Flat Pack Container Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Whether you're looking for secure storage on a construction site, extra space at your business premises, or a storage solution for your home, flat pack containers have become one of the most practical and versatile alternatives to traditional welded storage containers.
But how do you know if a flat pack container is the right choice? What size should you choose? How are they installed? And what makes them different from a standard storage container?
This guide answers the most common questions we receive from customers and will help you choose the right flat pack container for your project.
What Is a Flat Pack Container?
Unlike a traditional welded storage container that is delivered as a complete unit, a flat pack container is supplied in individual sections that are assembled on site.
The container is delivered as separate:
Floor section
Roof section
Wall panels
Door panel
Every component is designed to be man portable, allowing the container to be transported and installed in locations where conventional containers simply cannot reach.
Why Choose a Flat Pack Container?
The biggest advantage of a flat pack container is accessibility.
Traditional storage containers require specialist lifting equipment such as:
HIAB crane lorries
Forklifts
Telehandlers
Mobile cranes
If your site cannot accommodate this type of equipment, delivering a welded container can become expensive—or sometimes impossible.
Flat pack containers solve this problem. Because they arrive in individual components, they can be delivered using much smaller vehicles, including:
3.5 tonne vans
Small trailers
Vehicles towing trailers
This makes them ideal for locations such as:
Restricted gardens
Courtyards
Narrow access roads
Basement and underground car parks
Open fields
Construction sites with limited access
Industrial units
Areas with height restrictions
If people can carry the components to the installation area, a flat pack container can usually be built there.
How Many People Are Needed?
One of the most common questions we receive is:
"How many people do I need to build one?"
As a general rule, we recommend:
One person for every metre of container length.
For example:
Container Size | Recommended Team |
2m | 2 people |
3m | 3 people |
4m | 3 - 4 people |
6m | 4 - 5 people* |
*Our 6m flat pack containers have forklift slots in the floor section for ease of offloading. If there is no access to a lifting equipment, we would recommend 6 - 8 people to move the floor section as a whole. For installation 4 - 5 people should be sufficient.
With an experienced team, installation can be incredibly fast.
Our current record is around 30 minutes in our yard, although most installations are completed in around 1 hour.
Choosing the Right Size
All of our flat pack containers have the same external width of 2.1 metres.
Available lengths include:
2m
3m
4m
6m
External height is approximately 2.1 metres, providing an internal height of approximately 1.9 metres.
When selecting the right size, don't just think about floor space.
Also consider:
What will be stored?
Can items be stacked?
Will shelving be required?
Will you need doors on end or side?
Sometimes choosing the next size up provides significantly more usable storage for only a modest increase in cost.
Need More Space Later? No Problem.
One of the biggest advantages of flat pack containers is their modular design.
Unlike welded storage containers, flat pack containers can be expanded whenever your requirements change.
You can:
Link containers side by side
Two 4m containers can create a space approximately:
3.9m × 4.2m
perfect for larger storage areas or workshops.
Link containers end to end
Two 4m containers can also create a space approximately:
7.8m × 2.1m
Need even more space?
Simply keep adding modules.
There is virtually no limit to the number of units that can be connected.
Built to Last
Every Portable Units flat pack container is manufactured using:
Galvanised steel frame
Galvanised steel wall panels
Galvanising provides outstanding corrosion resistance and significantly extends the lifespan of the container.
For customers wanting an even higher quality finish, we also offer powder-coated containers.
Powder coating provides:
Enhanced weather protection
Improved scratch resistance
A more attractive appearance
Longer-lasting colour
Waterproof and Ready for British Weather
Our flat pack containers are fully waterproof, making them suitable for year-round outdoor use throughout the UK.
Each container includes:
Integrated roof gutters
Rainwater drainage through all four corner posts
Weather-resistant seals
This helps keep your contents dry while reducing standing water around the container.
Can Flat Pack Containers Be Lifted?
Yes.
Although designed for manual assembly, every container includes integrated lifting eyes.
Once empty, the assembled container can be lifted using suitable lifting equipment and relocated if required.
This gives you the flexibility to move your storage solution as your project develops.
Security Features
Security is essential for any storage solution.
Our flat pack containers come fitted with:
Twin door locking system as standard
Heavy-duty hinges and steel doors
For customers requiring additional security, we also offer optional:
Steel locking bars
Providing even greater protection for valuable tools and equipment.
Preparing the Base
One of the most important factors for a successful installation is having a solid, level foundation.
A concrete base is often the ideal solution, but it isn't essential.
Depending on the size of the container, suitable alternatives include:
Concrete slabs
Concrete footings
Timber sleepers
Timber blocks
Steel support beams
The important thing is ensuring that the frame is evenly supported and level before installation begins.
Is a Flat Pack Container Right for You?
Flat pack containers are an excellent choice if you need:
Secure storage in difficult-to-access locations
A container without crane or forklift access
A modular storage solution
The flexibility to relocate or expand in the future
Fast installation
A durable, weatherproof storage unit
If your site has unrestricted access and you simply require a standalone storage unit, a traditional welded container may also be a great option.
At Portable Units, we supply both flat pack containers and welded storage containers, helping customers choose the solution that best suits their site and budget.
Need Advice?
If you're unsure which storage solution is right for your project, our team is happy to help.
📞 020 4548 3282
Whether you need one container or a complete modular storage system, we'll help you find the right solution.
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