Different Ways to Transform a Shipping Container and Materials to Consider

As technology has improved, you can use innovative ways to transform anything. For example, you can create custom shipping containers by using them as offices, classrooms, and much more. The key is knowing what to do with it and using suitable materials. Here is a complete guide on how you can use a shipping container.

Transforming a Shipping Container

Here are some of the top ideas for you to create custom shipping containers in no time:

Shed

You can use a shipping container if you need a shed in your yard to keep all your essential tools. After all, not all of us have space in our homes or garages. You can create shelves and storage cabinets to store all your garden or woodworking tools without worrying about safety or damage.

Office

Recently, working from home has become incredibly common, which is why there is a high demand for home office spaces. As a result, many people have converted existing rooms into offices. However, if you need that space, you can always turn a shipping container into an office. It will give you the space you need on your property without having to build an addition to your home. Make sure to create a space as productive as possible so you can use it for a long time.

Home Gym

Do you always think of working out but can’t get to the gym? If that is the case, you can always bring the gym to you by placing a shipping container in your backyard and converting it into a gym. Have all the equipment you need and use the space to get fit. There will be some specific modifications required. For example, fitness equipment is heavy – you’ll need sturdy flooring.

Creative Space

Get your creative juices flowing by turning custom shipping containers into a creative studio for you or your kids. You can take inspiration from other studios and keep all the supplies handy to get the most out of it. The best part is that you can also turn it into a gallery to showcase all your artwork. Doing this will offer you more inspiration and motivation to work on your art. If you love drawing, painting, or any other art form, design a special place dedicated to your creativity.

Retail Store

Retail rent has gotten pretty high. As a result, many store owners can’t afford to open new shops. However, if you are a small business looking to open a store, a customized shipping container may be your answer. You can create whatever style you want, and the store is portable. Remember to brand it according to your products and brand image to offer an in-store experience. Once you do, your store will be the talk of the town.

Materials To Consider for Your Custom Shipping Containers

The shipping container material will determine its function and durability. The most common materials used in shipping containers are aluminum and steel. However, many users opt for steel because it is incredibly sturdy. Here are some points to consider when deciding.

Steel Container. One of the best things about steel is that it is sturdy and can withstand harsh weather conditions. With minimum maintenance, steel will remain resistant to corrosion, enhancing the container’s lifespan. You will be able to use it for more than a decade. So, consider steel as your number one option for your shipping container transformation.

Aluminum Container. The next option you have at your disposal is aluminum. This material will be best if you plan to use the shipping container for storage. However, you must ensure that the aluminum container is not exposed to harsh weather conditions, as it might affect its durability. Aluminum will last decades if the container is protected from weather and placed in a large building or hanger.

Flooring Material. Finally, you must also select the flooring material for the shipping container. Most of the modern shipping container flooring is made of plywood. The material is affordable, water-resistant, durable, and easy to install. On the other hand, you also have the option of bamboo flooring. It is highly durable, flexible, looks great, and is resistant to mildew. Many people choose this flooring when they want to enhance the aesthetics of custom shipping containers. You can select any flooring, depending on the container’s use.

There are endless ways to use a shipping container, so the sky’s the limit.

Carolina Containers

Do you need more space or storage? Carolina Containers can help. We carry a large inventory of shipping containers and can a custom shipping container to meet your specifications. Contact us today at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.

The post Different Ways to Transform a Shipping Container and Materials to Consider first appeared on Carolina Containers.

Customization to Help You Get the Most from Your Shipping Container

Shipping containers are durable, reliable, and versatile. They not only revolutionized long-distance transportation of goods but have become so widespread and affordable that their durability and reliability can be converted to other uses. Custom storage containers have various uses and applications, from homes to portable offices. Knowing the best customization for the job is essential for getting the best service from the container.

Custom Storage Container Tips

Since storage containers are effectively giant steel boxes, there are many options for creating ideal custom storage containers. The floor is an excellent place to start. A container’s standard floor is designed to protect against rust, water, and insects but can be upgraded if desired. Steel overlay or vinyl are frequently used options.

Doors & Windows

Depending on the purpose, it might be necessary to install windows or doors different from the standard hinge doors that come with the container. Sliding doors and windows for a portable office or similar setup are common features of modified containers. In addition, windows will provide natural lighting and create a more welcoming interior, as will alternative door options since steel doors on hinges aren’t the most inviting thresholds.

