Building a Shipping Container Storage Solution

In this blog post, we’ll explore the journey of transforming two shipping containers into a functional and sturdy storage solution for firewood, equipment, and more. This project took a little over a year to complete, primarily due to the challenges of managing the vast amount of firewood, dealing with the long winters, and working with shipping containers. Despite the delays, the outcome is a solid, secure, and effective storage space. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process, along with the challenges and adjustments made along the way.

Why Shipping Containers for Storage?

Shipping containers are an increasingly popular choice for creating storage spaces, sheds, or even small homes. Their durability, security, and versatility make them an ideal solution for anyone looking to create additional storage. They are weather-resistant, provide solid protection from pests, and are generally easier to modify than other types of structures.

For this project, the goal was to build a storage space for firewood and other tools using two shipping containers. The plan also included creating additional functionality such as a hidden door for easy access.

Step 1: Preparing the Site and Positioning the Containers

The first step in this storage solution project was preparing the site for the containers. This meant clearing the area and ensuring that it was level to prevent the containers from being unstable.

Clearing the Space

Before positioning the containers, the area needed to be cleared. This included moving any debris, rocks, or other obstacles that might interfere with the placement of the containers. Since the area was a little sloped, it was crucial to ensure that the containers would sit level and stable.

Container Placement

Once the site was clear, the containers were placed. The aim was to position them with enough space between them to allow for easy access on both sides. A foot or so of space on either side was left, and they were also placed in a way that would allow for a future plan of double-stacking crates inside.

The containers were also positioned in such a way that the doors faced the most practical direction, ensuring ease of access without a large drop-off on the ground.

Step 2: Preparing the Containers for Use

Once the containers were in place, it was time to modify them for storage purposes. This involved a series of modifications, including the installation of racks, painting, and the creation of a hidden access door.

Painting the Containers

The first significant modification was painting the containers. To protect the metal from rust and to give the containers a more aesthetically pleasing look, they were painted black. The team chose a semi-gloss finish, which provided a balance between a matte and a high-gloss finish.

Initially, the team bought just one gallon of paint to see how far it would go. After testing, they decided to purchase a few more gallons, bringing the total to four. The containers were painted on all visible sides, including the door end, long side, and back. For now, the interior of the containers was left as is.

Creating a Hidden Door

One of the more unique features of this storage setup was the creation of a secret door. This door provides easy access to the contents of the container while maintaining a clean and uniform exterior. The door was created by cutting a portion of one of the container walls, and it operates with a simple latch. While it’s currently held shut by a stick, a proper latch will be added later.

Step 3: Building and Installing the Storage Racks

With the containers painted and the secret door in place, it was time to focus on the interior setup, specifically the racks for firewood storage.

Constructing the Racks

The racks used in this project were custom-built using 2x6 and 1x6 lumber. The back support of the racks was reinforced with 1x4s for added strength. The idea was to create a sturdy structure capable of holding crates of firewood, which can be quite heavy.

Double-Stacking the Firewood Crates

The team wanted to maximize storage by experimenting with stacking the firewood crates. They designed the racks in such a way that they could double-stack the crates, providing an efficient use of vertical space. The goal was to fit as many crates as possible while maintaining easy access to each one.

The team also thought ahead and made sure to allow enough room for the crates to slide in and out of the racks smoothly. This meant measuring carefully to ensure that the crates would fit snugly but not be difficult to move in and out.

Step 4: Installing the Roof and Finishing Touches

The next step was installing the roof and adding the final touches to ensure the containers were fully functional and weatherproof.

Installing the Roof

The containers were equipped with a new roof to ensure that the contents inside were protected from rain and snow. The trusses for the roof were ordered and arrived later in the project. The team took their time lifting each truss into place, working slowly to ensure everything was secure.

The roof would be essential for keeping the interior of the containers dry, especially considering the heavy rainfall and snowfalls typical in Nova Scotia.

Final Adjustments

After the roof was in place, the team continued to make minor adjustments, including adding the foam strips to seal the edges and prevent water from leaking into the containers. The foam strips are designed to fit together to create a weatherproof seal, ensuring the contents of the container remain protected year-round.

Step 5: Securing the Doors and Finalizing the Interior

With the structural elements in place, the last step was to secure the doors and finalize the interior of the containers. The team installed additional weather strips to ensure that the doors closed tightly and no moisture could get inside.

Latching and Securing the Doors

The doors were equipped with a latch and hook system. This allows the homeowner to easily open and close the doors without worrying about them swinging open or closed unexpectedly. The latch system was placed on the inside, ensuring that the door stays secure when not in use.

Additionally, the team took extra care to ensure that the firewood crates were stable and wouldn’t tip over when moved in and out of the container.

Challenges and Solutions

Weather Delays

One of the major challenges during this project was dealing with the harsh Nova Scotia winters. The project stretched over the course of a year, primarily because of the weather. The team had to pause work during the colder months and pick up where they left off in the spring.

Material Sourcing and Supply Issues

Another challenge was sourcing the materials needed for the project. While the shipping containers were readily available, other materials, such as trusses, took longer to arrive. In some cases, the team had to make do with what they had and adjust plans accordingly.

Adjusting to the Site’s Slopes

Since the site was slightly sloped, adjustments had to be made to ensure that the containers were level. This meant digging and moving dirt around to create a more stable base for the containers to rest on. Fortunately, the final placement allowed for an easy and secure installation process.

Conclusion

The shipping container storage project was a great success, resulting in a durable and secure solution for storing firewood and other materials. With careful planning, creativity, and a little patience, the team was able to transform two containers into a fully functional storage space that will serve them for years to come. While the project took longer than expected, the outcome was well worth the wait. The containers are now ready for any weather that comes their way, and the storage solution is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

If you're considering a similar project, remember to account for delays and material shortages, and always plan for the long term. With the right preparation, a shipping container storage solution can be a perfect way to protect your goods while adding functionality to your property.