Container Windows & Doors in Kenya 2026: Cutting, Types & Costs
Windows and doors transform a bare shipping container from a steel box into a comfortable, liveable, or workable space. Understanding how openings are cut, what frame and glazing options are available, and how security is maintained is essential for anyone planning a container conversion in Kenya. This guide covers everything from the cutting process to the finished window or door.
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How Openings Are Cut in a Container: The Plasma Cutter
Cutting through 2mm–3mm Corten steel requires professional equipment. We use a CNC plasma cutter at our Nairobi fabrication yard for all window and door openings. Plasma cutting is the gold standard for this work:
Why plasma cutting: Clean, straight cuts with minimal heat distortion. The cut width (kerf) is only 2–3mm, allowing precise opening dimensions. A plasma cutter completes a standard window opening in under 5 minutes.
The process: 1. Openings are marked on the container wall with precision, avoiding structural members (corner posts, corner castings, and horizontal top/bottom rails are never cut) 2. The plasma cutter creates a clean rectangular opening 3. The cut edges are immediately treated with a zinc-rich anti-corrosion paint to prevent rust at the exposed steel edges 4. A steel RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) or angle iron frame is welded around the opening — this is the structural window/door frame that replaces the cut material's structural contribution
What not to cut: Corner posts and corner castings are structural — cutting these compromises the integrity of the container. The top and bottom rails (the horizontal structural members along the length) should also be avoided. Our team designs window and door positions to avoid all structural members.
Steel Frame Welding: The Structural Step
After cutting, a steel frame must be welded around each opening. This is critical for two reasons:
Structural continuity: Cutting removes steel that was part of the container's load-bearing wall structure. The welded steel frame restores this structural continuity. We use 50×50mm or 50×25mm RHS for window frames and 75×50mm RHS for door frames.
Window/door seating: The frame provides the flat, level surface onto which the aluminium window or door frame is fitted and sealed.
Frame finishing: After welding, all welds are ground smooth, and the frame is coated with two coats of epoxy primer. This prevents rust at the most vulnerable point of the container wall — the freshly cut and welded edge.
Opening size planning: We recommend planning all window and door positions before cutting begins. Changing a window to a door after the cut is made requires additional welding and costs more. We work from an approved floor plan before any cutting.
Window Options: Aluminium, Steel, and UPVC
Aluminium windows (most popular) Aluminium is the dominant window material for container conversions in Kenya — used in approximately 80% of all projects. Reasons: - Lightweight: doesn't add significant load to the container structure - Rust-free: aluminium doesn't corrode in Kenya's climate - Available in white, silver, or bronze anodised finishes - Competitively priced - Available in all configurations: sliding, casement (hinged), awning (top-hinged), louvre, and fixed
*Types*: Single glazed (Kshs 3,500–6,000 per sq.m supply), double glazed for highland cold areas (Kshs 8,000–14,000 per sq.m supply).
Steel windows Less common for residential use. Heavier, requires regular painting to prevent rust, but very strong. Preferred for commercial and industrial containers where security is paramount.
UPVC windows PVC windows are gaining traction in Kenya's high-end market. Benefits: excellent thermal performance, no condensation on frames, low maintenance. Higher cost than aluminium: Kshs 6,000–12,000 per sq.m supply.
Fixed glazing For aesthetic purposes (large picture windows, clerestory windows), we sometimes fit fixed glazed panels — single or double glazed, in aluminium frames.
Door Options for Container Conversions
Aluminium frame doors The most common choice for container home main entrances and internal doors. Available as single leaf (800–900mm wide) or double leaf. Solid panel or with glazing inserts. Cost: Kshs 15,000–40,000 per door supplied and installed.
Steel security doors For commercial units, site offices, and anywhere security is paramount, a steel door (3mm steel skin over a steel frame, with 3-point locking) is unbeatable. Cost: Kshs 25,000–60,000 per door.
UPVC doors For high-end container homes — excellent insulation, modern aesthetic, low maintenance. Cost: Kshs 30,000–70,000 per door.
Roller shutter doors Essential for commercial containers — shops, warehouses, garages. Steel roller shutters with padlock bars and deadbolt security. Cost: Kshs 40,000–90,000 per shutter installed depending on width.
