How to Plan Your Shipping Container Roof Project

How to Plan Your Shipping Container Roof Project

How do you build a shipping container roof? The honest answer: it depends - on your goals, your site, and the kind of roof you have in mind.

This guide helps you get started with your roof plans. We outline the common roof types and the key considerations so you can plan your roof with confidence.

This guide will help you to:

  • Identify the different styles of shipping container roofs
  • Narrow down the best starting point for each type of roof
  • Guide you towards which products you will need for attaching your primary structural members
  • Suggest possible building materials
  • Offer additional thinking points and considerations for designing your roof

Please note: We do not design or sell complete roof systems. This article points you toward resources across our website that will help you learn, plan, and choose the right products for your own design.

 

Why add a roof to a shipping container?

A roof can provide shade, protection from the weather, and extra dry space, or serve as a platform for solar panels or rainwater collection. It can also help regulate heat, protect the container itself from weathering, and make the area around it more usable. With the right approach, even a simple roof can turn a container into a much more functional space and help your container last longer.

If you’d like visual inspiration before diving in, see also our popular article: Shipping Container Roof Ideas.

Step 1: What do you want your roof to do?

Before you jump into sketches or start buying materials, make sure you understand exactly what you need your roof to do. The right design depends on its purpose, your site, and how you plan to use the (roof) space.

Purpose:
Is the roof mainly for shade, weather protection, or creating extra dry space? Do you need it to support solar panels, collect rainwater, or be walked on as a deck?

Context:
Think about your container’s size and orientation, site exposure, and typical wind or snow loads. These factors will influence the design and structure you’ll need.

Longevity & versatility:
How long will this be in place for, and might you need to relocate it or sell it one day? If so, we recommend avoiding permanent changes such as drilling or welding. These can compromise its structure, watertightness, and value, as well as making future adjustments harder. Clamp-based, bolt-on methods give you a secure but removable setup.

Budget & timeline:
Some roof types are quicker and more straightforward than others. Consider how much time you want to spend building, the materials available to you, and your own skill level.

For a quick reference on container sizes and base dimensions, see Shipping Container Sizes & Dimensions.


Step 2: Which roof type is best for shipping containers?

With your goals in mind, the next step is deciding which roof style fits your project. Below you’ll find the main roof types we see customers building on shipping containers, along with the situations where each one is most appropriate. After you’ve chosen a roof type, we’ll cover how to support and attach it safely without drilling or welding into your container.


Shipping container roof types

1. Single-pitched roof


What it is

A single-pitched roof is a sloped roof that spans across the top of one or more containers, with the slope running in one direction. This roof type is ideal when you want a simple cover that provides good water runoff. This structure is straightforward and as low-cost as possible. It is also essentially the same structure you would build to support solar panels.

When to use it

A single-pitched roof works well when your main goal is a simple, affordable structure that sheds water easily. It’s a practical option for adding shade or weather protection, creating a basic dry area, or mounting solar panels without complex framing. Because the build is relatively uncomplicated, it also suits DIY projects or situations where you want a lightweight roof that’s easy to extend as an awning.

Pros

  • Simple structure, which makes it inexpensive to build.
  • The slope effectively directs water off the roof, reducing the risk of leaks or water pooling.
  • It’s easier and faster to install than more complex roof types like gable roofs.
  • Can be extended past the shipping container walls to provide an awning

Cons

  • Its simplicity might not be suitable for more refined or residential projects.
  • Can be vulnerable to wind uplift or heavy loads if not properly reinforced.
  • If not properly designed, water runoff might cause drainage issues or damage to the container's side.
  • Possibly unsuitable for areas with heavy snowfall.

Getting started with construction

This method can be used with a range of materials, including timber/wood, steel sections, Unistrut, or steel tube.

Primary structural members needed

At least one horizontal roof beam along the length of the container, on the lower side of the roof.  
A horizontal roof beam higher than the first, on the opposite side.

Product suggestion

Lower beam: Domino Clamps combined with Vertical Bolt Plates 

Upper beam either:

Recommended guides

 

2. Single-span roof between two containers


What it is

A single-span roof spanning the gap between two containers, creating a wide covered space between them.

When to use it

Use this design when you want to turn the space between two containers into a sheltered area for storage, parking, workshops, or additional dry space. It’s ideal for creating a large covered space without building enclosed walls, and it works well when you want fast construction or a non-permanent structure. Ideal for temporary work spaces, car ports, and entrance halls for events.

