If there’s one part of the project people love to underestimate, it’s the base. Understandable — it’s not as exciting as the building itself. But it’s exactly what decides whether the container stands level, whether the doors close as they should, and whether you’ll have problems in two years’ time or not. In this post we tell you honestly what a container needs underneath it and what options you have.
The basic rule: flat and firm
A container needs a flat, firm base. Those two words carry all of it. “Flat,” so the unit isn’t tilted and the structure doesn’t twist. “Firm,” so it doesn’t settle over time and doesn’t sink into the ground under its weight. Get those two right and you’ve done 90% of the work where foundations are concerned.
Options, from simple to permanent
- Concrete strips or point footings. A common, reliable solution — the unit rests on a few load-bearing points that are relatively straightforward to make.
- A concrete slab. The most durable option, sensible mainly for living units or where you want a finished floor surface.
- Compacted aggregate with slabs. For ancillary buildings, sheds and storage, a well-compacted base with load-bearing slabs is often enough.
Which one is right for you depends on the purpose of the building and on the ground on your plot. Storage on firm ground doesn’t have the same requirements as a living unit on softer soil.
What we tend to forget
Two things tend to come back to bite you later. The first is drainage — water needs to run away from the building, not collect under it. A slight slope to the surroundings and a bit of gravel go a long way. The second is access: think about how the kit will even reach the spot, and whether there’s enough room to work with ladders. Better to consider that now than on delivery day.
How long it takes
Preparing the base is the one part worth doing in advance and giving enough time to settle. Once the base is ready and level, the assembly itself goes quickly — the 3×3 in one day, the 3×6 in two. In other words: a good base is what makes assembly pleasant instead of stressful.
Not sure what’s enough?
Every plot is a little different, so the easiest thing is to describe your location and the purpose of the building. We’ll provide technical specifications on weight and dimensions, which will make it easier to choose a suitable base — or to discuss it with a contractor. That way you’ll be fully prepared on delivery day.