Lighting

On the matter of lighting, depending on the needs of the container, installing lights and other electronics might be needed. This is especially true for containers converted into homes, offices, or classrooms. In addition to lights, outlets and internet access will be required for these conversions.

Ventilation

One thing steel containers are not good at is ventilation. For many needs, an HVAC system will likely need to be installed. This is especially true if the container is used as a classroom, home, office, mobile clinic, or any use where people will be present for an extended time. On the other hand, if the container is used as storage, a ventilation system might not be needed, depending on what is being stored. Instead, extra security, such as keypads and heavy-duty locks, might be required.

Exterior

As for the exterior, containers are already painted with rust and weather-resistant paint, but it might be faded, chipped, or not the color desired. A fresh coat of paint can help make custom storage containers more inviting and personal and also help protect the exterior against the elements.

Buying Modified Containers

Used containers can sometimes be purchased with the desired customizations, but more often than not, they will need to be handled after purchase. With the widespread custom shipping containers, contractors to perform the required changes are easy to find. Rental containers are available too, and it is usually easier to find pre-customized rental containers than used ones.

Since shipping containers are relatively inexpensive, purchasing and modifying one for any given need are generally not that hard. Still, the time and costs involved need to be considered on any given project. This is true if the container is used for climate-controlled storage or as a mobile office for a remote work site. Both are prevalent uses for containers, but there have many other uses that can be customized as needed.

As previously noted, a container can be modified with new flooring, doors, windows, or even a sunroof to provide a cozier and more welcoming feel, ideal for a mobile office, classroom, or clinic. In addition, electrical outlets can be installed as well as an HVAC system, which is especially desirable if people are going to be working in the modified container for long periods.

Used containers are easy enough to find and can save some money as opposed to new ones, and the choice often depends on the availability and the needs of the job at hand. In such a case, repair costs on used containers must be considered. If the container is just needed for a certain period, say as storage at a construction site, renting a container may be the better option, as opposed to purchasing a container and modifying it as needed.

Mobility

Mobility is another factor to keep in mind when customizing a container to meet specific needs and another potential cost to consider. A mobile office, classroom, or clinic is just that: mobile. It may also be helpful to transport stored equipment from one location to another. Keeping almost anything, from drills to cars, in a weather-resistant, water-resistant container can appeal to remote and long-distance jobs.

Shipping containers are incredibly versatile and durable. Properly cared for, they can last for decades. As a result, they can be purchased new or used, or even rented, and customized to meet various needs and uses. Consider the best options for the needed task and the costs involved, and plan accordingly when purchasing or renting custom shipping containers.

Carolina Containers

Does your business have a use for custom storage containers? Carolina Containers can help. We carry a large inventory of standard and modified containers. We can even modify a container to your specifications. Contact us today at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.

The post Customization to Help You Get the Most from Your Shipping Container first appeared on Carolina Containers.

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Why You Should Choose a Storage Container for Your Wine Cellar

You might have heard that the older the wine, the better it tastes. However, many other factors affect the taste of the wine, and one of those critical factors is storage. There is a reason people don’t store their bottles of wine in the kitchen pantry with the rest of the edibles and beverages.

Wine requires an environment with specific humidity and temperature that is ideal for maintaining the quality of the wine. These conditions are why wine lovers have wine cellars in their homes. Usually, people convert their basement into a wine cellar, but what do you do if you don’t have a basement in your house? One option for an extensive wine collection is to use a customized Conex box to create an underground wine cellar.

Steps for Turning a Container into a Wine Cellar

Let’s take a look at a step-by-step guide on how to build your very own wine cellar.

Get the Required Licensing and Approval

Before placing any significant item like a Conex box on your property, you may have to get your plans approved by the relevant authorities. Then, once you have the required permit or confirm no license is needed, you can move to the next step.

Use Refrigerated Storage Container

These days you can find refrigerated shipping containers in the market. You may have to change the old refrigeration system with new air conditioners to maintain an ideal temperature for your wine cellar. However, refrigerated shipping containers have an electrical system, so you’ll have to have a power source. In addition, these containers are insulated, which makes them perfect for a wine cellar.

