7 Shipping Container Roof Ideas

Thinking about adding a roof to your shipping container? A well-designed roof can protect a shipping container or Conex box from harsh weather, create extra shade, help with rainwater collection, or simply serve as a stylish addition to a container conversion. From sturdy metal roofs to sleek wooden pergolas, canopies, awnings, or a roof deck with a view, there are plenty of creative shipping container roof ideas to choose from.

Unique roof solutions for shipping containers

In this article, we’ll share seven roof ideas for shipping containers. These DIY roof projects use materials such as timber or metal for the roof itself, combined with attachment methods like Domino Clamps, Unistrut, timber frames, or container brackets.

Each method is designed to help build strong roof structures without causing any damage to the container - no drilling or welding needed. By keeping the container intact, its value and flexibility for future use are maintained, also allowing you to modify or remove any roof structures at any time without damage.

Check out these creative and unique roof ideas to get inspired for your next project.

1. Wooden container awning and rooftop area

Shipping container tiny home with veranda, awning and a rooftop

A creative and functional idea to enhance a container project is to add an awning and rooftop area, as Blake Riley did for his Airbnb. Blake, founder of Solitary Shack, transformed a simple 20ft high cube shipping container into a cosy container home. He wanted to create the first container Airbnb with a unique design to stand out from other local rentals in Cashiers, North Carolina. The awning, veranda, stairs, and rooftop area with railing, turn this container into a stunning tiny home while also making the most of the extra space created on top and in front of the container.

During the conversion process Blake struggled with the idea of drilling into the container to attach the awning, he said, "Drilling into the container would have been an irreversible decision. Domino Clamps allowed us to be worry-free during this process." The clamps allowed him to attach the awning securely to the shipping container corner castings without any damage to the container.

To read more about this conversion project read our full case study on the construction of the shipping container awning for the tiny home here. 

During the roof construction process: Long wooden batons attached to the corner castings using Domino Clamps

 

2. Metal roof over two shipping containers 

Construction of the metal roof over two shipping containers

These UK customers - a couple planning to spend their retirement on a small holding - had the idea to build a large metal roof over two 20ft shipping containers. The goal was to create a spacious, sheltered area between the two containers to serve as a barn. They needed a roofing solution that wouldn’t permanently alter their containers or have to be welded, as there is a small chance they might have to move their holding to another location.

The solution had to be flexible enough to be simple to install, easily removable, yet extremely sturdy to support the weight of the metal roof. They found Domino Clamps online, had a local contractor check them out and he confirmed that these clamps would safely secure the massive metal roof without welding, while also ensuring that the structure could be taken apart and relocated if needed.

Using just 10 Domino Clamps, they attached the metal roof across the two shipping containers. A system for rainwater collection is already in place, and there are further plans for the installation of solar panels. Both excellent ideas to make the most of this big metal container roof.

The finished metal roof of the container barn including the rainwater collection system

 

3. Shipping container roof deck with an amazing view

A great roof deck idea which doubles the space of the shipping container’s roof

Building a container roof deck is a great way to create additional outdoor space. Marc-Andre had the idea to add a big roof deck to his 10ft shipping container by adding a 16ft by 14ft timber-framed deck. The elevated platform more than doubled the space of the container's roof, and transformed it into an inviting spot to relax and enjoy sunset views. The deck is surrounded by safety guardrails and features a staircase leading up to the platform.

For this project, Marc-Andre needed a solution that would allow him to add the deck without placing any weight on the compromised door side of the container. After some research, he found Domino Clamps, which made it possible to securely attach timber beams to the sides of the container. The clamps and the beams allowed him to then create a sturdy foundation for this deck.

For more details, check out the full case study and see how Domino Clamps helped Marc-Andre to construct this container roof deck.

 

4. Timber pergola for shade or climbing plants

A timber pergola attached to a shipping container

A pergola is an elegant container roof idea that can provide shade or a fancy aesthetic. By using structural timber attached to the container with angle brackets, the roof trusses can be extended over the container’s entryway or an adjacent garden or patio area.

Pergolas can be used as airy, open structures to create a shaded outdoor area or support climbing plants for a lush, green look. In the example shown, the pergola adds a sleek touch to the container, in combination with the wooden deck and bench. A beautiful addition to this shipping container setup.

