Lesson 4.2: How to Frame

Once your container is placed and your openings are cut, it’s time to tackle one of the most critical steps in any container modification: framing the interior. Whether you're adding insulation, building partition walls, or mounting interior finishes, your framing system forms the foundation of everything that comes next.

Strut Framing

Step 1: Install the Tracks

Every great build starts with a solid foundation. Begin by installing both a bottom track and an upper track. These tracks form the base and top reference points for the entire wall system. By using laser alignment, you can ensure that every strut channel will be perfectly parallel. This simple setup eliminates the guesswork and prevents the common problem of walls drifting out of square or forming subtle parallelograms.

Step 2: Add the Strut Channels

With your tracks aligned and secured, it’s time to install the strut channels. These channels act as the vertical framing members, connecting the top and bottom tracks. Thanks to the laser-referenced layout, each strut slots into place with perfect spacing and alignment from floor to ceiling. The result is a neat, consistent wall structure that’s strong, repeatable, and ready for whatever comes next.

Step 3: Take Advantage of Modularity

One of the best features of this system is its modularity. Once the struts are installed, you can bolt almost anything directly to the walls. Electricians can mount conduit and junction boxes with ease, plumbers can attach piping or mechanical systems, and builders can quickly add shelves, cabinetry, or panels. The strut channels function like a built-in mounting grid that simplifies every trade’s job.

Step 4: Insulate and Finish

After the framing is complete, apply spray foam insulation throughout the walls. This locks everything together and further strengthens the structure. Once the foam cures, you’ll have a perfectly straight surface ready for interior finishing, whether that’s drywall, plywood, or composite panels. The result is a clean, professional interior that’s built on a rock-solid frame.

Wood Stud Framing

Step 1: Understand the Bracket Design

The key to this system is the laser-cut folded bracket. Every detail, from the holes to the flanges and notches, serves a specific purpose. These brackets take the guesswork out of framing and make installation incredibly efficient. As we install the first two-by-four across the ceiling, you’ll see exactly how these brackets work and why they do all the thinking for you.

Step 2: Install the First Bracket

Begin by placing the first bracket tight against the end wall corner casting. From there, continue working toward the container doors, spacing each bracket 24 inches on center. This spacing ensures proper load distribution and consistent alignment across the ceiling.

Step 3: Attach the Brackets

The installation process is straightforward. Align the center slot of each bracket with your layout mark, then use self-tapping screws to secure it to the 60-millimeter tubing in the container ceiling. The bracket design allows you to position everything accurately without the need for additional jigs or measuring templates.

Step 4: Measure and Cut the Studs

Each bracket includes a laser-etched notch that acts as your measuring reference. Hook your tape measure into that notch, span across to the opposite bracket, and take your measurement. For a 20-foot container, the span typically measures 89½ inches. Cut your two-by-four to that length. Leaving about a half-inch of space on each end allows spray foam insulation to reach behind the studs. This reduces thermal bridging since wood is porous and can transfer moisture if it is tight against the steel walls.

Step 5: Secure the Studs

Slide your cut stud into place and fasten it using standard wood screws. Each bracket has holes at both the top and bottom, which lock the stud firmly in place and prevent twisting. Once secured, you’ll notice a small gap behind the stud. This gap is intentional and helps with insulation and airflow.

Step 6: Take Advantage of the Bracket Design

These brackets have several smart features. The screw holes are offset from side to side, so when you fasten both ends, your screws never collide. You can safely use all four screws per bracket for maximum strength. Another benefit is that the bracket defines your wall plane. Even if you plan to use insulation such as mineral wool and add two inches of rigid foam, the bracket ensures your wall finishes remain perfectly aligned and spaced from the container surface. This setup gives you a continuous vapor barrier and a clean, even wall.

Step 7: Choose Your Interior Finish

This system allows for flexibility in how you finish your walls. If you are using the space for storage or shelving, you can continue framing with wood two-by-fours on one side. This allows you to mount shelves or cabinets without drilling through the container’s steel walls. If you are creating a more livable or workspace area, consider using steel studs along the side walls. Inch-and-five-eighths studs offer a slimmer profile, preserving interior width while still supporting drywall or panel finishes. They pair perfectly with the wood ceiling brackets.

For maximum interior width, some builders experiment with tucking the steel studs directly into the container’s corrugations. It may create a slightly flexible wall but provides the widest usable space, which is ideal for self-storage facilities or side-by-side container builds that require fire-rated separation walls.

Step 8: Adapt Materials for Your Environment

If you are working in a humid climate, you can replace the wood with composite lumber. Composite materials resist rot and mold while maintaining the stiffness and strength of wood. This makes them a smart choice for environments where moisture or condensation might be a concern.

Hybrid Framing

Some builders use a combination of steel studs on exterior walls (for moisture/fire resistance), and wood studs on interior walls (for easier finishing or nailing surfaces).