Guide to Carports

A carport is a structure that offers the same functions as a garage because it can be used to provide protection for cars and other vehicles. The word carport comes from the combination of “car” and “port,” referring to a shelter for your vehicle. While your typical garage has walls to separate your vehicle from the outdoors, the carport is an open garage with no walls. Its roof is only supported by beams in each corner.

A carport is a smaller, open-roofed structure that can be attached to or detached from your home. It is a much cheaper alternative if you don’t want to spend much on your car’s parking space. Some people have compared a carport to a tent. Still, the difference between the two is that the tent provides shelter for people and pets, while the carport is mainly used for vehicles.

So how do you know which type of carport is best for your needs? To get started, this article might help explain what exactly a Carport is.

Early Use of the Carport

Frank Lloyd Wright is a famous architect who designed numerous residencies, commercial buildings, and public structures throughout the US during his career (1867-1959). He first used the term “carport” to describe a structure he designed for a house in Madison, WI, built-in 1946. In correspondence with Herbert Jacobs, who commissioned the carport design to Wright, Wright stated that a car doesn’t need an intricate shelter—vehicles are built durably. They don’t need much protection like a horse in a barn.

Even before Wright coined the term for the structure, carports were built in houses all around the United States, but they simply called it a garage. But unlike standard garages typically attached to an existing house, carports were freestanding structures that did not include living spaces.

What is the Difference Between a Garage and a Carport?

A garage and a carport are both structures that provide shelter for vehicles, but they have some key differences.

A garage is usually attached to a house or other building and may be partially or fully enclosed. A garage typically has walls and a roof made of concrete or other materials. It has doors that can be opened or closed to access the vehicle(s) inside. Garage doors may be automatic, manual, or a combination of both.

A carport is similar to a garage because it provides vehicles shelter. It has walls and a roof made of concrete or other materials. However, since it isn’t attached to any other structure (like a house), it doesn’t have doors that can be opened or closed to provide vehicle access. Instead, cars can enter and exit through openings on the sides of the carport.

Benefits of Getting a Carport

There are countless reasons to consider a carport over a garage. Here are just a few of the benefits:

  1. Carports aren’t limited by space, so they can be installed virtually anywhere.
  2. Carports are much easier to build than garages, so they’re an affordable option.
  3. They can be built of any material you like, so you can get exactly what you need for your situation and needs.
  4. Carports provide protection from rain and sun, so your vehicle will stay cleaner for longer.
  5. They can keep your car cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

Types of Carports

Carports come in various shapes and styles, but there are a few common types you’ll find.

Gable Roof Carports

This is one of the most popular carport types because it’s easy to build and looks nice. It features two triangular sides that meet at an apex. The gable roof carport is often used by homeowners who want to cover their vehicle while maintaining an open feel to their property.

Flat Roof Carports

Flat roof carports are perfect if you’re looking for something that looks sleek and modern. This type of carport features a flat top surface, which makes it great for protecting vehicles from the elements without blocking out too much light or view. This type of carport is also relatively easy to construct.

The Dutch Carports

The dutch carport is another trendy option among homeowners who want a stylish way to protect their vehicle from the elements without blocking out too much light or view. Dutch carports feature angled sides with curved tops that meet at an apex. They’re also relatively easy to construct.

Hip Roof Carports

A hip-roof carport can effectively protect your vehicle from the elements. Still, it also requires more space than other types of carports. The hip-roof style is popular because it protects against rain and snow without taking up too much space.

Skillion Carports

The skillion roof style is ideal for people who want to keep their cars out of the elements without taking up too much space on their property. Skillion roofs are typically shorter than hip roofs, so they don’t take up as much room on your property. However, they require more material than hip roofs to build them properly.

Carport Materials

Before building a carport on your property, request a permit and get it approved by the local government office. Most states require a building permit, so don’t risk not getting one while a construction crew is working on your carport.

Most carports are made of wood or metal. Wooden carports, which can give your home a rustic look, work well with gardens and greenery in front or back yards. But wooden carports have drawbacks: They can get cracks and other damages over time and be home to termites that will slowly destroy the wooden parts of your carport.

Metal carports, which are made of metal parts, are more durable than wooden ones because you won’t be able to see damage in the structure after years of use. However, if you don’t properly maintain them and allow them to rust or corrode, this would eventually lead to the whole structure collapsing. To remedy this problem, builders use stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals that don’t rust. However, non-rusting metal parts can be quite expensive, and that’s why most people only use these metals in important pieces, such as the roof and foundation of their carport.

DIY Carports vs. Professional Installation

If you’re looking to put a carport up in your yard, you might wonder whether you should DIY or hire a professional. Here are some pros and cons of each option:

DIY Carports

Pros: You get to pick your carport’s materials, design, and location. You’ll have complete control over the project and can customize it to fit your needs.

Cons: If you’re not experienced with building things, this could take longer than expected and cost more than you think. If something goes wrong along the way, it may be difficult to fix without professional help.

Professional Installation

Pros: Professionals are experts at installing carports—they know how materials will behave in weather conditions and how much time it’ll take to get everything right. They’ll also be able to make sure everything is secure, so nothing falls apart due to bad weather or poor construction.

Cons: You must find someone with experience installing carports in your area, so they know what materials work best (i.e., metal vs. wood). Also, make sure they offer warranties on their work!

Cost of Building a Carport

If you’re considering building a carport, you’ll want to know how much it costs. It’s a big undertaking—but it’s also one that can save you money in the long run.

If you want a simple open-air structure with a flat roof, the cost could be as low as $1000 for materials. If you want something more elaborate, with an arched roof and French doors, then the price could be closer to $10,000 or more. The money will also depend on whether you hire someone to build it or do it yourself.

Many types of carports are available, including those attached to houses, stand-alone, and partially open at the top. Before making any purchases to ensure everything fits together properly, deciding what kind of carport you want is essential. Hence, you know what tools or equipment will be needed when construction begins.

Take Away

Carports can be a great feature to include if you have a car. They are useful shelters that can help your car stay in good condition. They also help protect your vehicles from extreme weather conditions. There are many different ideas to help you design and build the perfect carport that fits your needs. If you know someone interested in this idea, they should definitely read this guide.