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Oak-framed garages are one of the most versatile and durable outbuilding options available in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a simple one-car space or a multi-bay garage with a workshop and loft above, oak framing offers the flexibility to design exactly what you need. This guide covers the most common oak-framed garage sizes, compares layout options, explains how custom builds can go beyond standard dimensions, and outlines the planning permission and building regulation rules that govern garage size in the UK.

Standard Oak-Framed Garage Sizes

Although every oak garage is bespoke, there are some well-established “standard” sizes that work well for everyday needs. These are based on typical car widths, space to open doors comfortably, and access for storage.

Single-Bay Garages

• Typical footprint: 3.0m wide × 6.0m deep;
• Best for: One car, bicycles, or garden equipment;
• Notes: This is considered a comfortable minimum; smaller sizes often feel cramped for modern vehicles.;

Double-Bay Garages

• Typical footprint: 6.0–6.5m wide × 6.0m deep;
• Best for: Two cars side by side, or one car plus storage/workshop;
• Notes: The most popular option for homeowners.;

Three-Bay Garages

• Typical footprint: 9.0m wide × 6.0m deep;
• Best for: Families with multiple vehicles, or combining car storage with a workshop or home office.;

Four-Bay and Larger Garages

• Typical footprint: 12.0m wide × 6.0m deep (or more);
• Best for: Multiple cars, agricultural vehicles, or creating a traditional “cart barn” style with open bays.;

Each bay is typically around 3.0m wide, so you can think of the design as “modular” – adding more bays simply extends the width.

Garages with Rooms Above

A popular choice with oak-framed garages is adding a first floor, creating valuable extra space without expanding the footprint.

• Uses: Guest accommodation, office, studio, games room, or storage loft.;
• Design impact: Height increases beyond the 4m permitted development limit, meaning planning permission is usually required.;

The footprint for a two-storey oak garage can be the same as a single-storey design (e.g. 6.0 × 6.0m for a two-bay), but with an upper floor accessed via an external or internal staircase.

Bespoke and Custom Sizes

Oak framing is remarkably adaptable. If you need a garage that doesn’t fit “standard” dimensions, the structure can be tailored to almost any width, depth, or layout. Bespoke options include:

• Extra-deep bays for large 4x4s, vans, or caravans;
• Wider bays for easier access or workshop use;
• Mixed-use layouts combining garages, carports, and secure storage rooms;
• Asymmetric designs to fit irregular plots;

Essentially, if your site and budget allow, your oak-framed garage can be built to suit your exact requirements.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Even though oak garages are highly flexible, the size you choose is affected by UK planning and building rules.

Planning Permission

Under Permitted Development rights:

• Garages must be single storey.;
• Maximum height: 4m (with pitched roof) or 3m (flat roof).;
• Eaves height: max 2.5m.;
• Within 2m of a boundary: overall height cannot exceed 2.5m.;
• Outbuildings cannot cover more than 50% of the original garden.;

Two-storey oak garages or larger multi-bay garages often need formal planning consent.

Building Regulations

• Detached single-storey garages under 30m² floor area generally do not need Building Regulations approval.;
• Garages over 30m², or those attached to the house or with living accommodation above, do require Building Control approval.;
• Larger or taller designs must include structural calculations, foundations, and fire safety measures.;

Key Takeaways

• Single bay: ~3 × 6m – enough for one car.;
• Double bay: ~6 × 6m – ideal for two cars.;
• Three bay: ~9 × 6m – flexible for families and workshops.;
• Four bay: ~12 × 6m – a large cart-barn style build.;
• Custom builds: Oak framing allows almost any size or configuration.;
• Planning limits: 4m high, 2.5m at eaves, ≤50% garden coverage.;
• Building regs: Approval usually needed if over 30m² or two storeys.;

Oak-framed garages can therefore be built in almost any size — from compact single bays to expansive multi-storey, multi-bay barns — provided they align with planning and regulatory requirements.