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When inspecting the rugged exterior of your average shipping container, you may never think those steel sides and heavy-duty doors could house a trendy space for drinks and entertainment. But imaginative shipping container bars have been on the rise in recent years as people aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly businesses with interesting atmospheres. So, yes — shipping container bars exist, and they are just one of the many creative container projects out there. Ready to learn more about shipping container bars? Here are 10 awesome reasons why bar owners and backyard mixologists alike are in love with container lounges. Are you thinking about your own shipping container bar? Rent-A-Container offers containers of all sizes with options to lease or buy. Give us a call today at 800-880-7061.  1. Shipping Container Pop Up Bars Can Go (Almost) Anywhere Whatever free space you can find, chances are, you can squeeze in a shipping container bar. Some of the hallmarks of shipping container projects are their small footprint and ability to fit neatly into virtually any space. They’re as at home outside for a festival as they are inside a convention hall for a tradeshow.  The various sizes and types of containers out there mean that it’s easy to develop custom bar designs to match almost any environment. Additionally, transportation and installation are a breeze compared to more permanent structures, making shipping containers the perfect solution for temporary bar space. A temporary shipping container bar can be set up in a short amount of time. And when the show is over and it’s time to head home, they break down as quickly as they pop up. 2. Your Storage Container Bar Is Environmentally Friendly Most of us are used to bars and restaurants being permanent structures, even though we all know that major construction projects take their toll on the environment. But according to Forbes, around 87% of consumers develop a more positive image of businesses that support environmental issues than of those that do not. Nurturing a sustainable brand image means more than gesturing; it means taking public action. So why not accomplish that goal and build an innovative and trendy bar space? With storage container bars, you can get the best of both worlds. Because most countries import more than they export, there’s a massive surplus of unused shipping containers. The environmental cost to recycle these containers is staggering.  Upcycling them into storage container bars mitigates these costs and others related to traditional construction for homes and buildings, allowing business owners to create enjoyable public spaces that give back to both the community and the environment. 3. You Can Move Your Shipping Container Lounge Once you’ve got your shipping container lounge up and running, upkeeping it is similar to taking care of a traditional brick and mortar space. You’ll need access to utilities, a cleaning schedule and, most importantly, refreshing beverages. But what happens when you need to pack up shop and move? Another huge benefit to utilizing shipping containers for bar space is that they are much easier to transport and set up again than other businesses. For businesses that are set up in permanent buildings, moving locations means entirely changing their layout and organization. For shipping container bars, though, picking up and moving doesn’t have to significantly change the appearance and atmosphere of your business. Delivery, installation and operation are all part of the process of owning a shipping container bar, and your atmosphere can stay the same anywhere you go. Containers can travel virtually anywhere and break down out of sight when they aren’t in use. Manufacturers design containers to be easy to transport. Consequently, container bars are easy to load onto a tilt-bed or flatbed truck for delivery to a new location.   4. Shipping Container Bars Are an Affordable Way to Start a Business Shipping container bars are popping up all over the world. While their portability and customizable interior are attractive benefits, cost is yet another area where these creative projects outshine their traditional counterparts. While turnkey bar options can get pricey, costs pale in comparison to traditional bar openings that can run anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 in startup costs alone. For the most cost-effective solution, you can buy a container outright and outfit it yourself. In this case, Rent-A-Container has all the solutions you need for affordable containers. Buying a shipping container can be intimidating, but with our help, you can open your container bar without breaking the bank.    5. You Can Have the Best Backyard Parties on the Block Sometimes, you have to treat yourself — and what better way to do that than by setting up a lively shipping container bar on your own property? A backyard container bar can be the perfect gift to you, your family, and your neighbors. Let’s face it: we all want a little attention. Be the talk of the block with a creative container bar in your backyard. You’ll want to check with your HOA and municipal government first, but installing a container bar in your yard is a fairly painless process compared to most home renovation projects. Before you know it, you’ll be slinging margaritas and turning heads with your swanky backyard shipping container lounge.   6. Your Storage Container Bar Is Sturdy Shipping containers are meant to go through heavy use. Cranes toss them around like Legos, they scrape and knock against each other constantly during transit, they’re frequently found stacked like sardines, and they brave hazardous open-sea environments for most of their lifespans. Is it any surprise that shipping container manufacturers build them to last? Harsh conditions require rugged construction. Good shipping container manufacturers make a point of sourcing materials that are up for the task for container construction. Corten steel makes up the majority of a container’s components and parts. And this isn’t some ordinary steel. Corten steel, known as weathering steel, can stand up to decades of environmental abuse and corrosion.   7. Define Your Brand

