We Pick Our Favorite Prefab Garages for 2024

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Revolutionizing the way homeowners approach vehicle storage and workspace solutions, prefab garages offer a blend of convenience, functionality, and style. Whether you're seeking a space to house your prized vehicles or craving a workshop sanctuary for your automotive projects, a prefab garage offers a semi-permanent solution for those looking to take their hobbies indoors.

The idea of ordering an entire building online may seem a bit daunting, so the Gear Team has perused the market to find the best—and easiest-to-put-together—structures available, so that you can quickly go from browsing to building.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Prefab Garage

Whether you're looking for a temporary car covering or a backyard workspace or me-shed that will (hopefully) last for years, there are a lot of things to consider when shopping for a prefab garage.

Regulations

Before diving into construction, it's essential to review your local zoning regulations and limitations. Obtaining the necessary approvals for your project can be a pivotal aspect of the building process. This should be your first step as receiving several thousand pounds of unassembled garage will become a pain when you can't legally erect it on your property.

Construction/Foundation Requirements

Check the foundation requirements for the prefab garage. Some may require a concrete slab, while others can be installed on gravel or asphalt. Do you need drainage? Electricity? Ensure that your property can accommodate the necessary foundation and that it meets local building codes.

Size and Space

Determine the size of the prefab garage based on your vehicle(s) and any additional storage needs. Consider not only the dimensions of the garage but also the available space on your property for installation.

Weather Resistance

Consider the climate and weather conditions in your area when choosing a prefab garage. Look for features such as reinforced construction, weatherproofing treatments, and adequate ventilation to protect your vehicles and other belongings from the elements.

Security Features

Evaluate the security features offered by the prefab garage, such as sturdy locking mechanisms, reinforced doors and windows, and options for tacking on additional security measures like alarms or surveillance systems.

Warranty and Installation Services

Review the warranty coverage offered by the manufacturer and any installation services included in the purchase. Ensure that the company provides reliable customer support and assistance with installation if needed.

The Top Prefab Garages

Sierra 12-by-24-Foot Wood Garage

Best Barns makes some of the best prefab buildings you can get and the Sierra is a case in point. The structure is made with O.C.-treated framing to resist fungal decay and insect infestation, plus exterior-grade, pre-primed SmartSide paneling that's ready to be painted in a color of your choosing.

A sturdy truss system provides stability against winds up to 150 mph and snow up to 50 pounds per square foot. Assembly looks to be straightforward, thanks to detailed step-by-step instructions, and all hardware, including nails and glue, comes with it. The building includes a floor with 3/4-inch plywood panels.

The side paneling comes with an insane 50-year limited warranty, which is by far the longest we've seen for any prefab building. The entire structure is covered by a 15-year limited warranty.

Overall dimensions (width/depth/height): 144 by 288 by 135 inches

Murryhill 14-by-31-Foot Steel Garage

The Murryhill by Arrow is made from durable galvanized steel to stand up to the elements and resist corrosion. It features an extra wide front roll-up door, which is perfect for loading larger vehicles and trailers, as well as a side door for convenient entry and exit.

The pieces come pre-cut and pre-drilled for easy assembly, and, most impressively, the whole thing is backed by a 12-year limited warranty. Users do note there are a ton of bolts to tighten and the metal components are heavier than wood, so assembly is a long, rather monotonous process, if not a difficult one. Call your buddies and pick up some inexpensive cordless drills to make it easier.

Overall dimensions (width/depth): 168 by 372 inches

Imperial 12-by-26-Foot Metal Garage

The Imperial by Duramax is constructed from galvanized steel and reinforced with metal-inserted columns. It can reportedly withstand up to 20 pounds per square foot of snow on its slanted roof.

A single roll-up front door measures 99 inches wide, and a sliding side door adds a second access point. The interior features four gable vents to keep air moving inside. There are a few different colors to choose from too. Best of all, it's backed by a 10-year limited warranty.

