HG Prefab foldable expandable container homes ship flat and unfold on site in hours.
One question we hear more than any other is: "Which size should I buy — 20FT, 30FT or 40FT?" It is also the most important question, because the size of your container home drives everything else: floor area, layout options, shipping cost, site requirements and total budget.
HG Prefab builds foldable expandable container homes in three standard sizes. All three share the same steel-frame construction, fold-flat shipping and rapid on-site assembly — but each one suits a different kind of project. Here is a straight comparison to help you decide.
Quick Comparison: 20FT vs 30FT vs 40FT
| 20FT | 30FT | 40FT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor area | ~36 m² / 388 ft² | ~56 m² / 603 ft² | ~76 m² / 818 ft² |
| Typical bedrooms | 1–2 | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| Best for | Site cabins, tiny homes, ADUs | Family homes, guest houses, offices | Luxury villas, resorts, large families |
| Starting price | $7,200 | $10,500 | $12,500 |
| Shipping | Folds to a 20FT container | Folds to a 30FT footprint | Folds to a 40FT container |
| Setup time on site | Hours | Hours | Hours |
Prices above are base prices — interior layout, door and window positions, exterior color, flooring, electrical standard and optional extras such as solar packages or steel stairs are all customizable. Request a quote for your configuration.
20FT Expandable Container Home — compact and budget-friendly
The 20FT is the entry model of the range, unfolding to roughly 36 m² of usable space. It is small enough to feel like a well-planned studio or one-bedroom home, yet large enough for a couple or a single worker to live in comfortably.
Who should choose the 20FT?
- Construction site accommodation — durable, weatherproof and quick to relocate.
- Tiny homes and backyard ADUs — many jurisdictions allow a 20FT unit without a full building permit.
- Emergency and remote housing — the lightest option to transport and the easiest to handle on site.
- Budget projects — the lowest starting price of the three sizes.
Because a 20FT folds to exactly one standard 20FT container, shipping is efficient: two units can fit in a single 40HQ container, cutting per-unit freight significantly on larger orders. See the 20FT model page for the full specification.
30FT Expandable Container Home — the balanced all-rounder
The 30FT is our most popular size for residential use. It opens to about 56 m², which is enough for a proper two-bedroom layout with a living area, kitchen and bathroom — no compromises.
Who should choose the 30FT?
- Family homes and granny flats — a real two-bedroom floor plan in one unit.
- Home offices or workshops — plenty of open-plan space with room to customize.
- Guest houses and rental units — good value per square meter.
- Farm and rural buildings — spacious, robust and relocatable.
If you plan to live in the home full-time, the 30FT is usually the sweet spot between space and cost. See the 30FT model page for the full specification.
40FT Expandable Container Home — maximum space and premium comfort
The 40FT is the flagship of the range, unfolding to about 76 m². With three to four bedrooms possible, it behaves like a conventional house — which is why it is the go-to choice for premium projects.
Who should choose the 40FT?
- Resorts, glamping sites and holiday parks — premium cabins that attract higher nightly rates.
- Large families — multiple bedrooms plus living and kitchen space.
- Permanent homes — when the unit becomes the main residence, not a temporary shelter.
- Two-story configurations — the 40FT footprint supports a stacked design with an external staircase.
Note that a 40FT folds to a standard 40FT container, so it ships as a full container load. See the 40FT model page for the full specification.
Beyond size: 4 more things to consider
- Site access and ground prep. All three sizes need level ground and a clear path for delivery. Check gate widths, overhead cables and crane access before ordering.
- Local building regulations. Some regions classify container homes as temporary structures, others require permits. Always check with your local authority — and confirm whether your site allows a 40FT footprint.
- Shipping distance and port. Freight from China to your nearest port is calculated on container volume. In many cases ordering two 20FT units in one 40HQ container costs less than shipping two separately.
- Customization. Interior layout, windows, doors, exterior finish, solar options — all three sizes can be tailored to your climate and taste. Customization changes the final price, which is why we quote per configuration.
Bottom line
Choose the 20FT for compact, budget-conscious projects and site cabins; the 30FT for comfortable two-bedroom living; the 40FT for maximum space, premium finishes and hospitality use. If you are still unsure, tell us your site, headcount and budget — we will recommend the right model.
Not sure which size fits your project?
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