Alan’s Metal Carport Buyer's Guide

Now you’re ready for the fun part: creating a 3D design of your new carport!

I’ve created a free 3D carport designer tool to make this part easy. If you have access to a computer, consider using it instead of your smartphone to create your design. Although our 3D Garage Builder can operate on a smartphone, it’s much more user-friendly on a larger screen.

On your computer, go to the 3D Carport Builder at alansfactoryoutlet.com.

First, you’ll be asked to choose a building type. Select “Carport” if you just want a carport. Select “Combo” if you want to add space for a storage shed or workshop to the back of your carport.

Next, you’ll be asked to choose a roof style and frame size for your carport. You’ll also have an opportunity to select from various options for your carport’s colors, installation surface, gauge tubing, and metal sheeting.

The regular roof style is the least expensive option. If your budget is tight, this is a great choice.

The boxed-eave style looks nicer than the regular style. The vertical style has these advantages:

• It is stronger than the other roof styles.
• It allows rain to run off immediately and makes it easier for snow to slide off.
• It works well for carports more than 30 feet wide and more than 35 feet long (and is the required option for carports this large).

When selecting the width and height of your carport, use the measurements you calculated in chapter 2 of this guide.

Custom Dimensions: If you need custom dimensions that aren’t available in the designer, just use the next larger size available. After you place your order you can let us know the exact dimensions you need, and we will match your dimensions without any additional cost.

Height Considerations: I recommend making the legs of your carport at least one foot taller than the tallest vehicle you plan to own. Remember to include roll bars, top racks, and RV AC units in your height measurements.

Gables: If you close the gables of your carport (gables are that triangle part under the ends of the building), the clearance will be about three inches less than the leg height. For example, if your carport’s legs are 7’, the clearance will be about 6’ 9”.

If you leave the gables open, the maximum clearance will be at the center brace, near the peak of the roof. This is at least one or two feet higher than the leg height. From the top brace, the roof frame tapers down to about the height of the legs at each side. So if you have a carport with 7’ legs, you can park a vehicle that is a little taller than 7’ under it, as long as you don’t park too close to either side.

Don’t make your carport too tall. If your carport is too tall, it won’t protect your vehicles from the sun, rain, hail, and snow. About one foot higher than your tallest vehicle is ideal.

Try our Height Clearance Calculator

Installation Surface: We’ll cover this later in the guide. For now, you can select any option.

Certification and Gauge of Framing: If you live in an area with hurricanes, strong windstorms, or lots of snow, you may want to select the heavier, 12-gauge tubing and upgrade your certification (if available).

Sheeting Thickness: Choose from standard 29-gauge galvanized steel sheet metal or thicker 26-gauge galvanized steel sheet metal.

If you want extra weather protection, add side panels. If you add side panels that don’t extend all the way to the ground, I recommend also adding J-trim to protect children, pets, and your fingers from the sharp bottom edge of the steel side panels.

If you want your carport to have a nicer appearance, consider adding closed gables. Adding gables also makes your carport stronger and provides additional weather protection. Remember that the clearance below the gables will be about three inches less than the leg height.

There is also an option to close one or both ends of your carport. However, if you’re thinking of getting a carport with three full-length sides, be aware that a strong gust of wind on the open side will create an unusual amount of air pressure inside your carport which could cause your carport to become like a giant kite. This means that your carport could become dislodged, rip apart, and move away from its foundation, causing a serious safety hazard.

To avoid this, either enclose all sides, leave two sides open, or at least have some moderately sized openings where the air can flow through the structure.

You also have the option to close the sides and ends of your carport and add doors and windows (if your carport’s height is at least 9’), in which case it will become a garage. For tips on designing a garage, see my Garage Buyer’s Guide.

The colors you choose don’t affect your price, so this is purely a matter of preference. Many people like The colors you choose don’t affect your price, so this is purely a matter of preference. Many people like white trim. Others match the color of the trim to the color of the roof. You can also choose to have the color of the screws used to assemble the carport match your carport colors for a small extra charge.

Once you finish your design, make sure to save it. To save your design, click the “Share” button in the top right of the 3D Builder page, and enter your email address. You will receive a link to the design you created.

Also be sure to note the price of your design. If you’re satisfied with your design you can pay the deposit to lock in your price for up to 90 days. My company guarantees a 100% refund of your deposit if you cancel for any reason before the installation. So if you’re sure you want a metal carport, there’s no risk to place you order now.