Container Homes & Sustainable Pods
Explore the cost-saving and eco-friendly advantages of repurposing decommissioned shipping containers for building homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Efficient & Affordable Solutions for Your Home Projects
Looking to save on your next home construction, remodel, or ADU project? Choosing used shipping containers from ExBox offers a smart, budget-friendly alternative to traditional building methods. We provide high-quality, pre-owned containers at competitive prices—perfect for those seeking structural solutions without the high cost of conventional materials.
Built from durable, weather-resistant steel, these containers reduce the need for costly framing and complex construction. Repurposing them not only cuts expenses but also supports sustainable building by minimizing waste and reducing your environmental impact. With ExBox, you get affordability, strength, and eco-conscious value—all in one solution.
Engineered for Durability and Design Flexibility
ExBox’s pre-owned shipping containers are engineered for durability, originally built to endure the toughest ocean conditions. This makes them an ideal foundation for sturdy, long-lasting home builds and ADUs. Their structural integrity allows for creative architectural possibilities—whether you’re planning stacked units, cantilevered extensions, or modular living spaces. Crafted from high-quality steel, these containers resist harsh weather, pests, and everyday wear, ensuring your investment remains strong and secure for years to come.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Building Options
Choosing used shipping containers from ExBox supports sustainable building practices by giving new life to retired steel containers. Instead of ending up as waste or scrap, these containers are repurposed into durable, high-quality structures.
Every unit sold by ExBox is thoroughly inspected to meet strict standards, ensuring reliable performance for your home, ADU, or renovation project. By building with containers, you reduce environmental impact while achieving modern design and functionality. With ExBox, you’re making a smart investment in your build—and in a greener future.
Luxury Shipping Container Homes
A growing trend in alternative housing is the rise of luxury shipping container homes. These innovative builds go far beyond the basics—transforming industrial containers into stylish, high-end living or office spaces. Many modern container homes now feature upscale interiors with premium finishes, creating a luxurious ambiance that rivals traditional housing. While the exterior may still resemble a steel container, the interior can be completely customized with elegant design, top-tier materials, and thoughtful layout planning.
Whether you’re envisioning a cozy woodland retreat, a sleek vacation home, or a modern minimalist residence, shipping containers offer the flexibility to bring your vision to life. With the right design approach, your container home can combine sustainability, affordability, and luxury all in one.
Inside Shipping Container Homes
Shipping containers offer a simple, uniform structure that makes interior customization straightforward. Their rectangular shape allows for easy flooring installation and efficient use of space.
Modern container homes can feature windows, staircases, insulation, full plumbing and electrical systems, and even stylish additions like lofts or skylights. What’s possible depends largely on the container’s size and modular layouts.
With the right planning and budget, you can design the interior exactly the way you envision. Just be sure to research what’s feasible based on your goals and available resources.
How can I Customize a Shipping Container to Fit my Requirements?
After purchasing a standard container from ExBox, the next step is partnering with a container modification company that specializes in shipping container homes. These experts can help you customize the unit to match your specific needs and design goals. For instance, if you’re looking to upgrade flooring, a modification company can guide you through the best materials that align with your style and budget. Additionally, for essential features like plumbing and electrical installations, working with professionals experienced in container conversions ensures your build is safe, functional, and tailored to your vision.
How Much do Shipping Container Homes Cost?
We’re often asked about the cost of building a shipping container home — and the answer is: it depends! Prices vary based on size, customization, and your overall vision. The base cost includes the price of the container itself and delivery. Beyond that, it’s entirely up to your preferences and budget.
The good news? Container homes can be incredibly affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, you can start simple. A 20ft used container — the most compact and budget-friendly option in our store — is perfect for a small home or office, especially for one person.
Collection
Find the Right
ExBox Container
From onsite dumpsters and metal shipping containers to mobile offices and sturdy shelters, ExBox provides reliable solutions tailored for today’s construction challenges. With flexible sizing options and focus on sustainability, our containers are designed to meet the demands of modern construction sites.
- 20ft Containers: Compact and highly adaptable.
- 40ft Containers: More space, same durability.
- 40ft High Cube Containers: Extra height to accommodate larger requirements.
