Lidget Anthracite Deluxe Apex Concrete Garage

The Lidget Anthracite Deluxe Apex is one I recommend when you want the traditional shape of a pitched-roof garage but prefer a more contemporary appearance. Its dark anthracite detailing gives the classic Apex design a distinctly modern character.

I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I have worked with garden buildings and garages since starting my first business in 1979.

British-made by Lidget Compton, the Anthracite Deluxe combines reinforced concrete construction with a generous specification, professional fitting and a transferable 10-year structural guarantee.

For me, this model makes most sense when you like the practicality of the Deluxe Apex but want a darker, more contemporary finish.

Lidget Compton Concrete Buildings

Why I Like the Anthracite Deluxe Apex

The Lidget Anthracite Deluxe Apex is one I would consider when you want the traditional proportions of a pitched-roof garage but prefer a more contemporary finish. The dark anthracite detailing changes the character of the building considerably and works particularly well with modern windows, doors and exterior finishes.

For me, that is the main reason this model deserves its own place in the range. You retain the familiar Apex shape and substantial concrete construction, but the darker detailing gives the finished garage a much more modern appearance.

Traditional Apex Shape with a Modern Finish

The roof slopes upwards from both sides to a central ridge, creating the traditional V-shaped profile that many people associate with a garage. It is a design that works well on both older and newer properties, depending on the finishes you choose around it.

What changes the look here is the anthracite treatment. Rather than trying to make a traditional building look old-fashioned, the darker door and matching trim give the Apex shape a cleaner, more contemporary character.

Anthracite Details Can Transform the Appearance

Anthracite has become increasingly popular on modern homes, particularly for windows, entrance doors, bifold doors and other external features. If your property already uses similar darker colours, this garage gives you an opportunity to continue that theme outside.

I would look at the garage and house together before making your final choices. The main door occupies a large proportion of the front elevation, so its colour has a considerable influence on how the whole building looks.

A Practical Deluxe Specification

The Anthracite Deluxe isn’t only about appearance. It is designed as a well-equipped garage with features that make the building practical for everyday use, including a main up-and-over garage door, separate pedestrian access, a window, guttering and downpipes.

I always recommend comparing the final specification rather than looking at the headline price alone. If you already know you want these practical features, it makes sense to consider what is included before comparing the Anthracite Deluxe with a more basic model that may need several additions.

Reinforced Concrete Walls

The main structure uses solid reinforced concrete panels which interlock to create strong garage walls. Concrete also has the advantage of not suffering from the rot problems associated with timber, making it particularly suitable for a substantial building intended to remain in place for many years.

There are choices available for the external appearance, so I would consider the wall finish alongside the anthracite details rather than treating them separately. The right combination can make a substantial difference to how well the finished garage complements your property.

Fibre-Cement Pitched Roof

The Deluxe Apex uses fibre-cement roof panels on its pitched roof, with PVCu fascias helping to keep routine exterior maintenance to a minimum. Rainwater falls naturally towards either side of the building, where the included guttering and downpipes can collect and direct it away.

If the garage will be close to a boundary, path or another building, I would also think about where the downpipes will discharge before installation. Managing rainwater properly is easier when it is considered as part of the original site layout.

Plan the Size Around How You Will Use the Garage

There are various widths and lengths available, including options suitable for single and double vehicle arrangements. I wouldn’t automatically choose the smallest building that accommodates your current car because garages have a habit of acquiring other jobs over the years.

Think about opening the vehicle doors comfortably and walking around the car, then allow for bicycles, tools, shelving, garden machinery or a workbench. If you have enough room on your property, additional usable floor space is rarely wasted.

Separate Access Makes Everyday Life Easier

A separate personal access door means you don’t have to open the main garage door whenever you want to retrieve something from inside. I regard that as particularly useful if the garage will also be used for bicycles, tools, gardening equipment or general household storage.

A window provides natural light, which becomes increasingly important if you plan to use part of the building as a workshop or hobby area rather than simply for parking.

Think About the Interior Before Ordering

It is worth deciding where larger items, shelving and workbenches are likely to go before choosing the final specification. The position of doors and windows can affect how efficiently you can use the walls inside, particularly in a smaller garage.

