The Complete Guide to Casket Platform Options
The Essential Role of Casket Platforms in Modern Funeral Services
A casket platform is a specialized structure designed to support, display, and transport a casket during funeral services and burial proceedings. These platforms serve both functional and ceremonial purposes in the funeral industry.
What is a Casket Platform?
- Definition: A support structure for displaying and moving caskets
- Also known as: Bier, catafalque, church truck, or burial platform
- Primary function: Provides stable, dignified support for caskets during viewings and ceremonies
- Types: Traditional wooden biers, collapsible aluminum platforms, hydraulic lifts, burial platforms
The modern funeral industry uses various forms of casket platforms, from simple wooden stands to sophisticated hydraulic lifts with capacities up to 1,200 pounds. These essential pieces of equipment ensure safety, dignity, and efficiency throughout the funeral process.
The history of casket platforms dates back centuries, with the term "bier" originally referring to a simple wooden board used to carry the deceased. Today's platforms have evolved significantly, incorporating features like non-skid surfaces, adjustable heights, and weatherproof materials for cemetery use.
While American Mortuary Coolers specializes in high-quality casket platforms, other manufacturers such as Matthews Aurora, Ferno-Washington, Mortuary Lift Company, Mopec, and Mortech Manufacturing also produce these essential funeral tools. Each company offers unique features and price points to meet different funeral home needs.
Handy casket platform terms:
Understanding the Casket Platform
The humble casket platform has evolved from simple wooden boards used by our ancestors to sophisticated equipment that honors the dead while serving practical needs.
In funeral homes across America, you'll hear various terms for these supportive structures:
- Bier: A traditional stand or frame that holds a casket during viewings or services
- Catafalque: A more ornate, often draped platform used especially for public figures
- Church Truck: The collapsible wheeled platforms funeral directors use behind the scenes
- Lift Table: Modern hydraulic or electric platforms that raise and lower caskets
- Burial Platform: Specialized structures designed for graveside services
Despite their different names and designs, all casket platforms share a common purpose: providing stable, dignified support throughout the funeral journey.
What Makes a "Casket Platform" Unique?
A casket platform does far more than just hold up a casket. It's the stage upon which one of life's most significant ceremonies unfolds.
First, it's a workhorse, bearing substantial weight—often 200 to 400+ pounds when a casket is occupied. Beyond this practical function, the platform creates a visual focal point during services, establishing a dignified foundation often improved with drapery or floral arrangements.
For pallbearers, a well-designed casket platform provides crucial assistance, offering the optimal height for lifting and sometimes wheels for easier movement. There's also something deeply symbolic about these platforms—they represent that threshold between life and death, the final resting place before burial or cremation.
What truly sets apart a quality platform is its ability to blend into the background while still providing rock-solid support. Companies like Ferno and Mortuary Lift Company have developed platforms that achieve this balance through thoughtful design and appropriate materials.
As we explain in our guide on Casket Selection: Beyond Aesthetics and Budget, the supporting equipment deserves as much consideration as the casket itself.
Key Moments in Casket Platform History
The story of casket platforms mirrors our evolving relationship with death and remembrance throughout history.
Perhaps no casket platform in American history holds more significance than the Lincoln Catafalque, hastily constructed in 1865 to support President Lincoln's casket as he lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. This pine structure, draped in black cloth, continues to be used for state funerals today. The Lincoln Catafalque has become a powerful symbol of national mourning.
The Industrial Revolution brought mechanical innovation to funeral services, with A.C. Richardson patenting the first mechanical casket lowering device in 1894—a development that transformed graveside ceremonies forever.
The modern funeral industry was revolutionized again with the introduction of the collapsible aluminum "church truck" on wheels, which dramatically improved mobility and reduced physical strain on funeral staff.
Today's casket platforms represent the cutting edge of funeral technology, with hydraulic lift systems and specialized burial platforms made from weather-resistant polyethylene.
Types & Evolution of Casket Platforms
The journey from simple wooden boards to sophisticated mechanical systems shows how casket platforms have evolved over centuries, reflecting our changing approach to honoring the deceased.
Today's funeral homes use several distinct types of casket platforms. The traditional bier remains a timeless option—a wooden stand, often draped with fabric, creating a dignified focal point during viewings. For state funerals, the more ornate catafalque takes center stage, with the Lincoln Catafalque being America's most recognizable example.
