Building a brick garage means foundations, materials, builders and, often, weeks of work. A container garage arrives on a truck, is ready to use the same day and can be moved if you ever relocate. For homeowners, farms and businesses who need secure cover for a vehicle, machinery or equipment, it is one of the quickest and most cost-effective options available in Australia.
What Is a Container Garage?
A container garage is a 20ft shipping container fitted with a wide roller shutter or sectional door in place of, or in addition to, the standard end doors. Traditional cargo doors swing outwards and need a lot of clear space in front of them; a roller door opens vertically, so you can drive straight in and park close to the entrance. The steel container body, built to survive ocean shipping, provides a strong, weatherproof and secure shell.
Container Garage vs Brick Garage
| Container garage | Brick garage | |
|---|---|---|
| Build time | Delivered ready to use | Typically several weeks of building work |
| Foundations | Simple level base (sleepers, pads or hardcore) | Full concrete foundations |
| Cost | One-off purchase plus delivery from A0 to most mainland sites | Usually several times more once materials and labour are included |
| Security | Solid steel shell with lockable door | Depends on door and construction |
| Portability | Can be lifted and moved | Permanent |
| Appearance | Industrial, available in several colours | Can match your house |
What Fits in a 20ft Container Garage?
A 20ft container garage has an internal length of around 5.9m and an internal width of roughly 2.3m, giving about 13.5 to 14.8m² of floor space depending on the model. That is enough for:
- A small or medium car, with space for storage at the back
- Motorbikes, quad bikes and ride-on mowers
- Garden machinery, tools and workshop equipment
- Farm equipment such as ATVs, trailers and implements
- Plant and tools for trades and construction businesses
Before buying for a car, measure its width including mirrors and compare it with the door opening on the product page. Most family cars will fit, but getting in and out of the car inside will be tighter than in a double-width garage.
Container Garage Options in Our Range
- 20ft container garage with roller shutter door, gentian blue: a one-trip container with a manual roller shutter, ideal as a straightforward garage or equipment store.
- 20ft container garage with electric sectional door, anthracite grey: a High Cube garage with an electrically operated sectional door, windows, electrical conduit and installation included.
- 20ft container garage with sectional roller door and window, grey: a used, wind and watertight container with a sectional door and window.
- 20ft open-side container with roller shutter door: a roller shutter along the full side, for wide access to machinery and stock.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Container Garage?
It depends on your property and how the garage is used. On farms and commercial land, containers used for storage are often straightforward. In residential gardens, outbuildings can sometimes be built under permitted development, but there are height limits, especially close to a boundary, and a standard container at 2.59m tall may exceed them. Conservation areas, listed buildings and front gardens have stricter rules. Always check with your local planning authority before placing a container garage at home.
Preparing Your Site
- Choose a firm, level spot with room to drive in and out in front of the door.
- Lay a simple base such as concrete pads, railway sleepers or a compacted hardcore bed, raised slightly for drainage.
- Consider a short ramp or level threshold so vehicles can roll in easily.
- Plan for power if you want lighting or an electric door.
- Check truck access for delivery; our delivery guide explains what is needed.
Tips for Using a Container Garage
- Fit vents and use moisture absorbers to control condensation, particularly if you park a wet car inside.
- Add wall-mounted shelving to keep the floor clear for the vehicle.
- Fit a lockbox and heavy-duty padlock for extra security.
- Paint or clad the exterior, or choose a muted colour, if it will be visible from the house.
Find Your Container Garage
All our container garages are supplied from our yard in Kyneton, with delivery from A0 to accessible sites across mainland Australia. Browse the full range in our shop, read our 20ft storage container guide, or request a quote for advice.