You can get 640 square feet of living space for just $70,000 with double wide 40 shipping container home plans.
The math works out beautifully – combining two 40-foot containers side by side creates a surprisingly spacious home that costs much less than traditional construction. A single 40-foot container gives you about 320 square feet, but two containers together provide enough space for a comfortable living area, bedrooms, and maybe even a home office. New shipping containers cost around $5,645, though many DIY builders save money by using used containers starting at $1,675.
The total cost of a shipping container home project ranges from $20,000 to $45,000. Larger double-wide designs can reach $70,000 to $120,000 based on your chosen finishes and features. These steel boxes measure 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet tall, offering excellent structural integrity and countless design possibilities.
This piece covers everything you need to know about creating your own double-wide container home. We’ll explore original planning, floor layouts, step-by-step construction techniques, and budget considerations. Let’s begin creating your container home!
Want a smarter way to build your home? Double wide 40 ft container homes give you amazing benefits compared to regular houses and single container designs. These trailblazing structures blend practicality with modern looks while staying budget-friendly.
Two 40-foot shipping containers placed side-by-side create about 640 square feet of living space—double what a single container gives you at 320 square feet. This smart setup lets you remove interior walls and create open areas without dealing with too many containers. You might want to check out high cube containers with their 9.5-foot ceilings. They give you extra vertical space for insulation, utilities, and make rooms feel bigger than standard 8.5-foot models.
Container homes cost between $150 to $350 per square foot, which is less than regular construction at $200 to $400. Research shows that building with containers can cut total costs by about 30%. You can find containers at ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping, keeping your original investment reasonable. The tough steel construction needs minimal foundation work and saves money on structural costs. These homes last over 25 years and help you save big on maintenance and energy bills.
Joined containers create an ideal rectangular space for modern open-concept designs. Once you take out the connecting walls, you get a flowing space that feels like a regular home. The wider layout fits full-sized furniture, plenty of storage, and normal appliances—making daily life much more comfortable. Glass sliding doors bring in natural light and create a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Shipping container structures move around better than regular homes. You can transport them between locations, which works great if you need flexibility. Their modular design makes future expansion simple as your needs grow. Building time drops to just weeks instead of months or years with traditional construction. Containers give you a blank canvas for creative customization, whether you need a family home, rental property, or unique workspace.
Image Source: Custom Container Living
A thoughtful layout makes your double wide shipping container home comfortable and functional. You should plan carefully now because modifications can get pricey later.
Standard 40-foot containers give you 320 square feet of usable space. The dimensions are 40′ length, 8′ width, and 8′ height. Placing two containers side by side creates approximately 640 square feet of space. This space works perfectly for a single-bedroom layout or a compact two-bedroom design. The configuration lets you create an open-concept living area, kitchen, and up to two bathrooms based on your needs. A completed double-wide home typically costs between $70,000 and $120,000.
High cube containers stand out as the better option compared to standard models. They come with 9.5-foot ceilings instead of the 8.5-foot in standard containers, which gives you extra headroom. That extra foot makes living more comfortable, especially after you add insulation and flooring. High cubes weigh slightly more but create healthier, more spacious living environments. You’ll find the best value at ftshippingcontainers.com, where they offer free shipping on high cube containers.
The right window placement turns container homes from dark metal boxes into bright, welcoming spaces. Large windows on opposite walls create good cross-ventilation. Homes in the northern hemisphere benefit from larger windows on southern exposures that capture winter sunlight. Skylights work great for central areas where window access is limited. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors brighten interiors and create a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Side-by-side containers open up many layout possibilities. Two-bedroom designs work best with bedrooms at opposite ends and a shared living area in the middle. L-shaped arrangements split into two distinct wings – one for bedrooms and another for social spaces. Single containers make excellent studio layouts, perfect for guest spaces or rental properties. Office setups thrive with open central areas and private workspaces at each end.
Building your dream double wide shipping container home needs careful planning and attention to detail. These six steps will give a clear path from start to finish.
Start by getting two 40-foot containers from ftshippingcontainers.com with free shipping. You can pick standard 8’6″ tall models or high-cube 9’6″ containers that give you more headroom. The container’s condition matters a lot – new “one-trip” containers work best for homes, while “cargo worthy” or “wind and water tight” ones are great for budget projects. Look carefully for rust, damage, or any warping that could make modifications harder.
A good foundation keeps moisture away and makes everything stable. Here are your main options:
Your foundation should raise containers enough to stop water damage and let you access utilities underneath. The site must be perfectly level or you’ll have problems with doors and windows.
Joining containers needs exact positioning. Set the first container on the foundation, then carefully place the second one next to it. You’ll need plasma cutters or angle grinders to cut openings. Each cut needs structural support to keep everything strong. Add steel beam headers above big openings and welded frames around windows and doors.
