Single Garages vs Double Garages

22 October 2025

Anyone considering building a garage must make a crucial choice: should you build a single or a double garage? Both options come with their own benefits, but ultimately, it often comes down to a few factors. Here are some of the considerations you should make before deciding on whether to build a single or double garage:

What's the difference between a single garage and a double garage?

The differences between these two garages are pretty straightforward. A single garage is designed with one garage door and can comfortably fit one vehicle. It has some room to move around the parked vehicle's sides, but it may have some extra room to allow for additional storage or a small workspace. It’s compact, affordable, and ideal for smaller properties.

A double garage provides enough width for two parked vehicles. Alternatively, double garages may be used to park a single car, and the extra space can be used as a workshop area or for additional storage space. A double garage is often seen as the more flexible option.

Pros and cons of single garages

A single-car garage is practical, convenient and perfect for smaller homes that only have one car or don't have the space or budget for a double garage. Single garages take up less space and cost less to build, while still offering protection from the Australian climate. Here are some of the pros and cons of building a single garage:

Pros of single garages:

• Single garages are more affordable to build

• Single garages are smaller, and therefore, the construction time is faster

• Single garages take up less space on your property

• Single garages can protect your car just as well as a double-car garage

Cons of single garages:

• Single garages only fit one car, and typically have little space for anything else

• Single garages allow only the use of the walls and ceiling as storage space

• Single garages can feel slightly cramped with larger vehicles like utes or SUVs

• Single garages offer less flexibility for the future

• Single garages are more difficult to use as a workshop

Building a single garage still brings a ton of value to your property. It's a smart investment for properties in more compact urban areas or for investment properties where cost and function matter. Even though they are slightly smaller, they can be an asset to your property, both in function and value.

Pros and cons of double garages

Double garages can store two cars comfortably or one car with plenty of space left over for storage, a workshop, or even a home gym. They’re a popular choice for families and homeowners looking to increase the value of their property. Here are some of the top pros and cons you need to know about double garages:

Pros of double garages:

• Double garages fit two cars well, with space to spare

• Double garages typically have more space for storage

• Double garages add a stronger resale value to your home or property

• Double garages offer more versatility to the house, thanks to the additional usable space (you could use it for a home gym, workshop, etc)

• Double garages are more convenient if you have a family and own multiple vehicles

• Double garages are more suitable for owners of utes and SUVs

Cons of double garages:

• Double garages cost more to build

• Double garages take longer to build

• Double garages take up more land and require more materials to build

• Double garages may have a more complicated approval process

Even though garages are slightly more expensive and take longer to build, they will pay themselves off in the long run, whether by adding value to your home or usable space that you have available.

Which garage is right for you?

The choice between a single and double garage should be based on three main factors: your lifestyle, property size, and budget. Building a single garage is a practical option if you live in a smaller home with limited space on the property and only have one car. However, suppose you have the space on your property and have a growing family, hobbies requiring space for tools, vehicles, sports gear, or multiple cars. In that case, a double garage will provide you with the room and flexibility you want.

Other factors that you may want to consider include your property's layout. Single garages can fit into tighter spots on your property, whereas a double garage needs a significant portion of land. Think about where the driveway will run. It doesn't make much sense if you build a single garage that requires a tight turn for only small cars to make it into. So it's essential to factor in accessibility as well.

Design your own garage with our shed designer app

At Fair Dinkum Builds, we want you to get your perfect garage, whether it's a single or double garage. We offer you the ability to customise your build completely, and you can do this by using our free Fair Dinkum Builds design app to bring your vision to life. Our app is a simple, interactive tool that lets you customise everything from your garage's size, layout, and style to its finishing touches. When you're done, we can use this design as the foundation for the design going forward.

Bring your garage design to life

Once you're satisfied with your design, send it to a Fair Dinkum Builds near you. From there, we will create a personalised quote and offer expert advice before we start with your garage project. Our friendly team has more than 30 years of experience and is one of the best in the industry. We only use high-quality, Australian-grade materials to build our ShedSafe-accredited garages, so you can trust us to help you design and construct a durable garage that suits your lifestyle, property, and works with your budget.