If you’re looking to build cabin office or cabin structure, you’ve probably heard about the two most popular models: the heavy duty and light duty portable cabin. Both are stand-alone, self-contained buildings that are manufactured and fitted out in the factory, and they are typically used as temporary site offices or living quarters at construction sites. While they are similar in many ways, there are a few key differences.
What are light-duty cabins?
Light duty portable cabins are a cheaper solution if you’re looking for something fast and temporary for your site. They are built using metal deck sheets that are between 0.23mm to 0.36mm in thickness.
Pros
Light-duty cabins are by far the most affordable of all portable cabins, starting from RM5500 for a 20’ x 10’ cabin. They can be manufactured very quickly, as fast as 3 days after order is made.
Cons
The light-duty cabins are meant to be a short-term solution, with a tentative lifespan of 2 years. While they are technically portable cabins, they become less robust every time they are taken down and reassembled. Thus, they are best left unmoved.
What are heavy-duty cabins?
Heavy-duty cabins are built for exactly what the name implies: heavy duty use. Built using corrugated (shaped into a series of parallel ridges and grooves so as to give added rigidity and strength) mild steel plate, heavy-duty cabins are generally more robust, durable, and carry the same external look as a typical shipping container.
Pros
Heavy-duty cabins could last up to 5 years. On top of their durability, corrugated mild steel plates are generally stronger. Thus, if you are operating heavy machinery on site, heavy duty cabins offer better protection from accidents. While they would take a few more days to produce (7-10 days) they are as easily transported and installed on site.
Cons
The light-duty cabins are meant to be a short-term solution, with a tentative lifespan of 2 years. While they are technically portable cabins, they become less robust every time they are taken down and reassembled. Thus, they are best left unmoved.
They are almost the same now
Both cabins are becoming quite similar
As heavy-duty cabins are built with thinner plates, the quality advantage becomes smaller. Aside from the external material, the main columns and supporting structures of both cabins are the same.
Both cabins are becoming quite similar
As heavy-duty cabins are built with thinner plates, the quality advantage becomes smaller. Aside from the external material, the main columns and supporting structures of both cabins are the same.
Both cabins are becoming quite similar
As heavy-duty cabins are built with thinner plates, the quality advantage becomes smaller. Aside from the external material, the main columns and supporting structures of both cabins are the same.
Light Duty Cabins
heavy Duty Cabins
Price
RM5500
RM8500
Lifespan
2 years
5 years
material
metal deck sheets
Corrugated Mild Steel Plate
Days to complete
3 Days
10 Days
Conclusion
While both cabins are meant to be portable, the structural integrity of the cabins reduces every time they are moved. If you are planning to move your cabin at least once, it will be wiser to go with the heavy-duty ones. Be sure to check the thickness of the steel plate so you know what kind of quality you’re looking at. Light-duty cabins are still a good solution if you’re looking for something temporary. However, if you are planning to use the cabins as living quarters, it will be wise to consider engineered cabins that are made in compliance with both the Malaysian (MS) and British (BS) Standards, and other safety requirements as well.
