container home floor

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I started to build a container home with two 40 ft containers side by side with a 20 ft space between. I installed 2x6 s on the sides of the container near the bottom and used simpson joist hangers to support the floor. how much weight will the floor hold floor is is 2x6. 16inches on center . center i have a treated 5x4 stud supported by cyinder blocks. the only concern is the drywall screws,

Featured Answer

SJ McCarthy

6 years ago

Container homes are cool. They use up materials that are water and weather resistant. The 9' tall containers can be finished to indoor specs. Just because they already have 5 metal sides and a door doesn't mean they are just inches away from becoming a home.

An engineer is still required to get you up to CODE. Yes. The 'C' word. Code. Regardless of how you START the project you need to meet CODE to finish the project (aka. 'move in').

The use of cinder blocks with wood over raw earth with a question like "how much will the floor hold?" is the wrong question. The question you should be asking is, "How do I make two containers into a house?"

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Comments (10)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
6 years ago
Contact a local structural engineer that is willing to take on your project.
HU-245940585 thanked Mark Bischak, Architect
SJ McCarthy
6 years ago
Are the cinder blocks sitting on raw ground? If they are you will have to use some sort of bracket between the blocks and the wood. If you didn't you will find the treated wood will rot within a few years.

What you needed was a 3rd container so that you have 3 side-by-side units that would be considered water/weather proof once connected properly.

As Mark points out above, you will need a structural engineer to deal with this. The issue isn't (necessarily) the weight allowance. It is the wood's exposure to moisture through the point-of-contact with the cinder blocks (which leak like a sieve).
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HU-245940585
Original Author
6 years ago
i uploaded some pictures, but i really dont want a structural engineer. just a little guidance
HU-245940585
Original Author
6 years ago
thank you for the optimistic support
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
6 years ago
" . . . i really dont want a structural engineer. just a little guidance"

This illustrates the difference between 'need" and "want".
HU-245940585
Original Author
6 years ago
fair enough