Do you have a project coming up that requires a shipping container but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! Shipping containers are used by many throughout the world who need to ship something- (or in some cases build something) that is able to withstand both storage and handling. They are built with strength in mind, the iconic corrugated wall panels (which are those traditional wall or roof metal panels that utilize a repeating u-shaped wave, (aka corrugation) pattern in its design, it’s the wall texture you picture immediately when someone says “shipping container” to you), cargo doors, and cross members are all made of corten steel which is the most special type of steel as it is made to face the highest of weather conditions and wear and tear.  Now mainly you’ll see a lot of shipping containers in one of two places, one being on a container ship or a boxship, or two, in a yard somewhere where they are all waiting to be used. But nowadays creatives have taken the traditional shipping container and have turned them into buildings like restaurants, office spaces, emergency hospitals, stores, and even houses. That’s right, with the housing market getting more and more expensive every year some people have taken a new “DIY” approach to their dream home by building it through shipping containers like this Container Home (that’s actually available to rent) in the forest of Kalama, Washington: So it’s safe to say there are a lot of different uses for shipping containers that aren’t just for transporting or holding precious goods. But when it comes to managing shipping container sizes there’s a lot of questions you might have and we’re here to answer them! We’ve got the ins and outs of all your shipping container questions along with a few extra inquiries you might have if you have a specific project or need for a shipping container in your life. In this article you’ll find out along with all the shipping container sizes you can get and its cost: What are the standard sizes for shipping containers? How much do shipping containers cost? How much does a 20 foot container weigh? Are shipping containers waterproof? How much can you fit in a 40 foot shipping container? How much can you fit in a 20 foot shipping container? What is the difference between a 40 foot and 20 foot container? How do you move a shipping container? What are all the different shipping container sizes you can get? (and shipping container dimensions) Commonly you’ll find that most shipping containers come in standard sizes of:  20 ft. (20 ft. long, 8 ft. wide, and 8 ft. 6 in. high) 40 ft. (which is twice the size of the 20 at Rent-A-Container without twice the cost) 10 ft. (8 ft. wide, 10 ft. long, and 8 ft. 6 in. high)   These Standard Shipping Containers are available at these exact sizes via Rent-A-Container. Each standard shipping container size will normally always be around 8 feet wide as that’s most common with all shipping containers.  However, there are also different variations of these sizes that you can find when you’re looking into these 20 foot and 40 foot options. For instance, you can find your standard sizes of course, the 10, 20, and 40 foot, but there’s also: a 20 foot Double Door option a 20 foot High Cube container a 40 foot Double Door option a 40 foot High Cube container And a whopping 45 foot High Cube container Those are a few of the variations you’ll find if you’re looking for a more specific container to fit your needs. And if you’re looking for an even bigger container, (53 ft and above), and/or a different size which are usually used on farms for storage or to build an establishment like a restaurant, those can be found through specialty listings and orders.    How much do shipping containers cost? Both 20 foot and 40 foot shipping containers being the most common sizes you’ll find that you can get a lot more details on these containers more often than not.  But the real question is how much do these shipping containers cost? Well, that’s a bit of a complicated answer. We can’t give you a direct number for the cost of a shipping container as shipping container prices vary extensively. Why? Well, they are commodities subject to wide supply changes as international trade rises and falls. Meaning depending on where you go and when you go looking for a shipping container the cost can vary due to a number of factors. And let’s not forget about other fees! Make sure to include delivery fees, taxes and other expenses included in the total cost. All of that can change an estimated number greatly. Tip: Having additions and modifications to standard shipping containers like the High Cube and Double Doors will definitely add to your costs so make sure to factor that in when you’re looking into your budget/shipping container needs. Always buy or lease from a reputable seller with a track-record of providing containers nationwide, like Rent-A-Container. How much does a 20 foot container weigh? Now that you know about the strength and corten steel it takes to make a shipping container, you might be interested in how much these weigh. Just from the sounds of it, it seems like it’ll be heavy, and you’d be right! According to the Bison Jacks website, you’ll commonly you’ll find that an empty 20 foot shipping container will weigh “between 1.8-2.2 metric tonnes (about 3,970 – 4,850 lb)” and an empty 40 foot shipping container will be “3.8 – 4.2 tonne (8,340 – 9,260 lb).”  So you’ll find that 20 foot containers will weigh just under 5,000 pounds, while 40 foot containers will weigh just under 10,000 pounds empty. Are shipping containers waterproof? We mentioned before when we were talking about Rent-A-Container shipping container costs that it said each container is “Wind & Watertight”

