Foundations: What to Put Under a Shipping Container

So, you’re looking to buy your very own shipping container… Maybe for extra storage, maybe something more ambitious. But before you do, there’s one thing you’ll need to sort out: the ground it’s going to sit on.

Whether you’re placing yours on farmland, a construction site, your back garden or a yard, every shipping container needs a solid foundation. Not just to keep it level, but to protect it from water seepage, rust and long-term structural damage.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to put under a shipping container, from simple, low-cost options to permanent solutions. We’ll also explain why foundations matter, what to consider before installation and how to choose the right base for your needs.

Why the Right Foundation Matters

You might be tempted to drop a shipping container straight onto the ground and call it a day — they’re built to be tough, right? And while that’s true, even the sturdiest containers can suffer if the base underneath isn’t up to scratch.

Without a proper foundation, you risk several problems that could easily be avoided, including:

• Rust & Water Damage: If the container sits directly on grass, soil or anywhere water can pool, moisture will collect underneath. Over time, that can lead to corrosion, even in weathered containers.
• Uneven Settling: Containers are heavy, and without a level base, one end can slowly sink into the ground. That puts stress on the frame and can make the doors difficult to open and close.
• Poor Ventilation: A raised foundation allows air to flow beneath the container, helping to prevent damp and mould from forming inside.
• Reduced Lifespan: Ultimately, a poorly placed container may not last as long as one that’s been properly installed.

Whether you’re using your container for storage or planning a more permanent project like a workshop or garden office, starting with the right foundation is the best way to protect your investment.

Do Shipping Containers Really Need a Foundation?

Every shipping container will benefit from being placed on a solid foundation, as will their contents, especially if they’re staying put for more than a few weeks. That said, if it’s only going to be there for a few days or a couple of weeks, and the ground is firm, dry and level, you might get away without one — but we’d usually advise against it.

For anything more long-term, such as an outdoor storage space or a home gym, a proper foundation is highly recommended, here’s why:

• Structural Integrity Matters: Containers are designed to sit level. If one corner sinks more than the others, the container may become slightly twisted, which is known as ‘racking out’ by those in the trade. This can cause the doors to fall out of alignment, making them harder to open and close.
• Ground Conditions Change: Even solid ground can become soft, uneven or waterlogged over time. That can cause your container to tilt, shift and sink.
• Forward-Thinking: Once a container is full, it’s a pain to move. Getting the base right from the start could save you time, money and hassle later on.

So while a foundation might not be required, it’s always worth having something underneath your shipping container, especially if you care about durability, safety and ease of use.

The Best Shipping Container Foundations

Shipping containers may be built for rough handling, but what they sit on still matters. A good foundation not only keeps your container level, it also protects it from moisture, movement and long-term damage. Whether you’re planning a permanent setup or simply need some storage for a few months, the right base will make all the difference.

Let’s take a look at the most popular types of shipping container foundations — from simple and budget-friendly to more permanent solutions.

Concrete Slab

Best for: Long-term use, container homes, workshops and heavy storage.

A concrete slab offers full support across the entire underside of the container, making it one of the most solid and secure options available. It’s the go-to choice if you’re planning a permanent structure or placing the container on soft or unstable ground. While it’s more expensive and labour-intensive than other options, it offers peace of mind in terms of durability, access and weather protection.

Pros:

• Extremely stable
• Resistant to movement
• Allows easy access

Cons:

• Requires ground prep
• Can be expensive
• Not ideal for uneven terrain

Footings

Best for: Long-term storage or semi-permanent setups on soft or uneven ground.

Footings are load-bearing supports placed under the container’s corners (and sometimes its midpoints) to lift it off the ground and keep it stable. The most common type is poured concrete, but concrete blocks, dense timber beams and precast pads can be used in some scenarios.

Concrete footings offer a robust, long-lasting base that helps prevent rust, sinking and movement. They also allow for airflow beneath the container, which helps protect it from damp. Just make sure the footings are properly spaced, level and set on compact ground or gravel to avoid future settling issues.

Pros:

• Good drainage
• Less concrete required than a slab.

Cons:

• Requires digging and curing time.

Pier Foundation (Concrete or Steel)

Best for: Sloped or uneven terrain, or where airflow under the container is important.

Piers lift the container off the ground using either concrete posts or metal piles driven into the soil. This option is ideal if you want the container elevated for ventilation or to avoid minor flooding. It’s also a common choice in areas where pouring a slab isn’t practical. Keep in mind that piers often need to be installed by professionals to ensure they’re level and stable.

Pros:

• Elevated for airflow
• Reduces moisture buildup

Cons:

• May need professional installation for stability

Strip Foundation

Best for: Medium to long-term setups where full slabs aren’t necessary.

Strip foundations involve laying continuous strips of concrete, usually under each long side of the container. They provide more support than isolated blocks or footings and can help prevent the container from flexing over time. They’re often used when weight is more evenly distributed or when partial support is sufficient.

