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From standard container solutions to expert conversions, modifications, repairs and modular buildings – S Jones covers it all. We also provide industry-leading services for self-storage operators. Explore what’s possible by choosing a service on the left.
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From small to large-scale storage, find the ideal shipping container to suit your needs at a competitive price.
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Discover our huge range of storage containers for hire, plus welfare and workspace units that provide quick and easy site solutions.
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We’re a trusted provider of standard and bespoke container conversions, designed for industrial, commercial, and specialist applications.
Modular Buildings
Engineered for fast installation and long-term performance, our modular buildings provide flexible space solutions for every sector.
Shipping Container Modifications
From insulation to electrics and security upgrades, we provide tailored container modifications that transform standard units into practical, high-performance spaces.
Shipping Container Repairs
On-site container repairs and restoration that reduce downtime and save you money.
Standard Container Conversions
Discover our range of ready-made offices, chemical stores and topper containers - professionally converted, and available for rapid turnaround.
StoragePro
Container sales paired with expert support give you everything you need to start or grow a successful self storage site. Explore our Core, Plus and Ultimate packages and scale with confidence.
Shipping Container Finance
Take advantage of flexible finance options for bulk orders through Approved Business Finance. Your streamlined, stress-free purchase is only a click away.
Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is a high-strength alloy widely used in the manufacture of shipping containers due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to perform in harsh environments. It is a key material behind the strength and longevity of containers used across Great Britain for storage, transport, and conversion projects.
Originally developed in the 1930s by the United States Steel Corporation, Corten steel was designed to eliminate the need for regular maintenance and protective coatings. Its name is derived from its two defining properties: corrosion resistance and tensile strength. These characteristics make it particularly well suited to applications where steel is exposed to the elements over long periods.
What sets Corten steel apart from standard carbon steel is its ability to form a protective oxidised layer, known as a patina. When exposed to oxygen and moisture, the surface of the steel reacts to create this stable outer layer.
Unlike traditional rust, which continues to degrade the material, the patina formed on Corten steel acts as a barrier. It prevents further corrosion by stopping moisture and air from penetrating deeper into the metal. This means that while the surface may appear weathered, the structural integrity of the steel remains intact.
For shipping containers, this is critical. Containers are frequently exposed to challenging conditions, including heavy rain, wind, temperature fluctuations, and, in many cases, marine environments. Corten steel ensures that containers can withstand these conditions while maintaining their strength and reliability.
Shipping containers are designed to transport goods globally and to perform reliably in demanding environments. The use of Corten steel provides several advantages that make this possible.
Its corrosion resistance helps extend the lifespan of containers, even when used outdoors for long periods. This is particularly important for storage applications where containers remain exposed to the elements year-round.
Its strength and durability allow containers to withstand heavy loads, impacts during transportation, and stacking in ports and on-site locations. This structural performance is essential for both shipping and static use.
Corten steel also requires minimal maintenance. Unlike other materials, it does not need regular painting or treatment to prevent deterioration, making it a cost-effective solution over time.
Corten steel offers several practical benefits that contribute to the performance of shipping containers:
Corrosion resistance ensures that containers remain structurally sound even in harsh weather conditions. The protective patina prevents ongoing deterioration and reduces the risk of damage.
Durability allows containers to withstand physical stress, making them suitable for both transport and long-term storage. This makes them a reliable option across a wide range of industries.
Low maintenance requirements reduce ongoing costs. The natural protective layer removes the need for frequent repainting or treatment, saving time and resources.
Aesthetic appeal is also a factor in some applications. The weathered appearance of Corten steel has become popular in architecture and design, although for containers it is primarily valued for performance.
While Corten steel is highly effective, there are some considerations to be aware of. During the early stages of the weathering process, runoff from the oxidised surface can cause staining on surrounding materials such as concrete or paving.
This can be managed through proper planning, including drainage design, positioning of the container, or applying protective coatings where required. Once the patina has stabilised, the level of runoff typically reduces.
Corten steel is not only suitable for standard containers but also provides an excellent foundation for container conversions. Its strength allows for structural modifications such as adding doors, windows, and internal fit-outs without compromising integrity.
This makes it ideal for creating workshops, laboratories, plant rooms, and storage units. The durability of the material ensures that converted containers can perform reliably in demanding environments, while the flexibility of the structure allows for highly customised solutions.