Start Digging

Measure your shipping container and start digging a hole in the ground. The hole should be larger than the size of the container because you have to leave some room for the cellar door to open. Don’t forget to leave some space for the stairs as well. Once you have dug the hole, use concrete to create a level slab on which the shipping container will be placed.

Apply Roofing Tar

Apply roofing tar on all sides of the shipping container to protect it from rust. The roofing tar will protect the container against moisture, reducing the risk of rust. Rust can damage the insulation of the shipping container. A storage container wine cellar not in good condition may affect the quality and taste of the wine stored in it.

Place The Container

The next step is placing the container inside the hole on the concrete base you created. You will need a crane to lower the container down into the hole. Therefore, hiring a contractor for this step is highly recommended.

Work On the Roof

Now that the shipping container is in the hole, you must add framing to protect the roof. You can’t just cover the container in dirt without a proper frame. It is a good idea to install a skylight, so there is light in the wine cellar. Once you have done that, you can start covering the shipping container with dirt. You can make it look aesthetically pleasing by adding greenery and plants on top.

Hire Contractors

No matter how good you are with your DIY projects, you might still need a professional touch for this project. Hire an experienced contractor who can add finishing touches to your wine cellar and make it look better and more functional. They can also build the stairs and work their magic in the interior of the wine cellar.

You might also need a carpenter. Ready-made wooden wine racks are available in the market, but if you want something specific, you can always hire a carpenter to make those customized wooden racks for you.

Why Are Storage Containers a Good Option for Building DIY Wine Cellars?

There are many reasons a shipping container works for a DIY wine cellar at home. Here are the features that make them ideal:

• Durable
• Weatherproof
• Customizable
• Provides extra space when there isn’t enough room in your house.
• Affordable
• Easy to transport

Get a great space to store those bottles of valuable wine that you have without having to build onto your house by creating a Conex box wine cellar.

Carolina Containers

These are some of the reasons that make things like storage containers and Conex boxes an excellent choice for building a DIY wine cellar. So, if you want a wine cellar but don’t have the space in your house, contact Carolina Containers for a Conex box in Raleigh NC today. We’ll help you find a suitable container and deliver it to your house, and soon your wine will have a happy home. So, call us today at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.

The post Why You Should Choose a Storage Container for Your Wine Cellar first appeared on Carolina Containers.

The Benefits of Storage Containers

The Many Uses of Storage Containers

When most people think of putting things in storage, storage facilities immediately spring to mind. For years, leasing a storage locker was the only trusted method to safely keep things. More lately, yet, companies are starting to turn to storage containers (also known in our site as shipping containers) instead. What exactly is it about storage containers that makes them so appealing? As well as being suitable and affordable, they are seriously versatile. They come in handy in many different situations. When extra space is needed, a storage container is a super direction  to go. Learn more about these containers, Raleigh’s Carolina Containers,  and what they’re all about below.

What exactly is a Storage Container?

If you could take a good old fashioned storage unit and magically transport it to your own location, you would basically have a storage container. Cargo containers bring high quality storage facilities to you personally. It’s natural to suppose they are smaller or less useful than routine storage lockers, but that isn’t true. In reality, these containers are available in a fairly broad number  of sizes – 10 foot, 20 foot and 40 foot. They are incredibly lasting and protected too, so they may be appropriate for a broad range of situations. The most convincing advantage of using a storage container is the fact that it is right there – where EVER you need right there to be.  Backyards, office storage behind a location, work and construction sites – the list goes on.

Top Advantages of Shipping Containers

When you consider the many benefits of storage containers, it is easy to see why a great number of businesses, schools and homeowners use them. Certainly, the top advantage is the fact that they are portable. When you rent or lease a container, Carolina Containers will deliver it anywhere you need it – and we can even arrange for delivery and setup anywhere on the East Coast. You don’t have to drive out to a local storage facility whenever you need to place things into or take things out of storage. These containers are also be remarkably affordable, and they can easily be switched about to adapt to individual’s and businesses’ shifting demands. If you have a seasonal business (think the Christmas holiday season) and you need to store large amounts of product for a very short term, this is a PERFECT solution.

Who Uses Them?