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Provides good support

Cons:

• Requires proper levelling

Piles (Driven or Bored)

Best for: Challenging terrain, unstable ground and container homes in flood-prone areas.

Piles are long, narrow columns that are driven deep into the ground to create a stable base. This method is usually reserved for architectural builds and specialist projects, such as container homes where building regulations and load requirements apply. It’s extremely secure, but also costly and rarely needed for basic storage purposes.

Pros:

• Strong
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Excessive for simple storage solutions

Concrete Blocks

Best for: Short to medium-term storage on reasonably level ground.

Concrete blocks are a popular and affordable DIY option. They’re typically placed under each corner (and sometimes midway along the sides) to raise the container off the ground. This helps with airflow and moisture prevention, while also keeping the structure level. It’s important to place them on compact ground or gravel to stop them shifting over time.

Pros:

• Easy to install
• Relatively affordable

Cons:

• Needs a level base and regular checks for settling

Compact Gravel

Best for: Enhancing drainage under other foundation types.

Gravel isn’t a foundation on its own, but it works as a good addition underneath one by improving drainage and airflow, which helps protect the underside of the container from rust and damp. It’s commonly used underneath concrete blocks or footings to improve performance and stability, especially on softer ground.

Pros:

• Excellent drainage
• Easy to install
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not a structural base on its own

Wood Beams & Timber Sleepers

Best for: Temporary use, budget builds or containers that may be moved.

Pressure-treated wood beams (like railway sleepers) are sometimes used to raise containers off the ground. They’re quick to install and reasonably cheap, making them suitable for short-term use. However, timber can rot over time, especially if it sits directly on wet ground — so it’s best used alongside compact gravel or in dry conditions.

Pros:

• DIY-friendly
• Quick and easy to install

Cons:

• Can rot if not properly raised or treated

Things to Consider Before Placing Your Container

Before you start digging holes or pouring concrete, it’s worth taking a step back and assessing the site itself. Choosing the right foundation is important, but it won’t do much good if the ground isn’t prepared properly or key details are overlooked.

Here are a few things to think about before building the base for your container:

• Ground Conditions: Is the ground soft, sandy, rocky or clay-based? Some soils shift more than others, while others retain moisture. Knowing what you’re working with can help you choose a foundation that won’t sink or shift over time.
• Drainage & Water Runoff: Water is your container’s worst enemy. Make sure your site isn’t prone to flooding or pooling. Even something as simple as a gravel layer can help improve drainage and reduce the risk of rust underneath.
• Level Surface: Containers are designed to sit flat. Even a slight tilt can make the doors hard to open or close, and put stress on the frame. If your site isn’t level, you’ll either need to level the ground or choose a foundation that can adapt to sloped terrain (like piers or footings).
• What You’re Storing: Are you filling the container with heavy equipment, garden furniture or just a few boxes? The heavier the load, the more important it is to have stable, weight-bearing support underneath.
• Access for Delivery: Your container will likely arrive on a lorry or flatbed truck — and it’ll need enough space to be offloaded. Check for access issues like narrow driveways, overhanging trees or soft ground that might cause delivery issues or delays.

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shipping Container?

We’d love to be able to give you a yes or no answer here, but unfortunately it’s not that simple. While there are some scenarios where planning permission isn’t required to install a shipping container on your land, there are just as many situations where it is.

We have a much more detailed guide to help you understand whether you’ll need planning permission for your shipping container, but to summarise the key points, you probably will need permission if any of the following apply to you:

• Permanent Structures: Your container will be in place long-term or permanently
• Commercial Operations: You’re using it as part of a business or commercial operation
• Habitable Space: It’s being converted into a living space, office or workshop
• Surrounding Aesthetic: It impacts the appearance of your property or area

If in doubt, it’s best to check with your local council, especially if the container is visible from the road or near a boundary.

FAQs

What’s the best thing to put under a shipping container?

It depends on your land, budget and how long the container will be in place. For long-term or heavy-duty use, a concrete slab is often the best option. For temporary or lighter setups, concrete blocks or footings placed on level ground (ideally with a gravel bed underneath) are usually good enough.

What is the best base for a shipping container?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the best base is one that’s stable, level and well-drained. A concrete slab offers the most support overall, but footings, piers and even compacted gravel with shipping container foundation blocks can all work well — especially if you’re not planning a permanent structure.

What is the best foundation for a shipping container?

If you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance solution, a full concrete slab is considered the gold standard. That said, strip foundations, piers and footings can also offer excellent support, particularly if the container is going on uneven ground or you need better airflow underneath.

Do I need gravel under a shipping container?

Gravel isn’t essential, but it’s highly recommended — especially if you’re using blocks, footings or timber. A compacted gravel bed improves drainage, helps prevent rust and can even extend the life of your container. It also provides a more stable surface than bare soil.