Shipping Container Workshops: Benefits, Costs and Setup Guide

As a handyman, having a dedicated workshop at home is something I’ve always valued. I’ve worked in garages, garden sheds and purpose-built workshops over the years, and having somewhere to organise tools, store materials and work on projects makes a huge difference.

I’ve also built several timber outbuildings, so I’m no stranger to constructing a workshop from scratch. But recently, I’ve been looking into something a little different: a shipping container workshop in my back garden.

The idea really appeals to me. A strong, secure steel structure that could be converted into a practical workspace, with room for my tools, workbenches and equipment. It could be a great alternative to building another timber workshop.

There’s just one problem. Access to my back garden is restricted, and I wasn’t sure whether it would even be possible to get a shipping container into position without lifting it over the house.

That got me researching everything from container sizes and conversion costs to insulation, planning permission and specialist crane hire.

Although I haven’t installed a shipping container workshop myself, I’ve learned quite a bit about what’s involved. In this guide, I’ll share my findings, compare the costs against building a timber workshop and explain why I’ve decided a shipping container probably isn’t the right option for my garden.

Why Choose a Shipping Container Workshop?

I’ve been looking into shipping containers as an alternative to building another timber workshop, mainly because I like the idea of starting with a ready-made structure. Rather than spending time constructing the walls, floor and roof from scratch, I’d already have a solid, weather-resistant building that I could adapt to suit my needs.

The potential cost savings are another attraction. Having built several timber outbuildings myself, I know how quickly the cost of materials can add up. Buying a used shipping container could be a cheaper starting point, particularly if I carried out most of the conversion work myself.

I also like the security and durability of a steel structure, especially when it comes to storing expensive tools and equipment. Of course, there are additional costs and practical challenges to consider, but these are the main reasons I’ve been exploring the idea.

Here are the benefits that appeal to me most.

1. Strong and Secure Tool Storage

One of my biggest priorities is keeping my tools secure.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated quite a collection of power tools, hand tools and specialist equipment. Replacing everything would cost a considerable amount of money, so security is an important consideration when choosing a workshop.

Shipping containers are generally constructed from heavy-duty steel, with reinforced corners and substantial cargo doors. This provides a strong starting point for secure storage.

I’d still want to improve the security with a suitable lock box, high-quality container lock and possibly an alarm system. Any additional doors or windows would also need careful consideration, as these could introduce weaker points into the structure.

For someone storing expensive tools and machinery, a properly secured container could be an attractive option.

2. A Ready-Made Workshop Structure

Having built timber sheds and outbuildings myself, I know how much work goes into constructing a workshop. There’s the base to prepare, timber framing to build, roof to install, cladding to fit and weatherproofing to complete before you can even begin working on the interior.

A shipping container removes much of this initial construction work.

Once delivered and positioned on suitable supports, you already have an enclosed structure. You can then focus on insulation, electrics, lighting, workbenches and storage.

Of course, it’s not quite as simple as dropping a container into the garden and plugging in your tools. There are still several important stages to consider, particularly if you want a comfortable workshop you can use throughout the year.

But the potential time saving is certainly appealing.

3. Plenty of Customisation Options

This is probably the part that interests me most. An empty shipping container is essentially a blank canvas. You can design the interior around the type of work you do, whether that’s woodworking, general repairs, metalworking or simply storing tools and materials.

And it doesn’t have to be limited to a workshop. There are plenty of other shipping container conversion ideas worth exploring, from garden offices and hobby rooms to additional storage spaces.

For my own workshop, I’d want a combination of sturdy workbenches, wall-mounted tool storage, shelving and enough clear floor space to work on larger projects.

I’d probably line the walls with plywood, which would make it easier to mount storage racks, shelves and tool holders. I’d also want plenty of electrical sockets, good lighting and suitable dust extraction for woodworking.

Adding windows or a separate entrance door would make the space more practical, although cutting openings into the steel structure can affect its strength and may require additional reinforcement.

I’d be tempted to complete most of the interior fitting myself, as that’s where I could save money and create something suited to my needs.

