Towable Welfare Units vs Static Cabins For Short Projects
Reliable, on-site facilities are a key component of a successful short-term construction site. Choosing between a towable welfare unit for hire and a static cabin can influence both budgets and meeting compliance regulations. It also determines how easily you can relocate facilities between sites.
The Health and Safety Executive requires employers to provide adequate access to toilets, along with suitable places for workers to rest and eat. With around 2.06 million people working in the UK construction sector, meeting welfare requirements across short-term and fast-moving projects is a frequent challenge.
And demand is only set to grow. The Construction Industry Training Board forecasts a need for around 239,300 additional workers between 2025 and 2029. More transient crews mean more sites starting up and a rising need for quick, compliant welfare solutions that can be deployed at short notice.
What Is a Towable Welfare Unit and What Is a Static Cabin
A towable welfare unit is a self-contained, trailer-style cabin that can be moved into place and set up quickly. These facilities often include seating, a kitchenette, a drying room, and a chemical or cassette toilet, with an onboard generator or the option to plug into mains power. They come in compact lengths that suit ride-to and short-site stays.
A static cabin, alternatively, is a larger, container-style unit that is delivered by a lorry and is set up in one place for the duration of the job. These cabins often offer a bigger area, more seating, offices, and sleeping options and can be connected to mains for power and water. Static cabins often lend themselves more to longer projects or larger sites with increased numbers of workers.
Both static cabins and towable welfare units are designed to meet HSE welfare requirements. The choice between the two is usually driven by mobility, setup speed, capacity, and cost.
Why Prep Your Site Before You Choose a Unit
Before deciding between a towable welfare unit for hire or a static cabin, it is important to ensure that the site is prepared to receive it. Proper preparation can reduce costs and delays.
A crucial early step on any construction site is ensuring you have a steady, reliable supply chain for foundational materials. For the aggregates and hardcore required for temporary access points, haul roads, or vehicle compounds, local providers like Middleton Aggregates can streamline the setup process. Their service ensures that the materials needed to stabilise the temporary site, long before the welfare units are delivered, are available quickly and efficiently.
Having reliable groundwork support not only saves time but also reduces the risk of compliance issues later on.
Quick Comparison Table – Towable Welfare Units vs Static Cabins
| Features | Towable Welfare Unit | Static Cabin | Added Notes |
| Typical Capacities | 6 to 16 People | 6 to 20 People (Large modular builds) | Towable ranges often seat 6–16 persons. |
| Representative Hire Cost | From around £74 per week for very small towables, to regional rates of £138 to £207 per week for larger towables | 24-foot static units may cost £360 per week on average (varies with suppliers and terms) | Price examples vary by suppliers and the duration of the hire |
| Setup Time on Arrival | Minutes to let down the legs and hook up the generator or mains | Several hours for siting, levelling, and mains hookup | Some towables advertise a setup time measured in minutes for internal deployment. However, static cabins do need more time in terms of site preparation |
| Mobility | Can be moved easily between sites | They are designed to remain in one place | Towables are mainly designed for relocation |
| Power and Water Options | Onboard generators or plug-in power | Usually, mains connection or larger generators | Eco towables can offer hybrid power options |
| Typical Dimensions / Weight | 3655mm x 2300mm, unladen 1700kg for some models | 16 ft to over 24 ft; are generally heavier than mobile units | Manufacturer specs vary by model. Use local supplier specs for exact numbers |
| Servicing and Waste | Weekly services, including chemical or cassette emptying, are included in many hires | Often requires mains drainage or waste contracts | Most hire companies include a servicing option in the hire package |
What Works Better for a Short Project?
If the job is expected to only last a few weeks and mobility is more of a requirement, a towable unit is likely the better option. Instant welfare setup, adherence to HSE regulations, and worker protection without extensive site preparation are all benefits of a towable unit for a brief project.
For jobs that are expected to take an extended period of time to complete and are in sites that have a stable compound with mains that can be connected, a static cabin is often the more effective option. However, always check the suppliers’ servicing schedule and waste disposal arrangement before signing any contracts, as these costs can add up.
Likewise, towable units sometimes have smaller water tanks and smaller waste capacities, so they need a weekly service on a busy site, which can cause potential complications or added costs.
In Conclusion
Choosing between a towable unit or a static cabin comes down to individual site requirements and job specifications.
When weighing options, prioritise a supplier who answers compliance questions clearly and has a history of reliable servicing if maintenance issues occur. Ask for a single point of contact, a clear breakdown of included services, and a timetable for delivery and collection.
Consider a short trial hire if you are unsure; nothing beats seeing how a unit performs on your own site. Keep records of service visits and waste disposal for audits and peace of mind. Get written quotes from multiple reputable suppliers, compare the total package, and sign with the one that makes logistics easiest and meets the requirements of the specific job and crew.