10ft Wide Shipping Containers: Extra Wide New Build Options (WideLine)

Friday 1 December 2023
Updated: Monday 9 February 2026
Filed in: General

If an 8ft wide container feels tight once you add shelving, lining, or a workbench, a 10ft wide new build can be a game changer. We break down the options, sizes, delivery considerations, and popular upgrades. See the main range here: Extra Wide new build containers.

Have you ever tried squeezing something bulky through a standard container doorway and thought, "Nope, not today"? Maybe it's a pallet that keeps catching, a wide bit of machinery, or just the realisation that once you add racking and a workbench, an 8ft wide container suddenly feels… tiny. Does that feel familiar?

That's exactly why extra wide shipping containers have become such a popular ask lately. And honestly, it makes total sense. With projects moving in fits and starts, budgets staying tight, and lead times still a big deal for many sites, people want space that's quick to deploy but doesn't feel like you're working inside a narrow tube. Early 2026 has been a bit like that across construction in general: things are showing signs of stabilising, but cost pressure is still very real, so the appeal of "fast, flexible, and built to last" is not going away any time soon.

If you want the full overview and current models in one place, this is your main hub: Extra Wide Shipping Containers.

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Why most containers are 8ft wide (and why that can be annoying)

Most "standard" shipping containers are built to international ISO dimensions, so they can be stacked, lifted, and transported reliably around the world. In plain English, that's why you keep seeing the same widths everywhere. The catch is that what works brilliantly for shipping does not always work brilliantly for real-life storage and workspace needs.

If you're curious, these guides are handy: shipping container dimensions and standard shipping container sizes.

Now picture this: you've got a perfectly good 20ft container, but the moment you add shelving along one side, the walkway narrows. Add a bench, a toolbox, maybe some ply lining, and suddenly you're doing that sideways shuffle just to get past your own kit. That's usually the moment people start asking about extra width.

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Options explained: pallet wide vs 10ft wide new builds vs joined containers

Before you jump straight to 10ft wide, it helps to know what the main options actually are. There's a lot of "wide" terminology floating around, and it's easy to mix it up.

Option	Typical width	Best for	Watch-outs
Standard container	8ft	General storage, simple access	Feels tight once fitted out
Pallet wide	Slightly wider than standard (example: 8ft 4in)	Small extra width for pallet logistics	Not the same as true extra wide space
10ft wide new build (WideLine)	10ft wide	Workshops, wide machinery, garages, easier movement	Delivery and access should be checked
Joined containers	Very wide spaces (16ft+ and beyond)	Large rooms, offices, classrooms, big garage builds	Built as a system and joined on site

Links that help you compare:

• Pallet wide example (40ft)
• Extra wide new builds (WideLine)
• Joined containers for very wide spaces

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What you actually gain with a 10ft wide container

On paper, "2ft wider" sounds like it shouldn't matter that much. In real life, it's the difference between "this will do" and "this actually works".

• Loading is calmer: fewer awkward angles, fewer knocks and scrapes, less wrestling with wide items.
• Fit-out becomes practical: shelving, lining, electrics, benches, and you still have breathing room.
• It feels like a workspace: especially for workshops, garages, plant rooms, and retail-style setups.

If you're looking at specific models, here are a couple of common starting points: 15ft x 10ft WideLine and 20ft x 10ft WideLine.

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Choosing the right WideLine size (quick guide)

Here's the "over-coffee" version of how most people choose a size:

• 15ft x 10ft: you need width, but you're tight on overall footprint.
• 20ft x 10ft: the all-rounder. Storage, workshop, wide loads. It just fits a lot of use cases.
• 30ft x 10ft: you want zones, like "work here, store there".
• 40ft x 10ft: big capacity and long layouts, ideal for workflow and bulk storage.

If you want to browse the models in one place, start here: Extra Wide Shipping Containers.

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Delivery and access: the bit nobody wants to think about (but should)

Extra width is brilliant, but it does mean you want to take site access seriously. The simple checks are: the approach route, turning space, overhead restrictions, and where the lorry and crane need to sit while placing the unit. If you've got a narrow lane, tight gate, or you're placing behind a building, it's worth talking it through before ordering.

And if your real goal is "massive internal width" rather than "one-piece wide", this is where joined containers shine: joining containers on site. You can build up very wide spaces without trying to deliver an extremely wide single unit.

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Options, extras, and upgrades that make the extra width really pay off

This is the fun bit. A wide shell is great, but the right upgrades turn it into a proper working unit. These are some of the most common add-ons people choose for extra wide containers:

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Case study spotlight: an 11ft wide retail showroom (bespoke extra wide)

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FAQ

Is a 10ft wide container the same as pallet wide?

No. Pallet wide is typically a modest increase over standard width, designed around pallet logistics. A 10ft wide new build is a true extra wide format with much more usable internal space. If you want to compare, see: pallet wide versus extra wide new builds.

How wide can you go?

We build bespoke extra wide new builds from 9ft up to 12ft wide. Beyond that, delivery becomes more complex. For very wide spaces, joined containers are usually the smarter route: joined containers.

Do I need planning permission?

It depends on use and your local authority. Many customers choose container-based buildings because they can be a flexible alternative to permanent construction. If planning is a concern, it's always worth checking early. This blog may help: planning permission for a garage.

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