Last Updated on February 3, 2023
If you’re looking for an outdoor storage solution, the age-old debate of garden shed vs garage is sure to come up. But what are the real differences between these two options? Garden sheds offer a less permanent option, while garages may be more expensive and require additional planning permission – so which one should you choose? We’ll explore all this in our guide on garden shed vs garage, giving you everything you need to make an informed decision about your next purchase.
Table of Contents:
- Garden Sheds: The Perfect Outdoor Storage Solution
- Garages: A More Permanent Option
- Pros & Cons of Garden Sheds vs Garages
- Conclusion
Garden Sheds: The Perfect Outdoor Storage Solution
Garden sheds are the perfect way to store items that you don’t want cluttering up your home. They provide a secure and weatherproof space for tools, furniture, and other outdoor items. Whether you’re looking for extra storage or just want to add some style to your garden, there’s a garden shed that’s right for you.
Size & Style
Garden sheds come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs perfectly. If you have limited space in your yard, opt for a smaller model like an apex shed or lean-to shed. These types of sheds are ideal if you need something compact but still spacious enough to fit all of your gardening supplies and tools. For larger yards with more room available, consider getting a pent-roof shed or even an octagonal summerhouse which can double as both storage and additional living space when needed.
Durability & Security
Garden sheds should be built with durability in mind – after all, they’ll be exposed to the elements year-round. Look out for features such as pressure-treated timber frames which will help protect against rot and decay caused by dampness over time; galvanised steel hinges which won’t rust; strong locks on doors; shatterproof windows; plus plenty of ventilation options too. All these features combined make sure that whatever is stored inside remains safe from intruders while also being able to withstand harsh weather conditions throughout the year.
Customisation Options

Don’t forget about customising your garden shed, too – there are plenty of ways to make it unique without breaking the bank. You could paint it any colour you like (or keep it natural wood), add shelves or hooks inside for extra storage solutions, and install lighting fixtures around the exterior walls…the possibilities are endless. Plus, many companies offer bespoke designs, so if none of their standard models suits what you need, then they can create something completely tailored specifically towards meeting those requirements instead – perfect if budget isn’t an issue either.
Garden sheds are a great way to add storage and organization to your outdoor space without having to commit to a larger, more permanent structure. Now let’s look at the benefits of choosing a garage as an outdoor storage solution.
Garages: A More Permanent Option
Garages are a great option for those looking for more permanent storage solutions. Unlike garden sheds, which can be moved around or taken down at any time, garages are usually built into the ground or attached to the side of a house. This makes them much more secure and reliable than their shed counterparts.
Garages offer superior protection from the elements compared to garden sheds, making them ideal for storing cars and other vehicles that need extra protection from rain, snow, hail and wind damage. They also provide additional security as they can be locked with either a key or code, depending on your preference.

When it comes to space efficiency, garages often have an edge over garden sheds due to their larger size and ability to store multiple items in one place without taking up too much room outside of your home. For example, you could fit two cars in a garage while only being able to fit one car in most garden sheds – giving you double the storage capacity without sacrificing valuable outdoor space.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, garages tend to be slightly pricier than garden sheds, but this is mainly due to the fact that they require professional installation, whereas shed kits can easily be assembled by DIYers with minimal effort (and cost). However, if you’re looking for something long-term, then investing in a garage may prove worthwhile as it will last longer and provide better protection against weathering over time.
Overall, garages offer many advantages when it comes to outdoor storage solutions; however, there are some downsides, such as needing professional installation and having higher upfront costs than regular shed kits. Therefore, it is important to weigh all options before making a decision so that you can make the best choice for your needs.
Garages are a great option for those looking for a more permanent solution to their storage needs. However, garden sheds can offer advantages as well, which we will explore in the next section.
Pros & Cons of Garden Sheds vs Garages
When it comes to outdoor storage solutions, garden sheds and garages are two of the most popular options. Both offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh up your needs before making a decision.
Cost
Garden sheds tend to be cheaper than garages, especially if you opt for one that is pre-built or made from plastic or metal materials. Garages require more time and money to build due to the need for foundations and walls as well as roofing materials such as tiles or slates.
Installation
Installing a garden shed is relatively straightforward compared with building a garage from scratch – all you need is some basic DIY skills and tools, plus an area in which to place the shed. Building a garage requires more complex construction work such as laying foundations, erecting walls and installing doors/windows etc., so it may be best left in the hands of professionals unless you have experience in this type of work.
Protection
When it comes to protection from theft or weather damage, garages generally provide better security than garden sheds do because they can be locked securely when not in use (e.g., with padlocks). However, if you live in an area prone to strong winds, then opting for extra-thick walls on your shed could help protect its contents against wind damage too.
Size & Space
Garden sheds come in various sizes but typically don’t take up much space at all, whereas garages usually require larger areas due to their size (especially double garages). If space is limited, then opting for a smaller garden shed might be preferable over constructing a large garage – just make sure there’s enough room inside for whatever items you plan on storing.
Overall, both garden sheds and garages offer great storage solutions depending on what kind of protection and space requirements you have. Before committing to either option, make sure that it meets your specific needs.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding between a garden shed and a garage, the choice is ultimately up to you. Garden sheds are great for those who need an outdoor storage solution that won’t break the bank, while garages offer more permanent protection from the elements. Both have their pros and cons, so consider your needs carefully before making a decision on which one is right for you. No matter what you choose, there’s no denying that both garden sheds and garages can be incredibly useful additions to any home or garden – just make sure you pick the one that best suits your needs when comparing garden shed vs garage.
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