Is there anything between a coffin and the dirt?

Question

Also is it always exactly 6 feet? or can it be8 or 10? Is the coffin nailed or glued shut?

Answer 1

there is nothing between the coffin and the dirt, it isn't always exactly 6 ft and it can be nailed or glued.

Answer 2

Usually the dirt goes directly on the coffin; in some cases there is a stone or metal covering to prevent collapse and/or discourage grave robbers.  Although no longer common, in the 19th century coffins were sometimes enclosed in a thin metal casket as well; this was most often done if it was anticipated that the body might be dug up and moved later - for example to be placed in a formal vault.  The depth is not always exactly 6 feet, but deeper is not common - for example, some married couples anticipate being buried in the same plot so the first coffin is buried deeper to allow space on top.  Coffin lids may be nailed, glued, pegged, or held in place by gravity alone.

Answer 3

In the United States there is usually a concrete Burial Vault placed in the ground. The coffin is placed inside and then a cover is fitted over it. The vault is generally 2 inches thick or more and reinforced. If it is constructed properly it will last a couple hundred years.  

Answer 4

Well, if you're in Quahog there is cement so you don't come back as a zombie.

Answer 5

Most cemeteries require the use of a burial vault (referring to USA).  A burial vault is a large concrete liner that the casket is placed into and then the entire unit is buried.  A casket is not sealed with glue or nails, they close in 1 of 2 ways.  They either click shut with 2 mechanisms on the front, or they are cranked shut with a device placed into the end of the casket.  These types of caskets that crank shut are gasketed, which means they have a rubber seal that helps protect from outside elements (water, oil, etc.)  Burial vaults also come sealed and unsealed.  The usual depth is 6 feet for a single grave.

Answer 6

the coffin is placed in a concrete vaults so dirt is not placed directly on the coffin and 6 ft is the standard