Shipping containers are strong, durable and good for several purposes other than just storing goods on overseas voyages. Shipping container buyers have put containers to work as living and working space, storage and swimming pools. The strong material shipping containers are made of helps make them useful for all these and many other purposes.
Most shipping containers are made of corten steel, a type of weathering steel. Corten steel, also referred to as cor-ten steel, was developed to be resistant to corrosion and to eliminate the need for painting. Over time, when exposed to the elements, corten steel develops a rust-like protective coating that helps it resist corrosion that could damage the integrity of the metal.
Corten steel has a variety of uses, and is popular in outdoor architecture, thanks to its resistance to corrosion and its unique look. It’s also ideal for sea voyages, thanks to its ability to resist the wind and water and other elements it is exposed to on the deck of oceangoing vessels.
Corten steel containers typically come as 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers. They are also typically eight or eight-and-a-half feet high. They usually have marine plywood for flooring.
Shipping containers are easy to find, as shipyards and container companies are usually seeking to sell off used and excess containers. If you’re considering buying a shipping container, always check into the condition of the container and the material it’s made of. Doing a little research and asking a few questions of vendors will help ensure that you get the product you want.