There’s a lot to consider when you plan to modify a shipping container. One of the earliest steps is to select a container with the right dimensions for your intended use. Beyond the various lengths you can choose from, shipping containers have two height options available. A “standard” container is eight feet, six inches tall and a “high cube” container stands nine feet, six inches tall. As the name suggests, standard shipping containers are most common, but when it comes to modifying shipping containers, high cubes are growing in popularity thanks to the additional foot of overhead space. But how much of a difference does a foot actually make? Let’s take look at instances when choosing to modify a high cube shipping container makes the most sense.
First, we’ll review basic container dimensions. There are three lengths to choose from, a 10-foot container, a 20-foot container, and a 40-foot container. All three of these sizes come at the standard height of eight feet, six inches, but only the 20-foot and 40-foot high cube shipping containers stand nine feet, six inches tall.
If you’re requesting plumbing in your modified shipping container to create a modular bathroom or container-based living space, you’ll probably want a high cube container. In most cases, installing plumbing requires a raised floor, meaning that the plumbing equipment will be installed between the shipping container floor and the raised floor. High cubes accommodate the extra space needed for plumbing equipment without sacrificing overall interior comfort.
Even if it’s not essential to choose a high cube shipping container for modified living spaces or container offices, choosing a high cube often adds another layer of comfort to the space. The raised ceiling will promote air circulation and provide a slightly more open interior for you and your coworkers to get work done, or residents to enjoy their living space.
When choosing to house machinery or equipment in a modified container equipment enclosure, it’s worth considering a high cube for several reasons. For one, larger equipment might need the additional foot of space to even fit within the unit, in this case, a high cube is an ideal option. Other times, a high cube may promote better air circulation or the opportunity to add thicker spray foam insulation that temperature-sensitive equipment may require.
Even for simple storage purposes, a high cube container can offer much-needed extra space. Add extra shelving to store retail inventory or food pantry items or configure the space to store taller equipment needed for lawn care, automotive shops, or sports equipment.
If you have a modification project and you’re wondering whether or not you need a high cube shipping container for your particular project, give us a call. We’d love to work with you to create your ideal container solution. Reach a Falcon container expert at 877-704-0177 or email us at Sales@FalconStructures.com.