4. Weather-Resistant Construction

Living in Cornwall, I’m well aware of how much punishment outdoor buildings can take from wind, rain and salty coastal air. Shipping containers are designed to withstand harsh conditions, which makes their weather-resistant steel construction appealing.

However, there’s an important distinction between being watertight and being suitable as a workshop.

A steel container can experience significant condensation when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold metal surfaces. Without suitable insulation and ventilation, moisture could become a serious problem.

That’s particularly concerning when you’re storing expensive tools, timber and electrical equipment. I’d also pay attention to corrosion, especially in coastal locations where salt in the air can accelerate deterioration.

A used container would need a thorough inspection for rust, damaged seals, floor condition and previous repairs before purchase.

5. A Workshop That Can Be Relocated

Another advantage is that shipping containers are designed to be transported.

If I moved house or needed to relocate my workshop in the future, there may be an opportunity to take the container with me. That’s much more difficult with a conventional timber building constructed permanently in the garden.

However, moving a converted container isn’t necessarily straightforward. Specialist transport and lifting equipment would be required, and the structure would need to remain suitable for lifting after any modifications.

For me, portability would be more of a long-term benefit than something I’d use regularly.

It’s also worth remembering that removing a container could involve another substantial transport and crane bill, particularly if access is restricted.

What Size Shipping Container Workshop Do You Need?

Shipping containers are available in several sizes, with 20ft and 40ft units being particularly common. Smaller 10ft containers are also available, although they’re less standard and can be relatively expensive for their size.

The dimensions below are approximate external measurements for standard-height containers.

Container size	Length	Width	Height	Floor area
10ft	3.0m	2.44m	2.59m	7.3m²
20ft	6.06m	2.44m	2.59m	14.8m²
40ft	12.19m	2.44m	2.59m	29.7m²

The internal dimensions will be slightly smaller, and you’ll lose additional space if you insulate and line the walls.

Is a 20ft Shipping Container Big Enough for a Workshop?

For my requirements, I think a 20ft shipping container would be a reasonable starting point.

At just over six metres long, there should be enough room for a workbench, wall-mounted tool storage, shelving and some floor space for working on smaller projects.

However, the width is something I’d need to consider carefully.

A standard container is only around 2.35 metres wide internally before insulation and lining. Once you install workbenches along one wall, the available working space becomes quite narrow.

That could be frustrating when handling large sheets of plywood, long lengths of timber or using woodworking machinery.

With a custom-built timber workshop, I could choose dimensions that better suit the available space and my equipment rather than being restricted to a standard container width.

How Would I Convert a Shipping Container into a Workshop?

If I decided to go ahead with a shipping container workshop, I’d approach the conversion in much the same way as building a timber workshop, although there are some important differences.

First, I’d prepare a suitable level base with adequate support beneath the container. I’d then inspect and repair any corrosion or damage before starting the internal conversion.

My main priorities would be:

• Insulation: Insulate the walls, ceiling and floor where necessary, with particular attention to condensation and thermal bridging.
• Electrics: Have suitable power supplies, sockets and lighting installed for my tools and equipment.
• Ventilation: Provide fresh air and suitable dust extraction, particularly when cutting or sanding timber.
• Interior lining: Fit plywood or another suitable lining to create a practical surface for mounting storage and organising tools.
• Workbenches and storage: Build workbenches, shelving and tool storage around the available space.

I’d also consider adding a window and a separate entrance door to improve natural light and accessibility.

Having built and fitted out timber workshops before, most of the interior work is something I’d be comfortable tackling myself. However, I’d leave structural steel alterations and electrical installation to appropriately qualified professionals.

What Type of Base Does a Shipping Container Need?

A shipping container needs a firm, level foundation capable of supporting its weight and the equipment stored inside.

Depending on the ground conditions and intended use, this could involve concrete pads, suitable engineered supports or a reinforced concrete slab.

The container’s corner castings are designed to transfer loads, but the foundation still needs to be appropriate for the site and any modifications to the container.

I’d also want to keep the container slightly raised where appropriate, allowing water to drain away and providing access for inspection and maintenance.

For my own garden, I’d need to consider the existing landscaping, ground levels and how much preparation would be required before installation.

