5 Shipping Container Floor Options for Durability

Modified shipping containers are durable structures ideal for all sorts of companies who wish to store industrial items, house field personnel or provide job site office space to workers. Shipping container floors play a big role when it comes to improving durability and boosting longevity of portable shipping containers. Depending on the intended use of the container, some flooring options are better than others.

Consider these five common shipping container floor options as you design your container space.

1. Original Plywood or Bamboo Flooring

Manufacturers typically infuse the plywood or bamboo flooring with insecticides in order to protect the floor as well as the contents of the containers. But no worries: there’s only a very small amount of these pesticides, harmful only to insects that hitch a ride.

Plywood or bamboo flooring is ideal because of their availability and price. Bamboo, for instance, is kinder to the environment thanks to its biodegradability and its abundance. It also happens to be an excellent and fast growing renewable resource.

2. Imitation Wood Vinyl Planks

The addition of imitation wood vinyl planks to your modified container will create a stylish, professional space. Many companies use this material in their actual offices or living spaces, so it stands to reason vinyl planks would be a great addition to a storage container.

This results in a more comfortable, homey, durable space. You can choose from a wide variety of shades, but no matter which one you select, the planks are installed directly over the original flooring.

3. Coin Vinyl

Coin vinyl flooring is water-resistant and is easily mopped and hosed-down for cleaning. You will want to choose this type of flooring if you are using your container structure as a bathroom, greenhouse, or office that gets frequent foot traffic.

This surface is also ideal at protecting against oil, acid, dirt and more. Coin vinyl flooring will be rolled out directly over the original flooring.

4. Aluminum or Steel Flooring

Aluminum or steel flooring is often used for industrial applications, available in steel plates with a smooth finish or tread steel featuring high traction. Both options are watertight, which means you can spray them with warm water and wipe them down with no adverse effects.

5. Epoxy Coating

You can add epoxy coating to many of the above container floor options to add yet another protective seal. This creates a slip-resistant surface while adding an attractive, shiny finish to the top.

Deciding which storage container floor option best gels with your ideal structure is just one part of the modification process. You’ll also have to choose the right walls, doors, and window options when designing your custom container.

Frequently Asked Questions About Container Floor Options

What is the best thing to put under a shipping container?

The ideal foundation for a shipping container depends on its intended use and duration. Common foundations include concrete pads, wooden beams, gravel beds, or concrete footings. For short-term usage, gravel or wooden beams often suffice. For longer-term or permanent installations, especially for container homes or offices, a concrete pad or footing is recommended to ensure stability and longevity.

What kind of floor does a shipping container have?

Most standard shipping containers come with a wooden floor made of marine-grade plywood. This type of floor is designed to be durable and resistant to the wear and tear of cargo transportation. However, it’s important to note that while these floors are strong, they can be susceptible to damage from heavy machinery or moisture if not properly maintained.

What is the waterproof floor of a shipping container?

The standard wooden floor in shipping containers is typically treated to be somewhat resistant to moisture. However, to achieve a fully waterproof floor, one might consider applying a waterproof sealant or epoxy coating to the wooden surface. Some containers, especially those meant for specific cargo or environments, might come with specialized waterproof flooring or liners.

Do you need a concrete base for a shipping container?

A concrete base is recommended for longer-term placements of shipping containers, especially if they’ll be used as living or working spaces. Concrete provides a stable, level surface that can prevent the container from settling unevenly, which could lead to structural issues. For temporary or short-term use, other foundations like gravel beds or wooden beams can be suitable.

What is the cheapest foundation for a container home?

A pier or post foundation is typically the cheapest option for container homes. This involves placing the container on a series of concrete footings or wooden posts. It elevates the container off the ground, ensuring better air circulation and preventing direct contact with moisture. While cost-effective, it’s crucial to ensure that the footings are well-placed to evenly distribute the container’s weight.

What is the best base for a sea container?

For long-term installations of sea containers, a concrete slab foundation is often considered the best due to its durability and stability. It provides an even surface, prevents the container from sinking over time, and offers added protection against moisture from the ground. However, the right base also depends on factors like soil type, container use, and local climate conditions.

Can you put a shipping container directly on the ground?

Yes, you can place a shipping container directly on the ground, but doing so can expose the container to moisture, leading to potential corrosion or rusting over time. It also risks the container settling unevenly. For better longevity and to ensure the container remains level, it’s recommended to place it on some foundation, even if it’s just gravel or wooden beams.

Contact Dry Box

To learn more about flooring options for your own container structure, contact us for a free quote at 866-549-9823.