The US new vehicle sales, which includes retail and non-retail transactions, reached 1,354,600 units in August this year. This was a 15.4% jump from the previous year. With the high volume of vehicles on the streets and freeways, it is necessary to shelter them when not in use. And what better car parking can be other than a metal garage?

A steel garage is the best choice for vehicle owners with benefits such as durability, robust structure, low maintenance, and resistance to pests, fire, and extreme weather. On top of that, steel is recyclable, green, and sustainable. With that in mind, let’s see eight vital factors you can consider when designing your very own metal garage.

8 Essential Factors To Consider When Designing A Metal Garage

1. Dimension

Before you decide on the size of your steel garage, you must assess your lot. If you have ample space where your garage can be installed, go for it. If not, consider resizing it. Now, you can choose your garage’s length, width, and height. Bear in mind that different vehicles need different shelter sizes.

For example, have a look at some of the sizes that steel suppliers commonly sell:

• Two car garage – size: 26x31x14; Price: $14,695*
• An RV garage – size: 30x31x16; Price: $17,350*
• Three car garage – size: 40x40x12; Price: $38,289*
• Agricultural garage – size: 44x36x12; Price: $22,385*
• Multi-purpose garage with lean-to-size: 50x60x12; Price: $50,010*

*Note that the prices mentioned are rough estimates. The final pricing will depend on raw material cost, availability, and your location.

If you are not sure about how will a metal structure look on your property, some metal suppliers offer 3-D simulator tools that help you to design a metal structure, choose width, length, and leg height, doors, windows, etc., and then visualize it on your property via augmented reality (AR).

2. Load Bearing Structure

Loading bearing ability of your metal garage is crucial for the following cases:

1. For the overall structural integrity of your home.
2. If you live in an area that is prone to frequent extreme weather.
3. If you are planning for larger steel garages.
4. If you are considering installing solar panels on your roof to maximize the benefits & generate free energy.
5. For areas with heavy snowfall.

You can consult your metal dealer about any specific issue before buying your metal structure. Once ordered, it will become hard to make changes and may incur extra charges from the manufacturer’s side.

For extreme weather areas, buying high-quality certified steel with 12-gauge posts for extra support is best.

3. Flooring

Your steel garage floor will depend on three factors:

• How are you planning to use your garage?
• Your lot soil grading
• Your personal choice (if the above two are not valid)

Following are the types of floors that you can choose from:

1. Leveled ground – It is suitable for a moderate climate with little rain if you only plan to use a steel garage to park your vehicle.
2. Dirt & gravel – It is a good option if you just want to park your cars.
3. Asphalt – It is another good option but costlier than the above two.
4. Concrete – It is the best choice for larger buildings. It can support more load than the rest of the three. It is the most expensive of all four, though.

4. Cabinets & Shelves

Almost everyone likes to store tools and equipment in their steel garage along with a car. With metal garages, you can install cabinets and shelves. However, to avoid cramped space, you need to install it wisely. Let’s talk about shelves first.

You can choose to install vertical shelving. This will give the illusion of a tall garage; meanwhile, you will be able to store items efficiently. Even better, you can install shelves and wall-mounted cabinets at a height. This will give you a clutter-free floor.

Nowadays, various ceiling-mounted storage units are available in the market. You can install them to store seasonal items like holiday décor or kids’ old stuff. But bear in mind that your metal roof must be able to bear the weight of your ceiling storage. If not, it might malfunction. This is true for all types of garages & roofing.

You can talk to your metal dealer about installing a sturdy roof that can bear the weight of ceiling storage, solar roof, or both. If you are going to use your garage as an occasional workshop, go for pegboards or magnetic boards. You can even install a foldable workbench.

5. Lighting

It is obvious that some lighting is necessary for your garage. You can go for skylights & windows for natural lighting. To install electric bulbs, fans, or faucets, you must install a HAVC system during the installation of your metal structure.

If you are thinking of saving on energy bills, opt for LEDs. They are bright, come in various shapes and designs, and consume less power. Some lighting options are overhead, task, motion-activated, etc.

6. Insulation

Metal is an excellent conductor of heat. That means it will cool down and warm up faster. This may not be good for your vehicle or you if you are planning to use it as a part-time or full-time working space.

To protect your car & other stored items, you can insulate your steel structure. Proper insulation will minimize the risk of condensation & help reduce moisture. Some popular insulator options are:

1. Fiberglass (affordable and widely used)
2. Spray foam
3. Radiant barrier
4. IMPs (insulated metal panels – They are in-built insulators.)

7. Doors & Windows

You can install an insulated door in your steel garage. If you want, you can add an extra walk-in door for storage or work. Before you seal the deal, you can talk to your metal dealer about no. the doors and windows you want.

Windows not only act as a source of natural light, but they also maintain air circulation & act as vents. You can install windows on either side of your garage.

8. Personalization

Now that we are done with most of the essential parts, let’s move out of the steel structure & see some benefits of installing a few other items.

If you happen to live in an area with frequent rain, a gutter would be a good option. Pair it with a downspout, and you can further redirect the flow of water into a container or do rainwater harvesting. This water can be filtered & used for various purposes.

Taking Everything Into Account

A cluttered and disorganized garage can look messy and may encourage rodents to pursue shelter. So, keeping your metal garage tidy will not just help you find tools when in need but also awe your neighbors. We hope these tips will help you design the garage of your dreams.

Finally, we would like to add that while buying any metal structure, you must research certified steel buildings and certified steel dealers and ask for a warranty if possible. A high-quality galvanized & certified steel can withstand even the extreme forces of nature, which are pretty frequent in America, be it seismic, hurricanes, or tornadoes.

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