Steel containers conduct heat 1,000 times faster than wood, so good insulation is crucial. Here are your choices:
Put in electrical conduit, PEX plumbing lines, and mini-split HVAC systems before closing up the walls. Utility work typically runs $15,000-$35,000 and needs professional engineering.
Use steel or wooden studs for interior walls. You can turn studs sideways to save space. Put drywall over insulated walls and lay your chosen flooring right on the marine plywood container floor. Standard appliances, fixtures, and finishes work great in container homes, making industrial spaces feel cozy.
Make your home more livable with outdoor additions. Decks create extra space and connect indoor and outdoor areas smoothly. Awnings or roof extensions add shade and protect from weather. Outside insulation can improve energy efficiency – this “outsulation” cuts energy bills by 20-30%. Finish the exterior with vinyl, cedar, or metal cladding to get the look you want.
Your dream container home journey starts with money matters. Let’s dive into the costs and tools you need to plan smartly.
A double wide 40 ft container home costs between $80,000 and $150,000 for a complete build. The price per square foot ranges from $150 to $350, which is substantially lower than traditional construction. A simple single-container home starts around $25,000, while luxury multi-container designs can reach beyond $250,000.
Your container purchase makes up just 5-10% of the total budget. Used 40-foot high cube containers start around $3,000. Here’s what you need to budget for:
You can see your container home come to life before construction starts with specialized software. ConexBuilder helps create realistic 3D visualizations with every detail. Cedreo provides an accessible interface for container homes and generates both 2D plans and 3D renderings at once.
Start by checking out ftshippingcontainers.com – they offer free shipping. Used containers are a smart buy after a good inspection. Take on the simpler tasks yourself but leave specialized work like electrical and plumbing to the pros. Smart choices in finishes and a well-planned layout will help minimize modifications.
Double wide 40 ft shipping container homes blend innovation with modern design to create affordable housing solutions. These homes give you 640 square feet of living space that costs much less than traditional construction. They’re perfect for first-time homeowners, minimalists, or anyone looking for something different.
Your container home project needs good planning. You’ll need to pick the right containers and design layouts that make the most of your space. High cube containers are worth thinking over because they give you extra headroom – something you’ll appreciate after adding insulation and utilities. The right foundation is a vital part of your home’s stability and longevity. You can choose between concrete piers, slabs, or gravel pads. double wide 40 shipping container home plans
Joining containers together is the most technical part of the build. The right reinforcement techniques will keep your home structurally sound. Proper insulation comes next, and it’s absolutely necessary because steel conducts heat so well. Spray foam, rigid panels, and batt insulation each work differently based on your climate and what you can spend.
Money-wise, container homes make a lot of sense. A finished double-wide home typically costs between $70,000 and $120,000, which is nowhere near what you’d pay for traditional construction per square foot. You can save even more money by doing some work yourself, but it’s best to leave electrical and plumbing to the professionals.
Ftshippingcontainers.com offers free shipping on containers, which helps cut down your original costs. They stock both standard and high-cube containers, so you can find exactly what fits your needs and budget.
Green practices are another big plus with container homes. These structures give old containers new life, need less foundation work, and can be super energy efficient. They’re also portable and modular – something traditional homes just can’t match.
Building a double wide container home might look overwhelming at first. But a structured approach will help you create a comfortable, one-of-a-kind living space that’s perfect for you. These innovative homes are a great path to affordable homeownership without giving up comfort or style.
Q1. What are the key steps in building a double wide shipping container home? The main steps include purchasing two 40-foot containers, preparing the site and foundation, joining and modifying the containers, installing insulation and utilities, framing and finishing the interior, and adding exterior features like decks or awnings. It’s crucial to plan carefully and obtain necessary permits before starting construction.
Q2. What type of foundation is best for a shipping container home? The best foundation depends on your specific needs and location. Popular options include concrete piers placed at each corner and midpoints, a 4-inch deep concrete slab extending beyond container edges, or a raised, compacted gravel base. The key is to ensure the foundation elevates containers to prevent water intrusion and allows for utility access underneath. double wide 40 shipping container home plans
Q3. How much does it typically cost to build a double wide container home? A double wide 40-foot container home usually costs between $80,000 and $150,000 for a complete build. This translates to about $150 to $350 per square foot, which is generally lower than traditional construction costs. However, prices can vary based on design complexity, materials used, and location.
Q4. What are the advantages of using high cube containers for home construction? High cube containers offer significant benefits over standard models, primarily due to their 9.5-foot ceilings (compared to 8.5-foot in standard containers). This extra foot of height provides valuable headroom, especially after adding insulation and flooring. It creates a more spacious living environment and can improve overall comfort in the home.
Q5. How can I save money when building a container home? To reduce costs, consider purchasing used containers after thorough inspection, handling simpler tasks yourself while hiring professionals for specialized work, and choosing economical finishes. Optimizing your layout to minimize modifications can also help keep expenses down. Additionally, using 3D design tools can help you visualize and plan efficiently, potentially avoiding costly changes during construction.