Pros

Creates a large protected area at low cost
Good water runoff
Can be open-sided or partially enclosed
Quick and simple to erect.

Cons

Requires consistent support along both containers
Larger span increases wind load considerations
Needs pitching to avoid collecting rainwater on top. 
Needs careful drainage planning over the downward side to avoid flooding the enclosed space. 

Getting started with construction

This method can be used with a range of materials, including timber/wood, steel sections, Unistrut, or steel tube. 

Primary structural members needed

A horizontal roof beam along the length of the container
A horizontal roof beam higher than the first, on the opposite side.

The horizontal members can either be located on the top side rail of the container, or bolt along the side of the side rail of the container. 

Product suggestions

If attaching on top of the side rail (steel and wood):
Lower beam: Domino Clamps combined with Vertical Bolt Plates
Upper beam: Two Domino Clamps and two angle brackets.

If attaching to the side of the side rail (steel and wood):
Lower beam: Domino Clamps combined with Vertical Bolt Plates 
Upper beam: Two Domino Clamps and two angle brackets.
(Optional) Support your horizontal members using our roof brackets

If attaching to the side of the side rail (steel tube / scaffolding):
Lower beam: Domino Clamps and Horizontal parallel tube clamps, supported with Roof brackets and horizontal tube
Upper beam: Two Domino Clamps and two angle brackets.

Recommended guides

 

3 Double-pitched roof


What it is

A double-pitched, or gable roof, has two slopes meeting at a central ridge. It creates a more traditional building profile and can be built over a single container or to cover a wider area. It can also span a gap between two parallel containers, forming a large covered central space with a ridge running along the middle. This creates a wide, sheltered area similar to a barn or workshop hall.

When to use it

This roof type works well when you want strong water and snow shedding, more internal headroom, or a more finished, architectural look. It’s especially useful in wet or snowy climates where creating steeper roof angles help keep the roof clear of snow. A gable roof also suits projects where you may eventually enclose the sides for a workshop or additional storage.

A double-pitched roof between two containers can create a substantial workspace, storage area, or semi-enclosed building between two containers. It works well for projects where the central area is just as important as the containers themselves, such as workshops, garages, agricultural spaces, or large gathering areas. The two containers act as the side “walls,” reducing the amount of framing required.

Pros

  • Excellent runoff for rain and snow
  • Creates more headroom or usable volume
  • Visually appealing, especially for residential-style builds
  • Can feel more “permanent” or building-like
  • Suitable for adding partial or full side walls later

Cons

  • Significantly more complex build than a single-pitch roof
  • Ridge alignment and truss installation require planning
  • Large span requires stronger trusses or framing
  • Higher overall cost, build time and engineering considerations
  • Tall structure increases wind exposure

Getting started with construction

This method can be used with a range of materials, including timber/wood, steel sections, Unistrut, or steel tube. 

Primary structural members needed
  • Horizontal roof beams along the lengths of the containers
  • (optional) Horizontal roof beams between the containers

The horizontal members can either be located on the top side rail of the container, or bolt along the side of the side rail of the container. 

Product suggestions

Side beams: Domino Clamps combined with Vertical Bolt Plates or angle brackets.

(Optional) Queen Posts: Vertical posts bolted directly to two Domino Clamps. 

Recommended guides

Watch Larry from Live in a container's very useful animated video on creating a pitched roof between two containers


 

4 Awning / Lean-to / Canopy


What it is

An awning, lean-to, or canopy is a single-slope roof attached to the side or top of a container, extending outward to create sheltered space beside the container rather than over it.

When to use it

Choose this option when you need simple shade or weather protection without fully roofing the container. It’s ideal for tool storage, covered working areas, bike/vehicle parking, or temporary shelter. Lean-tos are also useful when you want to expand usable space without adding weight directly onto the container roof.

Pros

  • Very quick and inexpensive to build
  • Minimal materials required
  • Great for shade, side protection, and small workspaces
  • Uses the container as one structural side, reducing structural needs

Cons

  • Only protects one side of the container
  • Covered area is left exposed on 3 sides
  • Limited headroom depending on slope angle.
  • Needs secure attachment on down-ward side to resist uplift

Getting started with construction

This method can be used with a range of materials, including timber/wood, steel sections, or steel tube. 

