The Best Timber for Wooden Garages
Your choice of material determines how well your garage stands up to the weather, how much upkeep it needs, and how long it lasts. Every one of our timber garages comes with tanalised shiplap cladding as standard, giving you a garage that’s tough, low-maintenance, and built to look good for years.
This Choice Matters
Good quality wood provides the strength to withstand daily use, the resistance to cope with the British weather, and the appearance to up kerb appeal. Poorer timbers, by contrast, are more prone to warping, rot, and rapid deterioration. This leaves you with higher maintenance and repair costs.
What Is Tanalised Shiplap Cladding?
Tanalised timber is wood that has been pressure-treated with a preservative solution, forcing it deep into the grain to protect against rot, fungi, and insect attack. This process gives the timber far greater durability and makes it ideal for long-term outdoor use.
‘Shiplap’ refers to the way the boards are cut to slot neatly together, creating a smooth finish and a natural barrier against water ingress. The overlapping design also adds strength and prevents warping.
Feather-Edge Cladding
For those who prefer a more traditional style, feather-edge cladding is available as an upgrade. Made from rough-sawn, thicker boards, it creates a heavier, more rugged finish that suits countryside settings and older properties.
Unlike shiplap, which gives a smooth, uniform look, feather-edge brings texture and character. It’s chosen mainly for appearance rather than performance, as both options provide equal durability.
Achieve the Oak Look Without the Cost
Our timber garages and cart lodges can be designed to capture the same character as oak builds. Using feather-edge cladding, sturdy posts, and curved bracing, these builds mellow over time to resemble an oak-framed garage, but at a fraction of the price. You get the presence of traditional oak without the high material and construction costs.
Timber Choices for Garage Doors
While the garages themselves are built from tanalised softwood, there’s plenty of scope to customise the doors:
- Metal Up & Over Doors come as standard on all garages. They’re practical, reliable, and cost-free to include, with the choice of canopy or retractable openings depending on your preference.
- Framed Barn Double Doors are available across the range for those who prefer a more traditional countryside style. These add character and can be finished in black or anthracite grey for a bolder appearance.
- Cedar Doors offer a premium finish. Available as both up & over or double doors, cedar brings warmth and natural grain, making it perfect for homeowners who want kerb appeal and a standout feature. It’s the most expensive option but gives a distinctive look that works beautifully on larger builds like doubles, triples, or cart lodges.
- Elegance Up & Over Doors sit between the standard metal door and cedar, providing a refined design upgrade at a more accessible price.
Every option allows you to choose the right balance for your build. For many, the standard metal up & over door offers practicality and security, but for those investing in a showcase garage, cedar adds a level of finish that sets the building apart.
How We Ensure the Quality of Our Timber
Every wooden garage in our range starts with responsibly sourced, FSC-certified timber, giving you confidence that the wood comes from well-managed forests. Each board is pressure-treated to protect against rot and decay, and professionally cut joinery in our factory means every section fits together securely and cleanly on site.
Build with the Right Timber
The timber you choose determines how well your garage will perform over time. To see the options for yourself, try our free online builder or visit the Warwick Buildings show centre, where you can explore full-size wooden garages and find the style that fits your property.