Ply Lined Shipping Containers
Ply lined containers are the only way to guarantee complete elimination of condensation inside shipping containers and to protect your stored goods from its ravages.
How does condensation form?
Moisture is formed inside shipping containers by the fluctuations in temperature that occur within the steel body of the container. Steel gets very warm in the sun, and very cold at night! This moisture can't escape the shipping container when it is shut and so condensation forms. This can cause problems for any materials stored inside such as textiles, paper and leather, electrical items and general household furniture. Even cardboard boxes used to box up your items can be reduced to a soggy mess. If steps are not taken to minimize condensation, then upon opening your container you may find the contents have become wet and mouldy. On top of this, if liquids are stored in the container there is a risk of freezing them during very cold periods.To stop condensation forming by evening out temperatures inside containers we recommend choosing ply lined containers.
We can ply line any size, from 8ft shipping containers, 10ft shipping containers, 20ft shipping containers, right up to 40ft shipping containers. Ply lining is also a popular option for shipping container conversions, not only preventing condensation but also providing sound insulation and giving a neat and professional appearance.
Four steps to ply lining and shipping container insulation
- A timber frame is inserted inside the steel structure of the container. We don't drill so there won't be any leaking holes left.
- A mineral based insulating substance, known as Rockwool, is used to pack the walls of the container. Rockwool is highly efficient at trapping heat and is made of naturally occurring substances, so it poses no health risk.
- Timber ply boards are nailed to the frame over the insulating material.
- The edges are finished off with beading to ensure no gaps are left.
Watch the process of container insulation and ply lining
Hardy enough even for the Highland mountains!
The doors on shipping containers can also be ply lined, if required (however they cannot be insulated due to the structure of the doors). This gives added protection if the container is to be kept in extreme weather conditions. For instance we ply lined a 6ft container for the Highland Rescue team, to be located in the Scottish mountains! It was an absolute necessity for the container to stay dry and frost free in order to preserve the vital medical supplies inside.
Choosing your ply lined container
Types of Ply Lining
Choose from two standard options of ply:- 9mm Redwood finish - for an attractive finish
- 12mm Redwood finish - extra thickness with an aesthetically pleasing look
Request a Quick Quote!
Contact our sales team for your no-obligation quote, including delivery!
Alternative to Ply Lining - Wipe Clean Melamine
Fire protection
We offer a fire retardant spray coating, which works by creating an invisible layer that, when exposed to heat, creates a carbonized shield to deflect it. For catering conversions we can offer fire retardant plasterboard upon request (POA).Stainless Steel Lining
We can also fit with Stainless Steel lining over ply lining, which provides a hygienic, fire, heat and corrosion resistant finish. See our workshop conversion as an example.
Looking for more inspiration?
Some of the clients we built container projects for...
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Testimonials
As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about ply lining provided by Containers Direct.
"Just a big thank you for Container delivered yesterday, well worth the extra to have it ply-lined out. You have all been thoroughly professional from start to finish."Nigel Storr, Fodens of Streethay Farmers and Growers
"This is just to thank you very much for the container. Opening the doors gave a bit of a wow! factor; it looks great. The lining and insulation will reduce damp and condensation but also we have a facility to store stuff on the walls."John Daines, Director of Tarvin Community Woodland Trust Ltd
"Extremely helpful and professional, There may be a need in the future for another container, if so, I'll be contacting you and you only."SmartWater Technology Ltd
"The quality of the interior ply is brilliant, everyone has admired it!"R Harris
"Overall, an excellent service and product. Now that our container is built, it is proving to be vital for our needs at present. Thank you."Andrew Black
"Cory and the team were very friendly and efficient. Thank you"R B Cooke & Son
Committed to Quality
We are ISOQAR Approved and certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are also members of MakeUK, who champion British manufacturing, and the Container Self Storage and Traders Association (CSTA), representing global operators and innovators. In addition, we are registered members of JOSCAR, the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register.
Cladded Shipping Containers
How to make a shipping container not look like a shipping container - choose wood cladding!
Our 'Rustic' cladding is a rough sawn, white spruce cladding. The timber is tanalised to make it more durable and longer lasting. This is our budget cladding option, suitable for a wide range of applications.
'Clean Cut' cladding is the same as our Rustic option, but with one planed edge giving a smoother finish to your container. We would suggest this as a medium upgrade for customers looking for a more polished look for their shipping container.
The 'Shiplap' cladding is slotted together meaning no corrugation is visible, completely disguising the fact that there's a shipping container underneath! This gives a seamless appearance to your container, recommended for bespoke, high end conversions.
Our cladding comes from natural woods, which will produce natural variations of half an inch to an inch and a half in between each section. This replicates the organic appearance found in nature and adds to the charm of a cladded container.
Our Premium Shipping Container Cladding Options
Although we offer three standard types of cladding, we understand that sometimes it's a bespoke and unique finish that our customers are looking for. We also offer the below types of cladding for our shipping containers as premium finishes, and are happy to assist in sourcing any other bespoke requirements.
NB. There will be a supplementary charge applied to cladding around apertures (e.g. for additional doors, windows, vents etc.), and for extra wide containers. Please speak to our sales team for more details on our pricing.
Request a Quick Quote!
Contact our sales team for your no-obligation quote, including delivery!
Cladded Shipping Container Case Studies
Cladded shipping containers are rising in popularity alongside the growth of the "pop up" industry. This trend has seen shipping containers converted for use in retail and catering industries especially, and the better your container looks, the more of a talking point it becomes, which of course is good for business! Wood cladding gives that little bit extra and as you can see from our conversion work on display, it can transform a container from a basic metal box into a unique unit, whatever its purpose! We can clad any size container, whether it's a standard used 20ft shipping container, a used 40ft shipping container, new, or cut down to a specific size, as we do with our 10ft shipping containers.
Take a look at some of the most engaging work we have undertaken in recent years. With detailed pictures, step-by-step guides, and in-depth insights into many projects, our case studies cover a wide range of applications.
Planning Permission
Wood cladded shipping containers give an aesthetic that blends in with the natural beauty of rural surroundings, and can satisfy most planning permission conditions that may arise from planting a metal box in a the countryside. We have clad boxes for a garden centre shop in Snowdonia National Park, and a large double garage in the beautiful rural village of Beckington Mill, Somerset. We also offer a bespoke matching and sourcing service if you have specific planning permission requirements. For instance, we sourced Siberian Larch for cladding the garden centre shop, in order to satisfy the rigorous planning permission conditions. However, we would always recommend checking your council's specific planning permissions before purchasing your container, just in case.
How We Clad Shipping Containers
Our expert fabrication team transforms plain steel containers into stylish, insulated units using high-quality timber or composite materials. Each build is finished to withstand years of outdoor exposure while improving both insulation and appearance.
- Timber and composite cladding options available
- Improves thermal efficiency and weather resistance
- Custom colours and finishes to match your surroundings
Watch the short video to see our process in action — from frame preparation to final installation.
The Proccess of Shipping Container Cladding
We attach batons to the steel walls of the container, and then attach the timber in vertical sections. The pictures below show the process of cladding undertaken with Siberian Larch which we specially sourced for the Camlan Coffi Garden Centre shop. Please note that once cladded, container doors will open to a maximim of 180 degrees.
Optional Extras
We offer a range of optional extras for our cladded shipping containers to help ensure your container is perfect for you.
Testimonials
As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.
Committed to Quality
We are ISOQAR Approved and certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are also members of MakeUK, who champion British manufacturing, and the Container Self Storage and Traders Association (CSTA), representing global operators and innovators. In addition, we are registered members of JOSCAR, the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register.