20ft High Cube Shipping Containers for Sale
Same 150-sq-ft footprint as the standard 20, with a full extra foot of exterior wall - Aurora's smartest pick for compact backyard studios.
The 20ft High Cube splits the difference perfectly: it keeps the small footprint that fits tight Aurora and Stapleton lots, but adds a full 12 inches of exterior wall over the standard 20. That extra height is what makes a finished interior actually pleasant to occupy. After 2 inches of closed-cell roof foam and a finished floor, you walk into roughly an 8-foot ceiling instead of the cramped 7'2" of the Standard 20.
For Front Range customers building a backyard office they actually want to spend the workday in, a music or art studio, or a compact ADU on an infill lot, this is the size we point them at first. The premium over a Standard 20 is real but small - typically a few hundred dollars at any given condition grade - and the difference in finished feel is dramatic.
The HC variant uses identical foundations, identical delivery clearances, and identical permit pathways as a Standard 20. The only real consideration is the 9'6" exterior height - worth checking against your HOA’s accessory-structure height envelope before committing.
Hard Numbers for the 20ft High Cube
Precise ISO measurements your architect, framer, and Aurora plan-checker will all ask for.
| Measurement | Imperial | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| External (L × W × H) | 20' × 8' × 9'6" | ISO standard envelope |
| Internal (L × W × H) | 19'4" × 7'8" × 8'10" | Before insulation & finish |
| Door opening (W × H) | 7'8" × 8'5" | Double cargo doors |
| Floor area | 146 sq ft | Marine-grade plywood floor |
| Tare weight (empty) | ~5,2,9,0 lbs | Affects foundation & delivery |
| Cubic capacity | 1,326 cu ft | |
| After insulation & finish | ~135 sq ft | ~8'0" headroom |
20ft High Cube Grades In Stock
One footprint, four price tiers - pick the grade that matches your build.
Premium builds
Almost new. One overseas voyage, then retired for sale.
View DetailsBest value for most projects
CSC-inspected for international shipping. The sweet spot for builds.
View DetailsBudget builds
Dry inside but not export-rated. Strong choice for storage and rougher builds.
View DetailsHow the Four Sizes Stack Up
Pick the footprint and ceiling that fits the build.
| Feature | 20ft STD | 20ft HC | 40ft STD | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor area | 146 sq ft | 146 sq ft | 304 sq ft | 304 sq ft |
| External height | 8'6" | 9'6" | 8'6" | 9'6" |
| Ceiling after insulation | 7'0" | 8'0" | 7'0" | 8'0" |
| Cubic capacity | 1,172 cu ft | 1,326 cu ft | 2,389 cu ft | 2,700 cu ft |
| Tare weight | 5,0,5,0 lbs | 5,2,9,0 lbs | 8,1,6,0 lbs | 8,7,7,5 lbs |
| From price (CW) | $1,4,5,0 | $1,7,5,0 | $2,1,0,0 | $2,4,5,0 |
What Aurora Owners Build with a 20ft HC
A few of the projects this footprint handles well.
Backyard office (premium)
Tiny home studio
Comfortable workshop
Layouts That Work Inside a 20ft HC
Tried-and-true plans local builders pull off the shelf.
Open Studio
Best for guest space, Airbnb, simple cabin builds.
1-Bedroom Tiny Home
ADU, full-time tiny living, family guest house.
Workshop + Office (Dual Use)
Hobby shop, garage bay, dedicated WFH space.
20ft HC Buyer Questions
How much site clearance do I need to deliver a 20ft HC?
For tilt-bed delivery we need straight clearance of roughly 50 feet and at least 14 feet overhead. Tight Aurora lots can usually be handled by flatbed + crane - we'll evaluate during the quote.
Do I need a permit in Aurora for a 20ft HC?
Pure storage on private property usually doesn't, but anything habitable (ADU, office with utilities) goes through Aurora Planning. The 8'6" / 9'6" exterior height matters for accessory-structure caps.
What foundation should I use?
Concrete piers at the four corner castings are the cheapest code-friendly option for the Front Range. Gravel pads work for storage; slabs are overkill for most container projects.
How long does delivery take?
Most Front Range deliveries land within 3–7 business days of order. Long-haul out of state takes longer - we'll quote the timeline with the price.
Can I see the actual unit before buying?
Yes - the Aurora yard is open Mon–Fri for scheduled walk-throughs. Email us to set a time.
Want Numbers on a 20ft HC?
Drop your ZIP and we'll send pricing plus a delivered total anywhere in the Aurora delivery radius.