Which material is primarily used as backing material in the construction of caskets?

• A. Plywood
• B. Fiberboard
• C. Masonite
• D. Particleboard

Answer: (B)

In casket construction, the backing material provides a stable, smooth interior surface that supports the lining and hardware and helps the unit hold its shape. Fiberboard is used because it’s a dense, uniform wood-fiber sheet that resists warping, is lightweight yet strong, and is inexpensive. It creates a consistent base that upholstery and fixtures can be attached to reliably, without the grain patterns or unevenness you might get with plywood. While hardboard like Masonite is a type of fiberboard, fiberboard as a general category is the standard backing material across most caskets due to its combination of cost efficiency and reliable performance.