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 units provided by the big national moving and storage company 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
National branded portable storage units
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 the rest of our site or call us at 877-374-5452.