Basically a garage without walls, carports are more flexible and pocket-friendly than an average conventional garage structure. They can either be free-standing or attached to a wall. And they can be portable, temporary or semi-permanent, as desired. However, the most user-friendly of all options is a metal carport kit.

Carports can be built with anything between wood, metal and even plastics! Wood carports are generally set up in front lawns and may double up as garden architecture. Metal carports made of steel or aluminum, however, are more common a choice. Reason being they can be constructed easily, are more durable and much cheaper than their wooden counterparts.

Also, a metal carport does not take much time to be installed either. Commercially available carport kits get you all the pieces that are necessary along with Do-It-Yourself instructions. Most of these kits are available for a reasonable cost. Double carport or single, either is available and suitable for both commercial as well as residential use.

The material of construction could be wood, metal or even plastic. A metal carport made with steel or aluminum or composites meets the needs of people who are on a tight budget. Generally metal carports are more durable than those made from wood or other materials.

Most people prefer to build carports from scratch, sourcing their materials from variety of sources. However, for those pressed for time, carports kits are also available which consists of everything one needs to build a carport along with detailed instructions. Most carport kits are customizable and modular so one need not buy all the components from a single manufacturer.

For home use, most people prefer single or double carports depending on the number of cars they own. These carports can be also attached to the house and given an appearance of a part of the house.

Commercial metal carports provide parking solutions to offices and industries. They are more cost-effective compared to conventional garages and can be easily scaled up or down depending on the parking requirement.

Not only carport kits are much more economical and easier to assemble on DIY basis, Aluminum carport kits in particular are much sturdier than any other counterpart option. These carports can withstand up to 100 kilometers per hour of wind speed and 20 centimeters of snow load. These look elite and at the same time feel light on pocket. Such aluminum based Cantilever carports go along with any décor or setting, however, sophisticated or flamboyant.

Cantilever Carport made up of Aluminum also enjoys minimum carbon foot print. Aluminum is renowned to release very limited carbon or other wastes during the manufacturing process. Hence, it is environment friendly in nature. Since the metal does not rust or corrode, it also lasts longer than its parallel options. No surprises, there is as if an insatiable demand for Cantilever Aluminum based carport kits around the world.

Basically, the carport canopy is the light weight product which consists of three components: the carport poly cover, the metal frame and the anchors.

The best part about the carport canopy is that you can take a bigger size and always adjust depending on your usage. The carport canopy can used as extended parking shade, yard sale stall, extended outdoor dining shelter and much more. It was amazing to notice how easily my friend installed his carport canopy and then dismantled a few days later.

The poly cover of the carport is made of a material called “polyethylene.” The same component used to make plastic bags. Its special weave ensure minimal chances of tearing or weathering. Latest carport poly covers also come with UV treatment that reduces damage to your car and are obviously 100% waterproof.

The frame of the carport canopy is made of 1 3/8th inch reinforced steel. The number of steel pillars depends on the size of the carport canopy that you wish to purchase. The bigger the carport canopy, the more the frames in count. You will not get color options here as most are available in white, grey or black.

A carport canopy kit usually makes a covered roof with three sides of the carport walls zipped and closed and one side open. So keep that in mind as the difference between a built concrete carport and a carport canopy.

You will have options of carport with two sides zipped and all four sides zipped. The price of the carport kit will obviously depend on that as well.

A carport canopy might not be a wise idea in case the area has high winds. Remember, this carport structure is always above the ground and built by resurrecting the pillars into the ground.

Take the following pointers into account before making the carport floor:

Carport Location:
The area where you will construct the carport floor needs to be as flat & sturdy as possible. Simply place two stakes on two corners of the chosen area and tie a string to it. The slope formed will tell you whether it suitable to make a carport floor or not.

Carport Floor Depth:
The depth of the carport floor needs to be anything between 3 to 5 inches in depth. The choice is depth should depend on the weight of your vehicle. In case of bigger cars like SUVs, Station Wagons etc, prepare to dig 5 inches to create the carport floor.

Use the stake and strong technique to ensure that the four corners marked will be of equal depth.

Carport Floor Base:
For posts, use a 2×4 log which will be placed along the edge of the dugout area of the carport floor. Make sure they are perpendicular. Do the same on all four corners and then fill in with fine gravel dirt.

Roll out a sheet of wire mesh on the carport floor however don’t do so from corner to corner. Cut the mesh around 3 inches from the corner of the carport floor. You must ensure that the mesh doesn’t curl up.

Adding Concrete:
You have two choices for the flooring of a carport. First is concrete which is suited for all mostly for metal carport types. Second is the concrete flooring is perfectly matches wooden and Alumiwood carports.

For concrete, once the read mix arrives, pour the concrete from end of the carport floor and spread evenly & quickly all over using a wet rake. You will need a helping hand who can tap the air pockets which will form when spreading the concrete.

Once the concrete has dried, spread some dirt and level it out.

In case of gravel, use a thinner layer of concrete and immediately spread the gravel stones.

Before converting a carport into a garage, there are certain things to be mind:

CARPORT CONDITION:
How well maintained is your carport? Be honest to yourself because if the carport is not in good condition, you may end up creating a garage which isn’t that strong and long lasting.

WALL STUD MEASUREMENT:
Examine the flooring measurement of the existing carport. Usually around 2 feet of spans are required between each wall studs.

CARPORT DIMENSIONS:
Is your carport big enough to accommodate extra equipment that will be stored once it has been converted into a garage? Measure properly and then proceed to construction calculations for extra material.

FLEXIBILITY:
Most people like to make a “convertible garage” from an existing carport. They would want a garage during harsh weather and a carport during normal weather conditions. In that case, your material and structure will vary.

INSULATION:
Ensure you install insulation between the interior walls of the carport and staple strong.

GARAGE DOOR:
While you can always add the walls to the carport and make it into a garage, the main concern is always the garage door.

Similarly, if you’re turning your garage into a carport, you have to ask yourself what to do once the door is dismantled. I would suggest seeking professional help to take care of the door side wall of the garage. Your carport might look rather ugly in case the aesthetic sense isn’t minded.

FLOORING:
Most garages have an incline on the flooring which helps in washing, water draining and repair work of the vehicle.

In case you are removing the garage walls and converting into a carport, be sure to redo the floor rather than filling concrete and leveling the floor. That looks rather shabby.

WIRING & ELECTRICITY:
Most people convert carports into garages so they can have heating/cooling for their vehicles during extreme temperature.

Be sure to have a separate circuit unit which has wires running underground. And this is irrespective whether you have a carport or garage.