Bi-fold and sliding doors For container homes with a deck or outdoor living area. A wide sliding or bi-fold door opening the container onto an outdoor deck creates a very appealing indoor-outdoor living space. Cost: Kshs 45,000–100,000 per opening.
Security Grilles and Window Security
Security is a genuine concern for container homes and offices in Kenya. While the container shell is inherently secure (steel walls, floor, and ceiling), the windows and doors are potential entry points.
Welded steel window grilles: The most common security measure. We fabricate flat steel bar or round bar grilles welded to the window frame. Available in simple parallel bar design or decorative patterns. Cost: Kshs 2,500–6,000 per window installed.
Fixed security frames: For commercial applications, we weld a fixed steel security frame directly to the container wall, with the glass in a separate inner frame that can be cleaned.
Burglar bars vs. escape grilles: For residential use, we recommend hinged or removable grilles on at least one window — an escape route in case of fire. Fixed grilles on every window are a fire safety hazard.
Sliding door security: Bi-fold and sliding doors have additional locks — anti-lift pins, security locks at top and bottom, and optional key-lockable handles.
CCTV and alarm integration: Many of our container homes and offices integrate CCTV cameras and alarm systems as part of the overall security design.
Louvre Windows: The Ventilation Solution
Louvre windows (jalousie windows) deserve special mention for container conversions in Kenya:
What they are: A series of horizontal glass, glass-fibre, or aluminium slats that open and close by rotating, providing ventilation while allowing privacy and some weather protection.
Why they are essential: - Provide continuous ventilation without requiring an opening that compromises weather protection - Ideal for bedrooms (air circulation at night), bathrooms (constant ventilation), and classrooms - The adjustable slats allow fine control of airflow direction and volume - Can remain open during light rain
Best placement: Along the side walls at mid-height (for living spaces) or high in the wall (for bathrooms and stores, where privacy is needed).
Cost: Kshs 3,500–7,000 per louvre window unit, installed.
Mosquito screens: All windows for residential containers should include aluminium mosquito screens. These are fitted within the window frame and can be removed for cleaning. Additional cost: Kshs 800–2,000 per window.
Container Window & Door Prices in Kenya (2026)
Prices include cutting, steel framing, supply, and installation. Glazing is single-pane unless specified. Security grilles priced separately.
💡 These are indicative ranges. Call us for your exact quote: 0715 557 559
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cut windows and doors into a shipping container?+
We use a CNC plasma cutter to make precise, clean cuts through the container's Corten steel walls. The cut edges are immediately treated with anti-rust paint, and a steel RHS frame is welded around the opening for structural integrity. The entire process for a standard window opening takes under 30 minutes.
Does cutting windows weaken a container?+
Yes — if done incorrectly. The solution is to weld a steel frame around every opening to restore structural continuity. Critically, we never cut corner posts or corner castings, which are the primary structural elements. A properly framed container with multiple windows is just as structurally sound as an unmodified one.
What is the best window type for a container home in Kenya?+
Aluminium casement or sliding windows are the most popular and practical choice for most container homes in Kenya. They're rust-free, affordable, and available in all sizes. For highland areas (Eldoret, Nanyuki), consider double-glazed aluminium windows for better thermal performance.
How secure are container home windows?+
Container home windows can be made very secure with welded steel grilles. The container walls, floor, and ceiling are already far more secure than a conventional brick house. We recommend steel grilles on ground-level windows and a solid steel security door as the minimum security specification.
Can I add a large glass wall or bi-fold doors to a container?+
Yes. We regularly install wide sliding doors and bi-fold glass doors for container homes with an outdoor deck. We use a structural steel lintel across the top of the opening to carry the wall loads around the opening. Wide openings are achievable — up to 3m wide without additional structural columns.
How much does it cost to cut a window into a container?+
The cutting and steel framing of a window opening costs Kshs 8,000–15,000 per opening. The window unit itself (aluminium, supply and install) adds another Kshs 12,000–28,000 depending on size and type. Budget Kshs 20,000–40,000 per window opening, all-in.
Do you cut openings at your yard or on-site?+
We prefer to do all cutting at our Nairobi fabrication yard where we have the precision equipment and controlled conditions. On-site cutting is possible but more expensive and less precise. For most projects, the container is fully modified at our yard before delivery.
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