Shed Vs Garage: Which Is Right For You? 

Throughout our lives, we tend to collect things. Gadgets and gizmos, collectibles and keepsakes. At the end of the day, everyone appreciates a little extra space. When looking at structures to add to your property, the two big competitors are a shed vs garage. We’re here to walk you through the differences so you can decide which is right for you! 

Purpose of a Shed vs Garage

Every structure has a different purpose, and how you intend to use your new shed or garage will determine which is best for you. 

Sheds

Sheds are a separate structure from your home built on a cement foundation. They are typically used for storing equipment, seasonal items, gardening tools, and other things you don’t access often. This versatile structure helps organize your outdoor space while keeping items secure and protected. 

Typically, sheds have a single use, but depending on the size you get and how you plan to use them, they can be so much more! Transform them into a workshop, home office, playhouse, man cave, or she shed. Some are even big enough to fit riding lawn mowers and ATVs. 

Garages

The most popular use for a garage is to protect your vehicle, but they can serve many purposes at once! Consider using them as a workshop, for DIY projects, or for additional home storage. Whether attached or detached, garages are a convenient way to protect your car (or other possessions) from the elements. 

They typically feature a large garage door that can fit a vehicle, plus a secondary door to enter and exit through. They often have extra elements like plumbing, electricity, or even a second story, expanding their potential use.

Visual Appeal of a Shed vs Garage

When it comes to aesthetics, there is little difference between sheds and garages. All our Amish-built structures feature quality craftsmanship that visually enhances your home. We offer many different styles to match your unique vision. 

Sheds

Our sheds come in 18 different styles, and we offer wood and vinyl siding options. You can even customize them to fit your taste and match the style of your house. Adding landscaping around a shed can also elevate the look, helping your new structure complement your property as a whole. 

A few of our shed styles: 

• A-frame sheds
• Studio sheds
• Quaker sheds
• And more! 

Garages

Our prebuilt, detached garages come in 23 different styles. We have wood and vinyl options that come with single or double doors, plus one or two stories. You can mix and match to fit your property! 

Similar to sheds, by adding landscaping around the structure and customizing it to match your home, this can add a lot of visual appeal. But remember that garages take up more space and are therefore more noticeable. 

A few of our garage styles: 

• Wooden double-wide garage 
• A-frame garage 
• Dutch barn garage
• And more! 

Customization Options

Our sheds and detached garages are known for their quality craftsmanship. But what makes them really stand out is how customizable they are! Explore our customization options for both structures to see which works best for you. 

Sheds 

• Styles 
• Size 
• Material (wood or vinyl)
• Building color
• Trim color 
• Shingles
• Windows 
• Doors
• Vents 
• Lofts 
• Ramps 
• Weathervanes 
• Other small add-ons 

Garages  

• Style 
• Size 
• Material (wood or vinyl)
• Siding colors
• Trim colors 
• Vents 
• Doors
• Lofts 
• Ramps
• Windows 

Shed vs Garage Size

Our sheds and garages come in various sizes depending on your needs and available space. When it comes to shed vs garage size, ask yourself: 

1. What are the main items I will be storing here? 
2. If not for storage, what use will this structure serve?  
3. Where will I put this structure on my property? 
4. Are there any restrictions on what size shed or garage I can have? 

Sheds 

To help picture what size you’ll need, here are our guidelines. 

• 8’ x 10’ — ideal for a small yard. 
• 10’ x 10’ — perfect size for a gardening shed. 
• 10’ x 20’ or 12’ x 24’ — great for a workshop. 
• 14’ x 28’ — can easily hold ATVs or riding lawn mowers. 

Check out our shed buying guide for more recommendations. 

Garages 

First, you need to decide if you want a single-car or two-car garage. If you’re leaning towards a single-car one, we suggest a minimum size of 14’ x 24’. If you’re planning to add storage or workspace, we recommend adding 6’ – 8’ to accommodate that. 

For two-car garages, it’s best to choose one that’s at least 24’ x 24’ (plus any additional square footage you want). Our two-car garages are built on a concrete slab so they can support thousands of pounds. 

For more garage buying tips, check out our garage buying guide. 

Pros and Cons: Shed vs Garage

There are many differences between a shed and garage. Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, but one is not better than the other—it all depends on your goal for the structure and your individual requirements. 

Shed Pros: 

• Takes up less space
• Costs less than a garage (but depends on your customizations and add-ons)
• Requires less maintenance 
• Easier to find items in a smaller structure 
• Less of a target for burglars 
• Extra security measures are available 
• Adds visual appeal to your home if well-maintained

Shed Cons: 

• Less storage space 
• More likely to be damaged in a storm 
• Not as convenient to enter and exit 
• Doesn’t add much property value to your home 

Garage Pros: 

• More storage space to fit cars or other large equipment 
• More durable than a shed 
• More convenient due to multiple exits 
• Extra security measures are available
• Increases property value and can get 75%-85% ROI if well-maintained 

Garage Cons: 

• Takes up more space 
• More expensive (but depends on your customizations and add-ons)
• May require adding or expanding your driveway 
• Requires more maintenance since its a bigger structure
• Upkeep needed for garage doors
• Bigger target for burglars since garages are known to store valuables 

FEATURES	SHEDS	GARAGES
Space		✔
Lower Price	✔
Durability		✔
Maintenance	✔	✔
Convenience	✔	✔
Security	✔
Value		✔

Final Factors To Consider

As the ultimate showdown of a shed vs garage comes to a close, there are a few factors to help make your final decision. 

1. What are your space requirements? 
2. What is your budget? 
3. How do you plan to use it? 
4. What are your local regulations for large structures? 

When you put it all together, you should have a clear idea on whether a shed or detached garage is right for you.