Wooden garages and carports are among the most practical additions to any property — and for dealers, they represent a product category with strong, consistent demand. Unlike seasonal garden buildings, vehicle housing sells year-round because the need to protect cars, boats, motorcycles, and equipment doesn’t depend on the weather.
This guide covers everything you need to know about wooden garages and carports: the key differences between the two, standard sizing options, roof styles, wall construction, and what to look for when choosing a manufacturer or supplier.
Garage vs Carport: What’s the Difference?
The fundamental difference is simple: a garage is fully enclosed, while a carport is an open-sided covered structure. But the practical implications of that distinction are significant.
Wooden Garages
A wooden garage provides complete protection from the elements, security from theft, and a lockable storage space. Typical features include:
- Fully enclosed walls with 44mm solid timber construction as standard
- Large double doors (swing-out or up-and-over) for vehicle access
- Lockable entry for security
- Optional side rooms for workshop space, storage, or utility areas
- Optional windows for natural light when working inside
Garages are the right choice when clients need secure, enclosed storage — particularly for valuable vehicles, tools, or equipment. They also work well as workshops, hobby spaces, or additional utility rooms.
Wooden Carports
A carport provides overhead protection without the cost and footprint of a full garage. Key characteristics include:
- Open sides (two, three, or partially enclosed) for easy drive-in access
- Sturdy timber post-and-beam construction supporting the roof
- Lower cost than an equivalent-sized garage
- Faster installation with fewer components
- Flexible placement — freestanding or attached to an existing building
Carports are ideal for clients who want practical vehicle protection without the expense of a full enclosure. They’re also popular as covered outdoor areas for entertaining, market stalls, or equipment shelters.
Standard Sizes: Single, Double, and Beyond
Sizing is one of the first questions buyers ask. Here are the standard configurations and what they accommodate:
Single Garages and Carports
- Typical footprint: 3.0m × 5.0m to 4.0m × 6.0m
- Accommodates: One standard car, SUV, or van with room for door opening
- Popular models: Compact designs for tighter properties, often with an integrated side storage room
Double Garages and Carports
- Typical footprint: 5.5m × 5.0m to 7.0m × 6.0m
- Accommodates: Two vehicles side by side, or one vehicle plus generous workshop/storage space
- Popular models: Double-width door access or two separate bays with a central dividing wall
Combination Buildings
Some of the most popular designs combine a garage with an integrated carport — offering enclosed storage for one vehicle and open covered parking for another. These combination buildings are strong sellers because they provide maximum flexibility without the cost of two separate structures.
Roof Styles and Their Impact
The roof style affects both the visual appearance and the practical performance of the building:
Apex (Gable) Roof
- Traditional pitched roof with two sloping sides meeting at a ridge
- Maximises internal headroom and allows for overhead storage or a mezzanine
- Excellent water and snow runoff
- The most popular choice for standalone garages
Flat (Pent) Roof
- Single-slope or minimal-pitch roof design
- Modern, clean aesthetic that suits contemporary properties
- Lower overall height, which can help with planning restrictions
- Particularly popular for carports and lean-to designs
Dealer tip: Apex roofs are the default in most markets — they look traditional and perform well. Offer flat-roof models as an alternative for modern properties or situations where height restrictions apply.
Wall Thickness and Construction Quality
For garages, 44mm wall thickness is the standard — and for good reason. At 44mm, the interlocking wall planks provide:
- Structural rigidity sufficient to support heavy roof loads, including snow
- Security — 44mm solid timber is genuinely robust and difficult to breach
- Reasonable thermal performance for an unheated outbuilding
- Longevity — thicker walls resist warping and weather damage better over time
All walls should be constructed from slow-grown Nordic spruce with precision-milled tongue-and-groove profiles. This ensures a tight, weather-resistant fit between every plank — no gaps, no drafts, and a clean finished appearance inside and out.
Optional Features That Add Value
The base structure is just the starting point. The following options are frequently requested and can increase order value significantly:
- Integrated side storage: A dedicated room within the garage for tools, garden equipment, or a small workshop
- Up-and-over doors: More convenient than traditional swing doors in tight driveways
- Windows and skylights: Essential if the garage will double as a workspace
- Electrical pre-wiring: Cable routing channels built into the wall profiles
- Extended roof overhang: Provides additional covered area outside the main structure
- Integrated carport bay: Combination designs with one enclosed and one open bay
Installation Considerations
Wooden garages and carports are typically delivered as flat-pack kits with pre-cut, numbered components. Key installation points to communicate to buyers:
- Foundation: A level concrete slab or compacted gravel base with concrete piers is essential
- Assembly time: A single garage can typically be assembled in 1–2 days by two people; doubles may take 2–3 days
- Treatment: The timber should be treated with a quality wood preservative/stain after assembly to protect against UV and moisture
- Planning permission: Regulations vary by country and municipality — advise buyers to check local rules before ordering
Why Source Wooden Garages From Dadsons
At Dadsons, our garage and carport range is manufactured from FSC-certified Nordic spruce in our Latvian production facility. Every component is CNC-machined for precise interlocking fit, and each kit includes all structural timber, roofing boards, doors, hardware, and detailed assembly instructions.
Dealer benefits include:
- Single, double, and combination garage designs in stock sizes
- Custom modifications available (non-standard dimensions, door placement, window configurations)
- 44mm wall thickness as standard across all garage models
- Competitive B2B pricing with tiered volume discounts
- Efficient flat-pack shipping direct from Latvia to your location
Get Started
Looking to add wooden garages and carports to your dealer range, or need a quote for a specific project? Contact our team for product specifications, pricing, and availability. We’re happy to provide technical drawings, sample materials, and guidance on which models work best for your market.