Can You Get a Shipping Container into Your Garden?

Before getting too carried away with workshop designs, I needed to establish whether I could actually get a shipping container into my back garden.

Most containers are delivered using a HIAB lorry, which has a hydraulic crane capable of lifting the container from the vehicle and positioning it nearby.

However, the crane’s lifting capacity reduces as the distance increases.

Some specialist HIABs can reach considerably further than standard delivery vehicles, but lifting a container over a house is a very different proposition from placing one over a garden fence.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly the problem I’d face.

There’s no direct vehicle access to the back of my property, so the container would need to be lifted over the house.

From what I’ve researched, I don’t believe a standard HIAB delivery would be suitable. I’d potentially need a much larger mobile crane, subject to a specialist lifting assessment.

It’s not just the extra cost that concerns me. I’d also need to consider where the crane could safely operate, the weight of the container, overhead obstructions and whether the lift would be possible at all.

For my garden, this is the biggest obstacle to installing a shipping container workshop.

If you have direct access to your garden or enough room for a delivery lorry to position the container, the process could be considerably simpler and cheaper.

Shipping Container Workshop vs Timber Workshop: Which Is Cheaper?

One of the main things I’ve been trying to work out is whether buying and converting a shipping container would actually be cheaper than building a custom timber workshop in my back garden.

I’ve looked at both options and compared the costs of a 20ft shipping container against a timber workshop of approximately the same size (6m × 2.4m).

To keep things fair, I’ve allowed for insulation, internal lining, electrics, lighting and suitable foundations for both.

Having built timber outbuildings before, I’d be comfortable doing most of the construction and fitting work myself. I’d take the same approach with a shipping container conversion, although I’d need specialists for the delivery, crane lift and any structural steel alterations.

My Estimated Workshop Build Costs

After looking at UK container prices, delivery charges and the materials I’d need for a timber build, I’ve put together the following rough comparison.

Cost	Shipping container	Timber workshop
Main structure/materials	£1,800–£3,000	£2,500–£4,000
Delivery	£400–£1,200	£100–£300
Groundwork and base	£500–£1,200	£500–£1,200
Insulation and lining	£800–£1,500	£600–£1,200
Doors and windows	£500–£1,200	£400–£900
Electrics and lighting	£500–£1,000	£500–£1,000
Specialist crane hire	£1,500–£3,500	Not required
Estimated total	£6,000–£12,600	£4,400–£10,000

These are my approximate UK budgeting estimates, including VAT, rather than confirmed quotations. They assume I’d complete most of the DIY work myself. The timber structure allowance includes the floor, framing, cladding and roof. Heating, workshop machinery, specialist structural alterations and unexpected site costs aren’t included.

Why Delivery Makes Such a Difference to My Budget

I’ve looked at published delivery prices from UK suppliers, including 1st Containers’ guide to HIAB delivery costs.

Based on the distances involved and where I might source a container, I’ve allowed £400–£1,200 for delivery.

However, that doesn’t include the specialist crane I’d potentially need to lift it over my house.

I’ve provisionally allowed another £1,500–£3,500 for this, although the actual cost would depend on the crane size, lifting distance and site conditions. I’d need a proper quotation and lifting assessment before knowing whether my budget was realistic.

With a timber workshop, I wouldn’t have this problem. I could have the materials delivered to the front of the house, carry them into the garden and build the structure in place.

That’s potentially a saving of several thousand pounds and one of the main reasons I’m leaning towards a custom-built timber workshop.

Is a Timber Workshop Cheaper to Insulate?

I also wanted to compare the cost of making both workshops suitable for year-round use.

A shipping container already has a steel shell, but I’d need to insulate the walls, ceiling and possibly the floor. I’d also have to pay particular attention to condensation and thermal bridging.

With a timber workshop, I could incorporate insulation directly into the framing as I build it, which is something I’m already familiar with.

Based on my initial estimates, I believe a timber workshop would be slightly cheaper and easier to insulate, although the final cost would depend on the materials and insulation performance I wanted to achieve.

The figures in my comparison are general allowances rather than a calculation based on identical thermal performance.