Primary structural members needed
  • Horizontal roof beam along the length of the container
  • Vertical Post to support the downward side of the awning. 

The horizontal members can either be located on the top side rail of the container, or bolt along the side of the side rail of the container. 

Product suggestions

Side beams: Domino Clamps combined with Vertical Bolt Plates or angle brackets.

Recommended guides

 

5 Flat roofs & roof decks


What it is

A flat roof can mean two different things: using the container’s existing steel roof with a protective covering, or building a new flat deck/terrace structure on top of the container. The original container roof is slightly corrugated and not designed to carry significant loads. It will flex, bend and be noisy to walk on, as well as slippery when wet. A constructed roof deck uses an additional frame to create a stable, usable space that can be walked on safely. 

When to use it

A flat roof deck makes sense when you want a simple protective layer or when you’re aiming to create extra usable outdoor space, such as a viewing deck, seating area, or platform for solar panels. It’s also a good option when height restrictions prevent pitched roofs, or when you prefer a modern, minimalist look. If your main goal is a walkable surface or heavy loads, you’ll need a framed deck rather than relying on the container roof alone.

Pros

  • Low overall height, ideal for restricted sites
  • Clean, modern look
  • Walkable decks provide valuable extra space
  • Simple to integrate solar panels or railings on a framed deck

Cons

  • The container’s original roof cannot support significant weight
  • Poor water runoff if not built with a slight pitch.
  • Walkable decks require careful load planning and solid framing
  • Can be prone to water pooling without good drainage

Getting started with construction

This method is best built using wood, steel, or both

Primary structural members needed
  • Horizontal beams around the edges of the container
  • and/or Vertical posts up the sides of the containers, which can also serve as support for a guardrail.
  • (Optional) Vertical Post to support any overhanging sections. 

The horizontal members can either be located on the top side rail of the container, or bolt along the side of the side rail of the container. 

Product suggestions

Side beams: Domino Clamps combined with Vertical Bolt Plates or angle brackets.

Recommended guides

 

Step 3: How to safely support and attach your roof

Once you’ve chosen a roof type, the next step is making sure it’s securely supported and safely attached to your container.

Here are the 3 key considerations to think through before you begin your design:

1. How and where to place your main beams (timber or steel)

You can attach your beams either along the top edge of the container or along the side.

  • Top of the container:
    This is the stronger position and allows you to support the roof continuously along the container’s top rail. This usually involves mounting a beam onto Domino Clamps using angle brackets or vertical bolt plates.

    The Angle bracket holds the structural beams a little higher than the corner casting. It may therefore need supporting underneath along the span of the container.

    The vertical bolt plate offers a few more options for the positioning and the size of your structural members.
  • Side of the container:
    This can be more convenient and gives you a wider support position, but longer beams may need additional mid-span support. Roof brackets are commonly used for this purpose.


  • Vertically to the container.
    You can easily bolt structural posts and beams directly to the Domino Clamp itself. With careful use of the vertical bolt plate, you can use this to make it easier to attach both horizontal beams and vertical posts to the container at the same time.

 

2. What material you want to use

Each material works differently with container attachments, and each affects how the roof is framed.

3. Whether you plan to clad the roof or sides

If you plan to add cladding (either roof sheets or side panels), you will typically want your beams on top of the container rather than the side. This gives you cleaner lines for fixing purlins and panels, and works well with angle brackets mounted on Domino Clamps.
Link to cladding

Step 4: Which products to use for your roof build?

Most of our customers’ container roof projects rely on a few key components. These fittings make it possible to attach timber, steel, or tube framing securely to the container without drilling or welding.

What you’ll need (and how many) depends on your roof type, your framing material, and your overall design (to be defined as you think through steps 1 to 3).

Here are the components our customers use most often for their roof builds:

Domino Clamp front View  


Domino Clamps

The main attachment point for mounting beams, brackets, or steelwork to the container’s corner castings. Strong, removable, and suitable for both top-rail and side-mount setups.

Shipping Container Mounting Angle Bracket For Structural Timber or Steel


Angle brackets

Used with Domino Clamps when you want to fix beams on top of the container. Useful e.g. for single-pitch roofs, gable roofs, and creating a level starting point for roof decks.

