What Is a Carport? + How It Compares to a Traditional Garage

When you need to protect your vehicle from the elements, your best bet is to invest in a garage or carport. While everyone has heard of a garage, you might ask yourself: What is a carport?

A carport is an open-ended shelter for vehicles that typically takes up less space, is quicker to install, and costs less to build than a garage. 

To help you decide if a carport is right for you, we’ll walk you through different types of carports, the materials you can use, their pros and cons, and how much value these additions add to your home. 

Material Types

Before you invest in a carport, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each type of carport material to make the most informed decision.

Metal is your best bet for a long-lasting carport requiring minimal maintenance. But if you’re looking to save on upfront costs, fabric carports might be a better choice.

Below, we break down each carport material and its pros and cons to consider.

Metal

Metal carports are the most common and durable type of carport. They can better protect cars from harsh weather conditions than fabric versions but are more expensive. That said, steel carports make up for upfront costs with low maintenance requirements over time.

 Timber

The main benefit of a wooden carport is its attractive look. While not quite as durable as metal, timber can still adequately protect your vehicles from rain and snow. 

Wooden carports are the most expensive type of carport, too. Protect your wooden frame from rot, termites, and temperature expansion by performing regular upkeep, such as cleaning its surfaces. 

Fabric

Fabric carports aren’t as durable as metal or timber options but are more affordable and lightweight. They’re also often portable, meaning you can bring them on vacation for picnics or when you go camping. Since they’re less durable, fabric versions fare better in locations that don’t experience snow or extreme winds.

Carport Styles

The best carports come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some examples of the different carport styles you can build.

Open-Sided

Open-sided, or regular-style carports, have no walls, only a frame and a roof. This means you can protect your vehicle from rain, hail, and sun, but not extreme winds or storms. The main benefit of an open-sided carport is its affordability and quick installation time compared to those with extra walls.

Attached

While most carports are standalone structures separate from any other building, attached carports are connected to your home. This increases the convenience of access and can discourage burglars since your car will naturally be under closer supervision. 

Flat Roofs

Flat roof carports are inexpensive and easy to install and have a versatile design that complements most houses. However, the biggest downside is that the flat roof makes your carport more susceptible to the buildup of water and debris, which can increase maintenance requirements. 

Vertical Roofs

Vertical roof carports feature triangular roofs, which allow for rain and snow to slide right off. This roof type makes for a better winter carport than a flat roof carport. That said, vertical roofs are more expensive to build than flat roofs.

Benefits of a Carport

You can use carports to shelter cars, boats, trucks, and RVs. You can attach them to homes, though they can also be standalone structures. Carports might have two side walls or none at all. 

Some of the benefits of a carport include:

• Weather protection: protects against rain, hail, UV rays, heavy wind, and snow
• Multipurpose use: doubles as a shady relaxation space during hot summers
• Portable: easy to fold and set up anywhere
• Customizable: come in a variety of colors and styles to fit your needs and match your home
• Cost-Effective: less expensive than building a garage

You can also use carports as a storage space or to cover your patio area. For more security, you can upgrade your carport with a garage door.

Carport vs. Garage: Which Is Better?

Which is best: a garage or a carport? It depends on what you’re looking for. 

A carport could be the answer if you’re looking for an inexpensive option to protect your car from most elements. But if you’re willing to invest more in storage and garage security, a fully enclosed garage unit could be the better option for you.

A carport could be the right choice for you if you prioritize:

• Fast installation: Since they have simpler structures with natural ventilation and open walls, installation and securing permits for a carport is easier and quicker than with a garage.
• Energy efficiency: Carports are also more energy-efficient than garages since they don’t feature electric door openers, such as chain and belt drives, or lights.
• Affordability: Carports are a more affordable garage alternative that are simpler to construct and require fewer materials.

That said, a garage could be the best choice if you’re looking for:

• Security: Garages generally better protect your vehicle from the elements and intruders since they provide an enclosed space with four walls.
• Storage potential: Use garage hacks like installing shelves, hooks, and pegboards to increase its storage capacity. 
• Alternative uses: Garages are easier to transform into recreational areas or workshops since they have outlets and walls to protect from all kinds of weather.

For more information on the pros, cons, and differences between the two structures, check out our full guide on carports vs. garages.

Does a Carport Increase Home Value?

While some carports likely won’t increase the value of your home, a quality carport with a modern design can increase curb appeal to potential buyers. Just make sure your carport makes functional sense for your property and is well maintained. 

If your metal carport is worn out, rusted, or doesn’t match the style of your home, it could instead be perceived as a burden for buyers. Keep this in mind if you’re investing in one to increase your home value. 

Choosing the Best Option For You

You’ve got your answer to “What is a carport?” Our next suggestion would be to check out typical carport prices to put a solid budget together. Once you feel prepared and know your options, you can either build a carport from the ground up or browse our collection and find one that accommodates your needs. Regardless, we’ll be here to guide you through these sometimes intimidating processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have lingering carport questions you need answered before making a decision? Check out these frequently asked questions to hopefully find the answer you’re looking for.