If you’re a DIY-er, then having your own workshop can make it easier to build and repair things at home. It’s also a great way to save money on household repairs, from fixing leaky taps to building custom pieces of furniture.
Luckily, there are lots of ways you can set up a workshop at home without taking up too much space. In this post, we’ll take a look at how shipping containers can be used for workshops and why you might want to consider this popular option.
What are shipping containers and why are they a popular choice for workshops?
Shipping containers make for a great workshop for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they’re strong and durable, so you can work on your projects without worrying about damaging the building structure. They’re also inexpensive, allowing you to get more bang for your buck with your workshop.
Another great benefit of using shipping containers for your workshop is that they are easily modified, which means you can customise your container any way that you want and create a workshop that is truly one of a kind. Plus, shipping containers are portable, so if you ever need to move, it won’t be too much of an issue.
The benefits of using shipping containers as workshops
There are many benefits to using shipping containers as workshops. One of the main benefits is that they’re more affordable. A used container can be purchased for much less than a traditional building.
Also, shipping containers are easy to transport; with a tare weight of up to 5,140 kgs you can move them without too much difficulty with the right equipment. This means that you’re not tied to one location if you ever need or want to move.
Furthermore, shipping containers are easy to modify, so you can customise your workspace to perfectly suit your needs. You can add windows, doors, shelves and more to create a functional and stylish workshop.
On top of all that, a shipping container won’t take up much space on your property, which makes them an ideal choice for those who are tight on space.
Five shipping container workshop ideas you can try
The options for a shipping container workshop are almost endless, and the possibilities can be overwhelming. With this in mind, we’ve put together five of our favourite ideas for you to try. So, let’s take a look at each one and see why a shipping container might be the perfect solution for each of these popular workshops.
1. An electronics repair workshop
If you have a knack for fixing small household appliances and electronics, this is the perfect workshop for you! It allows you to repair anything from computers and phones to small appliances and even small electronic devices like toys and remote controls.
This workshop is also great for those who need an area to store their tools or equipment, as well as for people who are looking for a place where they can carry out their repairs in private.
2. An art and crafts workshop
This is a great idea for encouraging creativity in kids. If you have an arts and crafts workshop, it will allow your kids to be creative while they are learning. You can also use this as a way to organise all of the different crafts that you do in your home or business.
When using shipping containers as an art and craft workshop, it’s important to keep safety in mind. You don’t want any of your children or pets getting hurt by sharp objects like scissors or knives, so make sure that there is nothing dangerous lying around the container.
It will also be helpful if you have some type of storage system installed inside the container so that everything stays organised within one place instead of being scattered across multiple rooms in your workplace.
3. A home repair workshop
Whatever it is that you need to build or repair, a shipping container can be the perfect solution for your home repair workshop. Not only can you build furniture and repair things, but a home repair workshop can also be a great way to make some money and help people.
Shipping containers can be modified; plus, when they’re insulated, they can be used in cold climates or during the frigid winter months. Therefore, when you build your home repair workshop in a shipping container, you will be gaining a viable year-round workspace.
4. A commercial workshop or portable office
For a more dynamic solution, you can use shipping containers to create a portable office. You can transport it anywhere you need it and then put it back in storage when you’re done with it. This is especially useful for businesses that don’t have stable spaces or for people who want to be able to move around easily.
A common way of using shipping containers as an office is to have one built or modified according to your needs by shipping container companies like Gateway Shipping Containers. This way, you’ll get the perfect office without any of the hassles. You can even have the container painted to match your company’s branding.
5. A vehicle workshop
Vehicle workshops are a great way to take advantage of shipping containers. You can start your own vehicle workshop by repurposing an old shipping container, or you can shop for a new one if your budget allows.
Either way, whether you are a mechanic, hot-rod restorer, or simply want a space to perform maintenance on your vehicles, then a shipping container might just be the perfect solution for you. Plus, you can also use your shipping container as a garage or a place to store your motorcycles or other vehicles when they aren’t being used.
How to design your workshop inside a shipping container
When planning your workshop, you may also like to think about the design you want. A theme may be a good place to start. If you aren’t sure what theme you want, you can always use sites like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Remember, once you find a theme you like, you can then customise everything for your needs and make it one-of-a-kind.
Regardless of which theme you choose, there are a few things you should always consider when designing your workspace, such as the lighting, power outlets, ventilation system, storage space, and of course, the exterior.
Lighting
Having good lighting is essential for any workshop. There are numerous options available, such as LED lights, fluorescent lighting, and standard light bulbs. These days, some of the best design features include smart RGB lighting that can change colour and be controlled by an app.
Power Outlets
The number of electrical outlets will depend on how much power you need. It helps to think about where you want things to be plugged in when designing the inside of the container. It’s important that you have enough outlets for all of your tools, so you don’t get encumbered with extension cords running everywhere.
Ventilation
The air quality in a closed environment can quickly become stuffy and most shipping containers are built to be airtight. Therefore, it’s a good idea to add windows and vents so that you can bring in some fresh air.
If you have room in your budget, it’s also worth installing an air conditioner so that you can maintain a comfortable temperature at all times, but if your budget is tight, even adding a small fan can make a big difference.
Storage Space
You’ll need plenty of storage space for all of your tools and supplies so that they’re easily accessible. Think about shelving, cabinetry, and any large items that may need a custom storage solution, then you can plan your space accordingly.
The Exterior
If you’re thinking of building a workshop inside a shipping container, you’ll need to think about the exterior design. If you’re just using it for storage, then the exterior doesn’t matter much. But if you plan on welcoming customers or using it as an office, then you’ll want to make sure it looks good.
If possible, try to design an exterior that will complement other structures on your property, like an existing storage shed or barn, so that it blends in with its surroundings instead of standing out like a sore thumb!
Where to buy a shipping container?
If you’re looking to buy a shipping container, there are lots of options out there. You can buy a used shipping container from the manufacturer, from a dealer or purchase one online. Generally speaking, you will get the best value for your money when you purchase from a company that specialises in shipping containers.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new workshop, you’ve probably already realised that there are many options out there. So why choose one made from shipping containers? Well, there are many great reasons to choose a shipping container workshop. They are durable, practical, affordable, portable, and highly versatile.
These workshops can be customised to fit whatever needs you have for your business or hobby. There are endless possibilities, from small-scale electronics repairs to large-scale industrial manufacturing, all at a fraction of the cost of building a traditional brick-and-mortar building. All that’s left is choosing which kind is right for your needs!
If you are ready to build the shipping container workshop of your dreams, then be sure to get in touch with Gateway Container Sales today!
