Carport vs Garage: How To Choose

Undecided between a carport and a garage? Neither is better nor worse. Both vehicle storage solutions have distinctive benefits and drawbacks. Think of size, element protection, and security. 

In this article, we help you choose between a carport and a garage. It’s “carport”, not “car port”, by the way.

What Is The Difference Between A Garage And A Carport?

A garage is an enclosed vehicle storage unit with solid walls, a roof, and one or more doors. A carport, on the other hand, is an outdoor structure that provides overhead protection from the elements via a roof or overhead cover. A carport has no walls or doors.

What Are The Advantages Of A Garage?

• Storing your vehicle in a garage is safer, as it’s locked inside a building and out of sight;
• A garage offers full protection from the elements, including pollen and leaves, and roaming animals;
• We can include storage trusses to provide storage space in the roof structure.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Garage?

• To enter and exit the building, you need to open and close the doors - leaving your garage doors open at all times is less safe and secure for your belongings.
• Garages can often become cluttered or messy due to hoarding, which can make it more difficult to park your car because of restricted space.
• Side walls can restrict the opening of car doors when parked. This also depends on the size of your garage and/or car.

What Are The Advantages Of A Carport?

• A carport takes up less space, so you can build it on smaller properties, too;
• The view from nearby buildings isn’t as obstructed as with a garage, as you can see through the carport;
• Parking under a carport is easy and quick - there’s no need to open or close any doors;
• Wooden carports look timeless; take a look at our signature handmade curved bracing and elegant roof covering options.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Carport?

• A carport does not offer the same level of security as a garage - the vehicle is visible and easily accessible;
• Under a carport, a car is not fully sheltered from the elements and it’s exposed to pollen, leaves, insects, as well as roaming animals;
• A carport doesn’t offer any storage space.

Do Carports Need Planning Permission In The UK?

Planning permission is often not required for building a carport. You can check if you need it on the Planning Portal.

There are some requirements, though:

• The carport needs to be single story; 
• The structure can’t be taller than 4 metres (pitched roof) or 3 metres (other types of roofs);
• The floor area can’t exceed 30 square metres;
• You can’t build a carport in front of the wall forming the main front of your property;
• The building can’t cover more than half of the land around your house;
• Verandas, balconies, and raised platforms can’t exceed 0.3 metres in height;
• If the structure is within 2 metres of the boundary of your home, it can’t be taller than 2.5 metres in total;
• The carport is not on a listed building site;
• Your property isn’t within a protected landscape, like National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Broads, and World Heritage Sites.

Before you place an order for a carport, contact your Local Planning Authority to make sure you don’t need to apply for planning permission. If you have to submit an application, we recommend you use an architect to produce a comprehensive document.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Carport In The UK?

A carport typically costs between £4,500 and £20,000, depending on the size, number of bays, materials used, and your location. Carports tend to be built using high quality materials for the exposed wood; FSC certified treated softwood and curved bracing are used so that they look timeless and elegant in any setting.

What Is The Best Base For A Carport?

A concrete slab makes for the perfect base for a carport because it’s sturdy and durable. Most carports are built on a 4-inch concrete slab, although the thickness required depends on the types of vehicles you will store under it.

Car Ports are always free-standing and will always need a concrete base (either a slab or concrete pads).

At Olson Timber Buildings, we manufacture timber carports and wooden garages made from high quality oak, treated softwood, and pressure-treated timber. Our structures are built to last with thick timbers and fully-boarded roofs. 

If you’re undecided between a timber garage and a wooden carport, we can help you choose the best option for your property and needs. Give us a call.