What is the price of a Willow coffin? How much does one of your willow coffins cost?
There are two commonly asked questions when people are enquiring about a willow coffin. The price of a willow coffin and what are my prices.
This is not surprising really with the rising cost of funerals and other household expenses. A 2024 study by Go.Compare found that 60% of people have concerns about paying for a loved one’s funeral fees. (Read the article here)
What does one of your willow coffins cost?
A Wegnalls Willow coffin, in a standard* size currently costs between £820 and 850, depending on the variety of willow**.
* Our standard sizes are 5’4” to 6’4” in length and 18” to 24” wide.
** I use willow that I have purchased from a commercial grower in Somerset and some that I’ve grown myself.
With the willow that I purchase, brown willow is cheaper than the stripped ‘buff’ or ‘white’ varieties. Although there are still high delivery charges for these.
Brown willow is less labour intensive to produce because it only needs to be cut, sorted and stored. The white willow is made by stripping the bark off brown willow and the buff is brown willow that has been boiled and stripped. All of this is done by machine, which I do not have.
Going forward I aim to use more of my homegrown willow. This will reduce delivery costs and be a more sustainable source of willow. However the true cost of my own willow compared to that which is purchased elsewhere will become apparent when my willow stools reach maturity in another 2-3 years. (There will be a lot more to cut and process, which adds labour time and cost).
You can find out more about the willow varieties used on the coffins page here.
Are there less expensive willow coffins?
A quick internet search will show that there are cheaper willow coffins available. However, these will be imported from Eastern Europe or Asia. They are made using cheaper, often lighter materials so as many as possible can be shipped in a container. (A lighter shipment costs less.)
I have had people ask me if I can produce a coffin for £400 – 500, or reduce my price. Unfortunately, the short answer is no.
The longer answer involves comparing one of my willow coffins to a cheaper import.
So how do they compare?
On an imported coffin, the lighter materials are not as strong as a willow coffin that I will make. Much in the same way as a basket or other craft item purchased from a large, bargain superstore would be of poorer quality than that made by a British craftsperson.
For example, on a Wegnalls Willow coffin the middle wale (band of weaving above and below the handles) keep the weaving tight and strong. Many cheaper coffins do not have this because it’s quicker to weave the coffin in one go, from bottom to top and then attach willow or rope handle after. This will make them less structurally sound and move more than one of my coffins. I also continually tap down the weaving, ensuring it’s tightly woven with little gap between the rows of weaving. This makes it extremely strong. But when an imported coffin need to be made as cheaply as possible, they need to be made quickly and with the least amount of material.
Sandwiched between those middle bands of weaving, the coffin handles are made by weaving a continuous length of Welsh wool rope in and out of the willow side stakes. They are then sewn in, secured to the inside of the coffin with high-tensile fishing line. As such, a Wegnalls Willow Coffin’s handles can be used and are weight bearing up to 25 stone. (Tested and passed as part of the FFMA accreditation).
Local and Handmade
The main difference between an imported coffin and a Wegnalls Willow coffin is the maker. I (Steph) make every coffin by hand. From cutting and drilling the base, weaving the willow and to sewing in the lining, I do it all! I am an independent coffin maker based in Herefordshire and by buying locally, you are supporting a small business and craftsperson.
There are other benefits to buying a coffin direct from the maker too. For example, adding your own personal touches to the coffin, creating a bespoke design and coming to weave part of the coffin. Even if you don’t want to weave, you are welcome to see the coffin in progress whilst enjoying a cup of tea and a cake. Or if you are further afield, I can send you photographs and little videos whilst it is being woven. I am happy to answer any questions you might have during the process and will help you create a perfect send off for your loved one.
So what does a willow coffin cost?
The price of a willow coffin depends on your budget, what’s important to you and what you can afford. Much like with a wooden coffin, you can choose a veneer / MDF coffin for around £400 or a solid wood one for £1000+.
I understand that a bespoke coffin isn’t economically possible for everyone. However if you are considering a locally made willow coffin for your loved one, you won’t find a better option than a Wegnalls Willow coffin. Each precious basket is made with love, care and sensitivity.
If our coffins resonate with you but you’re unsure whether it’s within your budget, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to talk things through and explore what might be possible.
All information and prices are correct as of May 2025.