(basic aluminum carport, rounded roofing, short-distance delivery)
(stainless-steel carport, vertical roof, long-distance delivery and gabling of the end caps)
Cost to build a metal carport varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from garage, shed and enclosure contractors in your city.
The average cost to build a metal carport is $2,100 - $4,500.
A metal carport is a great way to create a quick shelter without the financial commitment of a full-fledged garage. Available at a wide range of price points, metal carports are a cost-effective way to enhance storage, function, and convenience on your property. Setting up a metal carport involves preparing the site, choosing the product, transporting your selection, and installation. Depending on where you live and the carport that you choose, expect to pay an average of $2,100-$4,500 to add a high-quality aluminum or stainless-steel carport to your property.
Consider both the pros and cons of adding a metal carport to your home or property. Do the pros outweigh the cons? That depends on the purpose of the carport; for many, it is the perfect cost-effective solution to more storage or fast shelter.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
About half the cost of a garage Quick to install Durable Resistant to mold and mildew Resistant to pests Fire-proof Less maintenance than wooden carports Fewer regulatory guidelines and laws Ample natural ventilation | Some exposure to the climate Vulnerable to animals or intruders Not convertible to living space Limited aesthetic design options May not add long-term value to your property Requires ground preparation for longevity Not a good DIY option |
If you are thinking about adding a carport to your property, then steel and aluminum are probably your best, and most widely-available, options. The material that is used for carport production is made at a mill, much like metal roofing is. Both aluminum and steel are durable metals used widely for carports.
Materials | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Aluminum carport $900-$3,000 | Very lightweight Strong Fire-resistant Cheaper than others Easy to maintain | Difficult to weld Not as strong as steel Can corrode |
Metal composites $3,000-$4,500 | Aesthetic design options Recycled; eco-friendly Durable Affordable Easy to clean Long-lasting | Not widely found May corrode over time Shorter life than pure metal Requires more care |
Stainless-steel carport $3,000-$6,000 | Stronger than others Treated to not corrode Easy to weld Fire-resistant Easy to maintain | Very heavy More expensive than aluminum Harder to work with |
Your carport requires a level foundation and even base for best results. You don’t have to have a concrete pad 1, but it does add to the longevity and function of your carport. You can have concrete poured for a pad to accommodate your carport for around $1,200 by a professional concrete contractor. If you choose not to pour a slab for your carport, pay a landscape crew to level 2 the earth before your carport is delivered, for around $150.
There are three different types of roofs that are common in metal carports: rounded, boxed eave 3, and vertical. Here is what you need to know:
The price differential between roofing generally makes up around $100-$200 of the total cost of your carport, with rounded roofing being most inexpensive and vertical roofing most costly. The size of the carport and desired roof pitch impact the cost of the roofing. For a standard 21’ x 12’ carport, an asphalt 4 roof costs approximately $260, while metal roofing runs around $600.
While you have an endless range of color options to choose from, gray and white are the most popular sellers. Typically, homeowners want carports that meld with the appearance of their home, garage, or other property structures. Typically, the color comes at no additional cost unless requesting a custom color. Metal carports are also easy to paint, so you can refurbish or modify the color with a professional paint job for around $450.
The most common size of metal carports purchased is intended to fit a typical, standard-size car (or two full-size motorcycles), which is around 16’ x 9’, facilitated by the most common 21’ x 12’ size carport.
Some common sizes include the 21’ long x 12’ wide metal carport, which accommodates one standard-size automobile and is priced from $700-$900. Smaller carports suitable for ATVs or motorcycles include the 10’ long x 7’ wide carport, for around $500. If you are looking for something bigger, consider a double-size carport, approximately 21’ long x 24’ wide for around $1,300, or the larger still 41’ long x 20’ wide carport which can contain a large recreational vehicle or camper for just under $3,000. These carports are all typically 6’ in height.
Talk to retailers about custom-size carports, made to your specific height, width, and length request. These carports are usually charged by the square foot.
The weight and bulk of a carport makes installation tricky so it pays to hire a pro for the task. The carport can be installed quickly- usually less than a day. Some things that impact the labor costs are season, geographic location, and accessibility; if the carport cannot be delivered with ease, you will be facing additional expenses.
If you purchase from a retailer that will provide transportation within a predetermined number of miles, like 50, this may be included in the cost of your carport. Beyond this distance, you will pay a per-mile cost which varies, but that can cost up to $5 per mile to transport your carport.
Also, the price of your carport is based on it being moved to a level and accessible location for set-up. In order to level uneven ground up to nine inches, expect to pay a landscape professional crew approximately $60 per hour. As for set-up, the cost of a brand new metal carport typically includes installation; if not, expect to pay around $70 per hour for carpenters to assemble and install the carport on site. It is estimated that it can cost $8 per square foot to construct a carport.
Most stainless-steel carports are treated to be rust-resistant when you purchase them. Talk to your retailer about treatments and protective coatings that can be applied to aluminum carports to prevent corrosion. Keep your carport clean with regular pressure washing; rent a washer for $40-$75 per day from a home improvement rental venue. You can use an automotive penetrating oil for any stubborn spots on your stainless-steel carport and plain household vinegar on aluminum models. Always consult with your carport manufacturer recommendations for cleaning solvent suggestions.
Gablling covers add an aesthetic touch to the end caps of the roof. Buyers often like this option for cohesion with their home’s design and roofing style. Usually it will cost $150 to gable each one of your end caps.
Add walls and a sense of security to your metal carport for an additional $300-$600, per three-foot segment and wall-in your carport.
Anchoring your carport protects against high winds, helpful in areas such as coastal regions or the stormy Northeast. Thicker steel can help defend against the elements, but plan on paying top-dollar for a more durable product or longer warranty coverage, likely around $6,000 for a stainless-steel carport, depending on size and location.
Carports can be found for as cheap as $600, but the cost to prep, transport, and install the carport can drive up costs to $900-$6,000, with an average cost of $2,500 for a metal carport.
It costs from $900-$6,000 for an aluminum or steel carport, with a national average of approximately $2,500 to add a metal carport to your property.
It costs around $1,295-$2,815, for a standard double carport and the added costs of preparing the property, transporting the unit, or installing on the site, typically doubles the price to around $2,500-$3,000, for a basic aluminum double carport, depending on how far you live from where the carport is purchased.
Portable carports are not considered permanent and therefore you do not need a special permit for a portable carport unless you are attaching it to an existing home, structure, or building on your property. A regular carport does usually require a building permit before you can construct one on your property.
Cost to build a metal carport varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.