If you need extra space or additional protection for your vehicle, you might have found yourself with two main choices – a garage or a carport. Although a garage and a carport serve a similar need or function, they differ in a few important ways. Between steel carport kits or metal garage kits, which should you choose? Our specialists have compiled information about each option to help you determine the solution that best fits your needs and home.
What Is a Carport?
A carport consists of a roof supported by steel posts. These open-style structures are strong, sturdy, and very low maintenance. Carports provide shade, protection, and a variety of other benefits. Steel carport kits come in a wide variety of sizes to suit various needs and are quick and easy to assemble.
What Is a Garage?
In contrast to a carport, a garage is a completely enclosed structure with walls, a roof, and an entryway. Steel garage kits provide you with a safe way to store vehicles and items. They can be secured with a lock and key, making your belongings less vulnerable to damage or theft. When using a kit, your garage can be assembled quickly and have minimal maintenance requirements over its lifetime.
How are Carports and Garages Different?
Carports and garages share many similarities. They both offer protection from the sun, rain and wind and are excellent free-standing structures. The main differences lay in how they are built, how they look, how much protection they offer, and how much they cost.
Garages are fully enclosed structures with a door and a large shutter for access. This means that they do a better job of keeping out anything that may damage your vehicle or belongings, including inclement weather, debris, and unwelcome individuals. In contrast, a carport is fully open on the sides. While it can still protect your car and items from sun damage as well as precipitation or falling leaves, the design is vulnerable on each side. A carport is also not the best choice if you are looking to store valuable belongings, as there is no way to keep them secure.
Carport Kits or Garage Packages: Deciding Which One is the Best
Both structures offer great benefits, and the decision on which works better for you comes down to the following considerations.
The Appearance of Your Property
Carports and garages do not have the same look, and each impacts the appearance of your property differently.
Carports are open structures with a metal roof and several steel supports holding it in place. They are great if you have beautiful landscaping or green space on your property and do not want to block it with a solid wall.
In contrast, garages are enclosed structures. Because they have a roof and walls, they can be easily customized to match the design style of your home.
Your Storage and Protection Needs
Garages are better at providing protection from theft, harsh weather and any other mishaps that may threaten or harm your vehicles or items. You can store your lawn and garden equipment, hobby items like golf carts and fishing boats, as well as your car. They also provide additional storage space where you can keep seasonal items, décor, or items that do not have a space in your home.
While carports do not offer the same protection, they do an excellent job of protecting your car from the sun, rain, and snow. If you park your vehicles under trees, they also provide excellent protection from bird droppings.
Time Required for Installation
Carports are extremely easy to install, use, and maintain. A typical installation can be completed within a day using a metal carport kit. With some simple tools and help from two or three friends, your carport can be put up in no time.
Garage kits may require more time. Depending on their complexity, a steel garage can be installed over a weekend, or it may take a few weeks. This is also dependent on the customization options you have chosen, including insulation, windows, and more. If you are going to add electrical or plumbing connections, this may take additional time.
Total Costs
The cost comparisons between a garage and a carport need to be taken in the context of the style, dimensions and other factors related to the project. That said, carports are generally less expensive than garages. However, do not base your decision solely on cost, as your needs are more important.
Permits & Regulations
Carports are not regarded as enclosed or liveable spaces. This means they typically have very minimal permit requirements if any. Because of this, carports are often a better choice in places where there is not a lot of space or in metropolitan areas where permits can be hard to obtain. In contrast, garages often must adhere to a multitude of building codes and regulations and may require additional provisions.
Be sure to check with your local codes to ensure that your carport or garage meets any regulations prior to construction.
We Offer Durable Garage & Carport Kits at the Best Prices
At Toro, we provide carport kits and garage kits built with high-quality steel. Both options are strong, reliable, and durable in all weather conditions. Each structure we sell is protected with a 40-year rust perforation warranty, ensuring your building will look great and last for years. Contact us today to speak with our metal building specialists or request a free estimate online. We will be happy to discuss your needs and guide you through the selection process to ensure you receive the best protection for your vehicle at the best prices.
Also Read:
- How to Choose the Right Metal Garage for Your Vehicle
- How to Use a Metal Garage as an Auto Shop
- Why Should You Choose Toro Steel Buildings for a Custom Garage?
