FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Modifying Shipping Container

Brickie | Posted in General Discussion on February 14, 2007 02:25am

We need enclosed storage for tools and such at our otherwise outdoor equipment yard.  One option is a used shipping container but the opening is at the end of its 20′ length.

View Image

Any of you guys ever cut a new opening into one of these hulks and if so, what sort of door was used?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. sawduster | Feb 14, 2007 02:41am | #1

    Royal was bought ot by mobilemini. Might be others, good luck!
    http://www.mobilemini.com/

    1. dedubya | Feb 14, 2007 03:49am | #2

      I have an uncle that gets surplus over the road trailors,takes the 5th wheel and hauling gear,resells all that,  puts on a gable roof, installs windows and doors he gets from a mobile home repair company, on one end he will eather replace the existing double swing doors,with a rollup door . On shipping containers he welds window and door frames, from light gauge angle iron then attaches the same kind of doors and windows he uses for the over the road trailors, the company I use to work for bought a used one from him that still had the  hauling gear under it for $2500.00 that they used for a mobile office and tool shed.

      1. Brickie | Feb 14, 2007 03:53am | #3

        That's interesting.  So, one can cut the opening in with a Partner saw, for instance and tack weld a steel door frame into the opening?

         

        1. dedubya | Feb 14, 2007 04:14am | #4

          Again I know it sounds kind of red neck ,which he is! but he sells 3 to 4 a month and he does all the work himself.Before he purchaced a welder, he was just through bolting the frames together, and peening over the threads after the nut was tightened up.

      2. DougU | Feb 14, 2007 04:34am | #6

        There was a feature on HDTV about unique homes and they were building out of these containers, seamed like a good idea seeings how we have a boat load of them sitting around doing nothing.

        Doug

        1. dedubya | Feb 14, 2007 04:55am | #7

          I have always admired  a person who can look at a pile of junk and see something useful they can use it for , that same unk  has a cider press he made out of  F105 & F111 parts  when he was stationed at Langly A.F.B., The man is an inspiration.

          1. stevent1 | Feb 14, 2007 05:05am | #8

            DW,

            I had a 40'er at my old shop to store completed work.

            You still coming to GA?

            Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

  2. Scott | Feb 14, 2007 04:25am | #5

    There was an article in FHB about 10 years ago that featured a 40 footer converted to a shop. They cut a hole halfway down the side to allow for table saw runoff. Perhaps someone can remember which issue....

    Scott.

    Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”

  3. ponytl | Feb 14, 2007 05:20am | #9

    i have 2 40ft ones now...    when i import container loads of ... whatever I request that they locate an older container and let me purchase that... then i don't have to unload the container until i'm ready and i can always use the storage :)...

    pretty easy to cut a door..  best results take your time & cut  it close to the size you need... because the sides are coragated  3" angle 1/8" thick with the legs up & out on the inside of the container  helps to seal it back up... a standard steel door or doors work great just weld the hinges to your angle iron frame....

    i've seen them made into mini storage units where they did 5-8 doors down the side like that....

    p

     

    1. bigal4102 | Feb 14, 2007 05:31am | #10

      What are you paying for those containers?I mean ball park...$1000, $100?

      1. ponytl | Feb 14, 2007 05:40am | #11

        i've found if you deal with the shipping companies... and let them know you want to buy one and to please keep you in mind when there is one forsale in your area... i can get them for about $800  40ft...   if i can get one with a shipment it's usually less than $600 and no delivery chg... i see them around here all the time for $1000  asking price...  but this is Memphis and we are a huge distribution point alot more stuff gets here in bulk than leaves in bulk... so lots of containers sit'n around.... if you are near a port i would assume you could get a better deal also

        p

      2. IdahoDon | Feb 14, 2007 08:29am | #12

        We'd have shipping containers all over the place at the low prices paid closer to the distribution areas.  Our low end for a decent one is close to $2k, which is probably a $1k container on the coast.

        Once upon a time I worked for a guy who grew up in a container, his whole village was essentially containers modified into crude homes.  5-gal bucket was the toilet.  No running water in the whole place (arctic circle has permafrost just under the surface).  It wasn't until 20 years ago that the containers were traded for better housing.  Very strange. 

        Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

    2. peteshlagor | Feb 14, 2007 08:50am | #13

      when i import container loads of ... whatever I request that they locate an older container and let me purchase that... then i don't have to unload the container until i'm ready

      Does that let you get around customs?

       

      1. ponytl | Feb 15, 2007 04:07am | #14

        no... customs is a funny thing...  best i can tell they don't unload and reload containers...  they check what it is.... where it came from & where it's going... and that it is what it is supposed to be...  I don't deal with that part for $3-400 an agent walks the through... I'm not sure that is even something you can do yourself

        p

  4. jasonvallen | May 29, 2016 01:42am | #15

    Definitely a good idea. Many people do that today. And it's actually fun making a container into homes. You may wanna check azteccontainer they sell refurbished even new containers.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fight House Fires Through Design

Smart construction decisions and material choices can significantly improve occupant safety and survival in the event of a fire in the home.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized
  • Townhouse Transformation

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data