Whether you own a business or not, chances are that at some point, you’ll need extra storage space. With so many different storage options available– for both long-term and temporary use– it can be difficult to decide what is best for you and your needs. Not everyone needs to store things for a long time, and sometimes it’s most convenient for businesses to keep a temporary storage unit onsite. But before you can decide what suits you best, it’s a good idea to learn about the variety of temporary storage options available and what they cost. This is where we come in. Here we’ve pulled together a guide to what kinds of temporary storage are out there, what each type is most useful for, and how much each costs on average. If you’re in need of temporary storage and don’t know where to start, read on– we hope you’ll find some answers! Types of Temporary Storage Spaces There are lots of types of temporary storage spaces out there. These are some of the most common ones: Shipping Containers The final– but certainly not the least useful– type of temporary storage available is shipping containers. Shipping containers combine many of the most useful characteristics of other storage units. They can be located onsite or off site, kept outside or stored inside a warehouse building, and, depending on the features you add to yours, they can also be climate controlled.  They also come with a variety of door arrangements that may prove more or less useful for your specific storage needs. If you need quick access to both ends of your storage container, for example, a double door container may be a good pick, whereas a side door container is ideal when you need access to everything in your container at a moment’s notice. Shipping containers also come with a solid amount of economical storage space. They come in different sizes– usually 20′ long or 40′ long, with a width of 8’ and a height of 8.5’. This may not sound nearly as big or useful as, for example, a whole warehouse. But it is still a lot of storage space– a 20’ shipping container could fit a one or two-bedroom apartment inside of it, while a 40’ container could fit up to a three-bedroom apartment. You also have the benefit of having vertical storage space, which goes a long way to maximize how much you can stow away in one of these containers. Shipping containers can also be stacked easily, meaning you can fit more storage in less space across multiple containers. Tents First on the list of types of temporary storage spaces is the storage tent. As with most tents, these are portable and can be constructed and taken down relatively quickly. Storage tents come in a wide variety of sizes– so you’re pretty likely to find one big enough to suit your needs. Storage tents are generally lightweight, making them easy to move. They consist of metal framing and a watertight material cover. The frame can be made of metals like steel or aluminum– depending on the quality of your tent– and the material cover is usually a variation of HDPE or PVC. HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is an extremely strong polymer that can withstand a wider range of temperatures and outdoor conditions than many of its weaker counterparts, while PVC is an extremely common polymer. This makes them great materials to use on a temporary tent, but may pose some problems if you’re concerned about keeping things environmentally friendly. Furthermore, although storage tents are covered with strong polymer materials, they are still most certainly not meant to be permanent structures. With their light framing and material covers, storage tents do have a limit to what kind of weather conditions they can handle. Excessive wind can also pose a problem since, as with most tents, these are anchored to the ground with weights and nails. Still, storage tents can be excellent options for short-term, onsite storage. Leasing Buildings If you need lots of storage space and aren’t too picky about where it’s located, leasing space at a warehouse might be an excellent option for temporary storage. Warehouses, unlike tents, are of course permanent structures, which makes them ideal for areas with consistently harsh weather conditions. Their sizes range from small to sprawling, so if you need more storage space than a tent, self-storage unit, or shipping container can provide you, this is something to keep in mind. Permanent warehouse buildings can also be used for much more than storage. Although generally, leasing a building will mean that your belongings are not at your business location, you can certainly set up temporary office spaces inside a warehouse. This enables you to carry on your day-to-day work while also having immediate access to supplies instead of having to transport it from one location to another. If you need your storage space to be close to your main business– meaning that a satellite office won’t work for you– then warehouses can be a little bit cumbersome. Since you can’t just pick up a warehouse and set it down wherever you want, you may be forced to spend some travel time getting to your storage space if you can’t just set up an extra office inside of it. However, if the convenience of having so much space at your disposal outweighs the inconvenience of having to travel to get to your warehouse, it may still be a viable option. The other thing to keep in mind if you’re considering leasing space at a warehouse or other storage building is the fact that these are in high demand, and in some locations, there aren’t really many leasing opportunities available. If there simply aren’t many buildings or warehouses to lease in your area, you’ll probably want to consider other types of temporary storage, too. Self-Storage Units We’ve probably all passed self-storage units on the road before. They’re easily recognizable– just big buildings packed with

