What's a Burial Vault?

A burial vault is a container, formerly made of wood or brick but more often today made of metal or concrete, that encloses a coffin to help prevent a grave from sinking.

What is the purpose of a burial vault?

A burial vault is a lined and sealed outer receptacle that houses the casket. It protects the casket from the weight of the earth and heavy maintenance equipment that will pass over the grave. It also helps resist water and preserves the beauty of the cemetery or memorial park by preventing the ground from settling.

Do you have to put a casket in a vault?

First of all, outer burial containers and burial vaults are not required by state or federal law. They are required by most cemetery rules and regulations. Cemeteries want a casket placed in an outer burial container or burial vault to prevent the ground from sinking in above the casket.