Shipping containers have been an essential part of commerce for almost seventy years. However, people who have never been near a shipping yard still know them by sight thanks to their prominence in TV and movies. These steel structures are not just for shipping but have several popular uses, from a living space such as a cabin or a tiny house to a backyard shed.
As creativity evolves with these sturdy and versatile structures, they are becoming a popular option for building backyard sheds. Often incorporated into the house design, shipping containers are also gaining popularity as standalone features or as garage additions to existing homes. This is because they offer a stronger building material than a traditional shed or garage with roofing that better withstands the elements. Not to mention, they are extremely affordable and easy to customize.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best shipping container shed ideas and give a rundown of the major benefits of having a modern place for personal space in your backyard.
BACKYARD SHIPPING CONTAINER SHED IDEAS
When it comes to shipping container ideas, the possibilities are endless! Modified shipping containers can be used in a variety of ways, such as a shed, an office space, a craft room, or even as a mini-bar. Most recently the rising trend of having a shipping container home or storage unit in the backyard has taken off.
Whatever your plans, there are a few key features and designs to consider before working up a floor plan.
- Modular design: Using multiple shipping containers can offer an opportunity to build your shed on different levels and create more interesting shapes. They can also be arranged in any number of configurations to create a unique look. If you want a garage door or window, you’ll need to make sure your shed is tall enough.
- Size: Standard shipping containers come in two sizes, 20-foot and 40-foot long options. If you’re planning on using it as a living space or an office, the 20-foot container will likely suffice. But if you want a more spacious feel or plan to use it as a workshop or art studio, you may want to consider the 40-foot option.
- Easy customization: Shipping containers offer numerous opportunities for modification and customizing the interior layout, including adding extra shelving on the interior walls, creating a special seating area, or even installing windows and doors to open up to the backyard. Container walls are also easily removable and the steel frame can be used to build internal partitions.
- Strong and durable material: Another great feature of shipping container sheds is that they’re made from extremely strong and durable steel. This makes them ideal for withstanding high winds and heavy rains, as well as providing extra security against burglars. This is important if you plan on having a bedroom or office space within your shed.
- Affordable and easy to install: Aside from the fact that shipping containers are extremely affordable building material, they’re also easy to install in any outdoor space. Simply place them where you want them, connect them together, and add on some plumbing or electrical outlets – and you’ll be ready to go!
With a little creativity and some expert carpentry skills, you can transform a shipping container into a cozy retreat. This semi-permanent housing structure offers a unique and customizable living space, perfect for those looking for an innovative and cost-effective solution. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a more permanent residence, converting a shipping container into a home can be an exciting and rewarding project.
Here are some ideas for your new shipping container shed:
STORAGE SHED
The most common use for a shipping container is to use it as storage shed. These containers make excellent outdoor sheds and can be used to store almost anything. Whether it’s tools, gardening equipment, or even firewood, a shipping container provides a durable and secure space to store your extra good. This solution is perfect for keeping your belongings organized and protected from the elements.
GARDEN SHED
Another common storage idea is to use a shipping container for your garden tools. Though you usually think of a garden shed as a wooden shed, standard containers offer a more sturdy alternative. With a metal roof, you can store your yard items safe from the elements.
You can even take your shipping container garden shed one step further and create a potting shed by adding shelves and hooks for every garden tool along with storage space for any plant supplies.
UTILITY OUTDOOR SHED
Aside from gardening, your outside space is another place for a shipping container. They make excellent lean-to sheds and can be used to store bikes, snowboards, tool storage, or even lawn furniture.
MANCAVE
Another popular idea is to create a backyard shipping container man cave. These structures are among the best uses for shipping containers, as they can be easily customized and decorated to match your personal style. Whether you want a private retreat, a hobby space, or a cozy spot to relax, a shipping container offers a relatively easy and inexpensive DIY solution for your man cave.
SHE SHED
Need a place to get away from it all and unwind? A shipping container she shed is the perfect solution. It gives you privacy, an abundance of natural light, and plenty of space for your favorite activities. Add a bit of flair with trusses, mason jars for lighting, and siding for your container door to give it a more homey feel.
OFFICE SPACE
They make great offices because they are easily customizable and come in a variety of sizes. With the right size container, you can add in a desk, seating, and even a bathroom!
