What is a Cart Lodge?
A cart lodge is an open-fronted garage that takes its inspiration from the carriage houses and farm buildings traditionally found throughout the British countryside. Instead of a solid front wall and garage door, the structure is supported by timber posts and curved bracing, creating a more open and characterful appearance.
Many people choose a cart lodge because it offers a similar look to an oak-framed garage without the costs that are often associated with oak construction. As the timber weathers, it develops a softer, more natural appearance that suits both rural and residential settings.
While car storage is the most common use, cart lodges are equally useful for motorcycles, trailers, ride-on mowers, and general garden equipment. They can also be customised with enclosed bays, side stores, and different roofing options to suit your requirements.
Why Choose a Cart Lodge Instead of a Standard Garage?
A cart lodge offers several advantages over a conventional garage:
- Easy access – The open-fronted design makes it simple to park and retrieve vehicles, trailers, and equipment without the restriction of garage doors.
- Improved ventilation – Better airflow helps reduce trapped moisture, making cart lodges particularly well-suited to vehicle storage.
- Traditional appearance – Timber posts and curved bracing create a more characterful look than a standard garage, particularly on rural and period properties.
- Complements the setting – The open design sits comfortably within larger gardens and countryside plots, where a conventional garage can sometimes appear more imposing.
- An alternative to oak-framed garages – A cart lodge can achieve a similar appearance to an oak-framed structure at a lower cost, making it a practical choice for homeowners who want traditional styling without the premium price tag.
Garden Garages with Character
A garden garage doesn’t need to be purely functional. The right design can complement your home and become a natural part of the overall setting, rather than simply a place to park a vehicle.
Cart lodges are particularly well-suited to period properties, countryside homes, and plots where a traditional style is preferred. Features such as curved bracing and feather-edge cladding help create a more established appearance, while still providing practical covered storage.
Roofing choices can also have a significant impact on the finished look. While standard felt tiles provide a clean finish, many customers choose to upgrade to Tapco Slate for additional depth and detail. Combined with the open-fronted design, this creates a garden garage that sits comfortably alongside both traditional and modern homes.
Popular Uses for a Cart Lodge
Cart lodges are often used for much more than vehicle storage, including:
- Classic car storage – Keep cherished vehicles protected from rain, frost, and direct sunlight while maintaining easy access.
- Everyday vehicle parking – A practical solution for daily-use cars that don’t require a fully enclosed garage.
- Motorcycle storage – Provides covered parking with plenty of room to manoeuvre bikes in and out.
- Ride-on mowers and garden machinery – Ideal for larger equipment that can be difficult to store elsewhere.
- Trailers and outdoor equipment – Open bays make it easy to accommodate bulky items and seasonal equipment.
- Log and firewood storage – A convenient way to keep logs dry while allowing air to circulate.
- Covered outdoor seating – Some homeowners use a cart lodge as a sheltered area for entertaining, dining, or relaxing outdoors.
Design & Customisation Options
Cart lodges are available in a range of sizes, from compact single-bay designs through to double and triple-bay layouts. This allows you to create the right amount of covered space, whether you’re storing one vehicle or several.
For customers who need additional storage, enclosed side bays can be incorporated into the design. These are useful for tools, garden equipment, bicycles, and other items that benefit from secure storage alongside the main open-fronted area.
You can also personalise the appearance of your cart lodge with different cladding options, including shiplap and feather-edge boarding. Doors and windows can be added to enclosed sections where required, allowing you to create a layout that works for both vehicle storage and general garden use.
If your preferred size is not shown in the configurator, our team can discuss alternative dimensions and layouts.
Build Your Cart Lodge
Please use the button below to start designing your cart lodge. In the configurator, you can choose the style and position of doors and windows, along with all the optional extras you could need for any number of car garages.
If the size you have in mind for your cart lodge is not listed, please use the closest size up.
Once you have designed your cart lodge, this will give you a total cost that is inclusive of VAT, Delivery & Installation.
Build yourCart Lodge
Construction & Specifications
Each cart lodge is built using quality timber construction, with sturdy softwood posts and curved bracing to create the open-fronted design. The main structure follows our standard garage specification, with cladding to the enclosed walls and visible internal framing unless lining is selected.