Storage and shipping containers have plenty of uses in today’s world. Whether you are a manufacturer in need of transportation services, a small business looking for extra storage space, or just an individual hoping to complete a personal building project, a shipping container can definitely be a lifesaver.   Before you can proceed with your plans, though, it’s important to know how many containers you’ll need and how much they should cost. How much space do you need? How long do you need it for? Do you need your shipping containers to be in brand-new condition, or will a used container suit your purposes? All of these factors have an effect on how much you’ll find yourself paying for your shipping containers.   We’ll go through an overview of what specific factors go into the cost of a shipping container, and then provide a range of prices for each type of container available. If you’re in the market for a shipping container, you should come away with a decent understanding of what is a reasonable price for your needs. What Factors Go Into Container Cost? Companies take a multitude of factors into account when putting a price tag on their shipping containers. These factors include: External Dimensions: Shipping containers are generally classified by their external dimensions. How long a container is has a huge impact on its price. For example, a shorter container can fit in tight places much more easily than a longer one. As a result, you may pay more for the convenience of a 10’ container that you can put anywhere than for a 40’ container that only fits in certain locations. Internal Dimensions: The internal dimensions of a shipping container are obviously correlated to its external dimensions, but they play a different role in determining the price. The convenience of having a smaller container that can be placed almost anywhere has to be balanced with the inconvenience of having a smaller interior volume to work with. As a result, the internal dimensions of a shipping container also play a major role in how much it will cost. Labor Costs: Some sizes and types of shipping containers are simply more common than others– and when a specific size is super common, it does a lot to offset its price. Even if you’re looking for a smaller container– for example, a 10’ one– you’ll likely pay more just because this size of container isn’t very common and manufacturing them is more labor intensive. Ease of Transportation: Some shipping containers are built to be stationary, while others are meant to transport a high volume of goods from place to place. Whether you plan on using your shipping container for cargo transport or not can therefore play a role in its cost. A container that doesn’t need to be road-worthy in the long term will likely cost less than one that needs to hold up against the wear and tear of frequent travel. The cost of a cargo-worthy shipping container can be offset by renting it as opposed to buying it, though– so there are still options available. Door Arrangement: It may seem a little odd to have to consider what type of door your shipping container needs to have, but this does factor into the final cost. The standard shipping container has a set of doors in the back, ideal for loading and unloading cargo. But you can also find containers with double doors– a set at the front and at the back– or with side opening doors to allow for easier access to large items. You may find some door configurations more helpful than others, depending on your specific needs. Condition: The condition of your shipping container will certainly affect its price. For most types of containers, you can buy them new or used, refurbished or as-is. New containers will tend to be more expensive, but also in great condition– they’ll last for a long time. Used containers can often be purchased and repaired, which will also cost a little more. Alternatively, you can buy used containers as-is if you’re alright with potential damage on your container. Purchasing as-is is often a good option for people who have the skills to repair their shipping containers themselves, and it tends to be the cheapest, too. Unique Features: There are a variety of special features you can add to your shipping container that will also have an effect on its cost. Besides door arrangement, you can also choose to buy watertight and wind-tight containers that will better withstand the weather and can operate as long-term outdoor structures. This is often a great option for those using shipping containers for personal building projects, such as extra outdoor living spaces, or businesses looking for temporary office space, such as at construction sites. High-cube containers are also an option. High-cube containers stand at nine and a half feet tall instead of the standard eight and a half, giving you an extra foot of vertical storage space– which, depending on your needs, can be a lifesaver. How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Shipping Container? We know what factors go into the price of a shipping container– but what is a reasonable price range for each type of container? Based on the options currently available for purchase, we’ve compiled an estimate for how much you should reasonably expect to pay for a shipping container. Ten Foot Shipping Containers As we’ve mentioned, 10’ shipping containers aren’t as common as their 20’ and 40’ counterparts, and it takes a little more work to manufacture them. That said, they can fit in a wide variety of places– anywhere greater than 10’ x 8’, to be exact. They can also be collapsible, depending on where you purchase them from. If you’re just looking to store your personal belongings somewhere, this could be a good option for you. 10’ shipping containers can cost anywhere from $800 to over $6,000– a price that changes depending on what features

