Refurbishing Storage Containers

April 13, 2004 11:56 AM

I'm thinking about modifying a standard shipping container to make a small wood shop. Does anyone have any information about cutting through the metal to create windows etc. [more inside]

I figure that a good oxy-acetylene torch should work pretty well. I would prefer to find a used container that opens on a broad side, otherwise, I'll probably cut out an entire side of a 20' container to put in a wall of glass. I guess I'm specifically looking for any tips/ words of wisdom.

Oh-yeah, I'm looking at a shipping container because:
1. I want a solid floor and concrete is dern expensive.
2. Even a cheap stud building will cost more than a used container (for the same size).
3. I figure a steel container will be a pretty good termite barrier.
4. Used shipping containers are abundant and cheap in the Memphis area.

posted by jmgorman to Home & Garden (8 answers total)

We use containers at work for sample storage. We just bought two. Some Things I've Learned About Containers:

They're a pretty mild steel. You should be fine with a cutting torch.

They often come with a wood floor---you might want to strip that out if you're concerned about termites. A self-levelling flooring compound would make a nice floor.

We block our containers off the ground on 6x6s for every 10' length or so. This is mostly so that we can move them (empty) with a forklift. A big forklift can pick up a 20' container. They're much cheaper to rent than a crane.

Look for "used once". Old containers can be in really bad shape.

Finally, look for containers that have flat tops. We made the mistake of buying two with gutters around the edges. We ended up with rusted out tops and damaged interiors.

Good luck. A cool idea, especially if you paint it purple.
posted by bonehead at 12:17 PM on April 13, 2004

Used shipping containers can be obtained very cheaply, especially near ports. They are quite heavy (an empty 20 foot container weighs around 2200 kilos, or nearly 5,000 pounds) as the steel structure is designed to withstand stacking containers up to eight containers high.

There are shipping containers that were designed as offices that come with windows pre-cut (although it won't be a whole side of glass.) An office type container will be much easier to find that one that opens on the broad side.

The steel part of the container won't be affected by termites, but I'm not certain that it would keep them out of the container, especially as most containers have plywood floors.
posted by ambrosia at 12:32 PM on April 13, 2004

Wow! Like, something looking similar to this?

Okay, it sounds like you have it pretty well sorted out. If you have access to a torch, you're doing great, as you could have got away with a drill and a metal saw (but, you know: Arrrgh.)

Now, to avoid a new question to AskMe:

Where did you two get your shipping containers? Do you have a link or somesuch where I could check out costs/pics/etc? I'm suddenly fascinated with the possible applications, thanks. This is pretty cool.
posted by Shane at 12:33 PM on April 13, 2004

Shane--you might enjoy the "container bay" section at fab prefab

It is fascinating stuff. I had a chance to walk around in the Lot/Ek exploding container dwelling unit on a visit to the Walker museum in Mpls.
posted by adamrice at 12:51 PM on April 13, 2004

That's brilliant, adamrice. There are so many cool alternatives to, you know . . . DIY doublewides or log-cabins.
posted by Shane at 12:55 PM on April 13, 2004

Response by poster: There are quite a few places you can get new ones. Memphis is a pretty shipping-heavy city, so used containers are pretty easy to come by.

Thanks for the fab prefab link. I hadnt seen all of those. I too fell in love with the Lot/EK unit at the Walker. I just felt that they spent way too much money on it and I could do it *much* cheaper. I guess I'll be testing that theory soon.

I think if I can keep the container off of the ground (via cinder blocks) I can keep the termites out. I plan on lining the floor with WoodStalk, so replacing it cheap isn't a problem if I do get an infestation (so long as I can keep it localised to the floor).

OT: I love the Woodstalk product above. It is super cheap, green, and machines well. I'm using it for everything that gets painted now, I love it.
posted by jmgorman at 1:14 PM on April 13, 2004

Thanks for WoodStalk link too, jmgorman. For anyone who might not follow the link and see the impressive facts, I'll post this:

WOODSTALK High Grade Fiberboard and WOODSTALK Lauan Plywood Replacement Underlayment are environmentally sensible solutions. These agrifiber-based products are made from:

• Wheat straw fiber, a sustainable, annually renewable resource.

• A formaldehyde-free polyurethane resin which provides exceptional strength and moisture resistance (35KB PDF) for interior applications, while addressing emissions and odor concerns associated with particleboard and MDF (medium density fiberboard) products that contain urea formaldehyde (UF).

Obviously, this is much better than traditional fiberboard for asthmatics and people with environmental allergies, too.
posted by Shane at 6:27 PM on April 13, 2004

Response by poster: Since this is now about straw particleboards, I should mention that I have found the span/weight ratio a little less than I would like. Clearly something that can be overcome, but you should bear it in mind during design.
posted by jmgorman at 7:18 AM on April 14, 2004