Brick vs Wooden Garages – What’s the Best Option?
When planning a new garage, you may be faced with the choice to stick with a traditional brick or timber build. Both have their merits, but thanks to quicker installation, lower costs, and versatile designs, wooden garages are becoming the go-to solution for many UK households. In this guide, we’ll explore how the two options compare.
Faster Build, Less Disruption
One of the biggest advantages of a wooden garage is how quickly it can be installed. Most are prefabricated off-site and assembled in just a day or two, keeping disruption to your home life minimal.
In contrast, brick garages require extensive groundwork, longer build times, and more on-site labour, often stretching across weeks. For those looking to add usable space without the mess and delay, timber is the clear winner on speed and convenience.
How Do the Costs Compare?
A key difference between a brick and a wooden garage is the cost. Brick builds tend to be significantly more expensive upfront, requiring deeper foundations, more materials, and longer labour time.
A standard timber garage from our range can be far more budget-friendly to install, with prices starting from under £8,000 for a single bay. They’re also modular, so you can add bays or customise features like doors and windows without spiralling costs.
Layouts to Suit Your Lifestyle
A major benefit of a timber garage is the flexibility it offers. From compact single bays to expansive wooden garages with two, three, or even four bays, there’s a layout to suit every need. Prefer a lower roofline? Go for a mono-roof design. Need open access? Our cart lodges offer the perfect go-to.
Understanding Planning Permission
In most cases, a timber garage can be built under permitted development, meaning no formal planning permission is required. As long as it stays within height and boundary limits (typically under 2.5m high if near a boundary), and doesn’t cover more than half your garden, it usually qualifies.
Brick garages, on the other hand, often exceed these limits and may need a full planning application. For homeowners wanting a straightforward build, a wooden garage offers a quicker, more compliant route – especially when designed with planning rules in mind from the outset.
Find out more about planning permission for wooden garages.
Comfort Inside, Year-Round
Timber buildings offer natural insulation properties, helping regulate temperature throughout the year. This makes a wooden garage far more comfortable than many expect, and ideal if you’re planning to use it as a workshop, home gym, or office space.
With added insulation and lining, an oak-framed garage can become a warm and perfectly usable environment even in winter. Unlike bare brick interiors, timber feels less cold and industrial, creating a more inviting space that suits modern home life just as well as it suits car storage.
Built to Last, Easy to Maintain
A common misconception is that timber can’t match brick for longevity, but with proper treatment, a timber garage can last for decades.
All Warwick wooden garages are built using pressure-treated timber, which resists rot, insect damage, and harsh weather conditions. Regular upkeep is minimal, mainly treating the exterior every few years to maintain its appearance and integrity.
Unlike brick, timber won’t crack due to shifting ground or temperature changes, and repairs are often simpler and more cost-effective. For long-term durability with less hassle, timber holds its own.
Timber’s Long-Term Strength
With proper treatment, a wooden garage can be just as durable as a brick one. All our timber buildings use pressure-treated Scandinavian softwood, designed to withstand rot, insect damage, and the British weather. Many customers report their garages standing strong after 20+ years with basic upkeep.
Aesthetic & Kerb Appeal
While brick garages offer a classic look, a wooden design brings warmth, texture, and a naturally integrated look to your property. With options like feather-edge cladding, anthracite windows, and bespoke timber garage doors or a glazed wooden garage door, the finish can be made to match your home perfectly.
Which Should You Choose?
Both brick and timber garages have their place.
Brick offers a solid, traditional build, but comes with higher costs, longer construction times, and stricter planning requirements. A wooden garage is generally faster to install, more flexible in design, and far more cost-effective.
For most homeowners, especially those needing extra space quickly and affordably, a wooden garage makes practical sense. Our expertly built range offers lasting quality with none of the hassle.
For Those Who Chose A Wooden Garage
We have fully customisable designs to suit your every outbuilding need. Explore our full range online or visit our show centre to see the quality for yourself. Your perfect garage starts here.
