How to Use the Framing Bracket for Shipping Containers

The framing bracket is a steel bracket designed to attach exterior wooden frames, structural posts, and beams to a shipping container using the Domino Clamp system. It allows structural members to be fixed both horizontally and vertically.

In this guide, we explain how the framing bracket works, how it attaches to a Domino Clamp, and the different ways it can be used for building frames, awnings, and other container-mounted structures.

You can find our full range of shipping container brackets here. We provide brackets that can be used for a wide range of attachment types and load requirements.

What Can the Framing Bracket Be Used For?

The framing bracket provides an 8mm thick stainless steel bracket arm that extends out from the container’s corner casting, creating a rigid fixing point for a variety of applications.

When bolted to a Domino Clamp fixed into the container’s corner casting, the framing bracket allows loads to be transferred into the container’s structural frame, rather than into the corrugated walls or roof panels.

Because it can be oriented both horizontally and vertically, it is particularly useful for projects where a frame needs to be built alongside or in front of a shipping container.

Typical applications include:

• Exterior frames
• Lean-to structures
• Awning frames
• Covered walkways
• Vertical posts for lightweight structures
• Horizontal beams for framed builds
• Lightweight roof frames
• Overhanging structures as part of a frame system

How to Install and Use the Framing Bracket

The framing bracket attaches directly to a Domino Clamp and is always used in combination with one. It comes with two M12 set screws and washers to bolt it to the Domino Clamp.

It features five fixing holes, allowing the bracket to be mounted in multiple orientations depending on whether a horizontal beam or vertical post is being attached.

The bracket can be:

• Oriented horizontally to support beams extending outward from the container
• Oriented vertically to attach upright posts or frame members

It can be installed in the top or bottom corner castings of a shipping container, depending on the height and layout of the structure being built.

The framing bracket offers a practical advantage over bolting wood directly to the domino clamp, as the wood can be positioned in place and drilled directly through the bracket holes, then bolted immediately. This removes the need to measure and mark out exact hole positions for the bolts beforehand, as well as eliminating pre-drilling on the ground.

This workflow is significantly quicker and less prone to error, making it well suited for rapid onsite construction works and for users with limited experience in timber frame construction.

Using One or Two Framing Brackets per Clamp

The framing bracket can be used on its own or in pairs, depending on the strength and support required.

Up to two framing brackets can be attached to a single Domino Clamp to create a wider or more rigid fixing point for heavier beams or posts.

This makes it possible to:

• Increase load capacity
• Attach vertical and horizontal members simultaneously
• Improve lateral stability
• Create wider frame connection points
• Support larger wooden sections

If you need to increase the load capacity further you can also bolt directly to the Domino Clamp, or check our articles for different methods of attaching wood or how to attach scaffold tube to a shipping container.

Final Thoughts

The framing bracket is a practical solution for attaching frames and vertical posts to a shipping container without screwing, welding or drilling into the container. It is particularly useful for awnings, lean-to structures, and exterior frame builds.

Further Helpful Links

To compare the framing bracket with other options, take a look at our article on introducing our range of shipping container brackets.

See our full collection of shipping container brackets and adapters in our shop to find the right hardware for your next project.