Many people are looking for some alternatives to drywall for a shipping container interior, as they can only be used in certain conditions.
One of the reasons is that shipping container buildings flex more than the conventional ones, especially when transported, set on uneven ground, or exposed to wind. Drywall is rigid and brittle, so it tends to crack at seams, pop screws, and crumble around fasteners.
Therefore, you will need several alternatives to drywall for certain conditions. Find out what they are, only in this article!
Contents
What is Shipping Container Drywall
Shipping container drywall usually refers to drywall that is installed inside a shipping container to create finished interior walls, just like in a traditional house. It has a few extra steps to manage moisture and steel walls.
With drywall, people can convert shipping containers into homes, offices, workshops, studios, and retail spaces. To make the inside look like a normal room, they often install drywall over insulation and framing.
Shipping containers are made of steel, not wood. It can cause condensation to form inside, resulting in sweat that can damage the container. However, the container still needs special insulation and framing before drywall can be added.
Alternatives to Drywall for Shipping Container
1. Plywood
Plywood is robust, impact-resistant, and easy to attach to furring strips or studs. It can hold screws and shelves without anchors, and is more flexible than drywall, as it can make fewer cracks from container movement.
However, plywood requires sealing/painting for a finished look and is more expensive than basic drywall. This is best for workshops, cabins, utility spaces, and rugged interiors.
2. OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
OSB drywall is inexpensive, strong, easy to work with, and suitable for both structural rigidity and rustic looks. Some things you need to note: it has a rough surface unless covered and is sensitive to moisture if not sealed. OSB is best for budget projects, industrial-style interiors.
3. Tongue-and-Groove Wood
If you want an attractive, warm aesthetic atmosphere inside your container building, you can choose a tongue-and-groove wood wall. It handles container movement better than drywall and can hide small gaps and imperfections. Use this for your next container cabins, tiny homes, cozy or natural interiors.
4. Shiplap
Do you need an interior wall for residential container builds with a clean, modern look? Choose the shiplap interior wall.
This type of wall has a popular aesthetic look that is flexible enough for container walls, as it can be painted easily.
5. Metal Wall Panels
Metal wall panels are best for modern/industrial interiors, workshops, and fire-resistant builds. This is because they are extremely durable, non-combustible, and can handle moisture or movement well.
However, they can cause cold without good insulation, and will make it harder to install wiring behind.
6. PVC or Vinyl Wall Panels
Many people choose PVC or vinyl wall panels because they are waterproof, lightweight, easy to clean, and good for bathrooms, kitchens, or humid climates. They are best for wet areas, coastal locations, and low-maintenance builds.
7. FRP Panels
Are you looking interior wall that is specialized for bathrooms, kitchens, and any high-moisture environments? Choose the FRP panel! They are highly water-resistant, mold-proof, and easy to wipe clean.
8. Fiber Cement Panels
The fiber cement panels are fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, durable, mold-proof, and can be finished like drywall or tile. That is why it is also good for bathrooms, tiled areas, and fire-rated walls, just like the FRP panels.
Container Types
Interior walls are usually added when converting containers into homes, offices, shops, bathrooms, studios, or insulated storage. These container types most often have finished interior walls:
1. Standard Dry Storage Container
This is the most common container type used in conversions. A standard container needs interior walls because the bare steel inside is not attractive or comfortable. It needs insulation to prevent condensation and heat gain. Moreover, if you convert the container into a home or any other building, the electrical and plumbing systems need space to run, and the interior walls can help to create it
2. High Cube Containers
The high cube container is the same as standard, but 1’ taller. Just like a standard container, a high cube container still needs an interior wall because it helps create a finished interior. Moreover, their extra height can make room for insulation and ceilings.
3. Insulated Containers
Some older insulated containers still need interior walls. This is because the insulation may be outdated or damaged, and the electrical inside needs walls to hide wiring. Moreover, if you want a cleaner and modern interior finish, you will need interior walls.
4. Open-Top Containers
Open-top containers normally have a tarp roof, but conversions add a permanent roof. It needs interior walls because the added roof requires interior finishing and still requires insulation and walls.
5. Double-Door or Side-Open Containers
These types of containers come with doors on both ends or sides. It needs interior walls because it has bare steel that requires insulation and wiring space, and finished interiors for living/office use
Conclusion
The best alternatives to drywall above often perform better than drywall because they handle moisture, movement, and durability more effectively.
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Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!