Metal Buildings

If you need covered parking for your vehicle, you may be weighing your options between a VersaTube carport or a garage. Both are great choices, but one may be better for your distinct needs. As you make your decision, consider this:

The Main Differences

A garage is a fully enclosed (once you install a garage door) structure. It can come in a variety of sizes (in fact, you could use our Design-Your-Own Tool to build a garage to your exact specifications if you want), and while garages are often right beside or attached to houses, they can be positioned anywhere on your property that you want as long as it complies with local building and zoning laws.

A carport is a covered structure that can have one, two, or three walls, or be a roof and frame only. Again, it can be positioned where you want it and if one of our standard models doesn’t fit your needs, you can order a carport to your specifications with our Design-Your-Own Tool.

Carport vs Garage: Which is Better?

Like beauty, pros and cons are really in the eye of the beholder. What someone else considers a negative attribute, you could find is the ideal solution for your needs. So, keep in mind that these pros and cons aren’t exact and certainly won’t apply to everyone.

Carport Pros:

• Less expensive than a garage

• Quicker to build

• Less expensive foundations, like prepared earth or gravel work just fine (though you may still need concrete footings)

• Can have a pull-through design: which makes it easy to park and move RV’s, boats, and large equipment

• It can serve other purposes: use it as an outdoor pavilion for entertaining and family fun; place it over your patio so you can stay outside when the sun is at its hottest or during rain

Carport Cons:

• It doesn’t offer the same level of protection against the weather as a garage does

• Though you can store some items safely in a carport, it can’t be used for storing as many items as a garage, since it can’t be locked securely and it can’t block all weather

Garage Pros:

• More secure than a carport: not only can it be fully locked (and alarmed if you desire), you can choose a windowless design so would-be thieves can’t even take a peek inside

• Fully protects against weather

• Provides for more storage: tools, equipment, household supplies, storage boxes, and totes can all be kept easily

• Interior can be finished. Need a home office or workshop? You can finish your garage interior however you want to make it serve any purpose

Garage Cons:

• While still much more budget-friendly than a timber garage, it is a bigger financial investment than a carport

• No pull-through capability for boats and RVs

• While in many cases, it can work with a less expensive flooring option, you may still  need or want to invest in an asphalt or concrete floor, especially if your garage is larger

• Could require getting a permit when a carport might not (depends wholly on your local municipality)

Do you have some other use in mind for your VersaTube carport or garage that we haven’t covered? Speak to one of our experts directly and get their advice!