The Difference Between a Carport and Garage

Are you thinking about adding some sort of protection for your car? Carports and garages are two popular options, each with its own benefits. We’ll talk about these structures to help you make an informed decision for your home. Carports provide a simple, open-air solution, covering your car while keeping it easily accessible. On the other hand, garages offer enclosed protection, providing added security and storage space. Both options have their advantages, depending on what you’re after. 

So, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or prioritising security and storage, there’s a solution for you. Stay tuned as we get deeper into the features and benefits of carports and garages, helping you find the perfect answer for your home and lifestyle.

Differences between carport and garage

Structure

A garage is like a small building where you park your car. It’s closed on all sides, like a room for your car, with walls and a roof, keeping it safe and snug from all kinds of weather, such as rain, wind, and even snow. It protects your car completely.

However carports serve the same purpose but without the walls. It’s not fully enclosed like a garage. Imagine carport as a big umbrella for your car, providing shade and protection from the weather, but still letting in the breeze.

Both are good options depending on what you need. If you want total protection, a garage is the way to go. But if you just want some shade and cover from above, a carport could be perfect for you.

Cost

Carports tend to be cheaper to set up than garages. Why? Because they don’t need as much materials to build them, such as walls and doors. With fewer materials and less work needed, the cost is usually lower. So, if you’re watching your wallet, a carport might be the way to go. It’s a budget-friendly option that still gives your car cover. Plus, since they’re simpler to put together, you could save some cash on installation too. There’s always options for DIY projects with DIY carport kits.

While garages offer more protection, they can also be pricier to build and maintain. So, if you’re looking to save some money but still want to keep your car safe from the sun, rain, and whatever else Mother Nature throws your way, a carport could be a smart choice.

Flexibility

Carports give you lots of options. You can put them up in different spots and attach them to other things like your house or just let them stand on their own, also known as freestanding carports. They’re pretty easy to set up wherever you need them. Garages, though, need more thought. Because they’re closed off, you’ve got to plan where to put them, and sometimes there are rules about where you can build them depending on where you live. 

So, if you like having choices and want something that’s simpler to install, a carport might be the way to go. It’s a flexible option that can adapt to your needs and the layout of your space.

Storage

Garages give you extra rooms for your belongings. They keep your vehicles safe from the weather and give you a place to stash tools, gear, and whatever else you need to keep safe and organised. Carports, though, are more about keeping your vehicles shielded from the elements. They don’t offer the same level of security or storage space as garages do. 

So, if you’ve got lots of items to store and want it all tucked away safely, a garage might be your best bet. But if you mainly need protection for your vehicles and don’t mind keeping your other gear elsewhere, a carport could still be a good option. It all depends on what you need and how much space you have to work with.

Ventilation

Carports let the breeze flow through, keeping the air fresh and helping to stop moisture from building up. This open design helps prevent mould from taking hold. Garages, though, being closed up, might need extra help to keep the air inside clean and dry. They might need ventilation systems to keep things feeling fresh and stop dampness from causing problems. 

So, if you like the idea of fresh air and don’t want to worry about stuffy spaces, a carport could be the way to go. But if you prefer things buttoned up and want to control the air quality, a garage might be more your style.

In conclusion, carports offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for protecting your vehicles and enjoying the outdoors. With their open design, they provide better ventilation and are easier to install compared to garages. If you’re considering adding a carport to your property, reach out to us for a free quote. We specialise in building carports and can help you create the perfect outdoor space. Don’t wait any longer to improve your home with a functional and stylish carport!