American Barns vs. Traditional Garages: Which is Right for You?

In today’s blog post, we’re going to take an in-depth look at two very popular types of sheds that we and other suppliers in Australia sell in large numbers. In American Barns vs. Traditional Garages, we’re examining the main features of these two designs and discussing what each one has to offer us. If you’re currently trying to decide between these two designs and you’d appreciate some help, you’re in the right place. Our expert review of American barns vs. garages will help you decide once and for all which one is right for you.

Understanding the Key Differences Between American Barns vs. Traditional Garages

To understand the key differences between these two shed types, we first need to familiarise ourselves with the main design features of each. Only then can we make a meaningful comparison of American barns vs. garages.

• American Barns
  An American barn features three bays: a large central bay and two smaller, identical-sized bays on each side. The central bay has a gable roof, while the smaller bays on each side have a single sloping roof like lean-to sheds. In effect, you get three sheds in one when you purchase an American barn, which, if you’re performing an American barn vs garage comparison, is a fact that should definitely be taken into account.

• Standard Garages
  Garages come in all shapes and sizes, but for the purposes of this comparison, a standard triple garage is the obvious choice. In contrast to an American barn, a standard triple garage has a symmetrical frontage, i.e. all three bays are the same shape and size, with a roof of the same height and style.

When performing a critical comparison of American barns vs standard garages, it is on these key design differences that we will focus as they have the most impact on how each shed type can be used for storage and other purposes.

Pros and Cons of American Barns

The design and layout of a typical American barn make these structures quite different from more conventional sheds and storage facilities in Australia. The pros of American barns vs. garages include:

• More Storage Space
  Thanks to the larger central bay and higher roof, an American barn offers significantly more storage space than a standard garage with a similar-sized footprint.

• Better Ventilation
  The higher roof also ensures better ventilation, making American barns more comfortable spaces in which to spend time.

• Customisable Interior Layout
  When you order an American barn from a reputable supplier, you can specify custom options, including different interior partitioning, exterior windows and roller doors.

The only real downsides of American barns vs. garages are the additional upfront expense and the extra space required.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Garages

Given the key advantages listed in the previous section, you may now be wondering if it’s really worth continuing with this comparison of American barns vs. traditional garages. While the case for choosing the former may seem overwhelming at this stage, traditional garages also have some important advantages to offer:

• Compact Design
  The more compact design makes standard garages a better choice for smaller plots of land.

• Smaller Interior Space to Heat and Cool
  With lower ceilings and a more compact design overall, there’s a clear winner in terms of HVAC costs when comparing American barns vs. traditional garages.

Depending on your specific needs, a conventional triple garage could be an excellent choice. However, you also need to consider the disadvantages of making such a choice, which include less vertical storage space and less flexibility with regard to interior layout changes.

Choosing the Right Structure Based on Your Needs

Having acquainted yourself with the key differences, together with the pros and cons associated with each type of structure, it’s time to consider which one is right for you.

• American Barns vs. Standard Garages for Vehicle Storage
  As standard garages are configured to store domestic vehicles, they’re almost always the best choice if that’s all you want to do with your new structure. However, if you’re comparing a garage vs. barn for workshop space or other purposes, the choice is not always so clear-cut. In such cases, you need to think about your precise needs and choose the structure that most closely meets them in its standard format.

• American Barns vs. Standard Garages for Other Purposes
  For multi-purpose structures or use cases not already covered in this guide, you need to decide whether the additional space and customisability of an American barn justifies the additional cost. You may also need to take the size of the installation site into account.

Durability of American Barns vs. Garages and Maintenance Considerations

If you invest in a quality steel structure, you can look forward to years of hassle-free service from your new barn or garage. When evaluating an American barn vs. garage for durability and maintenance, the main difference to bear in mind is the larger size of the barn. All other things being equal, a larger structure will normally cost more to maintain.

Customisation Options with Best Sheds

If you decide to order your new structure from us, you can specify exactly how you would like it to be. You can make design changes to our American barns, single garages, double garages and triple garages to make them perfect for your needs. This reduces the differences somewhat when comparing custom-built garages vs. barns.

Final Verdict – Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for the most cost-effective storage solution for 2 or 3 domestic vehicles and a few odds and ends, a triple garage is a great choice. However, if you want a structure that can accommodate a couple of cars, a boat and lots of odds and ends, an American barn is a more suitable option, with its higher central bay.

You can get a quote for a new garage or American barn by completing and submitting the request form on our website and you can find more information about our range of standard and custom sheds in our buying guides. If you’re still not sure which type of structure to order, contact us for assistance. Our team of friendly experts will be delighted to help.