What are Burial Vault and Grave Liners For?

December 13, 2021
If you must plan funeral services, you may have been asked if you would like a burial vault or grave liner. Today's article will discuss the difference between the two. 
cremation services in Boones Mill, VA

When you are looking for cremation services in Boones Mill, VA, vault liners may not be a concern for you, but if you are looking at burial services knowing the difference can be beneficial for making decisions. When it comes to protecting the casket of your loved ones after they have been laid to rest, having a way to keep the vessel intact if possible is a priority. These protections come in two options: a grave liner or a burial vault, so here is more information. 


 


Grave Liner 


A grave liner is a receptacle that is placed into the ground for burial purposes. They can come in a box form or dome and are built to support the weight from the dirt that covers it. The intention is to prevent a collapse onto the grave, which could cause damage to the casket. 


 


These grave liners are also known as rough boxes, concrete boxes, or grave receptacles and may be required by the cemetery. They protect the casket preventing cave-ins for the ground above that could cause damage to the cemetery property. They are made of concrete, making them more prone to allow water or dirt to come in and out of the space where the casket is located. In addition, this can cause faster deterioration of the casket as time progresses. 


 


Burial Vault 


The vault is defined as a receptacle that is aligned and sealed and fulfills the duties of a grave liner. They offer more lining and materials to help seal the interior, creating more strength and lessening the chances of any exterior particles entering the lining. And in most cases, they will come with a warranty, so check with the manufacturer. 


 


The burial vault offers far more protection as they are lined with plastic; the cover is also secured with butyl tape for extra security. Burial vaults also provide a way to personalize the container, with even some companies offering interactive containers with removable rings. Other options make them customizable with photos or emblems specific to your family or to add that special touch. 


 


A Local and Trusted Source 


It is recommended to check with local and state laws, but there are no regulations about requiring a vault or liner in most cases. In some situations, the cemeteries may require it to prevent any sinking within the grave. The liners are also not meant to avoid the decomposition of the loved one; they are simply barriers to protecting the casket and its ground. 


 


It can be excruciating and devastating to lose a loved one, and it's not unusual to experience a wide array of emotions around the event. Planning cremation services in Boones Mill, VA, can feel that much more difficult if you have never had to organize an event like this, so you need support going through the process. Connor-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory offers online grief support in addition to our multiple other services. We understand how complicated the process can be, and we want to provide you some ease with your planning, so give us a call today.


Roanoke, VA cremation services
November 17, 2025
Planning with Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory brings families peace and comfort through Roanoke, VA cremation services. Call us for expert guidance.
Roanoke, VA funeral services
November 10, 2025
Planning with Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory brings families comfort and peace through Roanoke, VA funeral services. Call Us for Expert Guidance.
Roanoke, VA funeral homes
November 3, 2025
Plan with Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory to discover how thoughtful Roanoke, VA funeral homes planning provides comfort. Call Us for Expert Guidance.
Roanoke, VA cremations
October 27, 2025
Craft meaningful remembrances with Roanoke, VA cremations. Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory helps families create heartfelt, lasting tributes.
Roanoke, VA cremation services
October 20, 2025
Honor your loved one with Roanoke, VA cremation services that reflect their story. We help create deeply personal and healing remembrance experiences.
Roanoke, VA funeral services
October 13, 2025
Thoughtful details make all the difference. Roanoke, VA funeral services help families feel supported with comfort, clarity, and personal care.
Roanoke, VA funeral homes
October 6, 2025
Find comfort with Roanoke, VA funeral homes that treat you like family. Conner-Bowman Funeral Home offers sincere support through every step of the journey.
Roanoke, VA cremations
September 22, 2025
Support for grief and remembrance. Our Roanoke, VA cremations include caring ways to offer peace, personalization, and healing when families need it most.
Roanoke, VA cremation services
September 15, 2025
We help families honor a brave legacy through Roanoke, VA cremation services with heartfelt tributes, guidance, and care that lasts beyond the service.
Roanoke, VA funeral services
September 8, 2025
We offer Roanoke, VA funeral services focused on care, connection, and comfort. Let us support your family with empathy when it matters most.