Do you have a customized shipping container that needs improvement? If you’re wondering about the possible shipping container modifications, you’ve come to the right place.
Modified shipping containers are quickly becoming popular for trade shows, expos, and even pop-up stores. It’s believed that it was Starbucks who had pioneered the shipping container store trend way back in 2011 when they opened a 450-square-foot custom shipping container shop in Washington.
With so many unused shipping containers worldwide that add up to around 11 million, there is great potential for using them for various purposes. These steel shipping containers are durable and sturdy, requiring very little maintenance, and boast an average lifespan of around 25 years.
However, if you use them as-is, you won’t get the full potential that customized shipping containers can provide your business. Here are the top customizations you can do:
1. Flooring
The original floors of shipping containers usually consist of thick, marine plywood treated with anti-corrosion chemicals. While it’s practical to keep the flooring, you may want to replace it to make your container store more presentable.
A variety of floor types are available – from steel overlay sheets to commercial carpet tiles. One of the most popular customizations for the flooring is to install steel overlay over the original plywood floor.
However, you can also go with carpet tiles for a glamorous look. Or, you can opt to roll out sheets of oil-resistant and fire-retardant vinyl flooring, giving you more options in terms of texture, thickness, and color.
2. Skylights and Windows
To maximize the lighting in your pop-up shipping container, adding windows and skylights are crucial. They are cost-effective in illuminating your shop with natural light.
You can choose a double-pane functioning window with an option to add a screen. If you’re worried about security, it’s also possible to use reinforced windows with steel bars.
3. Lighting
A favorite interior lighting option for customized shipping containers, overhead lights imitate the natural lighting provided by the sun. Even if you don’t install skylights, these lights will deliver and provide almost the same effect.
For the exterior of your container, porch lights and floodlights are excellent add-ons to emblaze the entryway and provide illumination to the perimeter of your pop-up shop. It’s our recommendation to go for LED lights if the container is in a remote location with minimal to no power available. Even in urban sites, it’ll also come in handy to have LED lights you can hook up to a battery in times of power outages.
4. Paint
Painting the shipping container is essential – you can even match the theme and motif of your shop. It’s the best way to enhance the look of your shop, both inside and outside. It’ll also provide surface protection from the harsh environment.
5. Interior Finishing and Insulation
Most shipping containers don’t have interior finishing and insulation. However, this is an essential add-on to your shop because the container’s interior can become scorching hot during summer or extremely cold in the winter months.
Different insulation options are available, including fiberglass insulation with an overlay of plywood paneling. You can also opt to have closed cell spray foam which provides the best insulation of around R-6 per inch.
6. HVAC
On extreme weather days, simple insulation is not enough to provide a comfortable temperature inside your shipping container. That’s why it’s critical to install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) for the proper regulation of interior warmth or coolness.
There are various choices available, such as commercial through-wall HVAC systems, window-type air conditioners, air ducts, rooftop turbine vents, exhaust fans, and intake louver vents.
7. Electrical and Data
One of the most crucial components necessary for custom shipping containers is an electrical outlet. Even if the products in your store don’t require electricity, you still need electricity to power the store’s digital display, computer, POS terminal, and even charge your mobile phone. At the same time, you should also install data and phone lines for communication purposes.
Grab Attention With Your Customized Shipping Container
Whatever your purpose for using pop up containers is, customizing them with these add-ons will surely enhance your store as well as the image of your brand. Bring the spotlight to your shop and catch the attention of potential customers. This way, you’ll have more revenue for your business.
