Shipping Container vs. Metal Shed
Whether at your home or on your construction site, you probably always find yourself in need of extra storage. While your first thought may be to get a metal shed, you may want to consider a shipping container instead. They both certainly have advantages and disadvantages, to be sure, but after reading this article, you will see why shipping container sheds are the superior choice.
Shipping Containers
Why you should choose a shipping container shed:
- They’re secure: Made from extra strength steel featuring heavy-duty doors and locks, shipping containers will keep your contents safe and secure against Mother Nature, water, pests and theft.
- They have easy setup: Containers don’t require assembly, which means you can unload them easily from the truck and plop them right into your desired spot.
- They’re able to endure more: Built to withstand extreme conditions, such as ocean and road transport, shipping containers make for a more durable choice. When you care for and maintain your container, it can give you up to 30 years of service. That being said, they can rust, which means you should regularly check corners, roofs and door rods often.
- No assembly needed: Your container will arrive as is, ready to be used, unlike metal sheds that must be assembled – costing you a weekend or more putting that thing together.
- There’s no foundation needed: Provided the area features a flat, dry, level space, a foundation is not needed, which greatly reduces your cost.
- They can be moved: If you had to change locations, you could move your storage container easily – just try doing that with a metal shed!
- They can be customized: It’s easy to make upgrades, modifications and customizations such as shelves, locks, electricity, and plumbing.
Why shipping container sheds may not be a good idea:
- They can get expensive: Shipping containers cost more upfront than metal sheds. But you will get peace of mind knowing your investment will last a heck of a lot longer. FYI, storage containers typically last at least 25 years.
- There could be zoning restrictions: Always ask your town or city if there are zoning restrictions or permits you must secure beforehand.
- Lead times are longer than sheds: Shipping containers may take longer for delivery, especially if you specified modifications when you ordered it.
Metal Sheds
Why you should choose metal sheds:
- They don’t cost a lot: Metal sheds are initially more affordable than shipping containers, but keep in mind they only last about 10 years.
- They can mimic your home in style: Many people choose to paint their metal sheds to match their home’s color and style, even adding decorative windows and flower boxes. You may not want an industrial-looking shipping container on your property, but a cute little shed does add curb appeal.
- Lead times are shorter: Delivery times are shorter for metal sheds, particularly when buying a pre-made shed or kit.
Why metal sheds may not be good for you:
- They require foundations: Many sheds need to rest on a concrete foundation slab to provide stability and prevent pest infestation or flooding. You will have to hire a contractor or mason to do that and they don’t come cheap.
- Flooring is typically not included: Vinyl flooring doesn’t come with the purchase price of metal sheds. You would have to pay upwards of $300 for a floor.
- They require assembly: You can purchase a shed as-is, or you could opt to save cash and purchase it in modular pieces. However, you will have to assemble the shed, so if you don’t have the time, patience or tools, the money savings isn’t worth it.
- Pests could invade: Sheds can have many tiny holes. And because rodents can squeeze through holes as small as ¼ inches in diameter, they can easily get into your shed and set up shop. Conversely, shipping containers are built to be wind and water tight for long-distances over the sea, so they are tightly sealed and more secure against mice and other pests.
Contact Transocean Equipment Management
Have you made the decision to buy a shipping container for your yard or work site, we applaud you! To learn more about our sizes and prices, give us a call at (910) 483-7828. You may also want to check out our many modifications as well.
