Building Carports

Portable garage & carport install - See how easy it is!

Watch the video below for a demonstration of the assembly of a portable carport.

A quality carport can be a useful and inexpensive addition to your home. Not only does a carport protect your vehicle from harmful ultraviolet rays and other natural or 'man-made' elements that can cause damage or shorten its lifespan, a carport also protects YOU from the elements when getting into and out of your car. With a proper carport, you won't have to worry about getting into a hot car that's been basking in the sun all day. In harsh winter climates, a carport can save you time and trouble from shoveling snow and ice off your vehicle and a portion of your driveway.

Carports - not just for cars!

If you already have protection for your vehicle or car, you can simply enjoy the outdoor shelter of a carport, which allows you to comfortably work outside, or just relax outdoors protected from the sun, rain and snow. Your carport can also be used for outdoor dining, as a covered play area, or protection for your boat, RV or other recreational vehicles.

Building a carport is much less expensive, and far less time consuming than a building a garage. As well, in most local municipalities a building permit may not be required as carports are considered an outbuilding. Confirm with your local municipal building department, a qualified contractor or a local carport dealer to be certain of permit and structural regulations. While investigating that information, you should also research the local wind factor and snow loads (if applicable in your area) in order to purchase an adequately safe carport structure. Do not forget to contact your local utilities to locate wires and underground piping before digging to ensure that your construction will not sever or damage any underground lines.

Several options to choose from

When building a carport, there are many building material and style options to consider. There are designs that are simply a roof on posts, a there are complete carports that are fully enclosed, as well as versions with half walls, or a wall only on one side, or with a simple canopy affixed to the house or main structure. With many carport design choices you can start with a simple carport structure, and later add any required sides or front and back walls to suit whatever your needs are.

As well as the design and style of structure to build, there are various carport building materials and related erection techniques to consider. The two common choices are woods or metal. Metal can be stronger and more secure, but is typically fire-resistant, rodent and termite-proof and moderately less expensive than wood. Metal structures are also resistant to warping, cracking and rotting, and requires far less maintenance such as painting, creosoting or treating. However, wooden carports typically have a higher aesthetic value as they tend to blend more naturally with the other materials the home is constructed of. Wood can also allow for more versatility such as adding storage shelves and hooks, a work area, as well as mounting and installing lights and electrical.

Different Types of Metal Carports

Common metal carport construction materials are aluminum, steel or prefabricated insulated polystyrene foam core panels wrapped in aluminum or steel. Steel is less expensive and is the most durable, but tends to be less attractive than aluminum. Another choice is 'Alumawood'. This is a form of aluminum that is fabricated to simulate the look and feel of wood, offering all the benefits of metal with the preferred look of wood. The costs are typically more than a standard aluminum carport, but generally less than a wood carport.

The various styles, brands and designs of carports will differ in the amount of time and help needed to assemble or build them. Some carport kits can be put together by a single person in only a few hours, while others require up to four people for one or two days. Of course, more time will need to be considered if you are laying a concrete cement slab or pouring concrete footings. When purchasing your new carport kit, be sure to inquire about assembly time and the number of helpers required, as this can dramatically increase the overall cost of your carport.