The market in carports and prefab garages has substantially grown in recent years, and there are a number of reasons why this has happened.
Firstly, not all new homes are built with integral garages, and installing a carport or prefab garage is far easier, less disruptive and more cost effective than having a permanent structure attached to your property.
Secondly, many people whose home does incorporate an adjoining garage have converted this garage into additional living space, both to improve their own quality of life and to increase the value of their property. This, of course, has left them nowhere to house their vehicles.
Finally, over the last 50 years, we have become a nation of multi-car homes. In fact, even accounting for the 1 in 5 households without a car, there are now 12 cars for every 10 households in England. Therefore, as much of our housing stock is more than 50 years old, it has been unable to meet the increase in demand for multi-car storage.
Differences Between Carports and Prefab Garages
The key practical difference between carports and prefab garages centres around security.
Prefab garages are enclosed structures, with solid walls, roofs and doors, so they offer vehicles extensive weatherproof protection AND safeguard them against theft. This enclosed design also allows them to be used for other purposes, such as a garden workshop or spacious outdoor storage unit.
Carports, on the other hand, are open-sided structures, which are purely designed to protect vehicles from the elements. Sure, they can double up as bike shelters or temporary garden storage facilities, but they don’t provide any type of security. On the other hand, being open sided means they’re far more convenient when you need to access your car quickly and with minimal fuss.
The 10 Best Carports and Prefab Garages
Here, we take a look at 10 of the best carports and prefab garages on the market, this year.
However, as it’s not always possible to compare like for like, and as people own a variety of vehicles, our top ten list is not arranged in any specific order. Rather, it is designed to show you the best carports and garages available to cater for a wide range of vehicle requirements.
(10) 16 x 10 Palram Canopia Arizona Breeze 5000 Grey Metal Carport
Supported by a heavy-duty aluminium frame and galvanised steel connectors, this high-specification carport is built from bronzed polycarbonate panels, which are UV protected, shatterproof and completely maintenance free.
Rigorously tested to withstand severe winds and snow, this polycarbonate/ metal carport’s other notable features include integral guttering and a 10-year warranty. Its stunning design is sure to complement a contemporary style of property.
(9) 9 x 6 Trimetals Protect-a-Bike Secure Garden Storage
Constructed from PVC-coated galvanised steel panels and backed by an extraordinary 25-year warranty, this metal garage is one of two motorbike storage units selected for our list. And the reason we’ve chosen it is because it offers up to 2 bikes absolutely incredible all-round protection.
Boasting a robust ground anchor (Solid Secure Gold Rated); 1.5m padlock and chain (Thatcham Approved); stainless-steel hasp and padlock; keyed handle with two locking bars; door bolting system; battery operated alarm; and locking nuts on the exterior bolts, to prevent thieves from removing the panels from the outside, it’s no wonder that this high-security motorbike garage is approved by the police, motorcycle press and Loss Prevention Certification Board.
If you own a motorbike, you’ll be sure to love it too.
(8) 20 x 10 Traditional Deluxe Shiplap Wooden Garage / Workshop Shed (6.10m x 3.05m)
Traditional by name and traditional by nature, this wooden garage’s timeless design makes it equally suitable for use as a workshop, extra-large garden storage facility, or home for your car.
Built from the finest 12mm tongue and groove cladding, on a strapping 50mm frame, this garage building features lockable double doors, an additional side entrance door, and a bank of 3 windows, of which 1 is an opener. These windows can be installed in a variety of positions – the choice is yours.
And, for a limited time only, if you buy it through us and upgrade to pressure-treated wood, we’ll upgrade your wooden garage to extra-thick 15mm cladding, with a 15-year anti-rot guarantee.
(7) 12 x 28 Palram Canopia Arcadia 8500 Grey Metal Carport (3.59m x 8.58m)
If you need a car shelter to protect BOTH of your family’s cars, this grey metal carport makes an excellent choice.
Expertly constructed from near-unbreakable, UV-protected twin-wall polycarbonate panels, it is stylish, weatherproof and completely maintenance free.
