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As shipping container homes redefine modern living, it’s time to reimagine storage too. Shipping container garages are no exception. Before delving into this new concept, let’s establish the essential groundwork to turn this box into reality.
Can shipping containers be used as a garage?
Shipping containers offer excellent garage solutions, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional garages, which can often cost around $20,000 or more. Plus it would definitely be a conversation piece.
With proper modifications and planning, shipping containers can provide secure and functional storage or workspace for vehicles and other items. Key considerations include insulation, structural reinforcement, and the addition of doors and windows to meet your specific garage needs. Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s explore how a vehicle can actually fit inside a container.
1. Consider Foundation
As your container garage becomes an essential part of your home, it’s crucial to give careful thought to establishing a sturdy foundation to safeguard your belongings from long-term damage. Texas, along with neighboring states, presents a compelling case for prioritizing foundation considerations due to its clay-rich soil.
2. Consider How many containers you need
Let’s delve into the specifications of a typical shipping container to gain a better understanding of the available space. Refer to the table below for details on a standard shipping container. While accommodating a vehicle lengthwise is feasible, it may present challenges when you need to load boxes or bulky items into the vehicle, impacting your common usage scenarios. So how do we fix this issue?
| 20″ Container | Outside Container | Inside Container |
| Length | 6.05m (19.88 ft) | 5.90m (19.35 ft) |
| Width | 2.44m (8.00 ft) | 2.35m (7.71 ft) |
| Height | 2.59m (8.50 ft) | 2.38m (7.80 ft) |
3. Whats you vehicle size?
Car lengths vary between 10 to 20 feet, with midsize sedans typically around 14 feet, small cars like the Mini Cooper at 10 feet, and full-size cars about 15.7 feet. Vehicle size can be influenced by cargo and passenger space.
This weighs heavily on how many shipping containers we will need in order to fit our vehicles comfortably while having extra room to pull out those bulky boxes when the time arises. Combining two containers side by side and removing the intervening walls could accommodate vehicles of any size.
4. Structural Modifications
Structural modifications, including cutting, welding, and insulation, play a significant role in shaping the functionality and comfort of your garage. Additionally, attention to doors, windows, and security features is essential to improve accessibility and enhance safety within the space. These considerations are pivotal in creating a well-designed shipping container garage that meets both practical and security needs.
Welding shipping container together
Welding shipping containers together is a construction and engineering technique that involves joining multiple shipping containers using welding processes. Since gaining popularity, this can be a great solution in building a shipping container garage. Her is a video that will help understand what it takes to bring these two boxes together.
Prepare to insulate your Container Garage
An insulated shipping container can be important for temperature control, as it helps maintain the desired temperature range within the container, safeguarding the contents from extreme heat or cold during the different seasons. Containers can really heat up in the summer. Lets look at the fundamentals for insulating your container.
Shipping container ramps are important
Choosing a good shipping container ramp can a big deal, especially when you need to drive a vehicle or bicycle into your garage. We have a few options for you to consider. Feel free to contact our specialist for more details.
Guardian 20CR44911 Rubber Full-Width Wedge Shipping Container Ramps – 49″ x 44″
48″ x 63″ HD Ramps Grit-Coat Shipping Container Ramps
5. Painting Your Container Garage
If you are getting a used shipping container, you may see alot of cosmetic issues, but we have broke down a summary of what to consider when giving your container a new paint job.
- Check for Lead – This is an important step because you don’t want to polute the air with unwanted lead paint. The EPA strongly recommends that lead tests be done by either a certified lead inspector or a certified lead risk assessor. Make sure you do this before doing anything else.
- Wash The Container – The best option to clean such a huge box would be a pressure washer. This will ensure the container is ready for a fresh coat of paint.
- Sandblast it – Create a smooth surface and get rid of any rust you see. This will only apply if you are purchasing a used shipping container.
- Prime the Container – The benefits of priming your container can be fruitful. Applying a coat of primer will give your a smoother and long-lasting paint job. You will be very pleased with the outcome.
Conclusion
The cool thing about these shipping containers is that you can imagine any idea for your container garage. With a little bit of planning and preparation, your sure to build a garage you can be proud of. Be sure to get with professionals to help you layout your plans.