If you intend to combine vehicle parking with a workshop or substantial storage area, give each use its own space on paper first. Planning the interior before ordering can prevent a door or window ending up exactly where you later wish you could put shelving.

The Concrete Base Is Part of the Garage

I have always regarded the base as part of the building rather than something separate from it. A substantial garage needs a properly prepared concrete foundation which is flat, square, level and made to the required dimensions.

Professional fitting is included within the applicable delivery area, subject to the correct base and suitable access between the delivery vehicle and the garage position. If you need help preparing the site, our base and additional building services provide more information about the assistance available.

Anthracite Deluxe or Deco Deluxe Apex?

If you are comparing these two Deluxe models, I would make the decision largely on the appearance you want to achieve. The Anthracite version is the one I would favour when darker contemporary detailing complements the property, particularly where anthracite windows or doors are already being used.

The Deco Deluxe is more appropriate if you prefer the warmer appearance of Golden Oak or Rosewood wood-effect detailing. Neither finish is automatically better; they are intended to suit different properties and different tastes.

10-Year Transferable Structural Guarantee

The Lidget Anthracite Deluxe Apex comes with a 10-year structural guarantee which is transferable if you move home, subject to the manufacturer’s terms. I regard proper manufacturer backing as an important consideration when buying a building intended to provide many years of service.

Why You Can Rely on My Experience

I’m Robin Antill, founder of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, and I have worked with garden buildings since starting Marina Sheds in 1979. Over the years I have been involved with sheds, summerhouses, garages, garden rooms and log cabins, both as a manufacturer and retailer.

My son Craig joined me in 1992 after studying carpentry at Guildford College and today runs the day-to-day business, with me supporting him and the team as required. One thing those years have taught me is that appearance shouldn’t be dismissed as unimportant. A garage is a large building and, if it sits alongside your home, you are going to look at it for many years. You can read more about Robin Antill and the history of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings.

See the Anthracite Finish Before Deciding

Dark finishes can look quite different depending on the light and the materials surrounding them, so this is one of those specifications I think is worth seeing in person where practical. It also gives you an opportunity to inspect the concrete construction, doors and other available finishes at full size.

You can visit our Surrey garden building display site near Guildford and Woking, where you can inspect representative Lidget buildings and talk through the different choices with us.

Would I Choose the Anthracite Deluxe Apex?

I would shortlist this model if I wanted the familiar appearance of a traditional pitched roof but my house suited darker, more contemporary detailing. If your property already has anthracite windows, doors or similar features, this version can make much more visual sense than choosing a lighter finish.

If colour isn’t particularly important to you, I would compare the other Deluxe Apex options before deciding. The reason for choosing this model should be that you genuinely like what the anthracite finish brings to the building, rather than simply because it is different.

What Is an Anthracite Deluxe Apex Garage?

It is a Deluxe Lidget garage combining reinforced concrete walls and a traditional pitched Apex roof with dark anthracite detailing. The result is a traditional garage shape with a more contemporary overall appearance.

Why Choose Anthracite Rather Than a Lighter Finish?

Anthracite can work particularly well with properties that already have dark grey windows, doors or other exterior features. Choosing similar colours can help the garage complement the house rather than appearing as a completely separate addition.

Does It Have a Separate Personal Door?

Yes. Separate pedestrian access is included, allowing you to enter the building without having to open the main vehicle door whenever you need something from inside.

Are a Window and Guttering Included?

Yes. The Deluxe specification includes a window to provide natural light together with guttering and downpipes to help manage rainwater from the pitched roof.

Is Professional Fitting Included?

Yes. Professional fitting is included within the applicable delivery area, provided you have a correctly prepared flat, square and level concrete base and suitable access for delivery and installation.

A Final Word From Robin

For me, the Lidget Anthracite Deluxe Apex is about taking a proven traditional garage shape and giving it a much more contemporary character. If you like an Apex roof but your home suits darker modern detailing, the anthracite finish gives this model a clear reason to choose it. I would then select the size and other options around how you genuinely intend to use the building. If you are unsure whether the Anthracite Deluxe or another Apex model would suit your property better, please get in touch and we will help you compare them.