Shipping Container Garages: Sizes, Layouts & How to Build One

A shipping container garage is one of the most practical container projects you can take on. Because a container is already a secure, weatherproof steel box, it makes a natural enclosure for vehicles, tools, and equipment. If you are planning a shipping container garage, the key decisions come down to size, layout, doors, and site prep.

What size fits a vehicle

The most important number is interior length and width. A 40' container offers roughly 320 square feet of footprint (about 2,390 cubic feet) and comfortably fits a standard car or truck with room to walk around and store gear. A 20' container, at about 160 square feet, can work for a single compact vehicle or a motorcycle and workshop setup, but it is tight. Container interior width is narrow, so opening a car door inside a single container can be snug, which is why many people choose the double layout.

Single vs double layouts

A single-container garage uses one 40' (or 20') unit, ideal for storage, a workshop, or a single small vehicle. The popular double-wide layout uses two 40' containers placed parallel with a gap between them, then a roof structure spanning the middle. This creates a wide, open, covered bay big enough for larger vehicles, side-by-side parking, or a true workshop, while the containers themselves become lockable storage rooms on each side.

Door options

Containers come with cargo doors at one end, but for a garage you will usually want a proper vehicle entrance. Common options include a roll-up garage door cut into the side or end, a sliding door, or simply driving between the two containers in a double layout. Cutting any large opening in steel requires reinforcement to maintain the container's strength, which a contractor handles.

Slab and site prep

Garages need a stable, level base. Many people set containers on a concrete slab, footings, or piers, especially for the double layout where the roof spans between units. The slab also gives you a clean driving surface. Ground that drains well and sits level will save you headaches later.

Codes and the build

Permits, setbacks, and structural requirements vary by location, and a local contractor manages the modification, roof spanning, door installation, and code compliance. We supply the containers; you or your builder handles construction.

Where to start

Begin by choosing your layout and the right containers. New one-trip units give a clean, dent-free shell, while quality used 20' and 40' containers can lower cost for a utilitarian garage. For a double-wide, you will need two matching 40' units.

Ready to start your container garage? Get a free, guaranteed-lowest-price quote on the right container or containers for your project from Shipping Container World. We offer buy, rent, or rent-to-own with nationwide depot delivery in 3 to 7 business days by tilt-bed truck, backed by Marketplace Protection.