What Is A Carport [Complete In & Out Guide]

We all want a vehicle storage space that is not only economical but also offers ample room and reliable protection. Buying garages and building a concrete space near a home are not cost-friendly and feasible options. So, what can be the best parking space for your car?

A Carport can better serve you for various reasons. Since your home and vehicle are valuable assets, you need a building that can improve curb appeal while effectively protecting them.

A carport can be that building.

You might be thinking, “Why not just buy a garage instead?”

However, garages are significantly more expensive than carports. After reading this blog, you will have a clearer understanding and be able to choose the ideal structure that fits both your needs and budget.

So, let’s get started!

What Is a Carport? Easy Explanation

A carport is an area that provides shelter to vehicles. It is a simple structure that is open from at least one side. Unlike Garages, carports typically have no walls. These structures are mostly made from metal, wood, fabric, and canvas. These buildings are cost-effective options for those who can’t afford garages but still want a space to store vehicles impeccably.

You must have seen people mainly parking cars in carports, but they are not only meant for car storage. They can also protect boats, RVs, bikes, and other vehicles from the elements. So, this is a versatile building that can fulfill your storage requirements within your budget.

What Separates Carport from Garage?

Often, people get confused between a Carport and a Garage when selecting a space to store their vehicles. We have listed some points in the table below to help you easily differentiate between these two buildings.

Features	Carport	Garage
Structure	Open, roofed structure with no or minimal side walls	A garage is a fully enclosed building with a roof, side walls, and doors.
Protection	Suitable for mild weather conditions	Ideal for extreme weather conditions
Cost	Less expensive due to simple designs	More costly due to the complex designs
Security	It provides minimal security as it is open and accessible	Provide high security because of enclosed space
Customization	Limited customization like roof style and size	Highly customizable to meet specific needs.

Types of Carport: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Home

Everyone has different needs for a carport, so they choose the structure that fits their needs and home. Here, we have curated a list of some widely used Carport types. Explore them and find the best fit for your home and storage needs.

We have divided them into some categories:

Standalone Carports

This type of carport is not attached to any building. Generally, it is a little away from the home walls and doesn’t have any buildings attached to it.

Open Sided Carport:

It is an open building with a roof but no walls. It protects the vehicle from mild elements like air, rain, and sunlight. This structure is suitable for providing basic shelter for easily accessible vehicles.

Best for: Homeowners looking for basic and open shelter without walls.

Enclosed Carport:

This type of carport is enclosed from all sides except one. This vehicle shelter is suitable for providing them with better storage space than an open-sided carport. But it is costlier than the above one.

Best for: It is for those who want a fully protected space to park their vehicles and must protect them from extreme weather conditions.

Attached Carports

As the name implies, these carports are attached to a house or an existing building, such as a garage.

Lean to Carport:

A carport that leans against an existing structure is called a lean-to carport. Only one side of the carport leans, and poles support the other sides. It is also an extension of an existing building.

Best for: If your home offers limited space, you can attach this carport to the side of your home and gain more space in a simple and budget-friendly way.

Garage Integrated Carport:

This type of building provides space for parking vehicles and storage for various items. You can benefit from both a garage and a carport at the same time.

Best for: It is for homeowners who need a combination of carport and garage. It is suitable for both vehicles and storage of other tools.

By Roof Styles:

You can find the perfect fit for your home based on your roof choice for a carport. Yes, a carport roof style can give a unique look to your property.

Regular:

A regular roof is the best choice if you are looking for a basic and cost-effective option. The roof panels of the regular roof run parallel to the length of the carport, which is a simple design that gives the carport a traditional look.

Best for: This type of structure is a budget-friendly option but only suitable for mild weather conditions.

Boxed-eave:

The boxed-eave roof style of a carport has a traditional A-frame style. The roof panels run from front to back, and eaves overhand on the edges of the roof, which makes it a cost-effective option alongside the feeling of a traditional look.

Best for: This type of carport provides better wind and rain protection. It is slightly more stylish and durable than a regular roof carport.

Vertical:

In this type of carport, roof panels run top to bottom, allowing debris, water, snow, and other particles to slide off. By choosing this roof style, you can give your property a modern look.

Best for: This structure is suitable for extreme weather conditions and provides a modern look to the carport.

Flat Roof:

A carport designed with a flat roof has little to no slope. It is not suitable for areas with heavy rain and snowfall, as it requires more maintenance.

