Containers vs. Sheds, Pole Barns, and National Brand Storage Units
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 | DIY may take many weekends |
| Buy with installation option or DIY | Site prep (crushed stone bed or cement slab) | |
| Usually easy delivery | Many not very sturdy (cheap metal, waferboard, or plastic) | |
| Height and width options | Premium cost for durability | |
| You can pick options to fit your needs – windows, color, shelving, etc. | Upkeep/lifespan issues | |
| Often building code issues (may need building permit) | ||
| Not moveable | ||
| Pole Barns | Pros | Cons |
| DIY kits available locally or online | Building costs add up fast | |
| Can customize design & size | Long lead time | |
| Versatile to fit your exact needs | Site prep (may need cement slab) | |
| May be overkill for your needs | ||
| Need building permit | ||
| Not moveable | ||
| National branded portable storage units | Pros | Cons |
| Easy delivery | Rent only (a few suppliers sell, but prices match containers) | |
| Ready to store in a warehouse | 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 | Pros | Cons |
| Come ready to use | Fixed height and width (8’ wide x 20’ or 40’ long) | |
| Relatively cheap | Costs higher in some locations (usually due to delivery more than anything else) | |
| Delivered exactly where you want it | Some zoning issues | |
| 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 |
One-trip container next to a workshop
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.