How To Join Two Shipping Containers Together

Joining two shipping containers could be as easy as it is difficult. Shipping containers are super helpful, but one of the best uses is how you can convert them into homes or offices. You can buy used shipping containers for a reasonable price.

This is pretty cool, but it can often be quite difficult to join them together for building purposes and make them structurally sound again. Are you trying to join two shipping containers together? If so, you’re in the right place! Joining two shipping containers may seem daunting, but you should do it yourself if you want the authentic shipping container experience.

Sometimes, welding two containers together can be easier than you’d expect. Other times you may even get lucky and find two that are already joined. This guide will share a step-by-step guide on how to join two shipping containers together.

Table of Contents

Can You Join Two Shipping Containers Together?

The answer is yes, and it’s not as hard as you think. You can join two shipping containers with the correct equipment and expertise. You can join two shipping containers together with a wide variety of methods. The most common method is bolts and nuts, but you can join them using welding techniques. It’s not a difficult task, but it does require some work and the right tools.

Many people think it’s possible to link two shipping containers together using just a hammer and nails, but this is not true. The only way to join two shipping containers is by using specialist equipment and methods.

When joining two shipping containers, you must ensure that the connections are strong enough to withstand the stress. If they’re not strong enough, they may break apart or become unstable over time, which could cause injury or even death if anyone were standing near them when they collapse!

Why Do People Join Shipping Containers?

Shipping containers are so popular these days because it is an excellent way of building. They’re tough and look good. There are so many vast reasons why you should join two containers together. Here are some more reasons why people connect shipping containers:

To make the final project more affordable

They can stand up to the elements.
For added flexibility
It’s easy to add new sections

To get a bigger custom home
To create a custom home that is comfortable for the whole family
To boost shipping container home popularity

They’re easy to transport
Because it’s easier than building from bricks and mortar
Because it allows them to design and build their dream home quickly and easily

Expert Guide to Joining Two Shipping Containers Together

If you are planning on having two shipping containers joined together, there are so many things you need to take into consideration. This guide will discuss the right way to do it. With this guide, you can combine two shipping containers to make a large storage container. Find out how you can join these two containers in this expert guide.

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Choose Your Containers

Before building your container house, you must choose your containers. It’s essential to understand what size shipping container will work best for the project. A general rule of thumb is that each container should be at least 8 feet longer than the width of the structure. However, this is just a guideline. For example, if you really want to create a 20 feet wide by 40 feet long structure, then it would be ideal to use two 40-foot containers to maximize space efficiency.

It would be best if you also try to consider whether you want an open floor plan or closed walls on each side of each container. If you want closed walls on both sides of each container, choose two 20-foot containers instead of two 40-foot ones so they can fit together without overlapping when stacked on each other during assembly.

Plan the Layout of Your Containers

Another step in planning your container home is determining how many shipping containers you will need and where they will go on your property. The most excellent way to do this is by creating a floor plan of your house using cardboard boxes or other large boxes that you can stack together. This will help ensure that everything fits before you purchase any containers or begin construction on your property.

Once you have a layout that works for your space and design goals, you’ll want to decide which walls will be open and which will be closed off with doors or windows. This will help determine how many doors and windows will be needed in each container so they match up correctly when placed next to each other on-site.

Remove the Roof

This can be accomplished with a hydraulic jack, but it’s best to have an extra pair of hands around to help support the weight of the container. Once you have removed the roof, you will need to ensure that there are no sharp edges left over from where it was attached to the container.

Remember that this can be done by sanding rough edges with a power sander or grinder. Once this has been completed, you should spray the inside of both containers with black paint so that light does not reflect off them when they are joined together.

Level All the Flooring Before Joining the Shipping Containers

Before you start to join two shipping containers together, you will want to ensure that your containers are level before you begin to weld them. You want your floors to be flat and even so that the two containers will sit evenly on top of each other.

You can use shims or blocks under each corner of each container until they are sitting correctly on their own without any help from you holding them up. Once they are level, measure from corner to corner in both directions with a measuring tape. This will allow you to know exactly how much space you have between each corner of your containers.

Remove the Corner Castings

To do this, you’ll need to use a sledgehammer or something similar and hit them hard. You can also try to use a small pry bar or chisel if it’s not too rusty. Once you’ve removed them, please take note of where they were located so that you know where to put them back when joining the two containers together.

