If you’re thinking about using a shipping container for a project, you might have some questions. Perhaps you’re picturing a tiny home, building the ultimate storage solution, or want to create an eco-friendly office space. One question that comes up is, “how thick is a shipping container wall?”
Understanding wall thickness impacts insulation, structural changes, and the overall durability. So, let’s break down the facts about shipping container walls. This will help you know what to expect for your project, no matter the size. Check out our Delaware shipping containers and more in various areas.
Understanding Shipping Container Wall Thickness
The walls on most steel shipping containers are made from 14-gauge corrugated steel. In actual measurements, they are about 0.075 inches, or around 2mm thick. But, how thick is a shipping container wall also needs to factor in how other parts of the container influence it.
While that might sound thin, the corrugation adds strength. The wave-like pattern in the steel isn’t just for show.
It greatly increases the wall’s ability to resist bending and flexing.
Beyond the Walls: Other Structural Elements
It is a mistake to take wall thickness into account alone when a metal storage container’s strength is being calculated. The total toughness comes from the entire design, where much of the components cooperate together in synergistic ways. Large elements, such as corner castings and forklift pockets, are involved in its strength.
The frame, rails, and corner posts are made of one solid 7-gauge tubular steel, about 0.187 inches thick. The stout steel frame bears the weight burden most of the time, especially when containers are stacked upon each other. Therefore, wall thickness is just a part of the equation.
The floor is yet another strength-critical feature. Cross members that support the floor are typically 3-4 millimeters thick. Additional toughness is also provided by 6-inch steel cross members and marine-grade plywood.
How Container Wall Thickness Affects Your Project
Knowing these measurements helps when purchasing dry storage solutions. Wall thickness will factor into how you proceed with a project.
Here are a few things that walls affect:
- Insulation: Thin steel walls mean less inherent insulation. You’ll probably need added insulation, especially in very hot or cold locations.
The overall depth available is affected by how thick is a shipping container wall. The use of things like polyurethane foam may be used.
- Modifications: Want to cut openings for doors or windows? The thin wall material is easier to modify than concrete, but you have to think about preserving its durability.
- Weight Capacity: Although the walls aren’t the *main* load-bearing element, they are very important. Don’t weaken the existing structure without getting input from experts with structural calculations.
Shipping Container Sizes and Their Impact
It’s important to consider how size interacts with design features in comparing shipping containers. While the thickness of the steel is largely identical for containers, they can vary in their overall dimensions.
For example, a 20ft Standard Dry container typically has an exterior length of 20 feet, an exterior width of 8 feet, and an exterior height of 8.5 feet, weighing around 4,500 lbs. While a 40ft Standard Dry container, on the other hand, measures 40 feet in exterior length, 8 feet in exterior width, and 8.5 feet in exterior height and weighs approximately 8,500 lbs. A 40ft High Cube container has the same exterior length and width but stands 9.5 feet tall and weighs approximately 8,750 lbs.
Bear in mind that the internal space is a bit less, as these are the outside measurements. Wall thickness, door frame specifications, and features such as twist locks and corner posts can all impact the overall size of the container. So when making comparisons between 20ft and 40ft containers, remember to bear these design elements in mind and their impact on the dimensions.
Modifying Shipping Container Walls: Tips and Considerations
Are you looking to customize your shipping container? Adding things like windows, container doors, or merging multiple containers, is possible.
There are considerations in the modification stage. The walls matter for structural integrity, so take precautions.
If modifying or adding insulation to walls, this could affect interior spaces and dimensions.
- Cutting weakens the container’s design: Large holes can reduce its strength. The walls carry some weight, so keep this in mind.
- Reinforcements are often necessary: After cutting out openings, framing the space with more steel is smart. Steel headers and sills add to stability, keeping it solid.
- Expertise gives greater protection: If you’re doing major structural changes, getting input is wise. The complexity makes this ideal.
Making the Most of Container Wall Properties
Although modifications are common, keep the intended use in mind. Preserve design features and use them to your advantage.
Here is what you gain by doing it right:
- Weather resistance: Remember, those containers resist rough conditions like salt water spray. Keep doors maintained for longer use to withstand harsh weather.
- Security matters: Strong construction gives theft resistance. The gauge steel that steel shipping containers are made out of offers this protection.
- Stacking potential exists, if you maintain structural integrity. The corner castings allow this, so include that in plans.
Choosing the Right Container for Your Project
Now you better understand walls, sizes and uses. Keep those things in mind when choosing shipping. Are you maximizing storage space on a job site? You may just focus on security instead of worrying about weathering. If it’s becoming a comfortable space? Insulation becomes important.
Conclusion
Understanding the use of shipping containers goes well beyond their basic metal shell. It is true that steel shipping containers offer great adaptability for many uses like portable storage. But, when buying one it helps to be fully prepared. Understanding basic concepts will help you decide the best usage. We also have shipping containers for sale in Newark, NJ, and in New York.
How thick is a shipping container wall is important to think about for long term projects. It impacts the ability to stay dry in extreme weather, or handle certain weight capacity and heavy loads.