Quick answer: The DuraMax Imperial is one of the strongest steel garages you can buy, built with thicker steel and a specialized rib design for superior strength and dent resistance. It comes in 12x20 and 12x26 sizes in light or dark gray, with a wide 99-inch roll-up door for SUVs, a lockable side door, and a reinforced roof truss rated for over 20 pounds per square foot of snow. The steel resists warping, rot, rust, and pests, so it needs little upkeep, and it goes up as a DIY kit on a level concrete surface. It is ideal for vehicles, storage, or a workshop.
When you need durable storage that protects vehicles and gear and doubles as a workspace, a metal garage is hard to beat. The DuraMax Imperial line stands out as the strongest steel outdoor building available, built to shrug off weather, dents, and the upkeep a wood garage demands. Here is a full guide to what it is, its sizes and benefits, and how to set one up.
What is an Imperial metal garage?
An Imperial metal garage is a prefabricated steel structure, sized in feet and inches for easy planning, designed to protect vehicles and store gear. DuraMax Imperial garages are among the strongest on the market: while most metal garages have thin, flimsy walls that dent soon after assembly, the Imperial uses thicker steel and a specialized rib design for superior strength and dent resistance.
Because the frame and panels are steel, the Imperial resists warping, rot, rust, and pest infestations, so it needs far less maintenance than a wood garage. It is a tough, long-lasting building that protects what you store, whatever the weather.
To see all available models, visit our full imperial garage collection.
Key benefits and common uses
The Imperial is versatile, serving as secure vehicle storage, overflow storage, or a dedicated workspace. Here is what makes it a strong choice and what people use it for.
● Exceptional strength: thicker steel and a ribbed design resist dents, and a metal-reinforced roof truss handles over 20 pounds per square foot of snow.
● Weather and pest resistant: steel construction withstands snow, windstorms, and rain, and will not warp, rot, or attract pests.
● Low maintenance: no painting, staining, or treating, unlike a wood garage.
● Secure access: a wide 99-inch roll-up door fits common SUVs, and a lockable side door adds convenience and security.
● Common uses: cars, motorcycles, boats, and ATVs; landscaping tools and yard equipment; seasonal decor; a workshop or hobby area; and household overflow like bins and furniture.
Imperial metal garage sizes
The DuraMax Imperial line comes in two sizes, both with the same wide roll-up door and finishes, so you can match the footprint to your needs and lot. Here is how they compare.
|
Spec |
Imperial 12x20 |
Imperial 12x26 |
|
Footprint |
12 by 20 ft |
12 by 26 ft |
|
Best for |
One vehicle plus storage |
A vehicle plus more storage or a workshop |
|
Roll-up door |
Wide 99-inch door |
Wide 99-inch door |
|
Finishes |
Light or dark gray |
Light or dark gray |
|
Snow load |
Over 20 lb/sq ft |
Over 20 lb/sq ft |
The 12x20 fits one vehicle plus storage in a compact footprint that suits most residential lots, while the 12x26 adds length for more storage or a workshop area. Both offer generous interior volume, well over 1,000 cubic feet, so check the exact dimensions for your vehicle and gear.
Imperial garage vs other storage options
Compared with a wood garage, the Imperial is more durable and far lower maintenance: it will not rot or need repainting, and it goes up much faster and more economically than conventional construction. Compared with a basic shed, it offers vehicle-sized space and a roll-up door, making it a true garage rather than just a storage building.
If you want a climate-controlled room instead, an insulated building is the better fit, but for secure, weatherproof vehicle and equipment storage with minimal upkeep, the Imperial metal garage is the standout. It gives you the strength of steel at a do-it-yourself price.
Site prep and foundation
The Imperial metal garage requires a level concrete surface to sit on, which keeps it square, stable, and properly anchored against wind. Before you buy, check your local building codes for footings and placement, and plan your foundation and anchor system. A permit is often required for a structure this size.
When preparing the site, make sure the ground is even so the foundation frame lies flat, removing sod and debris and leveling as needed. Getting the concrete pad right is the most important step for a garage that stands straight and lasts.
Once you’ve confirmed your available space, consider the following popular models:
Duramax 12x20 imperial metal garage dark gray w white trim
Duramax 12x20 imperial metal garage light gray w off white
Duramax 12x26 imperial metal garage light gray w off white
Duramax 12x26 imperial metal garage dark gray w white trim
Choosing a larger garage upfront allows room to grow, which many customers appreciate down the road when they acquire new tools or want extra workspace.
Is the Imperial garage easy to assemble?
Yes. The Imperial is a DIY kit designed for straightforward assembly. All parts come pre-cut, pre-drilled, and numbered, with an illustrated, step-by-step instruction booklet, and you only need basic tools: a drill with a Phillips head, a hammer, pliers, and a ladder. It assembles much faster and more economically than a conventional garage.
Plan to work with a helper and set aside enough space around the site, and confirm all parts are present before you start. With a prepared concrete pad and the manual in hand, a motivated DIYer can put up a durable steel garage without a contractor.
Watch the step-by-step assembly video to easily set up your Imperial Metal Garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Imperial metal garage?
An Imperial metal garage is a prefabricated steel building, sized in feet and inches, designed to protect vehicles and gear. DuraMax Imperial garages are among the strongest steel buildings available, using thicker steel and a specialized rib design for superior strength and dent resistance. The steel resists warping, rot, rust, and pests, so it needs little maintenance.
What can you store in an Imperial metal garage?
Plenty. It is built for cars, motorcycles, boats, and ATVs, and it also holds landscaping tools, yard equipment, seasonal decorations, and household overflow like bins and furniture. Many homeowners also use one as a dedicated workshop or hobby space, since you can run electricity to it.
What sizes does the Imperial metal garage come in?
The DuraMax Imperial line comes in 12x20 and 12x26 sizes, in light gray or dark gray. The 12x20 fits one vehicle plus storage in a compact footprint, while the 12x26 adds room for more storage or a workshop. Both have a wide 99-inch roll-up door for SUVs and a lockable side door.
Does an Imperial metal garage need a concrete foundation?
Yes. Unlike a small shed, the Imperial metal garage requires a level concrete surface to sit on, which keeps it square, stable, and anchored against wind. Check your local building codes and plan your foundation and anchor system before you buy, and make sure the ground is even.
Is an Imperial metal garage easy to assemble?
It is a DIY kit designed for straightforward assembly. All parts come pre-cut, pre-drilled, and numbered, with illustrated instructions, and you only need basic tools like a drill, hammer, pliers, and a ladder. It goes up much faster and more economically than a conventional garage, though a helper and a prepared concrete pad make it easier.
The Bottom Line: Strength of Steel, DIY Price
The DuraMax Imperial metal garage gives you a tough, weatherproof, low-maintenance building for vehicles, storage, or a workshop, at a do-it-yourself price. Its thicker ribbed steel resists dents and handles real snow loads, the wide roll-up door and lockable side door make it practical and secure, and it comes in 12x20 and 12x26 sizes to fit your lot. Prep a level concrete pad, and you can build it yourself.
Ready to add a garage? Explore our Imperial metal garages and our full range of metal sheds. For more, read our Imperial garage strength-of-steel guide, our standard garage size guide, and our complete guide to outdoor storage buildings. Every building ships free, we are family owned and BBB accredited, and financing is available.
