Once you have chosen your shipping container, you will need to level and prepare the ground beneath before it arrives. Depending on the surface your container will be placed on, there are certain steps you can take to ensure that your shipping container lasts for as long as you need it to.
Prepare the site
Before you start levelling the site, you first need to prepare the area and remove any trees, branches or debris. Once the site is clear you can decide on the foundation you wish to use. By taking into consideration the total weight of the container, including what will be inside, if the ground is soil or sand, the water levels around the area, local council by-laws, material required and the climate of the region, you can make an accurate assessment of what foundation to use.
Choose your foundation
The most common types of foundations are concrete slabs, concrete footings or wooden footings. There are pros and cons for each, so it is important to do your research to ensure you choose the most suitable option for your site.
Concrete slab
Concrete slabs are only typically needed for unstable grounds and require a professional team to lay and level, which in turn makes them the most expensive option. Due to the complexity of the slab and the importance of laying it correctly, it is highly recommended you don’t complete this project as a DIY, but rather bring in the trained professionals.
Concrete footings
When it comes to concrete footings you need to take into consideration how large they will be, the spacing required between each footing and how soon before your shipping container is delivered. If you are laying the footings within a short time of receiving your container, be wary as the concrete may not set properly in time.
Wooden footings
As the most cost-effective solution and easiest foundation to put into place, wooden footings are the most highly recommended foundation to use. Offering the least amount of preparation time, you can buy railway sleepers or pieces of wood from your hardware store and using a level, put them into place. They also have the added bonus of being easy to move around if you have any issues in placement.
Whether your shipping container is temporary or permanent, creating a firm foundation for it to rest is extremely important. To learn more about shipping containers and recommended foundations get in touch with our experienced team today.