Photo by Pat Whelen

Originally Posted On: How to Find the Best Steel Storage Containers for Your Construction Business (tuffshippingcontainers.com)

Finding the best steel storage containers for your construction business can be hard. The professionals at Tuff are here to help.

Your construction projects are always buzzing with activity. As you gain larger projects, you need a more efficient way to store tools and materials.

You also need a space to meet with clients, host meetings, and more. Is there an easy solution to meet these needs?

The answer is steel storage containers.

These common items are durable, secure, and versatile to fit your every need. Are you debating whether steel storage containers are right for your construction needs? Here’s everything you need to know about storage containers and how they’ll make your next project a success!

Steel storage containers are also known as freight or containers and Conex boxes. They’re large square metal containers designed to offer temporary storage space.

These containers consist of strong industrial-grade steel and secure doors. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, insulation options, and more to meet the needs of any industry, including construction.

The two most common places you’ll see steel storage containers are in transportation and construction. The steel high-quality steel walls, doors, and locks offer a high level of security to keep your items safe. The steel is incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather while keeping your items safe.

The best part about a steel storage container is its affordability. Your business can choose to rent or buy one (or more) containers to fit your needs and projects. Most steel storage containers start at a low monthly rate which may increase depending on the size and type of storage container you choose.

These durable storage containers are the best solutions for any construction business.

Any business needing a temporary storage space can benefit from using a Conex box. The most common industries using metal storage containers include:

• Agriculture for storing farm equipment, supplies, and machinery
• Construction industries for temporary office space and for storing equipment and materials
• Education to store athletic equipment, documents, and records
• Financial industries may store extra documents and records
• Government for disaster relief, offices, temporary housing, and military supplies
• Medical for the storage of equipment and supplies
• Retail for seasonal inventory
• Residential for housing and extra storage space

The length of time a business will use a metal storage container depends on the length of their project or their needs. Some businesses will need for one as little as a few months while others may need one for several years.

If your company is unsure about how long you’ll need a storage container, renting is often the most cost-effective solution.

Other businesses looking to buy a storage container can choose to buy a new Conex box or a used one. Used options have gentle wear but will still offer a level of security and protection of your tools and materials.

Construction businesses use storage containers for everything from storing tools to temporary offices. Here’s a look at the three most common types of storage containers for organizing your construction site.

Storage is the most common use of steel storage containers on construction sites.

Small and expensive construction tools are easy to steal when left unattended. A storage container gives you a safe place to store and lock your tools when you or your construction team isn’t using them.

There aren’t any limits on what tools and items you store in your storage containers. Construction companies can also store IT and computer-based tools and items. Others will store surveillance items and any other miscellaneous goods.

Need a higher level of security? Choose a container complete with a high-security lockbox.

If you find you need additional storage space, make the most of your storage container by adding shelving.

The next most common use of a storage container is temporary storage space. These containers are similar in appearance to your typical storage container.

The difference is most office containers will have a hinged door on the side, an HVAC system, and insulation for better climate control.

Temporary offices are great places to host a small conference room or serve as an employee break room.

You and your employees will have a warm place to enjoy during the winter and a cool place during the heat of the summer. Like most storage units, these containers are safe, secure, and durable.

Do you need a flexible storage container that serves multiple purposes? An office and storage combo container combine office space with storage space in one simple metal container.

These options are perfect for construction companies working at places that don’t have a lot of room for extra storage containers.

These containers come in several different sizes ranging from twenty feet to over forty feet. Like their office counterparts, these combo models come with HVAC and insulated ceilings and walls. You can customize them with shelving to maximize storage space and organizing within your container.

The fourth type of storage container is the refrigerated storage container. These storage containers are best for keeping items cold and can maintain temperatures between 25˚F and -25˚F. Some can go as low as -60˚F.

Refrigerated storage containers contain quality insulation which makes them a great choice for storing materials or tools that need a temperature-controlled storage solution.

The versatility of storage containers gives you the flexibility to choose from several different sizes and features. The size and number of added features will affect the cost to rent or buy the storage container.

Most storage containers come in lengths of twenty feet or forty feet. There are custom options available such as 10, 15, and 25-foot lengths with some options having lengths of over 50-feet.

Not all suppliers will carry storage containers in these custom lengths. If you need a custom-sized container, some storage container providers may cut and weld the storage container to fit your unique sizing needs.

The height and width of your average storage container are around eight and a half feet high by eight feet wide. There are larger options available such as extra-wide units that have a width of around ten feet. High-tops units will have an extra foot added to their height.

Depending on your construction project, your company and team may require additional features. The extra features or “add-ons” will vary between suppliers.

The most common features you can find include:

• Custom sizing
• Paint color
• Locking mechanisms
• Doors
• Shelving
• Flooring
• Ramps
• A/C and heating
• Insulation
• Windows
• Partitions
• Turbine vents

At Tuff Shipping Containers, we offer a range of features including high-level locks, shelving, interior storage systems, and more. Again, these options will influence the price of your storage container.

Onsite steel storage containers provide numerous benefits in the construction business. They can fit any size workspace and offer you convenience and security.

Here are a few ways a steel storage container can help your construction business:

• High-grade steel requires very little to no maintenance
• Storage containers are easy to move and transport between multiple worksites
• Quick and easy to set up
• Many come with electric, phone, and computer outlets
• Turnkey ready features such as electricity, shelving, and doors
• Effective locks for added security
• Versatile uses with hybrid office and storage options
• Keeps your tools and materials safe from thieves, rodents, outside elements, heat, inclement weather, and more

The trick to enjoying these benefits is to find the right container for your construction needs and project.

The best steel containers are the ones that fit your construction needs. Start by making a list of the size and features you need for your construction project.

If you’re new to using storage containers for construction projects, you’ll find there are endless options available. To find the right storage container for your needs, you’ll need to understand what factors make a great storage container. These factors include container size, extra features, and security.

The first item is security. Pay close attention to the container’s locking mechanism, most interior locking mechanisms are more secure and harder to disable. Check the exterior walls and doors to ensure there aren’t any major dents or holes.

Pick a container size that fits your project and worksite needs. Carefully think about what tools and materials you’ll be storing and the available space around the worksite. Using multiple small containers can offer modular storage and versatile use.

Consider adding customizations, such as shelving or HVAC, to help you make the most of your storage container’s space.

The final choices are buying or renting and whether to use a new or used container. This will ultimately depend on your preferences, company budget, and specific needs.

You want the best steel storage containers for your next construction project, right?

With the many sizes and features of today’s steel storage containers, there’s an option perfect for your construction needs. You and your construction team will love the benefits these containers have to offer!

Have questions or want to learn more about metal storage containers? Request a quote today! We’re happy to help you find the perfect storage container for your next project.