Modern funeral homes rely heavily on the church truck—collapsible aluminum platforms on wheels that have become the industry workhorse. When staff safety is a priority, hydraulic lift tables shine, raising and lowering caskets at the touch of a button with capacities up to 1,200 pounds.
Multi-level funeral homes benefit from specialized casket lifts or vertical conveyors that function like dedicated elevators for caskets. At the cemetery, modern polyethylene burial platforms have largely replaced traditional "greens," providing stable footing for pallbearers and secure support for lowering devices.
| Feature | Traditional Bier | Hydraulic Lift Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Hardwood with fabric draping | Steel with powder coating |
| Mobility | Stationary or limited | Full mobility with casters |
| Weight Capacity | 300-500 lbs | 750-1,200 lbs |
| Height Adjustment | Fixed | Variable (20"-65") |
| Power Source | None (manual) | Battery (12V DC) |
| Price Range | $300-$1,500 | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Primary Use | Chapel display | Preparation and transport |
| Special Features | Ceremonial appearance | Locking mechanisms, brakes |
Classic Bier vs. Modern "Casket Platform"
While "casket platform" serves as an umbrella term, the differences between traditional biers and modern platforms reflect broader changes in funeral service priorities.
The classic bier emphasizes ceremony and visual dignity. Typically crafted from fine hardwoods, these platforms feature limited mobility and fixed heights. Their design often includes ceremonial fabric draping, with aesthetics taking precedence over functionality.
In contrast, the modern casket platform prioritizes versatility and efficiency. Constructed from durable aluminum, steel, or high-density polyethylene, these platforms feature wheels, hydraulics, and other mobility aids. Companies like Matthews Aurora and Mortuary Lift Company have pioneered these advancements, creating platforms that are both practical and respectful.
This evolution mirrors the broader funeral industry shift toward staff safety, operational efficiency, and adaptability—all while maintaining essential dignity.
High-Profile Ceremonial Platforms
When it comes to state funerals and high-profile services, specialized casket platforms take on profound symbolic importance.
The Lincoln Catafalque stands as America's most historically significant platform. Used for presidential lying-in-state ceremonies in the Capitol Rotunda, this platform continues its solemn duty more than 150 years after it was built for Abraham Lincoln's funeral.
For military funerals, specially designed platforms often incorporate service insignia and precise dimensions to accommodate honor guard formations. Custom ceremonial platforms for dignitaries often feature special drapery in national colors or organizational themes.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we understand the ceremonial weight these platforms carry. We're happy to provide guidance on selecting the right casket platform for special circumstances. For more information about comprehensive funeral service equipment, see our guide on funeral home supplies.
Specifications, Materials & Safety Features
When selecting a casket platform for your funeral home, understanding the technical aspects is essential. These aren't just pieces of equipment – they're crucial elements that support both the dignity of your services and everyone's safety.
Load Capacity and Structural Integrity
Today's casket platforms are built to handle significant weight. Standard hydraulic lift tables support up to 1,200 pounds, while casket lifts typically handle between 750-1,000 pounds. Even traditional wooden biers are usually rated for 300-500 pounds.
These capacities accommodate everything from standard caskets to oversized models, always with safety margins built in. Leading manufacturers like Ferno and Matthews Aurora rigorously test their platforms to ensure they exceed their stated capacity ratings.
Material Options
The materials used in casket platforms have evolved significantly:
- Pine remains the traditional choice for simple biers and catafalques – including the historic Lincoln Catafalque.
- Hardwoods like oak, cherry, and mahogany create neat, stable platforms with natural visual appeal for chapel settings.
- Aluminum has revolutionized casket handling with collapsible "church trucks" that combine light weight with impressive strength.
- Steel becomes the material of choice for hydraulic lift tables and other heavy-duty applications.
- Polyethylene has become increasingly popular for burial platforms, offering light weight, weather resistance, and durability.
Critical Safety Features
Modern casket platform designs incorporate numerous safety elements:
- Caster brakes lock wheels firmly in place during loading or viewing
- Non-skid surfaces ensure caskets stay precisely where placed
- Tapered edges on burial platforms help pallbearers approach safely without tripping
- Interlocking guards on powered platforms prevent operation unless doors are properly closed
- Emergency stops provide immediate shutdown capabilities if needed
- Wider bases and counterweights prevent tipping
These safety features aren't just nice-to-haves – they're necessities. A scientific study on platform failure documented actual accidents during services where inadequate platforms failed.
