Carports vs Garages

When it comes to vehicle storage you need to make sure that you make the best choice for your cars. And two of the most popular options that homeowners can choose from are carports and prefab garages. These two are the main structures that can protect your vehicles from any inclement weather. But it’s also important to understand the key differences between carports and prefab garages in order to make an informed decision about which one is right for you. So, in today’s blog, we’ll give you some details, pros, and cons of each of these structures so you can make the right purchase. Read on!

What Is A Carport

Large RV recreational vehicle under a carport with satellite dish on top. Temporary extended living setup. Toy hauler style

A carport is actually a pretty simple structure. Unlike a typical garage, it is an open-sided structure with a roof that is typically made from metal. Similar to a regular garage its purpose is to protect your cars from the environment. They are more affordable compared to garages due to fewer materials being required to build them. This makes carports a pretty popular choice for homeowners that want protection for their vehicles without breaking the bank. Carports are also only for vehicle storage and don’t provide any extra space for traditional storage like a garage would.

What Is A Prefab Garage?

On the other hand, a prefab garage is a structure that has 4 four walls that can be made from wood, and metal. These outdoor structures provide a higher level of protection compared to carports and have more substance to them. They are also typically larger than carports which makes them ideal for people who need additional storage space or for people who want to use a part of their garage as a workshop or hobby area.

Is A Carport Better Than A Prefab Garage?

There is a big list of pros and cons for carports vs garages, take a look below to see them broken down in detail.

Carports vs Garages: Build and Installation

No matter what kind of carport you have, metal, or wood, it is likely that the build time and installation time will be significantly less than a prefab garage. This is because a carport requires fewer materials to build and isn’t as land restricted as its counterpart. There are also carport kits available from different places that you can purchase to build the simple structure yourself. We recommend going through a prefab carport route rather than a DIY if you’re unfamiliar with the line of work or want a more elaborate and customized carport.

Carports vs Garages: Cost

Both of these structures can vary in cost. In terms of a prefab garage, the cost will primarily depend on the size and material that you choose to build or buy. Because it has four walls with windows, doors, and other features, prefab garages tend to be more expensive.

Carports vs Garages: Prep

Both of these structures require a foundation before being installed on your property. Since your garage or carport will see heavy traffic, we recommend a concrete foundation to make sure nothing gets damaged and can hold up to the weight of your cars. In cases of prefab garages, concrete foundations will also stand up against dropped tools and equipment. For more details about shed and garage foundations, check out this in-depth article from Site Prep and determine for yourself what kind of foundation you need!

Carports vs Garages: Protection

One of the key advantages of prefab garages is that they offer more protection from the elements. With four walls, your vehicle will be protected from rain, snow, wind, and hail, way more effectively than it would with a carport. A carport does provide a layer of protection of course but the sturdier and more stable prefab garage will beat it in this category.

Carports vs Garages: Customization

Another advantage that prefab garages have over carports is that they can be customized more in-depth to meet your specific needs. For example, you can choose from a variety of finishes, doors, roof styles, windows, insulation, and more. You can even hook up electricity to your prefab garage and dedicate a section of it to hobbies. This makes a prefab garage a more comfortable and convenient place to spend time. Although a carport can serve other purposes like a pavilion or shelter over a deck/patio, if you choose to use it as a place to put your vehicles, it will be limited to anything else.

Carports vs Garages: Space

This category is less about the specific square footage of these structures and more about how much space you have in your yard. If you live in a trailer park or somewhere where property lines might be tight, a carport will take up less space and be easier to move around. If property lines are not an issue, and you have the budget room, a prefab garage can be a better option for you.

Carports vs Prefab Garages: The Final Verdict

So what is the final verdict in the battle between carports vs garages? Although every homeowner’s situation won’t be the same and their needs might differ, we have found a prefab garage to be a great option for most. Although carports are amazing in their own right, you just can’t beat the customizability and extra space that a prefab garage gives you. We’ve seen lots of different homeowners’ storage needs and have found prefab garages to be the most ideal choice. At the end of the day, it is up to you to make that decision for yourself.

Fully Customized Carports and Prefab Garages

Premier Structures specializes in metal carports and prefab garages. We have styles, sizes, and options for everything that you could need! We have been providing Virginia with high-quality outdoor structures for over a decade! Whether you have multiple cars or just one, our vehicle storage buildings are sure to meet your needs and expectations. If you’re ready to purchase, you can fill out a free quote request here or use our 3D Shed Builder to get a full visual of what your garage could look like before even buying! If you need more ideas, check out our gallery page for pictures!

Carports vs Garages | How To Get The Right Vehicle Storage