Hey there! As a supplier of Container Homes, I've seen firsthand the growing popularity of these unique living spaces. One of the most common questions I get asked is, "What size containers are commonly used for homes?" Well, let's dive right in and explore the different options available.
20 - Foot Containers
The 20 - foot container is a classic choice for many homebuilders. It's relatively compact, making it a great option for those with limited space or on a tighter budget. Measuring approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high, it provides around 160 square feet of floor space.
This size is perfect for a small studio - style container home. You can easily fit a basic living area, a small kitchenette, and a compact bathroom. It's also a good option if you're planning to use multiple containers and want to start small. For example, you could use a single 20 - foot container as a guest house or a home office.


If you're interested in a cozy and efficient living space, you might want to check out our Container Home Cabin. It offers a great example of what can be done with a 20 - foot container.
40 - Foot Containers
The 40 - foot container is the next step up in size. Measuring about 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high, it provides around 320 square feet of floor space. This extra space allows for more room to spread out and create a more comfortable living environment.
With a 40 - foot container, you can design a more spacious living room, a larger kitchen, and even separate bedrooms. It's a popular choice for families or individuals who need more space for their daily activities. You can also create an open - concept layout to make the most of the available space.
Our 40Ft Container Home showcases the potential of a 40 - foot container. It's a great option if you're looking for a more substantial living space.
High - Cube Containers
In addition to the standard 20 - and 40 - foot containers, there are also high - cube containers. These containers are 1 foot taller than the standard ones, measuring 9.5 feet in height. Both 20 - foot and 40 - foot high - cube containers are available.
The extra height in high - cube containers provides a more open and airy feel. It allows for taller ceilings, which can make the interior of the home feel more spacious. This is especially beneficial if you want to install mezzanine levels or have a more vertical design.
Multiple Container Combinations
Many people choose to combine multiple containers to create a larger and more customized home. You can stack containers on top of each other to create a multi - story home or place them side by side to increase the floor area.
For example, you could combine two 20 - foot containers to create a 40 - foot long living space. Or, you could stack a 20 - foot container on top of a 40 - foot container to create a unique two - story home. The possibilities are endless when it comes to combining containers.
Our Container Homes section on our website shows some amazing examples of multi - container homes. It gives you an idea of the creativity and flexibility that container home building offers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Container Size
When deciding on the size of the container for your home, there are several factors to consider.
Budget
Larger containers generally cost more than smaller ones. You need to factor in the cost of the container itself, as well as the cost of transportation, modification, and installation. If you're on a tight budget, a smaller container might be the way to go.
Space Availability
The amount of space you have on your property will also determine the size of the container you can use. Make sure to measure the area where you plan to place the container and consider any setback requirements or zoning regulations.
Lifestyle and Needs
Think about your lifestyle and how much space you need. If you have a large family or need a lot of storage space, a larger container or multiple containers might be necessary. On the other hand, if you're a single person or a couple, a smaller container could be sufficient.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The most commonly used container sizes for homes are 20 - foot, 40 - foot, and high - cube containers, and you can also get creative with multiple container combinations. Each size has its own advantages and is suitable for different needs and budgets.
If you're interested in building a container home, I encourage you to reach out to us. We have a team of experts who can help you choose the right container size and design a home that meets your specific requirements. Whether you're looking for a small and cozy cabin or a large family home, we've got you covered.
Let's start this exciting journey of building your dream container home together!
References
- General knowledge from the container home building industry.
- Experience as a Container Homes supplier.