Get a Personalized Quote
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10ft Compact Container
EXB-10COM $1,800.00Add to cart Compact Containers -
10ft High Cube Container
EXB-10HC $2,000.00Add to cart High Cube Containers -
20ft Double Door Container
EXB-20DD $2,800.00Add to cart Standard Containers -
20ft Open Side Container
EXB-20OS $3,200.00Add to cart Standard Containers -
20ft Refrigerated Container
EXB-20REF $10,000.00Add to cart Specialized Containers -
20ft Standard Shipping Container
EXB-20STD $2,500.00Add to cart Standard Containers -
40ft Double Door Container
EXB-40DD $4,800.00Add to cart Standard Containers -
40ft High Cube Container
EXB-40HC $4,500.00Add to cart High Cube Containers -
40ft Insulated Container
EXB-40INS $5,500.00Add to cart Specialized Containers -
40ft Open Top Container
EXB-40OT $5,000.00Add to cart Specialized Containers -
Custom Retail Container
EXB-CUSTRETAIL $8,500.00Add to cart Customized Containers -
Custom Workshop Container
EXB-CUSTWORK $9,000.00Add to cart Customized Containers
Smart Living
Container Home Solutions
- Durability: Shipping containers are built to endure harsh marine environments, making them naturally wind- and watertight. Their rugged steel construction ensures long-term reliability. With proper maintenance, container homes can last for several decades, offering a highly durable solution for residential use.
- Practical Shape: Thanks to their uniform, rectangular shape, shipping containers are easy to transport by truck, making them ideal for mobile or relocatable structures. Their modular design also allows for stacking, enabling the creation of multi-story homes or workspaces with ease.
- Security: Shipping containers are designed with safety in mind. Their steel walls and heavy-duty locking doors offer a high level of security, making them difficult to break into and ideal for storing valuable items or securing living spaces.
Questions About Container Homes
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What sizes of Shipping Containers are Available?
Storage containers commonly come in standard sizes such as 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft lengths. The 20ft container is the most popular size for general storage needs, offering about 1,360 cubic feet of space. Smaller 10ft containers are ideal for limited space or smaller storage loads, while 40ft containers provide the largest capacity for bigger projects or bulk storage. Custom sizes or modifications may also be available from certain suppliers.
Do I Need Permits to Build a Container Home?
Yes, in almost all cases, you will need permits and approvals from your local government or municipal authorities before building a shipping container home. Just like traditional homes, container homes must comply with local building codes, zoning regulations, safety standards, and land use laws.
The permitting process typically involves submitting detailed plans and specifications for your project, including site plans, structural drawings, electrical and plumbing layouts, and sometimes energy efficiency or environmental impact reports. Authorities will review these documents to ensure your container home meets all applicable requirements related to safety, accessibility, structural integrity, and neighborhood zoning.
Permit requirements vary widely depending on your location and the scale of your project. Some municipalities have specific guidelines or ordinances that address alternative or modular housing, including container homes, while others treat them the same as any new construction. It’s essential to research local regulations early in your planning process to avoid delays, fines, or legal issues.
In addition to building permits, you may also need:
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Zoning approval to ensure your property is zoned for residential use or the type of dwelling you plan to create.
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Electrical and plumbing permits for installing utilities.
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Inspection approvals at various stages of construction.
Hiring a local architect, builder, or consultant experienced with container homes can help navigate the permitting process smoothly. They’ll be familiar with regional requirements and can assist in preparing compliant plans and securing necessary approvals.
Skipping or ignoring permits can lead to costly penalties, forced removal of unpermitted structures, or difficulties selling your home in the future. Therefore, securing the proper permits is a critical step toward building a safe, legal, and lasting shipping container home.
What Type of Flooring Is Installed in the Containers?
Marine-Grade Plywood: High-quality marine plywood—usually about 1 1/8 inches (28 mm) thick—is laid across the floor joists. This plywood is specially treated to resist moisture, rot, and pests, helping extend the lifespan of the container. Sheets are generally installed with their grain running perpendicular to the container’s length to maximize strength.
Steel Cross Members: At the base of the floor structure are steel cross members, spaced roughly 12 inches apart and running perpendicular to the container’s length. These provide the primary structural support for the floor.
Wooden Floor Joists: Sitting above the cross members, wooden joists run parallel to the container’s length. They offer additional support and act as the base for the plywood flooring.
Fasteners & Treatments: Plywood sheets are securely fastened to the floor frame using screws or nails. In many containers, the wood is also treated or coated to enhance resistance to moisture, insects, and other environmental hazards.
Material Variations: While marine-grade plywood is standard, flooring materials can vary depending on the container’s manufacturer and intended use. Some containers may feature alternative flooring types such as bamboo or even steel for specialized applications.
The combination of steel support and treated plywood results in a tough, long-lasting floor capable of withstanding the rigors of shipping and storage. However, it’s worth noting that while marine-grade plywood is highly moisture-resistant, it is not completely waterproof.
Divi
Hours
Monday: 11am – 10:00pm
Tuesday: 11am – 10:00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11am – 10:00pm
Friday: 11am – 10:00pm
S & S: 12pm – 8pm
Contact
(255) 352-6258
Address
1234 Divi St. #1000
San Francisco, CA 33945