Inside, the roof structure includes timber purlins between the trusses, with OSB boarding beneath the chosen roof covering. This creates a sturdy building suitable for regular use.
Your cart lodge is assembled on site by our trained installation team, ensuring the building is correctly fitted to the prepared base.
Groundwork Requirements
A cart lodge requires a solid, level base to support the structure correctly. In most cases, this will be a concrete base with a single course of bricks around the perimeter to help protect the timber from standing water.
To make preparation straightforward, we supply foundation plans showing the required dimensions and layout. These can be passed directly to your chosen contractor before installation.
Getting the groundwork right from the outset helps ensure a smooth installation and a long-lasting building.
Delivery & Installation
Installation is included with most projects, with our experienced team assembling the structure on site once the groundwork has been completed. This helps ensure the building is erected correctly and ready for use as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to organise the installation yourself, a supply-only option is also available. Delivery costs can be calculated through the online configurator by entering your postcode during the quotation process.
Roofing Options
The roof finish plays an important role in both the appearance and longevity of a cart lodge. We offer several options to suit different budgets, property styles, and maintenance preferences.
- Felt tiles are a popular choice, providing a clean, traditional appearance that works well on most designs.
- For a longer-lasting alternative, metal roofing offers excellent durability and is available in a range of colours.
- Many customers choose Tapco Slate when they want a more detailed, traditional look. It replicates the appearance of natural slate while remaining lighter and easier to install.
- Cedar shingles are another attractive option, particularly for countryside settings. Over time, they weather naturally and develop a distinctive silver-grey finish.
- If you’re looking to match an existing property, we can also provide structures suitable for clay or slate tiled roofs. This allows the cart lodge to sit more comfortably alongside the main house and other outbuildings.
The right roofing choice can have a significant impact on the finished appearance of your cart lodge, so it’s worth considering both style and practicality when making your selection.
Design Your Cart Lodge
Use our online configurator to choose your cart lodge size, layout, and roof finish. You can also contact our team for advice or arrange a visit to our show site to view our buildings in person.
Speak To Us About Your Plans
Dimensions
| External Height (to ridge point) | 2.5m - 3.6m |
|---|---|
| Internal Height (to ridge point) | 2.2m - 3.3m |
| External Depths | 4.9m - 7.0m |
| Internal Depths | 4.7m - 6.8m |
| External Widths | 3.05m - 14.0m |
| Internal Widths | 2.85m - 13.8m |
FAQ's
Can you build a bespoke size?
Yes. While the configurator includes a range of standard sizes, we regularly produce buildings with modified dimensions and layouts.
If you require something different, simply contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Do I need planning permission for a cart lodge?
Many cart lodges fall within permitted development rights, meaning planning permission may not be required. This will depend on factors such as size, height, location, and your property’s planning status. If you’re unsure, we recommend checking with your local planning authority.
What roof covering is best for a cart lodge?
The best option depends on the appearance you’re trying to achieve and your budget. Felt tiles are a popular standard choice, while Tapco Slate offers a more traditional look. Cedar shingles and tiled roof structures are often ideal for matching existing buildings.
Our team can help you choose the most suitable option for your property.
Will a cart lodge protect my car from the weather?
A cart lodge provides excellent protection from rain, frost, and direct sunlight thanks to its roof and side walls. While they do not offer the same level of enclosure as a fully enclosed garage, many owners find they provide more than enough shelter for everyday vehicle storage.
Can I add a storage room to a cart lodge?
Yes. Enclosed storage bays are one of the most popular additions to a cart lodge. They provide secure space for tools, bicycles, garden equipment, and outdoor furniture while keeping the main bays available for vehicles.
Are cart lodges suitable for modern homes?
Absolutely. While cart lodges are often associated with countryside properties, they can work equally well alongside modern homes. Simpler detailing, contemporary cladding choices, and alternative roof finishes can help create a design that complements newer architecture.
Can a cart lodge be enclosed later?
In many cases, yes. Additional cladding, doors, or enclosed storage areas can often be added at a later date. The options available will depend on the original design and structure, so it’s best to discuss future plans during the design stage.
What is the difference between a cart lodge and a garage?
The main difference is that a cart lodge is typically open-fronted, whereas a garage is usually fully enclosed with garage doors. The open design provides better airflow and makes it easy to access vehicles and equipment.