Rent or Buy Guard Shacks and Security Booths in Dallas, TX
Need a manned checkpoint at your gate? Texas State Modular builds and supplies prefab guard booths for rent and sale across Dallas-Fort Worth. We handle short-term event security, multi-year job site checkpoints, and permanent access control posts.
As a locally owned company, we build custom units instead of shipping you a catalog box. Tell us your gate layout and we build to it.
Guard Shack, Guard Booth, or Guardhouse: Same Structure, Different Names
Buyers search for this product under at least six names. They all describe the same thing.
| Term | Typical use |
| Guard shack | Most common term on job sites and in construction |
| Guard booth | Common in industrial and corporate facilities |
| Security booth | Common in retail, schools, and events |
| Security shack | Used interchangeably with guard shack |
| Guardhouse or guard house | Usually a larger unit, often permanent |
| Sentry box or access control booth | Government, military, and gated communities |
If you asked for one and a supplier quoted another, you are still in the right place. Size and features matter. The label does not.
Guard Shack Sizes and What Fits Where
Booth size is the first decision, and it comes down to how many people work the post and what equipment sits inside.
Common footprints in the market run from a compact 4′ x 6′ single-attendant booth up to 8′ x 16′ or larger for multi-guard posts.
Rough guide by post type:
- One guard, ID checks only. A 4′ x 6′ or 5′ x 5′ footprint works. Room for a stool, a desktop, and a window.
- One guard, full shift with equipment. Step up to 6′ x 8′ or 8′ x 10′. Fits monitors, a badge printer, and storage.
- Two guards or vehicle inspection. 8′ x 12′ and up. Two windows, more counter, room to move.
- Guard post with restroom. Plan for a larger footprint and plumbing. See the restroom section below.
We build to your dimensions rather than a fixed catalog, so tell us the gate width and clearance and we size it from there.
Container-Built Guard Shacks
We also convert shipping containers into guard posts. A container-built booth arrives at ground level, needs no stairs, and moves on a forklift or roll-off truck.
Go this route when you want heavy steel, a long service life, or a booth you plan to move more than once. Our Conex office units use the same heavy-duty steel. They stay in service for over 25 years with little upkeep.

Do Guard Shacks Come With a Restroom?
They can, and this is one of the most common questions buyers ask.
A restroom changes the project in three ways. It needs a larger footprint. It needs a water source and either a sewer tie-in or a holding tank. It adds cost to both the booth and the site connection.
Two paths work:
- Restroom inside the booth. Best when the guard post sits far from any building. Requires the plumbing work above.
- A separate restroom unit nearby. Often cheaper and faster. Our Conex restroom units include flush toilets and standard plumbing, so no weekly pump-outs.
Tell us how far your post sits from existing utilities and we will tell you which path costs less.
Rent or Buy a Guard Shack: Which Fits Your Timeline
We offer guard booths for both rent and sale. The decision is almost always about how long the post stays open.
Rent when:
- The post is tied to a construction project or event with an end date
- You need the unit in weeks and cannot wait on a build
- The checkpoint location may move as the site changes
- You want the cost as an operating expense rather than a capital purchase
Buy when:
- The checkpoint is permanent, at a facility gate or campus entrance
- You expect to need it beyond roughly three years
- You want a fully custom build that stays with the property
- You want the asset on your books with resale value
Used units are also worth asking about. They cost less and often deliver faster than a new build.
What a Guard Booth Costs
No supplier can quote a booth without knowing the size and features. Here is what the market publishes, followed by what actually moves your number.
Purchase prices for prefabricated guard booths commonly run from roughly $4,000 for a compact unit to $28,000 and up for a mid-size booth with HVAC and upgraded materials. Ballistic-rated units run substantially higher. Those figures come from current listed prices across guard booth retailers.
These are market figures, not a Texas State Modular quote. What moves yours:
- Footprint. A 4′ x 6′ single-attendant booth and an 8′ x 16′ two-guard post are different projects.
- Restroom. Plumbing adds cost to the unit and to the site connection.
- Climate control. HVAC sizing depends on booth volume and glass area.
- Windows. More glass and sliding transaction windows cost more than fixed panes.
- Rent or buy. Rental spreads the cost. Purchase is one number.
- Delivery distance. Measured from our yard in Alvarado, south of the Metroplex.
- Site work. Pad prep, electrical runs, and utility connections are quoted separately.
Call 214-304-3416 with your gate dimensions and we will price the actual build.
Why Security Booths Are Essential
A dedicated security booth is more than just a structure; it is your first line of defense. Having a well-positioned security shack ensures:
- 24/7 Monitoring: Keep an eye on entry points, parking lots, or high-risk areas.
- Theft and Vandalism Prevention: A visible security presence deters criminals and reduces liability risks.
- Improved Guard Efficiency: A comfortable, weatherproofed shack helps personnel stay alert and focused on their duties.
- Enhanced Safety for Employees and Visitors: Security staff can quickly respond to incidents and assist when needed.
- Better Traffic and Access Control: With a dedicated checkpoint, businesses can regulate entry and improve overall site organization.
Customization Options
Customization is key. We offer a variety of features to make your security shack work for you. Whether you need high-security locks, roll-down shutters, exterior lighting, or climate control, we can build a solution that meets your needs. We also provide different sizes and window options to match your space and security requirements. Our team works quickly to ensure fast delivery and installation, so you can have your security booth up and running without delay.
