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Garages in the 50s vs Garages Today

modular 2 story garages at alans factory outlet

“A Modern Day Garage”

Every so often, I think about garages that belong to different eras like the 1950s. I like to compare them with the garages of today. Not surprisingly, I’ve found that there are some similarities as well as some fundamental differences between them. Consider what I came up with to see if you agree.

Garages from the 1950s vs. the Garages of Today

The Similarities

Whether it’s a garage from the decade of the ’50s or one used in the 21st century, the ultimate purpose of a garage remains the same. A garage is a place to store one or more vehicles to protect them from the harsh weather elements. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a red and white 1957 Corvette that’s in mint condition, there’s no better place to put it than inside a sturdy garage! Another similarity between garages of the 1950s and today is the flooring. Most garages from both eras have cement floors that can be swept and cleaned very easily. For instance, oil that leaks from a car onto a garage floor can be cleaned off cement with relatively little effort. I recommend using kitty litter in the cleaning process. Mud, dirt and leaves can all be swept off a cement floor in a matter of minutes. There is one more undeniable similarity between 1950s garages and today’s garages. Today, people put boxes, old clothes, broken appliances and other unwanted items out into the garage just as they did back in the 1950s!

The Differences

Certainly, there’s a difference in the amount of space found in today’s garages as compared to garages of the 1950s. In fact, some ranch style homes of the 1950s had an attached carport instead of a garage. Many households owned only one car so a single car carport was a logical choice. Today, it’s common for a household to own two or maybe even three cars. Therefore, today’s garages are made to accommodate two cars and sometimes more. Another difference between today’s garages and garages of the ’50s is the amount of light in them. A typical garage from the 1950s may have had a single window on one side that let in a little bit of natural light. Alternatively, today’s garages can have several windows that create an airy atmosphere inside the structure. There may even be a side door where a person can enter and leave when the main doors are closed. Some owners even opt for a garage door with glass panels. People use their garages in a different way today than they did in the 1950s. A garage may become an outdoor sitting room or even a recreation room for family members. In short, they choose to keep their cars elsewhere and create a relaxing space for family and friends to gather.

Finally, no matter what you plan to use your garage for, you have a lot more choices when it comes to this type of structure. So, let your imagination go and make your garage into a place that serves the unique purposes of your family. Thanks for reading!-Alan

Alan Bernau Jr

Alan Bernau Jr. is the founder and owner of Alan’s Factory Outlet. He has helped more than 75,000 homeowners design and install custom carports and garages over the last 20 years.

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