When considering a steel building workshop garage for vehicle storage, one of the key questions is how many vehicles the structure can accommodate. The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the steel building, the type and size of vehicles, the layout of the garage, and any additional equipment or storage space required within the workshop. Steel buildings are highly versatile and customizable, making them an excellent choice for vehicle storage. In this article, we will explore how to determine the number of vehicles a steel building workshop garage can store and what considerations you should keep in mind when designing such a space.
Determining the Size of the Steel Building Workshop Garage
The first and most important factor in determining how many vehicles your steel building workshop garage can store is the overall size of the building. Steel buildings can be designed in a wide range of dimensions, depending on your needs and available space.
Width: The width of the garage will determine how many vehicles can be parked side by side. Typically, a standard car requires about 10 feet of width, while larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs may need 12 to 14 feet. For example, a 30-foot-wide garage could comfortably store three cars side by side.
Length: The length of the garage dictates how many vehicles can be parked in a row. A standard car usually requires about 20 feet of length. However, if you plan to store longer vehicles like trucks, RVs, or trailers, you may need 30 to 40 feet of length per parking space. If your steel building is 50 feet long, you could park two rows of vehicles end to end.
Height: The height of the building becomes essential if you plan to install vehicle lifts or store larger vehicles like RVs, semi-trucks, or buses. A standard car garage typically has a height of around 12 to 14 feet, but for taller vehicles, you may need a garage with a ceiling height of 16 feet or more.
When designing your steel building workshop garage, it is important to take into account not only the number of vehicles you want to store but also the types of vehicles and any additional space you need for repairs, maintenance, or storage.
Vehicle Size Considerations
The number of vehicles a steel building workshop garage can store depends significantly on the size of the vehicles themselves. The following are some average dimensions for different types of vehicles, which can help you estimate how much space you’ll need:
Standard Cars: A typical car measures about 6-7 feet wide and 16-18 feet long. In a 30-foot-wide garage, you could easily park three cars side by side, leaving enough room to open doors and walk between them.
SUVs and Trucks: Larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks are generally about 6.5-8 feet wide and 18-22 feet long. If you’re storing these types of vehicles, you’ll need a bit more space per vehicle, possibly reducing the total number of vehicles your garage can store.
RVs and Buses: If you plan to store recreational vehicles (RVs) or buses, these can be much larger, typically ranging from 8-10 feet wide and 20-40 feet long. For RV storage, a wider and taller garage with reinforced flooring may be necessary.
Motorcycles and ATVs: If you’re storing smaller vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, or golf carts, you can fit more of them into the space. Motorcycles typically require about 3-4 feet of width and 7-9 feet of length, meaning you could store multiple motorcycles in the same space needed for one car.
By calculating the size of the vehicles you intend to store, you can get a better sense of how many can fit into your steel building https://aicranemachine.com/steel-structure/ workshop garage.
Layout and Design Flexibility
Another major advantage of a steel building workshop garage is the flexibility in design and layout. Steel buildings typically feature clear-span construction, meaning there are no internal support columns to interfere with vehicle parking or movement. This allows for maximum use of the space and gives you the freedom to create an efficient layout that meets your specific needs.
Straight Rows: A straightforward approach is to park vehicles in straight rows. For instance, a garage that is 40 feet wide and 60 feet long could store six standard cars in two rows of three vehicles, side by side. Larger vehicles or equipment might reduce this capacity, but the clear-span design allows for easy adjustments.
Double-Deep Layout: In some cases, you can opt for a double-deep layout, where vehicles are parked two deep in each space. This works well for storing multiple vehicles if you don’t need to access all of them frequently. A double-deep layout in a 60-foot-long garage could allow for two rows of four vehicles, giving you room for up to eight standard-sized cars.
Vehicle Lifts: For maximizing vertical space, vehicle lifts are an excellent option. By using lifts, you can store one vehicle above another, effectively doubling your storage capacity in the same footprint. For example, a 12-foot ceiling can accommodate two stacked cars on a lift, allowing you to park six cars in a space that would typically fit only three.
Work Bays and Tool Storage: If you plan to use your steel building workshop garage for vehicle repairs or maintenance, you may need to designate space for work bays, tool storage, or equipment. While this will reduce the overall number of vehicles the garage can store, it can enhance the functionality of the space and allow for more efficient operations.
Additional Considerations for Vehicle Storage
Beyond the basic dimensions and layout of the steel building workshop garage, several additional factors can influence how many vehicles you can store and how efficiently you can use the space:
Door Size and Placement: The size and placement of garage doors are critical in determining how easily vehicles can be parked and accessed. For example, if your garage has multiple roll-up doors, it will be easier to move vehicles in and out compared to a single large door.
Aisle Width: It’s important to leave enough space between vehicles for easy access. Aisles should be wide enough to open car doors and allow people to walk comfortably around the vehicles. In general, 3-5 feet of clearance between vehicles is recommended.
Storage for Tools and Equipment: If you plan to use the garage for maintenance, you may need to allocate space for tools, workbenches, and other equipment. While this reduces the number of vehicles the garage can store, it enhances the functionality of the workshop.
The number of vehicles that a steel building workshop garage can store depends on several factors, including the size of the garage, the types and sizes of vehicles, and the layout of the space. By carefully planning the dimensions of your steel building and considering your specific needs, you can design a workshop garage that efficiently stores multiple vehicles while providing the necessary space for repairs, maintenance, or additional storage.
Whether you need to store standard cars, large trucks, or even RVs, a steel building provided by reliable manufacturer like Aicrane offers a versatile and cost-effective solution for vehicle storage. With clear-span construction and customizable design options, a steel building workshop garage can be tailored to meet the demands of your business or personal vehicle collection, maximizing both storage capacity and functionality.