Questions about container offices: Everything you need to know
Last Updated on July 8, 2025
Container offices have become a popular solution for flexible, cost-effective workspaces in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a portable site office, a stylish garden office or a secure anti-vandal unit for a construction site, a shipping container can be converted to create your perfect office space. Here we answer some of the most common questions asked about converting shipping containers into offices.
What is a container office called?
Depending on where you are located and what you are looking for, you may hear container offices referred to by some different names. Here are some common terms for container offices in the UK:
- Shipping Container Office
This term denotes an office space created by converting a standard ISO shipping container. These offices are often customised with insulation, electrics, and windows to provide a comfortable working environment. - Portable Office
A portable office refers to a movable office unit. These are commonly used on construction sites or as temporary office spaces due to their ease of relocation. - Site Office
This term is typically used in the construction industry to describe on-site office facilities. Site offices can be made from converted containers and are equipped to handle the administrative needs of a construction project. - Anti-Vandal Office
An anti-vandal office is a secure, robust office unit designed to withstand vandalism and unauthorised access. These are often constructed from steel containers and are fitted with reinforced doors and windows, making them suitable for unsecured sites. - Garden Office
A garden office is a standalone office space situated within a residential garden. This may be a more bespoke option for an office unit, as it is in a residential area.
Most of these terms are very similar in specification, apart from the garden office, as this might have a higher specification and features more suited to residential use.
Can you turn a shipping container into an office?
You can absolutely turn a shipping container into an office. By modifying the basic container – adding doors, windows, insulation, flooring and electrics – you can create a comfortable working environment.
Various sizes of containers can be converted – 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft long, all with a standard width of 8ft.
The typical specification for a 20ft office unit might include:
- A secure personnel door
- Two windows with lockable shutters
- Fully lined, insulated with rockwool (or similar) insulation and melamine (or similar) lining boards
- Polyflor/vinyl flooring
- Electrics to include: 2 double strip lights, 4 double sockets, light switch, consumer unit, external socket, 2kw heater
- Painted externally in a colour of your choice (usually dark blue or green)
This specification can be altered to suit your preferences using different materials, such as laminate flooring, UPVC windows/doors in different sizes, French doors or sliding doors. The lining could be plywood, steel, or food grade, for example. The electrics could be upgraded to 3-phase and include data cabling if required.
Can a converted container still be shipped?
Office units can still potentially be shipped; however, there are rules that must be adhered to. For the container to be stackable for transportation, any windows or doors must not protrude from the container. All features need to be recessed, and the container doors must remain in place to render the container structurally sound.
How much is an office container?
There is no fixed price for an office container, as it will entirely depend on the specification required by the customer. A basic container site office will cost less than a high-spec garden office with French doors and laminate flooring. A delivery cost will also be required, and this will vary depending on the delivery destination.
How big can a garden office be without planning permission?
This is a very difficult question to answer. Unfortunately, town councils in the UK do not seem to have fixed criteria regarding this; the requirements vary around the country. It is wise to check with your local council before starting your project, in order to be certain.
If you have an idea for your container office, please let us know, and we will provide a quote for you. A sketch will be very useful to help us understand your vision.
Get a quote or telephone us on 0800 121 7388. We look forward to hearing from you and will happily answer any questions you have.