Shipping containers make great offices because they are easily customizable and come in a variety of sizes. With the right size container, you can add in a desk, seating, and even a bathroom if you use a 40′ shipping container, creating a fully functional and comfortable workspace. This flexibility allows you to design an office that meets your specific needs, providing a unique and efficient solution for remote work or a home-based business.
Garage
A shipping container garage is a great option if you’re looking for extra storage space or if you have a small car and need the extra room. Sometimes we need that extra square foot or two and a shipping container can provide it. Just remember to have a solid foundation like a concrete slab or concrete blocks to ensure the structure remains level.
Read more: How to Prep Ground for Shipping Container Placement
SEWING ROOM
If you’re crafty, this could be the perfect idea for you! Transform your shipping container into a sewing room, where you can organize your fabric and notions by color or type. This dedicated space will allow you to keep all your sewing materials neatly arranged and easily accessible, making it the ideal environment for your creative projects.
MINIBAR
If you like entertaining friends and family, consider turning your shipping container into a mini-bar. It’ll give you more space to store items like:
- Bottles of alcohol
- Barware
- Glassware
- Mixers
- Ice makers
The luxury of having an afternoon beer or a nightcap lies right in your backyard!
CRAFT ROOM
These are great ideas for crafty individuals because they can be easily customized and decorated to suit the needs of crafters. They make excellent storage units for all your crafting tools and materials.
Depending on floor space, repurposed shipping containers can provide room for a potting bench, workbenches, extra space for exercising, or just about any storage/shelving need you to have. Additionally, if there is extra storage space or shelf space, you can consider adding plants or even starting a small herb garden in your container shed.
As you can see, there are several ideas that can be implemented when it comes to converting these versatile structures. Equally fun, try adding multiple containers together to create a larger space. So, whether you need a place to store your tools, a man cave to call your own, or an office space, shipping container ideas can be easily executed with just a little time and effort.
In the next section of this blog, we will give six more benefits associated with owning one!
6 SHIPPING CONTAINER SHED BENEFITS
The idea may sound a bit strange at first, but thousands of people use shipping containers as sheds for a variety of benefits. Here are some of the big ones:
1. COST SAVINGS
According to 24hourplans, the cost of a used shipping container that is 20 x 8 x 8 is between $1,400 and $3,000. The price depends on several factors. However, the cost savings are significant compared to a prefabricated shed of the same size. These savings can be pocketed or used to make customizations for your shipping container shed.
2. DURABILITY
When pitting shipping container vs. shed, structure durability center stage. Today’s traditional storage sheds are made of polyethylene. This is an admittedly durable plastic but nowhere near as tough as a steel shipping container. On the other hand, shipping container storage sheds are more likely to survive extreme weather events.
3. CUSTOMIZATION
One of the biggest benefits of a shipping container shed is how customizable it is. With some DIY experience or hiring someone who has experience working with shipping container shed design, you can create a customized storage container shed that you love. Storage containers can be modified inside and out to add any features, including windows, doors, insulation, and shelving.
Read more: Shipping Container Customization Ideas to Beautify Your Backyard
4. MORE THAN JUST STORAGE
Their customizable nature means that these containers can go far beyond just a place to park your lawnmower. An exciting new trend is the transformation of regular shipping containers into a shipping container man cave. No room in the house? Looking for a space that is all yours? A backyard man cave shed is the perfect solution. The addition of windows to the shed brings in natural light. And, you can run electricity to it just like you would any other outbuilding.
5. ADDED SECURITY
Shipping container storage building is one of the most secure places you can keep your valuable tools. Unlike wood and plastic sheds, which are relatively easy to break into. The weakest part of a shipping container shed is the lock you use to close it. Most would-be robbers wouldn’t even bother to try breaking into your shed when they see that it is made of durable high-grade steel.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS
Taking care of the planet we live on is becoming increasingly important to everyone. Fortunately, shipping container storage sheds are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic sheds. Not only are there no non-biodegradable plastics used in shipping container sheds, but they are being repurposed. This means less waste!
LOOKING FOR A CONTAINER SHED IN OK?
With so many shipping container shed ideas, it is hard not to get excited about the idea. Whether you are thinking about a simple backyard shipping container shed or want to get inventive with a backyard man cave shed, the possibilities are really endless. So if you are in Oklahoma, don’t wait to make your dream a reality. Visit us today for Oklahoma container pricing, inventory, and to contact us about any questions you may have regarding recycling shipping containers into the best backyard shed you will ever have.
Read More: Do I Need a Permit for My Shipping Container [Oklahoma]