How to Frame a Cargo Container

If you were interested in modifying your cargo container, at some point you may need to do some framing.

There are a number of different ways to accomplish this, but I found one video that might be useful to you. The person who published this did a nice job detailing each step and I am going to do my best to outline these below, along with posting the full video for your viewing.

Keep in mind that when you frame a traditional home you are doing it for support, however, with a cargo container the structure is already sound and the framing is typically for you to attach something to it (drywall), to hold insulation, or to add doors or other fixtures.

In most cases you will not want to affix the 2x4's or wood with screws or nails directly into the steel of the container as this will make the container less likely to be wind and watertight. There are some exceptions like screwing the base of the framing into the floor of the cargo container, however, I would advise to steer clear of screwing into the steel walls.

In this video standard house framing was used within the cargo container. The couple used a kreg jig (see picture below) to help secure the studs, however, they do note you could use toenailing (I also included a picture below to show you what toenailing is).

At this point they made sure to drop down the ceiling a bit to install installation at a later date and then secured the framing with Hurricane Ties (see below).

They secured the base plates down to the floor with screws and the tops with angle brackets. They choose this method as they did not want the frame secured directly to the metal walls of the cargo containers as they wanted to insulate it with a thermal spray foam at a later date.

The framing was done pretty easily with this process and should provide you with general instructions for framing your own cargo container.

The video was published by Container Acre and runs roughly four and a half minutes. It also includes a portion towards the end of the video on how they installed their flooring. I hope you enjoyed this blow and get some use out of it.

Below you will find the whole video. Thanks!