Best for: Those who need a clean, sleek look and live in mild weather conditions.

By Materials

A carport choice can also vary based on the materials used to build them. Three main types of materials are used to construct these spaces for vehicles.

Wood:

Wood carports are built using timber, beams, and panels made of wood. It offers a natural look and doesn’t look different from the house.
Best for: Suitable for those needing aesthetically pleasing property designs.

Metal:

Metal carports are popular in the USA and other countries. They are typically made of steel and aluminum. Galvanized steel and good steel gauges are used to build a high-quality metal carport. Most of the main parts of a metal carport are pre-engineered in a factory.

Best for: Those who need a cost-friendly, durable, and customizable carport; metal carport can fit their needs.

Canvas:

Canvas carports use fabric made from heavy-duty cotton or synthetic fibers. They are portable and lightweight and protect against sun, light, and rain, but they are not as durable as other material carports.

Best for: If you are looking for a temporary and lightweight option, a Canvas carport is the choice.

Custom Carports:

Custom carports are designed to meet the specific needs of homeowners, business owners, and individuals. The person who requires a carport decides on the roof style, building materials, design, color, and many other things.

Best for: Customized carports are best for people who want a personalized look for their property.

Why Install a Carport to Your Property? [5 Benefits]

Installing a carport on a property provides several benefits. We have listed the main 5 benefits below.

Provides More Space:

A carport works like an additional space for a home. You can utilize it not only to park a car but also to store different items and vehicles.

House Various Types of Vehicles:

A carport can accommodate many types of vehicles, provided you measure the total number of cars you want to store in it and the overall dimensions of the carport to accommodate all the vehicles.

Protection from Weather:

A carport protects vehicles from weather, which often damages them and leads to extra expenses. Since carports are economical, you can easily install them to secure your assets.

Improves Property Value:

When you install a carport on your property, its value is enhanced. A well-installed and custom-fit carport makes your property more desirable to potential buyers.

Economical Option:

A carport is a more cost-effective option than other structures because it is easy to install and has simple designs. It is less expensive than a fully enclosed garage.

How Much Does a Carport Really Cost?

The cost of a carport with a regular roof style starts at $1295, but the price can be more or less depending on certain factors.

The cost of a carport depends on several factors listed below. You can find the exact cost by considering these factors.

• Material Choice for Carport
• Carport Size and Design
• Installation Complexities
• Roof Style of the Carport
• Customization Options
• Foundation Type
• Permit and Zoning Requirements
• Additional Features
• Labor Costs
• Weather Resistance

Positives and Negatives of Owning a Carport

A carport is not always a suitable building for all types of storage needs. We have presented the pros and cons of a carport; you can compare them and make an informed decision to buy a carport.

Positive Points:

• Protects from the elements
• Cost-effective compared to building a garage
• Increases home value
• Easy to install and customize
• Versatile for multiple uses
• Improves curb appeal
• Requires less maintenance than a garage

Negative Points:

• Less secure than a garage
• Can reduce yard space
• Prone to wear and tear over time
• Not ideal for all climates

Wrapping Up:

So, you have learned all the crucial points about carports, from their types, benefits, and costs to the pros and cons. Now, you can make an informed decision before buying a carport to install on your property. Whether you want a basic carport with a regular roof design or need to customize the structure to meet your specific requirements, you can decide which material will be the best and most cost-effective. You can not only protect your vehicles but also improve the curb appeal of your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to build a Carport or Garage?
Building a carport requires less investment than a garage because of its simple design and no complexities.

Does adding a Carport increase home value?
Yes, adding a carport increases home value because it provides an extra parking space, protects vehicles from various elements, and improves curb appeal.

Is it expensive to turn a Carport into a Garage?
Converting a carport into a garage can be costly because it requires adding walls, doors, windows, and other features.

Does the Carport protect a car?
Yes, a carport can protect a car from mild elements like sunlight, rain, and snow. However, it doesn’t provide the same level of protection as a garage offers for a car.

Are Carports safe in high wind?
A carport can be a safe option for your vehicle in high winds if it is strong enough. The strength of the carport depends on the quality of the material used to build it and the building design.

Which is costly, a wood or metal carport?
Wood is more costly for two reasons: the cost of the material and the high maintenance needs. Metal is a less expensive material than wood, is highly customizable, and requires little attention.