Overall dimensions (width/depth): 145 by 308.6 inches

Outdoor Storage Shed, 20 by 13 Feet

It might look like a shipping container, but this metal structure by Bovono has been designed to function as a free-standing building—even if it has no floor. It's made from durable galvanized steel and features reinforced walls and bracing to ensure it can stand up to the elements.

The front opens with hinged double doors, and there is also a hinged side door. All of the doors include built-in locations for locks to keep whatever is inside safe. The roof is slanted to prevent water buildup, and the interior features four vents that allow in light and keep air moving inside.

Overall dimensions (width/depth/height): 120.5 by 238.6 by 91.3 inches

Professionally Installed Hudson, 12 by 20 Feet

Handy Home Products makes some solid prefab buildings. We chose this one in particular because when you order it from Home Depot, it includes professional assembly and installation. (It is available for less money, but without installation, from both Amazon and Wayfair.)

The Hudson features two-by-four wood framing that has been treated to resist fungal decay and insects. It also includes a treated wood floor and black roofing shingles. The doors can be mounted on either the front or side of the building, and the doors themselves are mounted on full-length, galvanized steel hinges and include rust-resistant keyed locking handles.

Overall dimensions (width/depth/height): 144.3 by 240.3 by 138.8 inches

Auto Shelter, 10-by-15-by-8-Foot RoundTop

If you're looking for a solid, semiportable carport, here you go. While technically not a prefab garage, its portability, affordability, and ShelterLogic's reputation for quality necessitated its inclusion on this list.

It uses a powder-coated steel frame equipped with stabilizers to prevent it from shifting. The cover is made from a tough triple-layer ripstop fabric that is waterproof and has been treated to be more resistant to fading, staining, and wear. There's even a roll-up door that can be zippered shut for added protection.

ShelterLogic makes a ton of great carports in dozens of styles, colors, materials, and designs. We like the Roundtop because it allows snow and rain to run right off. We've listed the 10-by-15-foot version here, but if you need slightly more space you can opt for the 10-by-20-foot version direct from ShelterLogic.

Overall dimensions (width/depth/height): 120 by 240 by 96 inches

Kingsport 20-by-20-by-8-Foot Sloped-Roof Cedar Carport

For those who live in warmer, drier climates, or for whom security is less of a concern, keeping your vehicles in a carport may be a solid alternative to a full garage. The Kingsport from Backyard Discovery is made from 100 percent cedar, and the roof is 29-gauge powder-coated steel. The roof is angled to prevent water buildup and is certified to hold a load of up to 20,850 pounds. The whole thing is tested to withstand winds up to 100 mph.

Assembly is straightforward as all of the pieces are pre-cut, pre-drilled, and pre-stained, and the whole process is supported by the interactive BILT app. The structure is backed by an impressive five-year warranty.

One other nice feature is the PowerPort, which includes three electrical outlets and three USB ports. This of course means you would need a power source to take advantage of the Kingsport's full functionality, but you can still buy it even if you don't.

Overall dimensions (width/depth/height): 247 by 246 by 100.5 inches

FAQs

What is a prefab garage?

A prefab garage, short for prefabricated garage, is a structure that is manufactured off-site in sections or modules and then assembled on the homeowner's property. These garages come in various sizes, styles, and materials and are designed to provide shelter and storage for vehicles, tools, and other belongings.

What are the advantages of prefab garages compared to traditional garages?

Prefab garages offer several advantages, including faster installation time, lower labor costs, customizable design options, and the ability to relocate the structure if necessary. Additionally, prefab garages are typically constructed in a controlled factory environment, resulting in higher quality and consistency compared to on-site construction.

Do I need a building permit for a prefab garage?

The need for a building permit for a prefab garage varies depending on local building codes and regulations. In many areas, a permit is required for any permanent structure, including prefab garages. It's important to check with your local building department or zoning office to determine the permit requirements before purchasing and installing a prefab garage.

Why Trust Us?

Road & Track and its sibling publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices. Read more about our testing process here.

With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with the trust our readers have in us than our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something we haven't.

We've evaluated dozens of products, from floor mats and rooftop cargo carriers to wiper blades and electric bikes. Our picks and recommendations of products and gear are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.

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