The short answer? Container domes win on cost. Our smallest dome starts at $6800, so they are typically cheaper upfront, depending on site conditions, size, and installation choices. They need only minimal maintenance, and can last 20+ years with Ezy Igloo’s warranties. Traditional sheds require constant upkeep and typically need major repairs or replacement within 10-25 years.
When you’re weighing up storage options, we know that the big question isn’t just “What’s the upfront cost?”, it’s “What’s going to cost me less over time?”
So now, let’s break down the real numbers.
The upfront dome shelter price vs. traditional shed costs
A quality 20ft container dome gives you approximately 45 square metres of covered space. Here’s how the numbers actually stack up for similar-sized structures:
Traditional shed (9m wide x 6m long)
- Materials: $8,000-$15,000+
- Foundation/slab: $3,000-$6,000
- Council permits: $500-$2,000 (varies by council)
- Installation labour: $2,000-$5,000
- Total: $13,500-$28,000+
Note: These figures are indicative of industry standards and depend on site conditions, size, and installation choices.
Container dome (9m wide x 6m long – similar coverage)
- Container dome kit: $7,470-$7,720
- Shipping container (if needed): $3,000-$5,000
- Installation: DIY with basic tools, or from $6,000+ for professional installation (local install with no excessive travel costs)
- Container fixing: From $600+, depending on chosen container fixings
- Total: From $10,770-$19,720+
Actual costs depend on site conditions, your chosen container fixing method, and whether you DIY or use professional installation.
Even at the higher end, container domes typically deliver significant savings upfront. And we haven’t even talked about what happens after installation.
Hidden costs that blow out shed budgets
Over 10-15 years, maintenance and repairs can significantly increase total ownership costs, particularly for sheds exposed to coastal air, pests, or heavy weather. Timber sheds need regular treatment, painting, and pest control. Metal sheds require rust treatment and panel replacements. Even the costs for roof repairs and foundation settling add up quickly.
But with our container domes? Our Australian-made Canvavon® PE fabric comes with a 20-year UV warranty, so you know your assets will stay protected. And, while our domes do need some regular maintenance, such as silver paint spray on surface rust, generally it’s a low-cost exercise, keeping you in front when it matters most.
Installation time equals money
Here’s what you can expect:
- Traditional shed installation: 2-5 weeks minimum
- Container dome installation: 2-4 days
If you’re running a business, every day without proper storage costs you in productivity and weather damage. Getting operational in days rather than weeks will mean you’re already earning money while traditional shed owners are still waiting.
Our assembly process is even straightforward enough to DIY with basic tools, saving you thousands in labour.
Durability and lifespan comparison
Let’s talk about how long these structures actually last in Australian conditions.
| Feature | Traditional Sheds | Container Domes |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years (depending on materials and maintenance) | 20+ years for structure; fabric comes with a 20-year warranty and is replaceable afterwards at a lower cost |
| Maintenance | High (ongoing) | Minimal compared to traditional sheds |
| Weather resistance | Basic | Cyclone-rated (Wind Regions A, B or C) |
| Coastal durability | Prone to rust | Galvanised steel protection |
| Replacement cost | Full structure | Fabric cover only (fraction of cost) |
When you factor in the lifespan, the cost per year of a container dome vs traditional shed becomes even more attractive. A traditional shed might need a full replacement after 15 years, while your container dome will still be going strong.
The flexibility factor
Here’s a cost most people never consider: what happens when you need to move?
Traditional sheds are essentially permanent. Moving costs more than buying new, and they become a sunk cost if you relocate.
That’s why our container domes are so great. They are completely relocatable so you can dismantle, transport, and reinstall them at your new site, easily. This flexibility protects your investment in ways a traditional shed never can.
When container domes beat sheds on cost
While traditional sheds might still make sense for small residential applications where aesthetics matter more than durability, or where you need fully enclosed walls for specific purposes, container domes deliver superior cost-effectiveness when you need:
- Quick deployment for business operations
- Relocatable storage as projects change
- Cyclone or severe weather protection
- Large covered areas without permanent structures
- Low-maintenance, long-term solutions
It’s time to make the smart investment
We help Australian businesses and property owners make cost-effective storage decisions every day. Our container domes are kept in stock for rapid deployment, backed by 10-year structural and 20-year fabric warranties, and designed specifically for Australian conditions.
Don’t risk your money on a shed that’ll cost you more in the long run. Get a free quote or call us on 1300 399 445 to discuss how a container dome can save you money while giving you better protection.