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Storage Container vs. Storage Shed: Which One is Best?

Shipping containers

December 1, 2020

If you’ve got a lot of stuff that you don’t use every day but still need access to on a regular basis, your first thought may go to a backyard storage shed. However, you may want to consider a storage container instead.

Backyard storage sheds are typically made of vinyl or wood. But a new trend is emerging in America’s backyards, and that is the rise of the repurposed shipping container in place of sheds. These storage containers have several benefits over sheds, such as:

Better Construction

Storage containers are better constructed, usually made with heavy-duty Corten steel. They can be painted with a high-quality industrial paint that protects the steel for years, and the undersides can be factory sprayed with a special rot-resistant undercoating.

You won’t get this same protection with a standard backyard shed, unless it’s a costly vinyl one. If you opt for a wooden shed, you can bet it will need to be re-painted every few years, or you risk cracking, rotting, and splitting.

Containers, on the other hand, are strong and built to last, with the ability to withstand the weight of six fully-loaded containers that can be stacked on top. Floors are constructed of 1” thick treated plywood (marine grade) with “C” channel cross members. Now you can rest easy knowing you can store your heaviest items in there such as lawn mowers, quads, mini excavators, tractors, and other heavy duty equipment.

Affordability

When you opt for a storage container as a storage shed, you will be pleased to see it is very affordable in terms of cost per square foot. For instance, a new container measuring 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8.5’tall will cost you about $3,475, which is equal to nearly $22 per square foot. By contrast, a 12′ x 12′ shed can cost you between $4,300 (equal to $30 per square foot) and $6,000. Storage containers, then, give you a cost savings of more than $8 per square foot when considering shed prices at the big box store.

Critter Proof

It’s tough, if not nearly impossible, to keep mice, squirrels and other critters out of a backyard shed. All a mouse needs is a hole the size of a quarter to squeeze through. Once inside, they have a field day, nesting in material, chewing through wires and leaving droppings everywhere. If they get into the engine compartment of your lawn mower, this can be a costly repair. Containers are mouse proof, by contrast, with double-gasketed doors forming a tight insect, critter and weather proof seal.

Little Site Prep

Shipping containers don’t need much when it comes to site preparation. As long as you have fairly level ground, you can place the container directly on dirt, concrete, crushed stone or asphalt. It takes just 10 minutes or so to set up a container, and it’s basically a one-person job.  However, preparation for a shed becomes a bit more involved, requiring multiple people; this costs you more in money and time.

More Secure

The best benefit of storage containers over their shed counterparts is their better security, built to discourage even the most motivated thieves. You cannot break into a shipping container without power tools, but for a shed, anyone with a crowbar and hammer can get into it in seconds.

Contact Tropical Trailer Leasing in Miami FL

If you have been looking for a dry, secure, rodent-proof storage container at an affordable price, contact us at 305-885-6047.

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    Luis
    DGD Transport
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    Tropical Trailer is our preferred place for leasing equipment. They support our fleet with reliable equipment, great rates & excellent service year round.
    Maria
    Maximus Transportation
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    We have been doing business with Tropical Trailer Leasing for over 30 years. We need a responsive supplier that can provide equipment at a moment's notice. They have never let us down, their team is always ready to assist us without hesitation. That is why Tropical is our go-to vendor for all of our trailer and chassis needs.
    Maritza
    Construction Company
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    We have been receiving outstanding service from Tropical Trailer Leasing for more than 10 years. We will continue using them for all future projects where containers are needed for storing all of our materials, equipment, etc.
    Marilyn
    Project Coordinator
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    I recommend Tropical Trailer Leasing to anyone in the construction industry. My experience with them has only been positive with outstanding products and service.
    Carlos
    Construction Company, President
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    This company is professional, flexible, and most importantly, reliable. In the construction field we need everything we order to be delivered on time, Tropical Trailer has even squeezed us in last minute when job sites have become hectic.
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