As environmental awareness increases, we continue to see a huge shift towards environmentally friendly alternatives to everyday items in today’s society. Not only are these alternatives promoting the safekeeping of the limited or finite supply of resources we have on Earth, but they are also highlighting the creative ways we can manipulate things for different uses.  Looking to buy or rent a shipping container? Get an instant quote now > Remodeled shipping containers are just one of the many environmentally friendly alternative structures seeing a rise in popularity. Shipping containers are consistently being transformed into different structures, such as drive-thru restaurants, sheds, and storage units, but there’s also another form on the rise– shipping container pools. We know the concept of a shipping container pool may sound a little out there, but it’s actually a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle while taking a quick dip. Still have questions? Not to worry. In this article, we’ll give you all the information (and then some) about shipping container pools, from installation and popular features to some ideas for how you can develop your own at home. How Do You Install a Shipping Container Pool? Installing a shipping container pool is a great idea. But you’ll need to know the right process for installing one so you don’t accidentally demolish your backyard or purchase a shipping container with a hidden leak. Let’s explore the correct way to install so you can reap the benefits of your shipping container pool without issue. Permits For starters, you’ll need to consider any permits you might need from your local municipality zoning office before installing a shipping container pool. There are a variety of permits that you’ll likely need– including ones for plumbing, electrical work, and the actual construction of your pool. There are usually permits required for both aboveground and in-ground pools. Secure any permits you might need, and pay any applicable fees, before moving forward. A little bit of research should be able to tell you what kind of shipping container pool you can install on your property, but if you have underlying questions, call your association or local housing authority for more information. Sizes   Next, consider the size of the pool you want to build. Shipping containers typically come in either 20′ or 40′ sizes, so those are two easy options to pick from. Shipping containers are usually 8 ft 6 in tall, while certain high cube shipping containers provide an extra foot of height. Either way, you’ll need to cut or modify your container to get to your pool’s desired depth. But the key thing to decide is how deep and how wide you want your pool to be ahead of time, so you don’t purchase a container that doesn’t fit the space you have provided on your property.  Foundation and Reinforcement Now it’s time to construct the foundation for your pool. Purchase the supplies for and lay a concrete slab foundation where the bottom of your pool will sit– whether that’s above-ground or in-ground. The foundation will support the container and the eventual water’s weight. Do not skip this part– otherwise, your container may leak and break after some time. After you secure your shipping container, you’ll also need to reinforce the walls and base of the shipping container so it can contain all the water for your pool over the long-term. Shipping containers are not designed to store water inside by default, so you’ll have to reinforce the walls with steel and other materials. Pool Linings In addition to reinforcing your shipping container with steel and other external supports, you’ll also want to pay close attention to the inside of your pool. Consider using a waterproofing method to make sure there won’t be any leaks to contend with in the future. Secure any steel sheets on the walls with watertight welding processes and materials. It’s also a good idea to prevent water spillage by welding a flat plate over your shipping container’s lip. The lip can also be bolstered by timber cladding, which makes for a smoother surface.  It’s also wise to be selective about what kind of liner to use on your pool. Pool liners vary greatly in price, and can be made of various materials, including epoxy, plastic polymer, vinyl, and fiberglass. This will take your pool from a simple metal shipping container to a luxurious spot to take a dip! Only after fully preparing your shipping container, ensuring that the site on which it is to be located is level, and reinforcing the container’s walls for water storage can you actually install it. Be sure to hire experienced engineers and contractors to do the installation for you, since they’ll be able to make sure that your water pipes are hooked up properly and your filtration system is working on the first try. What Are the Shipping Container Pool Features? Just like conventional pools, shipping container pools offer a variety of features. If you are looking for a hot tub or a combination of a pool and hot tub, you can consider adding heating and divider features to a shipping container pool.  If you are wanting a pool for training purposes, elongated shipping containers are great for swimming laps. However, if you want to have a training section for the pool as well as a place for the kids to play simultaneously, dividers can again be useful to add multiple sections.  You can also apply additional features to help spruce up your shipping container pools like color changing LED lights. In this day and age, you can conveniently control both the heating and light features from the click of a button on your smart devices. Other shipping container pool features often available include adding doors, ladders, glass, etc. to personalize it and make it feel less industrial. However, for some people, the industrial look goes well with their aesthetic, and they enjoy keeping their shipping container as is for their pool. It really depends on