Shipping Container Roof Bracket


Roof brackets

Provide mid-span support when beams run along the container’s side rather than the top. Common for lean-tos, simple shed roofs, and any design that needs extra vertical support on the container wall.

Base Flange tube clamp 48mm with kickplate with horizontal tube attached


Pipe and tube clamps

For projects built with scaffold tube or steel pipe. Suitable for lightweight canopies, awnings, and quick-to-assemble tubular frames.


Vertical bolt plate

The Vertical Bolt Plate extends the versatility of Domino Clamps by providing a robust steel fixing plate that projects upward from the container corner casting for attaching various sized wooden or steel beams to the top of the container.


See more brackets and accessories in our shop.

 

Step 5: Avoid common mistakes

Even with a simple roof design, there are a few common pitfalls worth keeping in mind. These points will help you plan a safer, longer-lasting structure without compromising your container. These are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Relying on the container’s roof sheet for structural support.
    The corrugated steel top is not designed to carry additional loads. Keep loads bearing on strong points of the container (top rail, corner castings). When in doubt about loads (especially walkable decks), consider speaking with a local engineer.
  • Drilling or welding into the container.
    Permanent modifications reduce structural integrity and future resale value. Use non-permanent, bolt-on attachment methods wherever possible.
  • Not properly planning for drainage
    Every roof, even “flat” ones, needs a way for water to move away from the container.
  • Underestimating wind and uplift forces.
    Container roofs are often exposed. In exposed or high-wind areas, consider whether a steeper pitch or stronger framing is appropriate, and add enough fixings
  • Placing beams mid-wall on the container side without extra support.
    Long side spans typically need intermediate support such as roof brackets.
  • Not planning the build sequence.
    Sketching the order of beams, brackets, and roof panels can prevent rework later.

Extra tip: Document your design and take photos during the build - helpful for maintenance, insurance, and resale.

Conclusion & what to do now

Now that you know the main roof types and how to attach them safely, the next step is to plan your build.

  • We recommend to work through the steps in this guide (Step 1–5) to clarify your goals, choose a roof style and materials, and decide how you’ll support it.
  • If you want examples or help choosing materials, start with the links in Step 2 (Roof types). They show real builds and practical tips for each roof type and attachment method.

If you have questions or want to share your project, leave a comment below.

Other helpful guides

These articles go deeper into specific roof types, attachment methods, and real-world examples. They’ll help you explore different ways to attach your roof, see how other customers have built theirs, and choose the right components for your own design.

 

FAQ

If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below this article.

How can I attach a roof structure to a shipping container?

Avoid drilling or welding where possible, they can compromise the container’s structural integrity and watertightness. Using clamp-based, bolt-on methods keep the container unmodified and the roof can be adjusted or removed later. For instructions see the “Further Reading” section of this article.

What kind of roof can I build using Domino Clamps?

Domino Clamps let you attach timber, steel, or tube frameworks to the container without permanent changes. They’re used in a wide range of projects, from simple lean-tos to full spans between two containers, to roof decks. To see real examples, browse our case studies.

What materials work best for a container roof?

Timber and steel are the most common choices. Timber is easy to work with and good for DIY builds. Steel is durable and suitable for long-term or heavier-duty structures. Both can be mounted to the container using clamp-based fixings. The right choice depends on your climate, loads, and preferred look.

How many roof brackets do I need?

There’s no fixed number, as every roof design is different. The roof brackets aren’t load-rated, so you should space and size your supports based on your own framing design. In this roof-truss example video, they’re spaced roughly every two feet, but that’s simply one project, not a rule.

What load capacity should I plan for?

A roof carries both the weight of the materials (dead load) and the forces from wind, snow, or people if it’s walkable (live load). Check the specifications of the materials you plan to use and look up local wind and snow requirements. For larger spans or decks, it’s best to have an engineer confirm your design.

How do I deal with drainage and waterproofing?

Every roof needs a clear way for water to escape. Even “flat” roofs should have a slight pitch, or use gutters and downpipes. Think about where you want the water to go — away from entrances, walkways, or where it could splash against the container walls.

Should I use a roof kit or build a custom container roof?

It depends on your goal. Sets are quicker and come with predefined parts, but offer limited versatility. Custom builds take more planning but can be tailored to your exact layout, spacing, and loads. This guide focuses on helping you plan a custom design, as many container setups are unique.

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