The Saner Container » PODS http://www.supercubes.com/blog A forum for ocean cargo containers, their owners and ways to use them. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:42:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Containers vs. Sheds, Pole Barns, and PODS http://www.supercubes.com/blog/2010/03/containers-vs-sheds-pole-barns-and-pods/ http://www.supercubes.com/blog/2010/03/containers-vs-sheds-pole-barns-and-pods/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:28:19 +0000 Super Cubes http://www.supercubes.com/blog/?p=53 OK, you’re thinking storage. Over easy, hold the hassles.

What are the options?

There’s that ready-to-assemble shed you saw at Home Depot … or that pole barn kit from something-dot-com … and those portable storage PODS occasionally trucked on and off neighbors’ driveways.

But wait—what about a steel container? If it’s not on your list, maybe it should be. Yeah, we admit we’re biased. But it’s a fact that steel containers have many advantages compared to other storage solutions.


Storage solution Pros Cons
Sheds
  • Prefab kits available locally or online
  • Buy with installation option or DIY
  • Usually easy delivery
  • Height and width options
  • You can pick options to fit your needs – windows, color, shelving, etc.
  • DIY may take many weekends
  • Site prep (crushed stone bed or cement slab)
  • Many not very sturdy (cheap metal, waferboard, or plastic)
  • Premium cost for durability
  • Upkeep/lifespan issues
  • Often building code issues (may need building permit)
  • Not moveable
Pole Barns
  • DIY kits available locally or online
  • Can customize design & size
  • Versatile to fit your exact needs
  • Building costs add up fast
  • Long lead time
  • Site prep (may need cement slab)
  • May be overkill for your needs
  • Need building permit
  • Not moveable
PODS
  • Easy delivery
  • Ready to store in a warehouse
  • Rent only (a few suppliers sell, but prices match containers)
  • Not highly sturdy or durable (plywood walls, translucent plastic tops tacked on top)
  • Limited sizes (biggest is 16’ x 8’, smaller than the smallest steel container)
  • Designed to store in a warehouse, not outside
Steel Containers
  • Come ready to use
  • Relatively cheap
  • Delivered exactly where you want it
  • No building permit issues
  • Many customization options (paint, doors, windows, vents, lights, shelving, etc.)
  • Indestructible (14-gauge corrugated weatherizing steel)
  • Highly secure
  • Hardwood floors with steel support beams
  • Big enough for cars, boats, contents of 3-bedroom house
  • Moveable
  • Use for storage or for housing
  • Fixed height and width (8’ wide x 20’ or 40’ long)
  • Costs higher in some locations (usually  due to delivery more than anything else)
  • Some zoning issues

You know your storage situation best, but hopefully this table can help if you were on the fence about which style to go with.  If you want more information on containers, please visit our website (www.SuperCubes.com) or call us (877-374-5452)!

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