 

5. Roof over two shipping containers using scaffold and plywood

Roof over two shipping containers created with scaffold tube and plywood

A popular option for creating extra covered space is adding a roof between two shipping containers. This customer started by attaching a strong vertical pole to the corner of each container using two Domino Clamps and a pair of vertical tube clamps. They were then able to use this as the basis for a frame along the long side of the container to attach several scaffold poles spanning the gap between the containers, ready to support the roofing material.

The customer used three vertical tubes down to the ground to support the roof in the middle of the 40ft container. This method could be improved or perhaps even completely replaced by making use of our new roof bracket.

The roof and the gate are made from plywood and create a sheltered storage space between these two shipping containers. A great way to create additional storage space with this roof construction.

Plywood gates attached to the shipping containers using scaffold tubes, tube clamps and Domino Clamps

 

6. Canopy with Unistrut framework 

A metal roof / container canopy attached to a shipping container using Unistrut framework

A canopy provides a sheltered space, typically attached to the side of a shipping container to create an outdoor living area, storage space, or even a carport. The roof for this type of structure can be lighter in material, such as a fabric canopy or a metal roof.

Our customer Jeremy, used Unistrut to create a framework attached to the container with 4 Domino Clamps, and secured the roof with 90 degree brackets. Jeremy said that the Domino Clamps suited his needs perfectly and even though he is not an engineer the project he planned himself met his requirements. Unistrut is a fully modular and adaptable construction system, making it ideal for creating a framework for a roof structure and can easily be constructed using a few basic hand tools and a chop saw. 

Check our blog article if you would like to find out how to attach Unistrut to a shipping container to add a container roof or for any other conversion projects.

 

7. Small container roof for rainwater collection 

At first glance, this roof design may look a bit unusual - just a small, partial roof over the shipping container. Behind the container is a small but clever rainwater collection system in action where guttering and a downspout have been added to channel rainwater into a barrel. It's a simple yet effective way to collect rainwater for a garden or small farm. The timber construction is securely attached with just two Domino Clamps.

Small container roof for rainwater collection

How Domino Clamps make container roofs easier to build 

Building a roof for your container doesn’t have to involve permanent changes or heavy construction work. The right attachment methods make the process faster, simpler, and flexible. By avoiding drilling or welding, you maintain the integrity of the container, allowing for future adjustments or removals without damage. Several methods, such as using pipe clamps, brackets, or specialised connectors, can help make this possible.

For example, Domino Clamps are one such tool that allows for a strong, secure attachment to the container, without compromising its structure. They’re a great option, but it's always a good idea to assess your project’s specific needs to choose the best solution.

For more flexibility, Domino Clamps can be used with timber adapters or a range of shipping container brackets (such as angle, framing or gallows brackets) or even Unistrut pipe clamps, making it possible to build roofs with various different materials, roof designs and frameworks. Additionally, extra support can be added along the long side of the container with a roof bracket.

Domino Clamp attached to a corner casting - creating a versatile fixing point

Key Insights: What we've learned from these creative shipping container roof projects

By exploring these seven creative roof ideas - all creatively developed by our customers - you've seen just how many possibilities there are to build interesting container roof structures.
From fancy timber pergola, to a practical rainwater collection system, to a rooftop deck with breath-taking views or a giant metal roof over two shipping containers. All these container roof ideas show how functional or stylish container roofs can be, or even both at the same time!
The key takeaway? There is no need to drill, weld, or permanently alter the container to create a very secure and durable roof. With the right roofing materials and innovative attachment methods, you can beautifully and functionally transform your container while maintaining its integrity.

To summarise, the attachment options used for these roof ideas are:

*Domino Clamps
*Domino Clamps in combination with timber adapters or
*Unistrut or
*Tube clamps or
*Shipping container brackets

We hope the container roof ideas inspire you and help with your future projects.

Don't hesitate to contact us or leave us a comment, if you have any questions.
Or feel free to share your roof projects!


Further Reads & Links:

Learn how to attach structural timber to a shipping container

Explore how to use shipping container brackets for adding structures to a shipping container