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Your car deserves more than a random spot on the driveway. It’s a valuable investment, and keeping it safe from the elements can save you from costly repairs, repainting and constant cleaning. But then the big question emerges: should you go for a carport or a garage?
Both have their perks, and choosing the right one comes down to your needs, available space and budget. While garages are included here for comparison, Outdoor Impressions specialises in high-quality steel carports, not garage construction, so we’ll focus on helping you decide whether a carport is the right fit for your home.
Carport vs garage – Key differences
Before making a choice, it helps to see how each option stacks up in terms of structure, cost, maintenance, and everyday use. This comparison gives you a clear picture of which might suit your property best.
| Feature | Carport | Garage |
| Structure | Open-sided and built with strong steel (like Stratco designs), a carport gives your vehicle solid protection from sun, rain and hail while keeping things open and breezy. | A fully enclosed brick or concrete structure with doors, offering the best security and all-weather protection. |
| Installation | Quick to install and causes little disruption to your home. You can build it freestanding or attach it to your house — whatever suits your space! | Takes more time and planning. Garages need construction work, are usually attached to the home, and can interrupt your day-to-day life during the build. |
| Flexibility | Very easy to work with — you can even take it with you if you move. Freestanding designs give you flexibility on where it sits on your property. | Permanent once built. You can’t move it, but it can double as extra storage or a home workshop. |
| Security | Great weather protection, but being open-sided means it offers only moderate security. | Fully lockable and enclosed, keeping your car safe from theft, vandalism and the elements. |
| Maintenance | Very low maintenance. Steel structures hold up well to the weather and need little more than the occasional clean. | Medium upkeep. Bricks, tiles and doors may need painting or repairs over time. |
| Council approval | Anything over 10 m² (which is most carports) requires a building permit, but they’re typically simpler structures, which can mean fewer design and compliance considerations during the approval process. Outdoor Impressions can guide you through the local requirements. | Almost always requires council and building permits since it’s a permanent structure. |
Thinking about adding a carport to your home? Get a quote from Outdoor Impressions today and we’ll help you design one that’s perfectly sized, stylish and council-compliant.
How well do carports and garages really protect your car?
When it comes to keeping your car safe and in tip-top condition, both carports and garages do the job. But they do it in very different ways. Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, so the right choice depends on how much protection you really need and how you use your space.
Carports
Modern steel carports, like the Stratco designs Outdoor Impressions installs, do more than just block sun and rain. Their open-sided structure allows for airflow, which helps lessen the heat that builds up inside your car on warm days.
And it prevents moisture from getting trapped underneath. That ventilation also means less chance of mould or mildew forming, a small but important detail if your vehicle sits outside for long periods. Plus, because high-quality steel is corrosion-resistant, a well-built carport will last for decades with minimal upkeep!
Garage
Garages, on the other hand, offer total enclosure. They keep out weather, debris, and prying eyes. Fantastic if security is your top concern.
But that complete seal can sometimes work against you. Without proper ventilation, for example, condensation can build up. This can lead to dampness or even rust over time. In coastal or humid areas, it’s worth adding vents or a small fan to help regulate airflow.
In the end, a steel carport often strikes the right balance. It’s sturdy enough to handle harsh Aussie weather, yet open enough to let your car breathe.
Choosing the right style to suit your home
Your car shelter shouldn’t just protect your vehicle. It should look like it belongs there. The right design can lift your home’s street appeal and even add value down the track.
- Carports: Sleek and open, carports offer modern style without feeling heavy or boxy. They work beautifully with all kinds of homes. And because they can be freestanding or attached, you’ve got flexibility in where and how they fit.
- Garages: Garages feel solid and permanent, offering storage and structure in one. But they’re a bigger visual feature, and once they’re built, you’re generally locked into that design.
Planning for the weather (and your backyard)
Melbourne’s climate can be a bit of everything, so your carport or garage needs to handle it all. Here are some important factors to keep in mind.
- Drainage: A good base with proper water flow keeps your structure sturdy and prevents damage after big storms.
- Wind direction & sunlight: Smart positioning helps protect your car and makes the space more enjoyable to use, no matter the season.
- Available space: Check your layout. Sometimes an attached design suits smaller areas, while freestanding options give you more flexibility for placement.
Keeping it standing strong (without the weekend chores)
If you’d rather spend your weekends relaxing than repainting or repairing, this part’s worth paying attention to. Durability and maintenance can make or break how much you enjoy your new space, so let’s get you up to speed.
- Carports: Made from high-quality steel, Stratco carports are designed to handle Melbourne’s weather with ease. They’re corrosion-resistant, strong, and practically maintenance-free. Just a quick rinse now and then, and you’re good to go!
- Garages: Solid and secure, but not completely carefree. Brick or concrete garages can need the occasional repaint, gutter clean or roof repair as the years roll on.
Get your perfect carport today!
If you’re ready to protect your car with ease and style, Outdoor Impressions can help you design and install the perfect carport for you! From choosing the right size and style to navigating council requirements, our friendly team makes the process simple.
Ready to relax knowing your carport’s being handled by the experts? Visit our Carports Melbourne page or call us on +61 3 9728 5377 to start planning your perfect design.
FAQs about carports vs garages
Is a carport as good as a garage?
- A carport can absolutely hold its own against a garage, especially in Melbourne’s mix of sun, rain and hail. While garages offer full enclosure and higher security, a well-built carport still provides excellent protection from the elements, prevents UV damage, and keeps your car cool and dry. Plus, it’s a far more affordable and flexible option if you’re short on space or budget.
Which is better for Melbourne’s weather?
- In Melbourne’s unpredictable climate, both a carport and a garage have their perks. Carports allow for great airflow, which helps prevent moisture and mould buildup during wet spells.
- Garages, on the other hand, give complete coverage from heavy rain and wind. But the catch with garages is they may need added ventilation to stay fresh. So the best choice often comes down to your block layout and how much protection you really need year-round.
Do I need council approval for a carport?
- It depends on your local council’s regulations, the size of your carport, and how close it sits to property boundaries. In Melbourne, carports over 10m² require a building permit. Approvals are handled during the design stage before construction begins.
- But don’t worry, we’ve got news for you. Outdoor Impressions can handle all the council approval details for you, so your new carport stays fully compliant and you get a stress-free service from start to finish.
Can I customise my carport design?
- Absolutely! With Outdoor Impressions, you can choose from a wide range of styles, colours and roof profiles to match your home’s look and layout. Whether you prefer a modern flat-roof design or something more traditional, our team can tailor your carport to suit your property and lifestyle perfectly.
