20ft Standard Pre-Owned Steel Container
From $950 / unit
Budget-friendly steel shell for hands-on projects —
Looking for the cheapest possible steel structure in the St. Petersburg area? The 20ft Standard As-Is container puts 150 sq ft of raw Corten steel on your property for under a thousand dollars. This unit is sold in its current condition with no repairs or guarantees — a blank slate for anyone with fabrication know-how.
Particularly well suited for secure equipment lockups, landscape material bins, backyard workshop shells, and farm storage where cosmetic appearance is irrelevant. Significant surface rust, denting, and possible patch areas are standard at this grade. The steel frame gives you something no wood structure can match: fire resistance, pest-proof walls, and decades of remaining service life.
If you already own a grinder and a MIG welder, this container is your most cost-effective path to a permanent steel structure. Address any holes, treat the rust, and you have a foundation that will outlast most conventional outbuildings by years.
Technical Details
~150 sq ft
of usable floor space
8'6" Tall
standard height profile
4,916 lbs
tare weight
Modification Advantages for Building Projects
The 20ft Standard ranks among the most versatile containers for conversion work. Here is what makes it a preferred starting point for builders and property owners:
- Roughly 150 sq ft of habitable floor area — room for a complete one-bedroom layout including kitchen, bathroom, and lounge
- 7'10" raw interior ceiling — standard height suitable for workshops, storage, and office conversions
- Weathering steel (Corten) shell — self-protecting steel that forms a rust-resistant patina, engineered to endure 25-50+ years along Florida's Gulf Coast
- Works with conventional framing — inner measurements support standard 2x4 stud walls paired with closed-cell foam, so any licensed contractor can handle the job
- Full-width rear doors — keep them for a statement entrance, swap them for floor-to-ceiling glazing, or seal and reframe for additional wall area
- 28mm marine plywood subfloor — delivers a flat, sturdy base ready to accept any final flooring finish
- Modular and stackable — arrange units side-by-side or on two levels to form multi-room or two-story configurations
Did You Know?
Converting a 20ft Standard typically runs 40-60% below the cost of conventional stick-frame construction for equivalent square footage. Across St. Petersburg, property owners are turning to container-based ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) to earn rental income or provide housing for family.
Florida has become increasingly ADU-friendly, with new legislation making it easier to add a container-based dwelling to your property.
Understanding the As-Is Classification
As-Is containers are sold in their current condition without warranties or guarantees. These units have seen extensive service and may show heavy rust, significant dents, floor wear, or small holes. They represent the lowest price point in our inventory.
As-Is containers are best suited for experienced builders who can assess structural condition and make repairs themselves. Common uses include non-critical storage, fencing material, retaining walls, and creative DIY projects where cosmetic condition is irrelevant.
For hands-on renovators with welding and fabrication skills, an As-Is unit offers the most container for the least money. Factor in repair costs when comparing to higher-grade units — sometimes the labor savings of a CW or WWT unit make them a better overall value.
As-Is Grade Includes:
- Steel frame structure
- Corner castings present
- Cargo doors included
- May have cosmetic damage
- Possible rust or dents
- Sold without guarantees
Sold in current condition without guarantees. May have significant cosmetic damage — heavy rust, dents, small holes. Best for experienced builders, fencing, or non-critical storage projects.
Common Build Applications
St. Petersburg owners use the 20ft Standard for these projects
Compact Dwelling
Complete one-bedroom layout with cooking, bathing, and living zones
Accessory Unit / In-Law Suite
Yard-based living quarters for relatives or rental revenue
Private Home Office
Dedicated workspace separated from your main residence
Maker Studio
Steel-enclosed space for carpentry, crafts, or hands-on hobbies
Short-Term Rental
Eye-catching getaway unit with contemporary, photo-ready design
Delivery Information
St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay Delivery
- Typical delivery: 3-7 business days from order confirmation
- Method: Tilt-bed truck — container slides directly onto your prepared site
- Site requirements: Flat, level surface with clearance for an 18-wheel truck to maneuver
- Service area: St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Largo, Gulfport, Treasure Island, Pinellas …
- Delivery cost: Varies by distance — included in your free quote
- Scheduling: We coordinate a delivery window that works for you
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