There are two different types of timber garage. The first type is the most common. These garages are built the same way as a timber shed. The only difference between most timber garages and a shed is the size of the building. Like a shed, these garages are suitable for storing anything that isn’t particularly perishable.
The second type of timber garage is a Gillies & Mackay Garage. These buildings have a unique 3-tier construction and are guaranteed to stay completely watertight. A Gillies & Mackay Garage is suitable for storing anything at all. They’re perfect workshops, studios or additional space. To the very best of my knowledge, and as of July 2024, no other manufacturers in Scotland build this type of timber garage.
What’s the difference between the two types of timber garage?
There are several key differences between the two types of timber garage. These are:
- Specification
- Performance
- Budget
- Lifespan
What are the differences between Garage specifications?
A single-skinned timber garage has walls made of a single layer of timber cladding. The timber that you see on the inside of the building is the same timber that you see on the outside, and if you drilled a hole through that timber, you’d see straight through it to the outside or inside of the building.
There are different types of single-skinned timber garages. Some use horizontal tongue and groove cladding, some use interlocking logs, and some use vertical close board and strap cladding. Regardless of the cladding thickness, every single-skinned timber building is susceptible to water ingress and timber movement.
A Gillies & Mackay Garage is not single-skinned. It has three layers: the outer layer of cladding, a cavity gap and breather membrane, and an interior layer of OSB. If you opt for close board and strap cladding you have an extra layer within the cladding. The air cavity and breather membrane ensure that any water that penetrates the cladding can’t get into the building. It’s a solid, watertight structure.
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How do different Garages types perform?
Because of these different construction methods, the performance of these two types of garages is also different.
In a single-skinned building, water ingress can happen during periods of extended wet weather, like, for example, a Scottish winter (or summer, these days!) Because of the scale of a timber garage, water ingress tends to cause more problems than it would in a smaller shed. This means that you cannot guarantee that the inside of your single-skinned garage will stay dry in very wet conditions.
If the inside of the building is wet, mould and rot can easily take hold, damaging both the building and its contents.
If you know this, and you won’t be storing anything of great value inside, a single-skinned garage will suit you perfectly well.
But if you need a completely watertight building for your classic car, workshop, studio, storage, or anything precious, you need a Gillies & Mackay Garage. You’ll have no water ingress, no rust, mould or damage, and no problems.
How much do different types of Garage cost?
And because of the different performance levels of these buildings, the budget is also different. Single-skinned timber garages start at around £2,200 for a single garage, depending on the specification and type of timber used.
We have a handy Single Skinned Garage Buyer’s Checklist if you’re in the market for one of these buildings. We don’t make them anymore, but we can tell you what you need to buy the best-quality single-skinned garage out there.
Most single-skinned garages need assembly. They’re sold in kits or flatpacks. If you’re considering building your own garage remember that it’s not an unskilled job. It takes at least two people a couple of days to assemble most kit garages.
Gillies & Mackay Garages start at £11,404 for a 4.8m x 3.3m Garage. This price includes VAT, assembly and delivery within 40 miles of our workshop in Errol.
Other costs include the base for your garage – whether it’s single-skinned or a G&M you’ll need a concrete base. Additional extras like a carport, garage door and window options and electrics will also add to the cost of the project.
Each Gillies & Mackay Garage is a bespoke project and is fully project-managed by our team. We work hard to ensure that each installation is a smooth, stress-free experience.
How long do different types of Garage last?
These two different types of garages have very different lifespans. A decent single-skinned timber garage should last at least ten years, but this will depend on its exposure to the weather. If your garage has issues with water ingress, ten years is unlikely. When water gets inside your building it undermines the integrity of the timber, and rot can weaken the entire structure.
At Gillies & Mackay we guarantee our Garages for 30 years. However, with proper maintenance, you can expect them to last even longer than this.
What type of timber garage do I need?
Whatever type of timber garage you choose make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. If budget is your main concern our Single-Skinned Garage Buyer’s Checklist will help you find the best building for your money. However, be aware that any single-skinned garage is susceptible to water ingress and has a projected lifespan of around ten years.
If you know that you need a completely watertight building that you can rely on for 30+ years, you’re looking for a Gillies & Mackay Garage. To get your Garage project started, you can come and see us at our Show Area in Errol, where we have two timber Garages for you to take a good look at. Or if you’d like some dedicated time to talk to an expert, book a consultation with our Team so they can answer all of your questions.
