- Jan 16
- 4 min read
A metal garage with a lean to is one of the simplest and budget-friendly ways to add covered space without jumping to a bigger enclosed building. You get protection from rain, snow, and harsh sun, plus a better way to drive in and out without worrying about an overhead door or rain hammering down on you.
If you’re comparing lean to styles, these four layouts cover most real world needs:
Side lean to (most popular)
Lean to on both sides
Front lean to
Wrap around lean to (most customized)
Below is a breakdown of what each layout is best for, what to consider, and a few upgrade options that can make your lean to look fully finished rather than basic.
1) Side Lean To: The Everyday Workhorse
A side lean to is the most common setup because it fits almost any property and solves the biggest pain point: you need more covered space, but not necessarily more enclosed space.
Best for
Covered parking when the main bay is full
A shaded outdoor work area for projects that kick up dust or fumes
Storing a trailer, mower, UTV, or materials without clogging the garage
Why it works
Keeps the main building footprint simple
Adds usable space along the full length of the building
Easy to position it on the side that takes the worst weather
Popular add ons
3' side paneling to cut sun exposure
Vertical roofing panels for better drainage
Finished legs if you want it to match the building
2) Lean To on Both Sides: Balanced Coverage
A lean to on both sides is the move when you want serious coverage but still want to keep your enclosed building width reasonable. It’s a strong option for owners who dedicate the main area as a work space and place equipment and vehicles outside in a covered space.
Main building size: [20'x25'x10']
Lean to A size: [10'x25'x7']
Lean to B size: [10'x25'x7']
Best for
Extra covered parking on one side and a work or storage zone on the other
Separating clean and dirty uses (vehicle storage vs equipment or materials)
Homeowners or farms that need covered space on both sides year round
Why it works
Adds function without forcing a big enclosed span
Helps keep the main interior dedicated to the work that needs to stay inside
Gives you layout flexibility if your driveway or access comes from multiple directions
Design tip
If snow and heavy rain are part of your normal season, plan the lean to placement so your most used access paths stay covered.
3) Front Lean To: The Covered Entry That Changes Everything
A front lean to is all about access. It creates a covered zone right where you load, unload, open doors, and walk into the building. If you’ve ever fought wind-driven rain or stomped snow off your boots at the entry, you already get why this layout matters.
Best for
A drive up drop zone in bad weather
Keeping the main entry and side entry door protected
A place to stage tools, materials, or deliveries without dragging everything inside
Why it works
Cleaner entry experience in rain and snow
Helps prevent water and slush from getting tracked inside
Adds curb appeal because it changes the whole front profile of the building
Upgrade options
Finished legs to match panel color
Dutch corners for a clean finished gable look
Covered gable ends so it looks integrated, not tacked on
4) Wrap Around Lean To: Maximum Coverage and a True Outdoor Work Zone
A wrap around lean to gives you that covered porch feel, but built for real work and real weather. It’s the top option when you want multiple covered sides for parking, work space, and protection around the building.
Best for
Owners who want covered access on more than one side
Creating a large outdoor work area with airflow and shade
Properties where weather hits hard from different directions
Why it works
More protected entry points around the building
More flexibility for vehicle parking, equipment storage, and work flow
Turns the building into a multi zone setup without more enclosed square footage
Where it shines
Snow country, where you want a covered zone to walk and work
Hot summers, where shade and airflow matter
Busy households and shops that need multiple dump zones around the building
Why Lean Tos Are a Smart Add On
Lean tos earn their keep fast because they solve daily problems:
Quicker to leave and enter through a covered access point
Shelter when weather is inclement, especially rain and snow
Place for patio furniture during harsh summer sun
Covered outdoor work area when you want fresh air
They are also typically more cost affordable than building a wider enclosed building just to gain space.
Pitch and Panels: Built for Drainage and Snow
Most lean to pitches are commonly built in 3:12 and 4:12. For performance, we recommend vertical roofing panels, and for heavy snow regions, aim for a 4:12 pitch. You can also upgrade to our 50 PSF snow load.
Efficient drainage
Reduced snow build up
Better long term weather performance
Explore Featured Buildings, Quote, and Customize
Want to start with proven layouts like these?
Explore our Featured Buildings of the Week here: www.unitedmetalbuildings.us/popular-metal-buildings-of-the-week
You can find a featured building, then quote and customize it to match your site, your needs, and your workflow.
If you need something more custom, reach out and we’ll help you explore options and show 3D design renderings: www.unitedmetalbuildings.us/contact
Comments