How to Customize a Sea Can to Suit Your Needs: 5 Features to Consider

Shipping containers, otherwise known as “sea cans,” are versatile structures that can be transformed into everything from homes and offices to pop-up shops and cafés. However, careful planning is essential to make the most of their potential.

When customizing a sea can for sale, there are several key factors to consider, so that the outcome of your project is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

First and foremost, it is essential to clearly define the purpose of the customization, as based on whether you are creating a storage space, a living area, or a business, the modifications required will vary greatly. 

Size is another big consideration, as shipping containers come in various lengths, from 10 feet to 40 feet in length. Thus, the size of the container you choose should reflect how much space you need.

In addition, your budget will play a significant role in determining how far you can go with a sea can customization. The scope of your project will depend on how much you are willing to spend on materials, labour, and specialized services. For complex modifications, it is always best to hire a qualified contractor or welder to ensure your container is properly converted, safe, and meets all code requirements.

Common Customization Features for a Sea Ca

Today, sea cans are being used in many different applications, including everything from tiny homes and emergency medical facilities to playgrounds. However, before they can be repurposed, multiple modifications are necessary.

When considering sea cans for sale, be sure to factor in the type of modifications you plan to implement. These modifications can range just as much as the potential uses for a sea can. Still, there are also certain features that tend to be relatively common amongst customized shipping containers, such as the following:

1. Windows

If you intend to use your sea can as a space to welcome guests or spend a lot of time inside it, it is essential to let in some natural light to make it feel more open and inviting.

Adding windows is a great way to do this while also improving the curb appeal and airflow of your container. When it comes to windows, there are many possibilities.

Your choice of window size and style, from sliding windows to floor-to-ceiling ones, can be customized to suit your specific design. For instance, if you are seeking a more open feel, skylights are a great option, allowing light to enter from above without sacrificing valuable wall space. 

Once you have installed some windows in your sea can, if you want to reinforce the container’s security, you can do so with protective window bars. These will offer you peace of mind while still keeping the space bright and welcoming.

2. Roll-up doors

While looking at sea cans for sale, select units that allow for easy door customizations, such as roll-up or man doors. 

Roll-up doors are an excellent choice for adding both practicality and style to your shipping container. Available in various sizes, these weather-resistant doors can be installed on any side of the container, depending on your needs. If you want to create an open, customer-friendly space, for instance, multiple roll-up doors on the longer sides of your unit might be ideal, allowing for easy access.

For more focused setups, such as a service counter for a café, bar, or pop-up store, a single larger roll-up door on one side provides a perfect serving area. This design also makes it easy to secure the container at the end of the day.

3. Man doors

Man doors are a practical modification to create easy access to your container. Man doors are also available in a range of standard sizes and can be positioned anywhere within the container, whether as an entry point or to divide separate areas.

If you have combined multiple containers as part of your customization project, man doors can even help you connect these units, forming a thoroughfare between them.

Available in various materials like steel, wood, or glass, these doors can be customized to suit your sea can’s purpose. Mixing different door types within the same unit allows for flexibility in design and functionality, whether you are aiming to create a secure entry point or a more open, welcoming space.

4. Partitions

Sea cans can be easily divided into multiple functional areas with the addition of partitions. Partitions can be fashioned from metal, wood, or plywood, and can help you create distinct rooms or separate spaces within the container. This is especially ideal if you are operating a business that requires such segmentation.

For example, partitions can allow you to create designated areas for inventory storage, a workspace, or customer service, improving workflow and organization. On the other hand, for residential or recreational applications, partitions can be used to make private sleeping quarters, bathrooms, or living spaces within a single container.

5. Shelving and racking

Since efficient use of space is essential, choose sea cans for sale that can accommodate shelving and racking installations for maximum efficiency. They will keep the interior organized, making it easier to store items, display products or documents, or even create a more functional workspace. Custom shelving and racking can be designed to fit your sea can’s dimensions and the items you intend to store within.

For smaller spaces, built-in shelves can maximize the container’s storage capacity while keeping it tidy. Whether you are using your sea can for storage, a mobile office, a pop-up shop, or something else, these organizational features will take the container’s functionality to the next level, transforming it into a practical and stylish space.

How We Can Help You Customize a Sea Can for Sale

Before starting any modification projects, you need to get a top-notch sea can that will serve you well throughout this customization process. Fortunately, Sigma Container Corporation has plenty of sea cans for sale that match this description.

We have a wide variety of both new and used standard and specialty sea cans, which come in various sizes from 20 to 40 feet. So, no matter what your plans are for repurposing your container, we are confident that we can find you a sea can that is well-matched to your needs.

If you need help bringing your sea can’s customization to life, we are also staffed with experienced professionals and equipped with the latest technology to make that happen.

We welcome custom modification requests and have much experience with customizations, such as the addition of roll-up doors, man doors, partition walls, windows, and more.

For more information about our sea cans for sale, or to learn more about the various types of shipping containers we have available, call Sigma Container Corporation at 855-340-3342 or contact us here.