The most common place to locate a shipping container is at a company. Business owners absolutely love the affordability and convenience of these portable containers. By taking advantages of these containers, a business can avoid the expense and hassle of having to relocate to a larger facility or pay larger bills and fees for warehouse storage.  Besides, with warehouse storage, that means that someone is going to have to trolley off to get needed items whenever they are needed. With a container, you can send your person out the backdoor to grab items directly from the container. The same thing is true for homeowners. When extra space is desired in a home, a storage container is a suitable and affordable alternative. Many schools and athletic organizations use these containers also. Certainly, though, they are more often going to be used by companies, and we don’t really see that changing.

Top Business Uses

Visualize having the skill to add or enlarge a warehouse without needing to spend a fortune. With a context container, that is exactly what you’ll get. Business owners love the ease and benefit of leasing these containers. When extra inventory must be kept briefly, you just can’t beat the convenience of a portable storage container right there when and where you need it. When the inventory is used, the container can be returned, so there is no demand to keep paying for unneeded storage space. Carolina Containers in Raleigh offers all size shipping containers for lease, rent or purchase.  These containers will also be useful for times when a business is growing but isn’t quite prepared to invest in a larger facility.

Decision

While most people have never contemplated getting a shipping container for their needs, most individuals are instantly sold on the idea. The storage containers are able to be as big or as large as necessary, and they can be delivered very quickly. For fast, affordable, flexible storage, nothing comes to close to a high quality storage container. While storage containers aren’t likely to fully eliminate the need for routine storage lockers, they’re sure to become even more popular in the years to come. The next time your storage is full and you need additional storage space, contemplate renting one. Carolina Containers has storage containers for rent and sale that can suit whatever your needs are! We can even provide custom shipping containers that are modified for your specific requirements. Give us a call, today!

The post The Benefits of Storage Containers first appeared on Carolina Containers.

What to Do with a Custom Shipping Container and How to Prepare for One

Custom shipping containers are incredibly diverse units that can be used for various purposes. Shipping containers can be modified to be something as simple as a storage container to a complex living space using multiple containers. No matter the reason for your interest in a customized shipping container to fit your specifications, a reliable vendor can help you get the desired results. In this article, we’ll give you a few suggestions as to what can be done with a custom shipping container while also giving you expert tips on preparing for receiving your modified container.

Portable Shipping Container in Raleigh NC: Customized Uses

A standard shipping container can be customized to fit your specific needs, so the sky’s the limit with what you can do with one. So, whether you’re just looking for a place to store your extra things or you’re looking for something more specific, customization is for you. Here are a few ideas.

A Quiet Space

For many people, having personal space at home is a huge thing. But, especially for adults busy with work and their families, there may not be a dedicated space to relax and wind down. A customized shipping container can easily be turned into a secluded man-cave or she-shed, a space all to your own to customize as you’d like. Explore a hobby without noise and distractions or enjoy the peace and quiet – it can be all yours.

Kids’ Playhouse

Maybe your kids are too crazy and active for your home, or they don’t have a space where they can just let loose. Every kid wants an incredible clubhouse, and a custom shipping container is a perfect solution. First, you won’t have to worry about building this clubhouse because it already comes pre-assembled. Second, you can tailor it to your kids’ preferences, decking it with some cool features.

Craft Studio

A shipping container could be the perfect isolated space for you to let loose with your artistic creativity. In addition, you won’t have to worry about making space in your home for your art and supplies, as they can all stay in the container where you practice your craft.

These are just a few ideas – you are only constrained by your imagination.

Shipping Container Preparations

Planning will make the placement easier. Here are a few things to consider before your shipping container is ready to sit on your property.

Permits

First, you’ll need to check with the local government to see if having a shipping container on your land is legal or requires a permit. In addition, if you’re part of an HOA, check the covenants about what can be placed on your property.

The Land

Next, the land must be prepped to receive the shipping container. Because this container is a large steel fabricated structure, you’ll need to create a foundation for it. Concrete and gravel make the best bed to support it.

Utilities

Finally, if you plan on hooking up utilities to your container, you’ll need to sort out how that will work. Contact an electrician, plumber, and other utility technicians to get estimates and a timeline for installation.

Carolina Containers

Do you need extra space for personal or business reasons? Carolina Containers can help. We’re the best choice for Custom-made and portable shipping container in Raleigh NC. With a ton of experience under our belts, we can handle any shipping container needs you may have. Contact us at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.

The post What to Do with a Custom Shipping Container and How to Prepare for One first appeared on Carolina Containers.

