What Is a Coffin Club?: A Community Movement Changing How We Face Death

In a world where conversations about death are often avoided or shrouded in mystery, a growing grassroots movement is reshaping how we prepare for the end of life—creatively, compassionately, and with community spirit. Welcome to the world of Coffin Clubs.

But what is a Coffin Club exactly, and why are more Australians becoming part of them?

Whether you’re curious about DIY coffin making, seeking a more personal send-off, or looking for ways to reduce funeral costs, this article will explain everything you need to know about the Coffin Club phenomenon—and how it’s revolutionising the way we think about death, dying, and funerals in Australia.

What Is a Coffin Club?

A Coffin Club is a community-based organisation where people come together to build, decorate, or personalise their own coffins—often in a relaxed, social environment. The concept originated in New Zealand in 2010, when former palliative care nurse Katie Williams started the first club in Rotorua. The idea quickly spread, gaining popularity across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and even parts of North America.

But Coffin Clubs are about much more than just building coffins.

They provide a safe and supportive space to talk openly about death, challenge taboos, foster creativity, and empower people to take control of their end-of-life choices. Members often range from retirees and artists to carers and those living with terminal illness.

Why Are Coffin Clubs Gaining Popularity?

1. Affordability

Funerals in Australia can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000 or more. By building their own coffins, Coffin Club members can significantly reduce funeral costs—sometimes spending as little as $300 on materials.

This DIY approach aligns with FuneralSmart’s mission: helping Australians make informed, affordable choices about end-of-life planning.

2. Personalisation

A store-bought coffin is often generic. In contrast, members of Coffin Clubs design unique coffins that reflect their personalities, values, and stories—whether it’s a vibrant floral design, a tribute to a favourite hobby, or a simple, sustainable box.

The result? A deeply meaningful farewell.

3. Sustainability

Many Coffin Clubs promote eco-friendly materials like untreated pine, recycled wood, or cardboard coffins—appealing to those who want a greener funeral. Some even incorporate biodegradable linings or natural paints.

4. Community and Connection

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of a Coffin Club is the sense of community it fosters. Members often report that joining has helped them make new friends, process grief, or come to terms with their own mortality.

There’s laughter, storytelling, and even music. Death may be the reason they gather—but life is very much at the heart of it.

What Happens at a Coffin Club Meeting?

Each Coffin Club may operate slightly differently, but here’s what a typical session might involve:

Coffin-building workshops: Guided by skilled volunteers, members cut, sand, and assemble their own coffins.
Decorating sessions: Paints, decoupage, fabrics, and stencils bring each coffin to life.
End-of-life education: Guest speakers may share tips on advance care planning, writing a will, or organising a home funeral.
Tea, laughter, and support: It’s not unusual to hear music playing and stories being swapped over cups of tea.

Some clubs also welcome people who simply want to learn, observe, or plan without building a coffin just yet.

Are Coffin Clubs Legal in Australia?

Yes, it is legal in Australia to build your own coffin, provided it meets specific requirements outlined by state-based health and burial regulations. Generally, a coffin must:

Be sturdy and sealed
Fit standard cemetery or crematorium dimensions
Be made from safe, non-toxic materials

FuneralSmart encourages you to check local laws or speak with a trusted funeral provider before proceeding with a DIY coffin for a funeral.

Where Can I Find a Coffin Club in Australia?

Coffin Clubs are growing across Australia, with active groups in:

Queensland: Including Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast
New South Wales: Clubs in Byron Bay and Sydney regions
Victoria: Especially in Melbourne’s inner suburbs
South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia are seeing interest rise too

Some clubs operate through community centres or U3A (University of the Third Age) groups. If there’s no Coffin Club near you, consider starting one with a group of like-minded individuals—resources and guides are available online.

Who Joins a Coffin Club?

Coffin Clubs welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, but common members include:

Older Australians planning ahead
People living with a terminal illness
Family carers and those recently bereaved
Retirees looking for community
Artists, woodworkers, or hobbyists

Many participants say joining has given them peace of mind, a renewed sense of purpose, and the confidence to talk openly about death with loved ones.

How Do Coffin Clubs Align With FuneralSmart’s Values?

At FuneralSmart, we believe that every Australian should have access to transparent, affordable, and meaningful funeral options. Coffin Clubs embody many of the values we promote:

Empowerment through knowledge
Personalised funeral choices
Community-based solutions
Reduced funeral costs
Environmentally conscious planning

Whether you’re comparing cremation providers, planning a home funeral, or curious about coffin clubs, FuneralSmart is your advocate—here to help you plan smart and say goodbye on your terms.

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Goodbye, Your Way

Coffin Clubs aren’t just about building boxes—they’re about building confidence, community, and a new relationship with death. They offer a powerful reminder that end-of-life planning doesn’t have to be cold or clinical—it can be creative, cost-effective, and deeply human.

As we continue to redefine how funerals are approached in Australia, Coffin Clubs represent a growing movement toward greater autonomy, affordability, and authenticity in death care.

If you’re interested in exploring Coffin Clubs or planning your funeral your way, FuneralSmart can help. Compare options, get informed, and make choices that reflect who you are.

Ready to Plan Ahead?

Visit FuneralSmart.com.au to:

Compare funeral service options
Discover eco-friendly coffin suppliers
Learn more about home funerals and prepaid planning
Get free guides and checklists for a smart funeral plan

Because when it comes to saying goodbye, you deserve to do it your way.