One of the most important decisions to make when building a garage for your car is to decide which materials you’re going to use for the construction. Due to bad decisions caused by a lack of knowledge, many homeowners end up using materials that are not durable. Hence, the structure cannot last long-term.
But for those who really want to get their money’s worth, being diligent enough to do research is the first step in building a new garage. And if you need a guide as to what kind of materials are the best in terms of durability and cost-efficiency, this article has rounded up the top four materials for you:
1. Steel
If you’re building a new garage, steel is really the best material to use. Why? Because it is known for its strength and durability, especially if you get it from a highly reputed provider. Unlike other building materials, a steel garage can withstand severe weather conditions without any compromise.
Steel is also very cost-effective. If you do a quick computation of the costs involved in using conventional building materials versus steel, you’ll find that there’s a large disparity. To start with, you’ll no longer need to hire an architect when you build your garage. Most of all, a steel garage is easier and cheaper to maintain as compared to garages that were built using conventional materials. Worldwide Steel Buildings wrote a fantastic read if you want to use steel in your DIY metal building.
2. Wood
Wood is also a top choice among homeowners for building garages because of its affordability, versatility, and aesthetic qualities. Below are some of the main benefits of using wood for your garage:
- Cost-Effective – The first core benefit of using wood as a garage is that they are a lot cheaper than steel and concrete. The labor costs, the foundation expenses, and the raw materials cost lesser.
- Natural Insulator – Unlike concrete or metal, wood is an excellent natural insulator. It’s because of this reason why wood is also used for building workshops or office spaces. Wood can retain heat and keep things dry. If you’re planning to store perishable goods or valuable possessions in your garage, wood is the best option for you.
- Aesthetic – A wooden garage is more aesthetically pleasing than steel, which makes for a beautiful outdoor structure that you’re going to be proud of.
Another kind of wood material, fiberboard, is also considered a great choice for building garage walls. It is a thick but lightweight material that also has a smooth surface.
3. Concrete
Like steel, modern concrete garages are also known for their strength and durability. So, what’s the difference? As a material, concrete has advantages that are not possible with steel or wood, these are:
- No Planning Permits Required – One of the main reasons why concrete is best for building garages is that it eliminates the need for securing a planning permit from the local authority. Therefore, if you’re going to use concrete to build your garage, the construction process will be much quicker as you no longer have to secure a planning permit. However, regulations may vary in different cities or states, so it’s best to check the local authority before building a garage.
- Weather And Fire-Resistant – If you want peace of mind, a concrete garage is for you because it has weather and fire-resistant capabilities. Concrete can withstand even the toughest weather conditions. Also, its fire-resistant capabilities make it safer from a fire hazard point of view, which benefits homeowners as it lowers their insurance premiums as compared to garages made from wood or other materials.
Concrete, however, is not recommended for homeowners who live in hot regions because this material can crack under high temperatures. Aside from that, concrete is notorious for soaking and retaining warmth, making your garage very hot and humid.
4. Fiberglass
If concrete is not a good option for you, you can consider using fiberglass instead. This material is recommended for those who live in warm areas. Like wood, it provides aesthetic value for your garage. But unlike wood, however, fiberglass will not shrink or crack over time. Aside from that, it does not require much maintenance.
Final Thoughts
If you want to know which is the best one out of the four, you should go with steel especially when it comes to your garage door. While wood, concrete, and fiberglass are commonly used in many residential garages, they are always not the best choice. Wood has long-term issues such as rot, pest, and termite problems.
Concrete may also be a good choice, but it’s not ideal if you’re living in hot regions. On the other hand, fiberglass may be an option for people who live in warmer areas, but not for those who live near windy and coastal regions.
