Standard container or high cube: which to choose for your project?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. And we understand why — on paper, the difference seems minimal. 30 centimeters of height, that's all. But in practice, these 30 centimeters can completely change your experience depending on what you want to do with your container. We explain everything so you can make the right choice from the start.
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1. The only real difference: 30 centimeters
Technically, a standard container and a high cube container are identical in all respects except one: height.
| Feature | Standard | High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Height | 2.59 m | 2.89 m |
| Interior Height | 2.39 m | 2.69 m |
| Length | Same | Same |
| Width | Same | Same |
| Structure | Corten Steel | Corten Steel |
These extra 30 centimeters translate into a significant gain in volume. For a 20-foot container, you go from approximately 33 m³ to 37 m³. For a 40-foot container, from 67 m³ to 76 m³. It may seem small, but when it comes to living or working space, every centimeter counts.
2. When a standard container is perfectly sufficient
Honestly, in many cases, a standard container does the job perfectly. Here's when we recommend it without hesitation:
Storage of goods — If you're storing pallets, equipment, tools, or various goods, the extra height of the high cube offers no real advantage. The standard already provides 2.39 m of interior height — ample for stacking European pallets.
International transport — For the transport of goods within the European Union, the standard remains the benchmark. It is compatible with all handling equipment without exception.
Tight budget — The standard is generally less expensive than the high cube — between 10% and 15% difference depending on the size and condition. If every euro counts, this is a strong argument.
Stacking height — If you plan to stack multiple containers, the standard may be easier to manage depending on the total height allowed on your site.
3. When the high cube truly makes a difference
Conversely, there are situations where these 30 centimeters change everything:
Conversion into an office or dwelling — This is THE use case where the high cube is essential. With 2.69 m of interior height, you gain real comfort once insulation, false ceiling, and equipment are installed. With a standard, you often end up with a ceiling height below 2.20 m after conversion — which is noticeable in daily life.
Storage of bulky goods — If you are storing tall items — industrial shelving, machinery, vertical equipment — the high cube prevents you from having to lay them down or dismantle them.
Commercial projects — A kiosk, shop, or public reception area greatly benefits from this extra height. Your customers will feel less cramped.
Air conditioning and ventilation — For converted containers requiring technical ducts in the ceiling (air conditioning, electricity, plumbing), the high cube offers the necessary space without sacrificing usable height.
4. And what about the price difference?
The price difference between a standard and a high cube container is generally between 10% and 15%, depending on the size and condition of the container.
| Type | Condition | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20-foot Standard | Used | From [PRICE]€ |
| 20-foot High Cube | Used | From [PRICE]€ |
| 40-foot Standard | Used | From [PRICE]€ |
| 40-foot High Cube | Used | From [PRICE]€ |
For a conversion project, this extra cost is generally negligible compared to the overall budget of the work. For simple storage, however, it can represent a significant saving if you opt for the standard.
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5. Our honest opinion, project by project
To help you decide quickly, here's how we reason with our clients based on their situation:
You are setting up a construction site office → Standard is sufficient. No need to pay more for temporary and functional use.
You are creating a living space or an habitable extension → High cube without hesitation. The gained comfort is well worth the extra cost.
You are storing standard professional equipment → Standard. Save your budget for something else.
You are opening a business or a reception area → High cube. Customer experience directly benefits from it.
You have a mixed storage + office project → In this case, it's worth opting for the high cube throughout — consistency also facilitates potential future resale.
6. A question of resale too
A small piece of advice we often give and is easily forgotten: if you plan to resell your container in a few years, the high cube generally resells better. Demand for converted containers continues to grow in Europe, and the high cube is almost always preferred for this type of project. This is a factor to keep in mind if long-term investment matters to you.