Standard Dimensions & Capacities
Casket platforms follow certain standards that have evolved to meet practical needs:
- Traditional biers and catafalques: Typically 80-84 inches long, 24-30 inches wide, and 20-24 inches high
- Hydraulic lift tables: Generally 28 inches wide by 70 inches long, with lift capabilities up to 65 inches
- Casket lifts (vertical conveyors): Platforms sized 36-48 inches wide by 96 inches long, with vertical travel up to 36 feet
- Burial platforms: Vary by cemetery but must accommodate standard lowering devices
Competitors like Mortuary Lift Company and Ferno offer platforms with similar dimensions but may vary in their lifting mechanisms and weight capacities.
Modern Safety Regulations & Best Practices
Our industry has developed specific best practices for casket platform use:
- Modern casket lifts feature sophisticated door interlocks
- Regular battery checks and maintenance are essential
- Periodic load testing ensures continued safe operation
- Staff training on proper platform operation is critical
At American Mortuary Coolers, we take these safety considerations seriously in all our equipment recommendations. For more comprehensive information, see our guide on Essential Mortuary Equipment.
Selecting, Customizing & Budgeting for a Casket Platform
Finding the perfect casket platform is a lot like shopping for a good pair of shoes – it needs to fit just right, serve its purpose well, and ideally, not break the bank.
Assessing Your Operational Needs
Your funeral home's layout plays a huge role in determining which casket platform will work best. Multi-floor historic buildings might need a casket lift, while single-level facilities might do well with mobile platforms.
Volume matters too. If your funeral home serves a large community with multiple services each day, investing in a durable hydraulic system from companies like Ferno or Mortuary Lift Company can reduce physical strain on staff while allowing for quicker transitions.
Cemetery terrain can be unpredictable. Those beautiful rolling hills can create challenges for standard platforms. If you regularly conduct graveside services on uneven ground, look for adjustable legs or specialized designs that provide stability.
The scale of your services matters too. While most funeral homes handle standard services beautifully with church trucks, those occasionally hosting high-profile memorials might want more ceremonial platforms.
Customization Options
Modern casket platforms come in finishes ranging from warm wood stains to sleek, powder-coated metals that complement your facility's aesthetic. Drapery options vary from subtle fabrics to more distinctive coverings for special ceremonies.
Some funeral homes incorporate their logo or family crest into the platform design. Size modifications are available too, with extended platforms for oversized caskets becoming increasingly common.
Budget Considerations
Casket platform pricing varies widely:
- Traditional wooden biers: $300-$1,500
- Church trucks (collapsible platforms): $500-$2,000
- Hydraulic lift tables: $3,000-$8,000
- Vertical conveyors for multi-level facilities: $15,000-$30,000+
- Burial platforms for graveside services: $3,000-$4,000
While American Mortuary Coolers offers competitive pricing, competitors like Matthews Aurora and Ferno may have different price points or financing options. When calculating the true cost, remember to think long-term – quality platforms often last 10-20+ years with proper care.
Decision Checklist for Funeral Directors
When making your final decision about a casket platform, consider:
- Capacity requirements – will it safely support your heaviest caskets?
- Storage space when not in use
- Transport needs between preparation areas, chapels, and vehicles
- Appearance that complements your facility's design
- Safety standards and regulations
- Vendor support, including warranty coverage and service availability
- Potential for future modifications or upgrades
- Staff training requirements
Hidden Costs & Money-Saving Tips
Be aware that the sticker price isn't the whole story. Large platforms may have significant shipping costs. Casket lifts typically require professional installation. Maintenance contracts and staff training represent ongoing costs.
To get the most value, consider rental options for occasional needs like ceremonial platforms. Be aware of how the FTC Funeral Rule might apply; in some circumstances, families can provide their own equipment without additional handling fees.
While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option, investing in quality equipment often pays off through lower lifetime expenses. Look for multi-function options that can serve several purposes, reducing the need for specialized equipment.
For more guidance on making smart investments in funeral home equipment, check out our Funeral Home Furnishings Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Casket Platforms
What is the difference between a bier, catafalque, and hydraulic casket platform?
When families and funeral directors talk about casket platforms, they're often referring to several different pieces of equipment that serve similar but distinct purposes.
A bier is the simplest and most traditional option – essentially a ceremonial stand designed to display a casket during viewings or services. Typically crafted from wood and often draped with fabric, these platforms create a dignified focal point for mourners.