For projects that require both strength and adaptability, Corten steel provides a dependable base.
The use of Corten steel is a key reason why shipping containers have become such a versatile and widely used solution. It combines durability, corrosion resistance, and flexibility, allowing containers to be used across industries ranging from logistics and construction to research and infrastructure.
At S Jones Containers, we supply and convert containers built from Corten steel because it delivers consistent performance in real-world conditions. Whether you need a standard unit for storage or a bespoke conversion tailored to your requirements, Corten steel provides the strength and reliability your project depends on.
If you’re looking for shipping containers or container conversions, speak to S Jones Containers today. Our team can help you select the right solution and ensure your container is built to perform in the environments that matter most.
Absolutely. In fact, Corten steel is one of the main reasons shipping containers are so well suited to conversion projects. Its structural strength allows experienced engineers to install doors, windows, ventilation systems, insulation and internal fit-outs while maintaining the container’s overall integrity.
This flexibility has led to shipping containers being transformed into everything from mobile laboratories and workshops to battery storage units, plant rooms, and offices. Because the steel has already been designed to withstand significant loading during transport, it provides a robust platform for highly specialised commercial and industrial applications.
At S Jones Containers, our in-house Conversions Division designs and manufactures bespoke container solutions for clients across sectors including energy, education, utilities, research and manufacturing. Every project begins with understanding the customer’s operational requirements before developing a conversion that combines functionality, durability and long-term performance.
Whether you’re looking for a simple equipment enclosure or a complex engineered facility, a Corten steel container provides a dependable foundation that can be adapted to meet your exact specification.
Shipping containers are manufactured from Corten steel because it offers an exceptional combination of strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Unlike ordinary carbon steel, Corten steel forms a stable protective layer, known as a patina, when exposed to oxygen and moisture. This weathered surface slows the corrosion process and helps protect the steel beneath, making it ideally suited to containers that spend years outdoors or travel across harsh marine environments.
For businesses investing in a shipping container for storage, hire or conversion, this means greater longevity and lower maintenance over the lifetime of the container. Whether a container is being used on a construction site, at a manufacturing facility or as part of a self storage operation, Corten steel provides the structural performance needed to withstand demanding conditions. Its strength also makes it an excellent material for modifying containers without compromising their integrity, allowing them to be converted into workshops, laboratories, plant rooms and many other specialist facilities.
At S Jones Containers, we use Corten steel containers because they provide the reliability our customers expect. By combining high-quality containers with expert engineering and fabrication, we deliver solutions that are designed to perform for many years, whatever the application.
One of the biggest advantages of a Corten steel shipping container is its long service life. When manufactured to ISO standards and properly maintained, a shipping container can remain structurally sound for decades. The exact lifespan depends on factors such as the environment it is used in, how frequently it is moved, and whether any damage is repaired promptly, but Corten steel’s corrosion-resistant properties help maximise its longevity.
Unlike standard steel, Corten develops a protective patina that slows further corrosion. This makes it particularly effective for containers that remain outdoors throughout the year, even in challenging weather conditions. Regular inspections, keeping drainage channels clear, repairing accidental damage and addressing any areas where moisture may become trapped will all help extend the life of a container even further.
Whether you’re purchasing a container for secure storage, hiring one for a temporary project or investing in a bespoke conversion, choosing a container manufactured from Corten steel provides confidence that it has been built for long-term performance. Combined with appropriate maintenance, it remains one of the most durable and cost-effective storage solutions available.
This is one of the most common questions people ask when they first see a shipping container. The simple answer is yes, but not in the way many people think.
Corten steel is designed to develop a rust-coloured surface as part of its normal weathering process. This outer layer is called a patina, and unlike conventional rust, it protects the steel underneath rather than weakening it. As the patina develops, it slows further corrosion and helps preserve the structural integrity of the container.
However, Corten steel is not completely immune to deterioration. If water is allowed to collect for prolonged periods, particularly in areas where drainage is poor or moisture becomes trapped, corrosion can continue beyond the protective layer. Regular inspections and routine maintenance are therefore important, especially for containers used in demanding environments.
Understanding the difference between surface weathering and structural corrosion helps explain why Corten steel has remained the preferred material for shipping containers for decades. A professionally maintained Corten steel container offers exceptional durability while requiring significantly less maintenance than many alternative materials.
