Whether you’re looking to protect your car, tackle DIY projects, or simply need some extra storage, a timber garage is a smart investment. A well-built garage ensures you have a dedicated space to enjoy – whatever you need it for now and in the future. Here at G&M, we build two types of timber Garages: our classic redwood Standard Garage and our rustic Close Board & Strap Garage. Both are designed to stand the test of time, be fully watertight, and thrive in the tough Scottish weather. But each has unique characteristics that will help determine which Garage is right for you.
Let’s jump in and explore the differences between these two Garages:
How do we construct each Garage?
At G&M, we’ve been building timber Garages for over 30 years, and in that time, we’ve learned what it takes to keep them strong and dry. Originally, we built our Garages as single-skinned structures, much like big sheds; however, we found that these buildings often let water in.
That’s why we developed our 3-Tier Specification—our solution to keeping our Garages completely watertight.
What is our 3-Tier specification?
We build our Standard Garages using our 3-Tier specification: a layered wall with an air cavity, which eliminates water ingress.
The 3-Tier specification includes:
- 19mm tongue & groove redwood weatherboard cladding
- 22m cavity & breather membrane
- 9mm OSB structural board
- 75mm x 45mm C24-graded, pressure-treated framing
This system allows air to circulate without moisture penetrating the inside of the Garage. Any water from the outside cladding cannot get past the cavity and breather membrane – leaving your garage interior completely dry.
What is tongue & groove weatherboard cladding?
Our Standard Garages feature 19mm tongue & groove redwood weatherboard cladding, which comes pressure-treated to protect against rot and fungus. The horizontal tongue and groove profile allows water to easily travel down the boards and onto the ground without pooling. The interlocking joints of the tongue and groove cladding also help create a strong and stable wall which provides plenty of resistance to moisture and wind.
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What is our 5-Tier Specification?
Our Close Board and Strap Garage has an upgraded wall structure compared to our Standard Garage, taking the building from 3 to 5-Tiers.
The 5-Tier specification includes:
- 22mm Tanalised rough-sawn boards
- 22mm Tanalised rough-sawn battens
- 22mm dwang cavity batten
- 9mm vertical holding strap & breather membrane
- 9mm OSB structural board
- 95mm x 45mm pressure-treated C24-Graded framing
What is close board and strap cladding?
Close board and strap cladding consists of 22mm rough-sawn boards and 22mm rough-sawn battens. The boards run vertically side-by-side, and then the batten is attached over each join in the boards, meaning there are no gaps where water can get in.
The vertical cladding means water can easily run down the boards and to the ground, without getting stuck anywhere and damaging the timber.
The thicker wall structure and maximum waterproofing mean the Close Board & Strap Garage is ideal for gardens that are particularly exposed to the elements.
How do the Garages differ aesthetically?
The tongue and groove cladding of the Standard Garage offers a smooth and finished appearance, whereas the Close Board and Strap Garage has a rustic and natural look.
Close board and strap cladding is often used on houses and buildings in the North of Scotland, so if you’re looking to replicate or match this style, the Close Board & Strap Garage is perfect.
The Standard Garage gives you more flexibility in terms of finish – you have the option of a Sadolin Colour, or OSMO Oil for a natural look. We don’t offer the option to have your Close Board & Strap Garage painted – instead, we recommend that you leave the cladding to weather naturally to its silvery-grey tone. If you want your Garage to add a splash of colour to your home, the Standard Garage will be your best choice.
Depending on your personal preference and the landscape surrounding your Garage, you’ll have an idea of whether the modern appearance of the Standard Garage or the traditional aesthetic of the Close Board & Strap appeals to you more.
Does each Garage need to be repainted?
Both Garages are guaranteed to stay watertight, and of course, come with the G&M 30-year guarantee. Their different finishes mean that the Close Board & Strap Garage is a lower-maintenance choice than our Standard garage:
Does the Standard Garage need to be repainted?
A Standard Garage will come with one coat of Sadolin paint or OSMO Oil, which we apply in our factory.
Then, around three weeks after delivery, we recommend that you give your Garage a second coat. This gives the timber time to settle, which can expose small gaps in the paintwork. The second coat covers these, giving a uniform finish.
Then, for recoating, we recommend repainting your Garage every 5-7 years for Sadolin colours and every 3-5 years for OSMO Oil.
Does the Close Board & Strap Garage need to be repainted?
The Close Board & Strap Garage doesn’t need to be repainted and can be left to weather naturally. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance Garage, the Close Board & Strap Garage is perfect.
Further Reading: Timber Garage Maintenance: What’s Required?
How much does each Garage cost?
A Close Board & Strap Garage costs around £4000 – £7000 more than a Standard Garage of the same size. This price difference reflects the additional craftsmanship and material costs.
For example:
Prices for a Standard Garage start at £11,404, whereas prices for the Close Board & Strap Garage start at £15,984. Both Garage prices include the Garage itself, delivery and assembly (within 40 miles of Errol).
The Standard Garage is a more budget-friendly option compared to the Close Board & Strap Garage, which has a bit more of a premium price tag.
Further Reading:
How much does a Close Board & Strap Garage Cost?
How much does a medium timber Garage cost?
Which Garage is right for you?
| Standard Garage | Close Board & Strap Garage | |
| Construction | 3-Tier Wall | 5-Tier Wall |
| Cladding | 19mm tanalised tongue & groove Redwood weatherboard | 22mm rough-sawn boards & 22mm tanalised rough-sawn battens |
| Weatherproofing | Fully watertight | Maximum protection against wind & rain |
| Aesthetic | Smooth, polished finish | Rustic finish |
| Finish Options | Sadolin Superdec, Sadolin Quick Dry or OSMO Oil | Unpainted |
| Maintenance | Repaint every 3-7 years, depending on the finish | No repainting required, can be left to weather naturally |
| Price (4.8m x 3.3m) | £11,404 | £15,984 |
If you’re looking for a rustic timber Garage that offers the ultimate level of protection against the weather, then the Close Board & Strap Garage is ideal for you. But if you’d prefer plenty of colour choices and a building that always stays watertight, then our Standard Garage could be the one for you.
To see our Close Board & Strap Garage and Standard Garage in person, visit our Show Area in Errol, where you can see the craftsmanship up close.
Whether you’re still undecided about which Garage is right for you or you’re ready to get started, book a Consultation with our team to discuss your plans and get expert advice.
