Product renders and installation diagrams only tell you so much.
This article follows a real ToughCover Australia installation in Melbourne — an 8m × 6m container dome mounted between two 20ft shipping containers, documented from the steel frame going up through to the PVC cover being tensioned and secured.
If you're considering a container dome for a farm, workshop, construction site, depot or industrial property, the video and installation steps below give you a practical look at what the process actually involves.
Watch the full ToughCover installation video on YouTube
This is an actual customer installation — not an animation, rendering or factory demonstration.
The video follows the build from the initial steel structure through to the completed shelter, giving you a closer look at how the frame, mounting system and PVC cover come together on site.
The dome featured in this project is an 8m wide × 6m long model, designed to span between two 20ft shipping containers.
It creates approximately 48m² of clear-span covered space between the containers, without internal columns obstructing the working area.
Typical applications include machinery and equipment storage, vehicle protection, covered workshop space, construction-site storage and general industrial use.
The 8m series features:
· OD76 × 2.0mm main arch tubes
· 2.0m arch spacing
· Grade 8.8 high-tensile bolts
· 610gsm PVC cover
· No-Weld Lock-Clamp mounting
· Bolt-together construction
ToughCover Container Domes are available in widths from 6m to 12m, with models designed for both 20ft and 40ft shipping containers.
View our Container Domes & Shelters
Before the dome structure is assembled, the two shipping containers need to be positioned parallel and at the correct spacing.
A suitable site and accurate container positioning provide the foundation for the dome installation. Container level, alignment and site conditions should all be checked before structural assembly begins.
One of the key features of the ToughCover system is that welding to the shipping containers is not required.
The mounting rails are secured using our bolt-on Lock-Clamp system, allowing the structure to be attached without welding directly to the container.
This simplifies installation and also makes it easier to dismantle and relocate the shelter if your site requirements change in the future.
Learn more about our No-Weld Container Dome Installation
Once the mounting system is in place, the steel arch sections are bolted together and raised into position.
For the 8m series shown here, the main arches use OD76 × 2.0mm steel tubing and are positioned at 2.0m centres.
Suitable access equipment, such as an elevated work platform, can make this stage of the installation safer and more efficient.
With the main arches standing, the longitudinal purlins and structural bracing are installed.
These components connect the individual arches into a complete three-dimensional frame and provide stability across the length of the shelter.
All ToughCover Container Dome models use Grade 8.8 high-tensile bolts throughout the structure.
Once the steel structure is complete, the 610gsm PVC cover is positioned over the frame and secured.
Correct cover positioning and tensioning are important. The PVC should sit evenly and securely across the structure rather than remaining loose over the arches.
The installation video shows this stage particularly well, including how the shelter changes from an exposed steel frame into the completed covered workspace.
After the PVC cover has been secured and tensioned, the installation is checked before completion.
Bolt connections, mounting points, structural components and cover tension should all be inspected as part of the final installation process.
The result in this Melbourne project is a 48m² clear-span covered area between two standard 20ft shipping containers.
For customers considering DIY installation, our detailed guide provides further information about the overall process.
Container Dome Installation Guide
Traditional mounting methods can require components to be welded directly onto the shipping containers.
ToughCover takes a different approach.
Our No-Weld Lock-Clamp system uses mechanical connections to secure the dome structure, avoiding the need to weld the mounting system directly to the container.
For customers, this offers several practical advantages:
· No on-site welding for the dome mounting system
· No permanent welded connection to the container
· Faster and simpler assembly
· Easier dismantling if required
· Greater flexibility if the shelter needs to be relocated
The objective is simple: make the shelter easier to install without compromising the strength of the structural system.
Easy installation doesn't mean the structure should be lightweight.
The ToughCover 8m series uses OD76 × 2.0mm main arch tubing with 2.0m arch spacing, combined with Grade 8.8 high-tensile bolts and a heavy-duty 610gsm PVC cover.
For larger spans, our construction steps up further. ToughCover's 10m and 12m series use OD76 × 2.5mm main arch tubing, while our 12m models use closer 1.5m arch spacing.
This is part of our approach to Container Dome design: straightforward installation combined with substantial structural components for demanding farm, construction and industrial applications.
Related reading: Why Heavy Dome Shelter Weight Matters
Related reading: 76×2.5mm vs 1.8mm Steel Tube — Why the Difference Matters
ToughCover Container Domes are supplied as bolt-together systems, making DIY installation practical for customers who have a competent team, suitable tools and appropriate access equipment.
Installation time will vary depending on the model, crew experience, site conditions and equipment available, so we don't recommend treating any single installation time as applicable to every project.
For customers who would rather have the shelter installed professionally, ToughCover Australia provides installation services across Victoria.
We can discuss the site, shelter size and access requirements with you and provide an installation quotation as part of your project.
Victoria Container Dome Supply & Installation
ToughCover Australia holds Container Dome stock locally at our Scoresby warehouse in Melbourne, subject to current model availability.
Customers in Victoria can arrange warehouse pickup by appointment, while interstate customers can have their shelter freighted directly from Melbourne.
We supply customers throughout Australia, including farms, construction sites, workshops, industrial yards and commercial properties.
Australia-Wide Container Dome Delivery
If you're in Melbourne and would like to inspect a Container Dome before ordering, you don't have to rely on photos and videos alone.
ToughCover has a full-size 8m × 6m Container Dome display in Oakleigh, Victoria, complete with an enclosed back wall.
You can inspect the steel structure, PVC cover, Lock-Clamp mounting system and overall installed shelter in person.
Visits are available by appointment.
Yes. The system uses bolt-together construction and No-Weld Lock-Clamp mounting. Customers with a competent team, suitable tools and appropriate access equipment can undertake DIY installation. Professional installation is also available in Victoria.
No. ToughCover's Lock-Clamp mounting system is designed to attach the dome structure without welding directly to the shipping containers.
Our 8m series uses OD76 × 2.0mm main arch tubing, with arches positioned at 2.0m centres.
Our Container Dome range can be used with both standard GP and High Cube shipping containers. The resulting overall and internal heights will vary according to the container height.
Our professional installation service is currently available in Victoria. For interstate customers, we provide Australia-wide delivery and support for locally arranged or DIY installation.
ToughCover provides a 10-year structural warranty on the steel structure and a 10-year pro-rata warranty on the PVC cover, subject to the applicable warranty terms and registration requirements.
View ToughCover Warranty Information
A Container Dome is a significant piece of equipment for your property or business, so it makes sense to understand what you're buying before making a decision.
You can watch our real Melbourne installation video, inspect our 8m × 6m Oakleigh display, or speak directly with ToughCover Australia about the right dome size for your site.
With Melbourne local stock, Australia-wide delivery and professional installation available across Victoria, we're here to support your project from product selection through to installation.
Call 0493 310 211 or request a quote from ToughCover Australia.
