their products to meet this requirement
• Confirm in advance: Always inform the crematorium of your intended coffin choice at the time of booking; a reputable crematorium will confirm acceptance in writing

Cost range and what affects the price

Wicker coffins are generally priced between £300 and £1,000, depending on material, weave, size, finish, and supplier. The table below gives a guide to typical price ranges:

These prices are for the coffin itself. If purchasing through a funeral director, they may add a handling or supply margin. See below for guidance on sourcing your own coffin.

Where to buy a wicker coffin in the UK

There are several routes to purchasing a wicker coffin in the UK:

• Directly from UK makers: Somerset Willow (somersetwillow.co.uk) and Musgrove Willows both sell direct to the public; buying direct often gives access to the widest range and the most competitive prices
• Specialist eco funeral directors: Many green funeral directors stock or can order wicker coffins as a matter of course; they will often advise on the best option for your circumstances
• Online retailers: Several online retailers stock seagrass and banana leaf coffins; prices are often lower than buying through a funeral director, though you will need to arrange delivery
• Natural Death Centre approved suppliers: The Natural Death Centre (naturaldeath.org.uk) maintains a list of approved coffin suppliers whose products meet defined eco standards

Your right to supply your own coffin

Families in the UK have a legal right to supply their own coffin to a funeral director. A funeral director cannot lawfully refuse to use a coffin provided by the family, provided it meets the requirements of the crematorium or burial ground. This is confirmed in the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)'s 2021 guidance on funeral markets, which places a specific duty on funeral directors to accept third-party coffins.

In practice:

• Tell the funeral director at the outset that you wish to supply your own coffin — do not leave this until the last moment
• Check that the coffin meets the crematorium's requirements (metal-free fittings, absorbent lining, appropriate dimensions)
• Some funeral directors charge a small handling fee for using a third-party coffin — this should be declared on their price list, which they are required to provide
• Arrange delivery of the coffin to the funeral director's premises in sufficient time — allow at least a week for delivery from specialist makers