FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – Fiddlehead Casket Company has added a modern-day twist to the old pine box. The firm’s caskets are manufactured and shipped ready-to-assemble for the dearly departed.

Fiddlehead’s owner Jeremy Burrill said anyone who can assemble IKEA furniture can easily master assembling one of his caskets in about 30 minutes. The only tool skill required is the ability to pound wood dowels into the pre-drilled holes of the pine components. Instead of an Allen wrench, a rubber mallet is included with each RTA casket kit, along with 10 pine panels, 38 cherry pins and step-by-step instructions. No glue or metal fittings are required to construct unembellished units, which also make them fully biodegradable.

The company’s website notes that the RTA caskets are “ideal for both immediate use or future planning.” It adds that the caskets are “the only handcrafted, environmentally friendly option for your loved one. Locally made with New Brunswick pine.”

The RTA caskets sell for about $700. Fiddlehead more recently added an RTA bookcase that can be converted into a casket. “Love the idea of a simple pine casket but won’t need it for a while? Put it to work right now! This bookshelf option adds five adjustable solid pines shelves.”

Fiddlehead’s website also notes that its “build it yourself casket kits” are “available now delivered directly to your door!”