The short answer? It takes days, not weeks. Most container domes are fully installed within a few days, with smaller shelters taking even less time. There’s no extensive siteworks, minimal trades required, and you’re operational fast.
If you’re planning a project and need a little clarity, then let’s break down what actually happens on site, what affects the igloo setup timeline, and how quickly you can be operational after delivery.
What the container dome installation time looks like
Here’s a realistic timeline from order to operation:
- Dispatch: In-stock domes leave our warehouse within 24 hours of payment, subject to freight availability
- Delivery: Freight timing depends on your location and carrier schedules
- Installation: This is where container domes really shine. Smaller domes are often installed within 1-3 days, while larger spans may extend out to a week depending on your chosen hold-down method and site conditions
Once your shelter arrives on site, you can start straight away. There’s no waiting for builder schedules or juggling multiple trades.
If you choose concrete piers or slab anchoring as your hold-down option, you’ll need to factor in concreting time as the first step. Otherwise, installation can proceed immediately using weight blocks inside your containers.
If you’re wondering whether you should install your container dome yourself or leave it to the pros, give our team a call or check out our full installation overview.
What actually happens during the dome installation process?
Container domes are engineered for fast, repeatable assembly, with two main mounting options: weld mount or twistlock (weld-free).
Here’s what your dome installation process will look like:
Site preparation (Day 1):
- Container fixing prep: If you’re using concrete piers or slab fixing, this foundation work is done as the first step
- Position and secure your shipping containers using one of three engineered hold-down options (concrete piers, slab fixing, or weight blocks)
Assembly (Days 1-3):
- Assemble the galvanised steel frame
- Install and tension the fabric cover
- Final tightening and safety checks
Everything’s supplied as a complete kit, designed to go together efficiently. For weld mount installations, you’ll need access to a welder. For twistlock installations, standard tools are all you need.
Check out this article: Assembly tips for Australian shipping container dome shelters for some practical setup guidance.
What affects your igloo setup timeline time?
While container domes are designed for rapid setup, a few practical factors influence how long installation takes.
Shelter size: Smaller domes naturally install faster. Larger spans might need additional hands to help with the install, but are still typically wrapped up within a few days.
Hold-down method: Your choice of engineered hold-down option will affect the timeline. Weight blocks can be installed immediately, while concrete piers or slab fixing require foundation work as the first step (adding 1-2 days for concreting).
Site conditions: Clear access and reasonably level ground help things move smoothly. Your container dome uses one of three engineered hold-down options (concrete piers, slab fixing, or weight blocks), providing flexibility while ensuring engineering compliance.
Crew experience: Installations can be done by small teams with standard tools (and a welder for weld mount versions). Experienced crews can knock them out quicker than first-timers.
Weather: Most installations proceed fine in standard Australian conditions, however we recommend avoiding installation during extreme winds or storms for safety reasons.
Should you DIY or choose a professional installation?
Many customers choose to self-install using the supplied instructions and standard tools. For weld mount installations, you’ll need access to a welder, however for twistlock installations, it’s weld-free. This DIY approach keeps costs down while still delivering fast results.
For larger projects, remote locations, or tight operational deadlines, a fully ticketed installation crew is available if needed. Either way, you’ll be operational before you know it.
We recently installed a 12x12m igloo on a mine site, and our client told us that, “Having “Off the Shelf” units made the purchase price of the dome itself very competitive. The cost of freight was low as well. The quoted price for erecting was reasonable. Ultimately the challenges of working on coal mines meant it ended up simpler to erect ourselves. If this was an off lease job, we would use EZY’s services for erection.”
Why container domes install faster than traditional sheds
Traditional sheds involve council approvals, extensive concrete foundations with curing time, multiple trades, and weather-related delays that can stretch projects out for weeks or months.
Container domes avoid these installation time bottlenecks by using shipping containers as structural anchors, arriving as complete engineered kits with flexible hold-down options (concrete piers, slab fixing, or weight blocks), and offering easy relocation if your project changes.
This flexibility combined with faster installation is why they’re widely used across mining, agriculture, construction, logistics, and industrial operations where time matters.
Engineering compliance and hold-down options
Container domes are engineered with three hold-down options to ensure structural integrity and warranty compliance:
- Concrete piers: Dug and set as the first step, providing permanent anchoring
- Slab fixing: Anchored to existing concrete slabs
- Weight blocks: Installed inside containers for immediate setup
Proper installation using one of these engineered options is essential for engineering certification and warranty coverage. If construction fails to comply with the supplied engineering certification requirements, warranty coverage may be limited to workmanship and supplied materials only.
The bottom line on container dome installation time
With rapid dispatch, straightforward assembly, and minimal site preparation compared to traditional structures, container domes offer one of the fastest shelter solutions available for Australian conditions.
Most installations are completed within a few days, getting you operational fast, so if speed, flexibility, and minimal downtime matter for your project, we’re here to help. Contact us on 1300 399 445 or get a free quote to discuss your installation timeline and project requirements.