Other key features include a heavy-duty, powder-coated aluminium frame, laser-cut galvanised-steel connectors, and an integral guttering system to ensure effective rainwater runoff.
(6) Palmako Roger 5.1m x 5.5m Log Cabin Garage (44mm) - Up and Over Door
More than just somewhere to keep your car, this wooden garage building includes a storage area, garden room and space for sheltered outdoor seating too.
Beautifully handcrafted from the finest Nordic spruce, with a tongue and groove roof and chalet-cut design, this log cabin garage also features a handy side-entrance door, double-glazed windows and a 5-year guarantee.
It is the type of wooden garage that dreams are made of.
(5) 10 x 14 Kingston Lean To Carport (3m x 4.3m)
Thanks to its smart, practical design, this lean-to carport provides shelter for your car, without taking over your garden. What’s more, as the carport attaches to your property, you can keep a close eye on your vehicle, from the comfort of your armchair.
Constructed from premium polycarbonate, with a heavy-duty, powder-coated aluminium frame, this cheap carport represents exceptional value for money. Weather resistant, shatterproof and maintenance free, it is backed by an impressive 10-year guarantee.
(4) 16 x 19 Palram Canopia Arizona Wave Grey Metal Double Carport (4.95m x 5.78m)
With its carefully contoured roof and robust, high-spec build, this state-of-the-art double carport is an attractive and effective way to protect 2 large cars from the weather.
Particularly suited to a contemporary style of property, this car port canopy consists of bronze polycarbonate roof panels; a heavy-duty, powder-coated aluminium frame; and laser-cut galvanised-steel connectors. Two integral gutters are included too, along with an excellent 10-year warranty.
(3) 7'4 x 8'11 Asgard Gladiator Motorbike Garage (2.24m x 2.72m)
Approved by the police, UK Locksmiths Association, Loss Prevention Certification Board and the nation’s motorcycle press, this metal motorbike garage offers supreme security and weatherproof protection for your motorbike.
Backed by a reassuring 10-year guarantee, it is built in Great Britain from 18-gauge reinforced galvanised steel, with an integral steel base and wooden sub floor. The 5-point locking system includes a shrouded, drill and pick-resistant lock, along with heavy-duty deadbolts, so your bike is going nowhere without you in the saddle.
Two heavy-duty shelves and a hook rail are included as standard, as is an extensive ventilation system to provide optimal motorbike storage conditions.
(2) 10 x 20 Absco Utility Metal Garage Workshop Shed - Pale Eucalyptus (3m x 6.1m)
Made in Australia, from Bluescope high-tensile steel, with a titanium finish, this metal prefab garage comes with a market-leading 30-year anti-rust guarantee.
Wide double doors provide car-friendly access to the spacious interior, while a single side door allows you to reach the back of the garage with minimal fuss. Both doors are fitted with a pad bolt to ensure your car remains secure.
And thanks to the pre-assembled panels, pre-punched holes and unique SNAPTiTE assembly system, this great-value prefab garage is far easier to assemble than most metal garages.
(1) 20 x 25 Palmako Karl Wooden Carport (6m x 7.6m)
Available in 4 different sizes and supplied with a 5-year guarantee, the Palmako Karl Wooden Carport Palmako is built from premium Nordic spruce, with a top-of-the-range tongue and groove roof.
With its understated Scandinavian chic, weather-beating build, and space for multiple vehicles, this wooden carport really does have it all.
Purchase the shed attachment and roof cover as optional upgrades, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate carport to cater for all of your vehicle-based requirements.
Garages and Carports for Sale
Whether you’re looking for the all-round protection of a prefab garage or the convenience of a carport, we offer an outstanding choice of models to cater for every taste and all possible requirements.
View our full range of garage buildings and carports for sale now, all of which will make a fabulous addition to your property and provide excellent protection for your vehicles.
Main image: 20 x 17 Palmako Karl Wooden Carport (6m x 5.1m)