A catafalque takes this concept to a more elaborate level. These decorated platforms are specifically designed for the public display of distinguished individuals during lying in state ceremonies. The most famous example is the Lincoln Catafalque – a simple yet profound structure that has supported the caskets of presidents and national heroes for over 150 years.
The modern hydraulic casket platform represents a significant technological advancement. These battery-powered systems can raise and lower caskets with just the press of a button, supporting weights up to 1,200 pounds while adjusting from heights of 20 to 65 inches. Companies like Ferno, Matthews Aurora, and Mortuary Lift Company offer various models with different features and price points.
The key distinction comes down to purpose. While biers and catafalques primarily serve ceremonial roles, hydraulic platforms address the practical challenges of modern funeral operations – protecting staff from injury while ensuring smooth transitions throughout the funeral process.
How is a casket platform transported and set up safely?
Safety is paramount when handling casket platforms, and the proper procedures vary by type:
For traditional biers and catafalques, always use a two-person team when moving these wooden structures. Position the platform before the casket arrives, ensuring it sits level on solid flooring. When placing the casket, center it carefully to prevent tipping risk.
With church trucks (collapsible aluminum platforms), always lock the wheels before loading or unloading the casket. Position the platform at the appropriate height for transfer, double-check all locking mechanisms, and maintain careful control during movement, especially on ramps or inclines.
For hydraulic lift tables, ensure batteries are fully charged before use, and always lower to minimum height for loading. Use any included straps or locks to secure the casket. When raising or lowering, move smoothly and be mindful of overhead clearance.
Burial platforms at gravesites present unique challenges. Position them on level ground well before the service begins, and verify they properly support the lowering device. Those tapered edges need to be secure for pallbearer access.
Are there regulations governing casket platform use in funeral homes and cemeteries?
While there's no specific "Casket Platform Regulation Act," several regulatory frameworks impact how these essential pieces of equipment are designed and used.
OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide safe equipment for their staff. For traditional platforms, OSHA's manual lifting guidelines apply, while powered platforms may fall under standards for industrial trucks.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) also weighs in, with ANSI/ASSE A10.18 covering aspects of lifting equipment. At the local level, building codes may impact the installation of permanent casket lifts, particularly in multi-story facilities.
Many states have developed specific funeral industry regulations that include equipment standards, and cemetery associations often establish their own guidelines for burial platforms based on their unique terrain and operational needs.
For vertical casket lifts, there's an important technical distinction – they're classified as vertical reciprocating conveyors rather than elevators, and are not rated for passengers. This classification significantly impacts installation requirements and operational guidelines.
Competitors like Matthews Aurora, Ferno, and Mortuary Lift Company all design their platforms to meet or exceed these various regulations, as does American Mortuary Coolers.
Conclusion
As we've explored together, the humble casket platform plays a far more significant role than many realize. These platforms aren't just functional pieces of equipment – they're the silent supporters of meaningful goodbyes, balancing practical needs with the dignity every farewell deserves.
From simple wooden biers to sophisticated hydraulic systems, these platforms tell a story of how we've evolved in caring for our departed. Yet their core purpose remains beautifully unchanged: providing stable, respectful support during life's final journey.
Here at American Mortuary Coolers, we've walked alongside countless funeral directors as they've made these important equipment decisions. Based in Tennessee but serving funeral homes across all 48 contiguous states, we've seen how the right casket platform can transform both the practical workflow and emotional atmosphere of services.
While we're proud of our offerings, we recognize that companies like Matthews Aurora, Ferno, and Mortuary Lift Company also provide quality options. Each manufacturer brings unique strengths to the table – from Ferno's focus on ergonomics to Matthews Aurora's traditional craftsmanship to Mortuary Lift's specialized elevation systems.
When selecting your next casket platform, remember to prioritize safety features that protect everyone involved. Consider the full lifecycle of your investment – quality platforms often provide years of reliable service. Find that sweet spot that balances tradition with innovation, and always budget wisely by looking beyond the initial price tag.
The right platform does something remarkable – it becomes nearly invisible during services, allowing everyone to focus on what truly matters: honoring a life and supporting those who remain.
For more guidance on creating a complete, cohesive funeral environment, visit our guide on your one-stop shop for mortuary coolers. We're here to help with everything from preparation room essentials to public-facing furnishings.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your important work. The care you provide makes a difference in countless lives, and we're honored to support you in that mission – one casket platform at a time.