The Ultimate Guide to Building a Shipping Container Workshop

Want to build a workshop?

Whether you’re a DIYer wanting a work shed in your backyard, or a tradie looking to expand the usable footprint of a commercial site, shipping containers are an ideal solution.

In this article we’ll guide you through the whats, whys and hows of shipping container workshops, including the process of creating your own.

Why a shipping container workshop?

Shipping container workshops are a simple, affordable and portable solution for anyone who needs extra usable space.

Shipping containers are simple steel boxes that can be customised any which way, allowing you to cost-effectively create a workshop that meets your unique needs, and place it almost anywhere you choose – as long as the ground is flat and stable, you’re pretty much good to go.

New and used units are readily available and can be delivered to your door in a matter of days. All containers are designed to be wind, water and pest-proof, ensuring your tools, equipment and materials are kept safe.
So how do you create a shipping container workshop? Let’s take a look at the factors you should consider, and the step-by-step process.

Choosing the right size

What size container do you need? The standard sizes are 20ft and 40ft (which refer to the length of the container), and both also come in high cube (HC) versions that offer 300mm more headroom.

Your first consideration will be the space constraints of your site. But even if you’ve got plenty of room to move, a 20ft container can be more than enough for DIYers, hobbyists and residential situations. If you need a bit more space, say for heavy machinery or to fit multiple workers at once, a 40ft and/or high cube container might be a better option.

Nailing the layout

At just 2.35m wide on the inside, shipping containers are quite narrow, and floorspace is at a premium. As such, layout is critical.

A side opening container can make layout planning simpler, as it turns a deep and narrow space into a shallow and wide one. Access is easy, but you do need far more clearance to ensure all the doors can swing out safely.

If you’re dealing with particularly heavy equipment or materials, you may need a strong workbench that’s fixed to the floor, but otherwise you could consider folding workbenches that maximise your space by sitting flush with the wall when not in use. The walls can also be used to hang peg boards and low profile shelving that keeps the floor clear.
Finally, try to place noisy machinery like compressors and dust extractors near the doors.

Electricity & lighting

Most shipping container workshops will need an electricity supply to power the tools inside. Consider whether you are able to hook the container up to the grid, and the costs of doing so. Remote sites may need a solar array or genset.

All electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000, which means it needs to be completed by a professional electrician. Tell the sparky what you need to power, particularly if you’re going to be using high-draw tools like welders or table saws that may need 3-phase.

Shipping containers don’t offer much natural light, although you can cut out windows and sunlights. A simpler option is to install LEDs, particularly above workbenches and other high use areas.

Ventilation: fumes and dust

Shipping containers are designed to be wind and watertight, which means they keep things in just as effectively as they keep things out. That’s not ideal for a workshop, where dust and dangerous fumes can quickly build up in the air.

Simple vents or whirlybirds are rarely enough to keep the air fresh and the environment safe. You need active ventilation: powered fans that remove airborne contaminants and bring in a steady supply of clean outside air.

• Dust: If you’re using your container for woodworking, overhead ducting connected to a wall-mounted dust extractor fan can help to vacuum up particulates.
• Fumes: If you’re welding or painting in the container, install a powered exhaust fan at the top of one end wall, and a louvered intake vent low on the opposite end. This creates a steady flow of fresh air within the container to stop fumes building up.
• Condensation: While not as actively harmful, moisture is another key consideration. On top of active ventilation, insulate your container to stop mould from taking hold and internal condensation (aka container rain) from ruining your equipment and tools.

Comfort

If you’re going to be working in the container for extended periods, you’ll want to be comfortable.

The first and most basic way to enhance comfort is with rubber matting. This eases the strain on your feet, legs and back, and can also help stop dropped items from breaking.

If your area is prone to weather extremes (as most of Australia is), shipping container insulation is a good start to control the climate, but adding a HVAC system is even better, giving you the ability to cool your container in the heat of summer and warm it on chilly winter mornings.

How to build a shipping container workshop in 7 steps

1. Define your purpose: Consider how you’ll use your workshop, and the size that will suit, e.g. a 20ft unit for hobbyists, or a 40ft high cube to fit large equipment.
2. Plan and get permits: Sketch your layout including workbenches and vents, and speak with your local council to understand permit and approval requirements.
3. Source a container: Select a container based on your needs, space and budget. Consider second-hand ‘wind & watertight’ containers that balance quality and cost.
4. Choose your spot: Place the unit on a flat and stable surface like concrete, gravel or compacted earth. Ensure there’s enough room to open doors and gain access.
5. Modify the structure: Cut out all doors, windows, vents and holes for utilities, reinforcing the new openings with RHS frames before you fill them back in.
6. Insulate and add flooring: Install spray foam or panels to control your climate, and choose flooring that will handle whatever you throw at it, be it heat, chemicals or foot traffic.
7. Complete the final fit-out: Get an electrician to install power and lighting, then finish by fitting out the space with workbenches and heavy-duty shelving.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a backyard shed to indulge your passion for woodworking, or a large and fully functional metalwork shop on a remote mining site, a shipping container is the perfect base from which to build your usable workspace.Whether you’re looking for a backyard shed to indulge your passion for woodworking, or a large and fully functional metalwork shop on a remote mining site, a shipping container is the perfect base from which to build your usable workspace.

 

At Shipping-containers.com.au we’re a 100% independent platform here to guide you to the perfect shipping container for your workshop build. We understand your needs, talk you through your options, then connect you with local, vetted suppliers who can deliver.

 

Ready to build the ultimate shipping container workshop?

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