Top Uses of Refrigerated Storage Containers

Have you ever wondered how to preserve and store a product at a specific temperature? How can you ship it all around the world? Refrigerated containers are the answer. Refrigerated containers, also known as reefer containers (The word “reefer” is a short form for “refrigerated.”), are globally used to transport these types of goods.

Refrigerated containers can maintain a steady interior temperature while controlling humidity and providing sufficient airflow. Maintaining the temperature in reefer containers keeps the products inside them from spoiling or degrading. Ruined products are often the result of excessive heat, moisture, and lack of sufficient airflow. Refrigerated containers are standard containers capable of maintaining specific temperatures between -18 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (-27 to 27 degrees Celsius). These containers are equipped with diesel generators to keep the preset temperature constant during a power failure. They can be acquired in 20- and 40-feet lengths. This article will discuss the various uses of refrigerated containers.

The Uses of Refrigerated Containers

These containers generally store and ship dairy products, frozen products, vegetables, seafood, meat, etc. In addition, refrigerated containers are also used to store medical supplies. Finally, everything perishable or may spoil due to temperature changes and contact with air can be preserved using reefer containers. Let us review some of the most widespread uses of these containers.

Fruits and Vegetables

Produce is probably the most widespread use of reefer containers. Fruits and vegetables are perishable and, most of the time, need to be stored and shipped in cold temperatures. They are usually transported by sea, land, and occasionally by air. For example, large, refrigerated containers can accommodate up to 15,000 boxes of bananas.

Meat and Poultry

Meat and poultry are the second most common items stored and transported by reefer containers across the oceans. Studies show that meat and poultry consumption has increased significantly in recent decades. One of the main reasons is the ability to transport these goods to different parts of the world using refrigerated containers.

Medicines

Several years ago, it was possible to transport medicines to remote destinations only by air. That was because the refrigeration and ventilation technologies were not as advanced as they are today. This shortcoming limited the number of medicines that could be shipped at one time since airplanes cannot carry as much cargo as ships. Shipping via air also inevitably raised the price of medications significantly. Fortunately, refrigerated containers have made it possible to transport massive amounts of medicines worldwide, reducing the cost of medications.

Dairy Products

Manufacturers usually use reefer containers to transport dairy products within the country or the continent. Most of the time, containers are hoisted over trucks and trains to ship dairy products to various destinations.

Seafood

It is good to know that statistically, 19 percent of the food items carried and shipped by reefer containers are seafood and seafood products. Everyone knows that seafood spoils exceptionally quickly. That is why refrigerated containers used to store and send this kind of food must be very high-quality to ensure the food reaches the kitchens freshly as if it has just been taken from the sea.

Movie Props

You may be surprised to hear this one, but big movie producers use refrigerated containers to transport movie props and other movie-related paraphernalia. These items may be worth millions of dollars, and producers do not want to risk delaying filming due to damaged or degraded props. Also, movie shooting is sometimes done in harsh environments, and delicate movie equipment and props must be protected from nature’s elements. Therefore, reefer containers are handy because they are mobile, weatherproof, and climate controlled.

Flowers

The flowers you buy to express your love to your partner may have come from South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, or some other distant country. However, they still have the fragrance and freshness as if they had just been cut. The truth is that this delicacy would never be possible if it were not for the usage of reefer containers. Over 700,000 metric tons of flowers are transported globally. Although more than 90 percent of it is transported by air, the advancement in refrigerated containers has made it possible to transport more types of flowers by the sea. The result is a drastic reduction in shipment cost and a massive increase in the quantity of the flowers transported.

Wine

Like other perishable products, wine may become undrinkable when exposed to sudden temperature changes. That is why it is stored in highly specialized reefer containers when transported over the oceans. Wide varieties of wine are transported by sea, and it is essential to control the temperature to maintain their quality.

Military Operations

Military forces use refrigerated containers to transport and store food, medicine, chemicals, and other items that might perish in bad climate conditions. In addition, military forces use special reefer containers resistant to extreme temperatures, electromagnetic interference, and vibration.

Carolina Containers

Does your business need to ship a delicate or perishable product? Refrigerated containers may be the answer, and Carolina Containers can help. We carry a large inventory of containers that can be modified to your business needs. Contact us at 919-562-9187 and see what we can do for you.

The post Top Uses of Refrigerated Storage Containers first appeared on Carolina Containers.