A professionally converted and insulated container would also be worth considering for someone who doesn’t want to tackle the conversion themselves, although that would change the cost comparison considerably.

Which Workshop Offers Better Value?

Having compared the two, I think building a custom timber workshop would be the cheaper option for my garden.

The material costs aren’t dramatically different, but the potential crane hire makes the shipping container considerably less attractive financially.

I’d also have more freedom to design the workshop around the available space, choose the wall and roof construction, and make future alterations without cutting into a steel structure.

That said, if I had direct vehicle access to my garden, the comparison would be much closer.

If you’re considering the same options, I’d recommend making your own comparison based on your property. Start with the size you need, then compare the complete costs of the structure, delivery, groundwork, insulation, electrics and internal finishing.

Most importantly, check whether a container can be delivered directly or whether you’ll need specialist lifting equipment.

Do Shipping Container Workshops Need Planning Permission?

Another important consideration is whether planning permission would be required to install a shipping container workshop in your garden. It’s easy to assume that because a shipping container is technically movable, planning permission won’t be necessary. However, that isn’t automatically the case.

In England, some garden outbuildings can be installed under permitted development rights, provided they meet the relevant conditions.These include restrictions relating to the building’s location, height, intended use and the amount of garden space covered.

For example, qualifying outbuildings located within two metres of a property boundary are generally limited to a maximum overall height of 2.5 metres.

A standard shipping container is approximately 2.59 metres high before any additional roofing or supports, which could create an issue if positioned close to a boundary.

Whether a container is treated as a building or another form of development will depend on the circumstances, including its installation, use and permanence. I’d therefore check with the local planning authority before buying a container, particularly if it was going to be used regularly for business activities. I’d also consider whether Building Regulations approval might be required for any particular conversion work or intended use.

Would I Choose a Shipping Container Workshop for My Garden?

When I first started looking into shipping container workshops, I thought they could be an affordable and practical alternative to building another timber outbuilding.

There are certainly plenty of advantages. They’re secure, durable and offer a ready-made structure that can be customised into a useful workspace.

However, after comparing the costs and looking more closely at the delivery requirements, I’ve decided that a shipping container workshop wouldn’t be a practical option for my garden.

The main problem is access. Getting a 20ft container into position would mean lifting it over my house, potentially requiring an expensive specialist crane and a complicated lifting operation.

When I factor that into the overall project cost, I believe I’d be better off building a custom timber workshop. I could construct it to fit the available space, incorporate the insulation as I go and complete most of the work myself.

That doesn’t mean shipping container workshops are a bad idea.

If you have straightforward delivery access, a suitable base and can find a reasonably priced container, they could be an excellent alternative to a traditional workshop.

For me, though, the research has reinforced something I already know from experience: sometimes building from scratch is the simpler and more affordable option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use a Shipping Container as a Workshop All Year Round?

Yes, provided it’s converted appropriately. For comfortable year-round use, I’d recommend insulation, condensation control, ventilation and suitable heating. Without these, a steel container can become very cold in winter and uncomfortably hot during summer.

Can You Convert a Shipping Container into a Workshop Yourself?

Many internal tasks, such as lining the walls, building workbenches and installing storage, are suitable for experienced DIY enthusiasts. However, structural steel alterations, specialist lifting and electrical installation should be handled by appropriately qualified professionals.

Are Shipping Container Workshops Better Than Timber Workshops?

That depends on your priorities. Shipping containers offer a strong, secure shell and potential portability, while timber workshops are generally easier to customise, insulate and construct in gardens with restricted access.

For my own garden, I believe a timber workshop would be the more practical and affordable option.

How Long Does a Shipping Container Workshop Last?

A well-maintained shipping container can provide many years of service, but its lifespan depends on its initial condition, exposure to the weather, corrosion protection and maintenance.

I’d pay particular attention to rust, roof condition, door seals and areas where moisture could collect, especially in coastal locations.

Can a Shipping Container Be Placed Directly on the Ground?

I wouldn’t recommend simply placing a container on soft or uneven ground. It needs suitable, level support capable of carrying the loads safely, with appropriate drainage and protection against moisture.

The right foundation will depend on the ground conditions, container size and intended workshop use.