Ask about add-ons and modifications on any custom build.
Why Choose Texas State Modular?
Texas State Modular builds to a budget and a date. Here is why businesses call us:
- Fast Turnaround Times. We understand that time is money, so we deliver on schedule.
- Durable Construction. Our security shacks are built to withstand harsh weather and heavy use.
- Flexible Budget Options. We work with you to design a booth that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
- Full-Service General Contractor. We handle permit acquisition, site prep, and utility connections as part of our turnkey service, not just the drop-off.
- Locally Owned and Operated. You reach a Dallas-Fort Worth project manager, not a national call center.
Who Benefits from Our Security Booths?
Security booths suit any site that needs to control access and watch activity. They give guards a base to work from. They also deter theft and stop people walking in unchecked.
- Construction Sites. Prevent unauthorized access and safeguard valuable equipment.
- Corporate and Industrial Facilities. Control entry points and ensure employee safety.
- Warehouses and Distribution Hubs. Screen inbound trucks and manage yard traffic.
- Retail Centers and Malls. Strengthen security in parking lots and entrances.
- Concerts, Fairs, and Festivals. Manage crowd control and protect VIP areas.
- Schools and Universities. Monitor campus safety with dedicated checkpoints.
- Gated Communities and HOAs. Staff a resident and visitor entry gate.
- Stadiums and Sports Venues. Ensure the safety of spectators and staff.
- Government and Military Facilities. Protect sensitive areas with a high-security booth.
Wherever the gate is, a well-placed booth makes the site safer and the queue shorter.
Where to Place a Guard Booth on Your Site
Placement decides whether the booth works. Get these right before delivery day:
- Sight lines. Position the booth so the guard sees approaching vehicles before they reach the gate. Windows should face the approach, not the fence.
- Vehicle stacking. Leave room for queued vehicles so traffic does not back into the public road.
- Transaction height. If guards hand off badges or scan IDs, set the window at driver height for the vehicles you screen.
- Power access. Plan the electrical run early. Long runs to a remote gate add cost.
- Level pad. Compacted gravel or a concrete pad. A level base keeps doors and windows aligned.
- Truck access. The delivery vehicle needs a clear path and overhead clearance to set the unit.
We assess your site before we build so the booth fits the gate you actually have.
Serving Dallas-Fort Worth and Beyond
Our yard is at 9120 Sally’s Way in Alvarado, TX, just south of the Metroplex. We supply guard shacks and security booths to businesses across Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding area. Project managers also cover Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
We also supply Dallas shipping containers, mobile office trailers, and modular buildings across the region.

FAQs About Guard Shacks and Security Booths
What is a guard shack called?
A guard shack goes by several names: guard booth, security booth, security shack, guardhouse, sentry box, and access control booth. They all describe a small structure that shelters security personnel at an entry point. Larger permanent versions are usually called guardhouses.
How big is a guard shack?
Most guard shacks fall between 4′ x 6′ for a single attendant and 8′ x 16′ for a multi-guard post. A one-person ID checkpoint fits in about 24 to 36 square feet. Add equipment, a second guard, or a restroom and you need 80 square feet or more.
Do guard shacks have bathrooms?
They can. A booth with an interior restroom needs a larger footprint, a water source, and either a sewer connection or a holding tank. For posts near an existing building, a separate restroom unit nearby is often cheaper and faster to deploy.
Can I rent a security booth instead of buying one?
Yes. We offer security booths for both rent and sale, so you can choose what fits your timeline and budget. Rentals work well for events and short-term projects, while purchasing makes sense for permanent checkpoints.
How much does a guard booth cost?
Listed purchase prices across guard booth retailers commonly run from roughly $4,000 for a compact unit to $28,000 and up for a mid-size booth with HVAC. Ballistic-rated booths cost significantly more. Your quote depends on size, restroom setup, climate control, window configuration, delivery distance, and site work.
What customization options are available for guard shacks?
We offer high-security locks, roll-down shutters, exterior lighting, climate control, and a range of sizes and window configurations. Tell us your security requirements and we’ll build a booth that matches them.
Do security booths come with heating and air conditioning?
Climate control is available as an option, and we recommend it for Texas weather. A comfortable guard is an alert guard, and a weatherproofed booth helps personnel stay focused on their duties year-round.
Can a shipping container be used as a guard shack?
Yes. A container conversion gives you steel construction, ground-level entry with no stairs, and a unit that relocates on a forklift. It suits sites that need maximum security or plan to move the checkpoint more than once.
How quickly can a security booth be delivered and installed?
Prefab booths set up fast. Timing depends on how much custom work you need and what is on hand. Call us with your date and we will tell you where you stand.
Where should a security booth be placed on my property?
Put it at the gate, the entry drive, or the parking lot. Face the windows toward oncoming traffic. Leave room for cars to queue off the public road. Plan the power run before delivery day.
Do I need a permit for a guard booth?
Often yes, and it depends on your city and whether the booth sits on a permanent foundation. Permit acquisition is part of our turnkey service, so we work through it with your local building department.
Get Started Today
Corporate gate, school entrance, festival, government site, or job site. We build the booth to fit it. Tell us the footprint and the features you need.
Call (214) 304-3416 locally, or (888) 943-8663 toll free. You can also request a free quote or email sales@texasstatemodular.com.