Metal Carport Cost Calculator: 2026 Prices By Size
A metal carport is the cheapest way to get a roof over a car, truck, boat or RV. A basic single car carport can cost less than $2,000 installed, while a certified, fully enclosed RV cover can run well past $10,000. What moves the price most is size, roof style, leg height, gauge and whether the carport is certified for wind and snow.
This calculator builds a price the same way dealers do: a base price for the size, then add ons for each upgrade.
Carport Cost Calculator
How Carports Are Priced
Base price by size
Carport dealers publish price lists by width and length, usually for a standard 6 foot leg height. Here is what our calculator gives for two common sizes, built from published dealer price lists we checked in October 2026:
| Size | Regular roof | Boxed eave, certified | Vertical, certified |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12x21 | $1,495 to $1,719 | $1,776 to $1,938 | $2,220 to $2,422 |
| 18x21 | $1,695 to $1,949 | $2,014 to $2,197 | $2,517 to $2,746 |
Regular roof prices start from the Metal Carport Depot list, and certified prices add the usual 10% to 20% uplift for engineered wind and snow ratings. Regional price lists vary, and many include delivery and installation on a level site, so always check what the price covers.
Roof style
| Roof style | How it looks | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (rounded) | Curved corners, panels run front to back | Lowest | Mild climates, budget covers |
| Boxed eave (A frame) | Peaked roof, panels run front to back | Middle | A house like look on a budget |
| Vertical | Peaked roof, panels run top to bottom | Highest | Snow, heavy rain, carports longer than about 36 ft |
Vertical roofs shed snow and water best because the ribs run downhill. If you get regular snow, a vertical roof is usually worth the extra cost.
Leg height
Taller legs cost more because they need more steel and longer panels if you enclose the sides. A 6 or 7 foot leg suits cars. Pickups with racks need 8 to 10 feet, and RVs often need 12 to 14 feet. Dealers add a set amount for every foot of extra height.
Gauge
Most carport frames come in 14 gauge steel tubing as standard, with 12 gauge as an upgrade. 12 gauge is thicker and stronger, which helps with wider spans, taller legs and higher certified loads.
Sides and ends
Panels on the sides and ends turn a carport into a three sided shelter or a fully enclosed garage. The calculator prices panels by the square foot of wall area.
Certified vs Uncertified Carports
A certified carport comes with engineered drawings showing it meets specific wind and snow loads. Many counties require certification for a permit, and some insurers ask for it. Industry sources put the uplift for certification at about 10% to 20% over the uncertified price (checked October 2026).
If you live in a high wind or heavy snow area, certification is usually required anyway. It's also a good idea for resale and for peace of mind.
Installation And Site Prep
Most carport prices include delivery and installation within a dealer's area, as long as your site is level. If it isn't, you'll pay for grading. Carports can be anchored to:
- Concrete: wedge anchors into a slab or piers, the strongest option
- Asphalt: asphalt anchors
- Ground: rebar or mobile home style anchors for dirt or gravel
Concrete costs extra. Price a pad with our concrete slab calculator.
Example Prices
| Carport | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| 12x21 regular, uncertified | $1,495 to $1,719 |
| 18x21 vertical, certified | $2,517 to $2,746 |
| 20x25 vertical, certified, 9 ft legs | $3,293 to $3,593 |
| 18x31 RV cover, 12 ft legs, vertical, certified | $4,307 to $4,699 |
All four rows come straight from the calculator above, so you can check them yourself. Get local quotes for exact prices.
When To Upgrade To A Garage
If you're enclosing all four sides and adding doors, compare the price with a small steel garage. A red iron or heavy tube garage can be a better value at larger sizes. See our 30x40 garage guide and our overview of steel building types.
FAQ
How much does a metal carport cost?
A basic 12x21 regular carport runs about $1,495 to $1,719 on published dealer price lists. A certified vertical roof model of the same size is about $2,220 to $2,422.
Is a vertical roof carport worth it?
In snow or heavy rain, yes. The panels run downhill, so snow and water slide off instead of sitting in the ribs.
How much does carport certification cost?
Usually about 10% to 20% more than the uncertified price.
Do I need a permit for a metal carport?
Many counties require a permit, especially for larger or permanent carports. Check with your local building department before ordering.
Sources
- Metal Carport Depot regular style price list, as published on CarportBay, read October 2026.
- Alan's Factory Outlet metal carport prices, checked October 2026.
- Derksen regular roof style price list, checked October 2026.
- Steelbuildingkit.com carport certification guidance (secondary source), checked October 2026.
Ready to price your building? Get free metal building quotes from suppliers who serve your area, or use the form on this page and our team will be in touch.