To Prepare the Containers for Welding, They Must Be Clean and Straight

Both containers must be clean and straight. To clean the container, use coarse sandpaper or a wire brush to remove rust or paint from the walls. Be sure to remove all loose paint. Loose paint burns off during welding, which could cause sparks and other safety concerns.

The next and vital step in this process is to make sure that both containers are straight. If one or more corners of the container bow out, you will need an angle iron and a welder to put them back into shape. Once your containers are clean and straight, they are ready for joining.

Join the Two Shipping Containers Together

Before doing anything else, ensure that both containers have been properly cleaned out and have no holes or leaks. If they have been exposed to the elements over time, they may need some work done before they can be joined together.

While joining the two shipping containers, you will want to make sure there aren’t any nails sticking out of the sides or bottom of either container. This is because that could damage either container when they’re put together.

If it’s impossible to remove all of these nails by hand, use an angle grinder with a wire wheel attachment so you don’t accidentally cut yourself on one when working on them later on in this process.

Weld the Top and Bottom Seams

You must weld the top and bottom seams to join the two containers together. This will ensure that they are securely attached and do not come apart easily due to external and/or internal forces.

You should first measure the width of each container. This let’s you know how much space needs to be cut out on each side of the seam where they are being welded together. You will also need to measure the length of the container. Doing so will enable you know how far back from this point to cut out your opening to ensure it fits once it is welded together again.

Weld the Side Wall Pieces Together

This method is the most reliable and strongest, but it’s also quite time-consuming and requires quite a bit of skill. This step involves cutting the side wall pieces off your containers using a cutting torch or reciprocating saw.

Once you have the sides off, you’ll need to weld them back together. The most excellent way to do this is with a MIG welder, although TIG welding is another viable option.

Ensure There Are No Gaps Between the Two Shipping Containers

The other thing you want to do when joining two shipping containers is to make sure there are no gaps between them. If there are gaps, water could get into your building and cause severe damage over time. You can seal up these gaps by using either screws or rivets.

The most excellent way to do this is by drilling holes in the corners of both containers at the same time so they line up perfectly with each other. Then drive in screws or rivets through these holes until they reach the other side of both containers. This should create a tight seal between them.

Sand and Grind Weld Areas Flat and Smooth

Sanding and grinding the weld area flat and smooth will ensure that the new container sits flat on top of the existing one. And that it doesn’t rock when you open and close doors or windows. You don’t want any bumps or uneven surfaces.

This is because they could cause problems down the road, like leaks or rust metal parts. You can skip this step if you have perfectly flat ground underneath where you plan to put your container.

Cut the Roofing to Size

The other step is to cut the roofing to size. You can use a circular saw or a jigsaw to make this cut. The best way is to use a circular saw because it cuts faster and more accurately. The other option is to use a jigsaw, which takes longer and is more difficult because of the rounded edges on shipping container roofs.

Attach the Roofing to the Shipping Containers

To attach your containers together, first, you need to measure their length and width. Then, using a pencil, mark out four places on each container where you want your brackets to go. These should be spaced out evenly along the edge of each container, with the distance between them at least 50mm apart from each other.

Attach the roofing to each container by using nails or screws. The underside of each container should have been pre-drilled with holes for this purpose. And so all you need to do is the hammer in whichever fasteners you choose. For added security, use several screws per side of each container.

Weatherproof and Insulation of Your Shipping Container Home

Suppose you want to create an extension or extra space for your home. In that case, one of the most popular methods of joining two shipping containers is weatherproofing and insulating them with plywood and spray foam insulation. This will help to create a solid structure that is both strong and sturdy.

The plywood can be fitted tightly around the corners, which will help stop any possible leaks from occurring. You should also ensure no gaps between the roof and walls. These gaps could allow water to seep through during heavy rainstorms or snowfall.

It’s worth noting that this method will not be suitable for all weather conditions. This is true as some areas may experience extreme heat or cold weather conditions. However, this method could still be used successfully without experiencing any problems if you live in a temperate climate.

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Conclusion

So as you have seen, a lot goes into designing and joining two shipping containers. From design to engineering and construction, the logistics are arduous. But the result is surprisingly sleek, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional dwellings that don’t lose any functionality.

Even if you have never tried to join shipping containers before, they are a relatively simple thing to do if you know the proper steps. For DIY projects, you will have to spend sometime gathering everything that you need. Take your time in joining the frames, but the results will be worth it.