Metal Carports: 2026 Prices, Sizes & Best Kits
Metal carports are everywhere for a reason. They go up in a day, cost a fraction of a garage, and protect vehicles from sun, hail and snow for decades with almost no maintenance. They're also flexible: the same basic frame can be a single car cover, a boat shelter, a farm equipment shed or a fully enclosed garage.
This guide covers what metal carports cost in 2026, which size fits what, the difference between certified and uncertified models, how to anchor one, and what to look for in a seller.
Metal Carport Prices By Size
Carport prices are usually quoted as a package that includes the frame, roof, delivery and installation on a level site. Based on published dealer price lists we checked in October 2026, our calculator gives these ranges:
| Size | Regular roof (uncertified) | Boxed eave (certified) | Vertical roof (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, with Alan's Factory Outlet and Derksen as cross checks. Certified prices add the usual uplift for engineered wind and snow ratings. Larger sizes, taller legs, enclosed sides and certification all add to these figures.
Estimated ranges for common sizes, based on those base prices plus typical add ons:
| Carport type | Typical size | Estimated price |
|---|---|---|
| Single car | 12x21 | $1,495 to $2,422 |
| Double car | 18x21 | $1,695 to $2,746 |
| Triple car | 30x26, 12 ft legs, vertical roof, certified | $5,831 to $6,361 |
| RV or boat cover | 20x36 to 18x41, 12 to 14 ft legs, vertical roof, certified | $5,148 to $6,426 |
| Fully enclosed garage | 24x31, 10 ft legs, one roll up door | $9,000 to $15,000 |
For a price on your exact size and options, use our carport cost calculator.
Choosing The Right Size
Width
Width decides how many vehicles fit side by side. A 12 foot carport holds one car with room to open the doors. An 18 to 20 foot carport fits two cars, and 24 to 30 feet fits three. If you want room for a workbench or a lawn mower, add a few feet.
Length
Standard lengths often run 21, 26, 31 and 36 feet and up. A 21 foot length covers most cars and pickups. Crew cab long bed trucks, trailers and RVs need more. Measure your longest vehicle and add at least 3 feet.
Height
Leg height is measured from the ground to the bottom of the roof frame. Common choices:
| Vehicle | Recommended leg height |
|---|---|
| Cars and small SUVs | 6 to 7 ft |
| Pickups and full size SUVs | 7 to 8 ft |
| Lifted trucks, trucks with racks | 9 to 10 ft |
| Boats on trailers | 10 to 12 ft |
| Class C and A motorhomes, fifth wheels | 12 to 14 ft |
Check the height of your tallest vehicle, including air conditioners, antennas and ladders, then add at least a foot for clearance.
Roof Styles
There are three main roof styles.
- Regular: rounded corners with panels running horizontally. The cheapest option and fine in mild climates.
- Boxed eave: an A frame roof that looks more like a house, with panels still running horizontally.
- Vertical: an A frame roof with panels running from ridge to eave. It costs the most but sheds snow, rain and debris best. Most dealers recommend it for carports longer than about 36 feet and anywhere with regular snow.
Gauge And Frame
Carport frames are usually made from galvanized square steel tubing. 14 gauge is standard; 12 gauge is thicker and stronger and is often required for wider spans, taller legs or higher certified loads. Roof panels are most commonly 29 gauge, with 26 gauge as an upgrade.
Look for galvanized tubing inside and out, and ask about the panel paint warranty.
Certified vs Uncertified
A certified carport comes with engineered drawings showing it's designed for specific wind speeds and snow loads. Many counties require them for permits, and some homeowner insurance policies or HOAs ask for proof of certification.
Certification usually adds about 10% to 20% to the price (secondary source, checked October 2026). It often involves closer bow spacing, extra bracing and heavier anchors. If you're in a hurricane, tornado or snow zone, certified is the way to go.
Hail, Wind And Snow
Weather is the main reason people buy carports, so match the carport to yours.
In hail country, a carport is cheap insurance against dented hoods and cracked windshields. Heavier roof panels resist dents better than thin ones.
In high wind areas, the anchors matter as much as the frame. A certified carport with concrete anchors and closed ends facing the wind handles storms far better than an open carport staked into dirt.
In snow country, choose a vertical roof, closer bow spacing and a certified snow rating that matches your county's requirement.
Anchoring A Metal Carport
Anchoring keeps your carport on the ground in high winds. The right anchor depends on the surface:
| Surface | Anchor type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab or piers | Wedge or expansion anchors | Strongest option, needed for most certified installs |
| Asphalt | Asphalt anchors | Good for driveways |
| Dirt or gravel | Rebar or auger style ground anchors | Cheapest, check certification requirements |
A concrete pad gives you the most secure base and a clean floor. Price one with our concrete slab calculator.
Popular Uses For Metal Carports
Vehicle covers. The most common use. Even an open carport keeps paint from fading, stops hail dents and saves you scraping ice off the windshield on winter mornings.
RV and camper storage. RVs are expensive to store at a lot, and many HOAs and cities limit parking them in the open. A tall vertical roof carport with closed sides protects the roof seals and rubber from sun damage, which is one of the biggest causes of RV leaks.
Boat covers. A boat on a trailer needs length and height. Closing in the end that faces the prevailing wind keeps rain and debris out.
Farm and equipment sheds. Tractors, hay and implements fit well under a wide carport with one or two sides closed. A lean to on the side adds cheap extra cover.
Patio and picnic shelters. Carports make simple, durable shade structures for patios, outdoor kitchens, playgrounds and event spaces.
Upgrades And Add Ons
- Side and end panels. Close one or more walls for wind and rain protection. Partial panels, often called gables, close just the top of the end.
- Lean tos. A single slope roof attached to the side gives extra covered space for a lower cost per square foot.
- Roll up and walk in doors. Turn an enclosed carport into a garage.
- Windows and vents. Let in light and air and cut condensation.
- Anti condensation backing. A felt layer under the roof panels reduces dripping in humid climates.
- Two tone colors and wainscot. Mainly cosmetic, but they help a carport match your house.
Maintenance Tips
Metal carports need very little care, but a few habits extend their life:
- Rinse off dirt, salt and bird droppings once or twice a year.
- Check anchors and bolts after big storms and tighten anything loose.
- Clear heavy snow from regular style roofs before it builds up past the design load.
- Touch up scratches in the paint so rust doesn't start.
- Keep soil and mulch away from the base of the legs to reduce corrosion.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Buying too short. Measure the longest vehicle you might own, not just the one you have now.
- Skipping certification in a high wind area to save a few hundred dollars, then failing a permit inspection.
- Ordering before checking HOA rules.
- Not leveling the site. Installers may refuse to build on a slope, or charge extra.
Do You Need A Permit For A Carport?
It depends on where you live. Many cities and counties require a permit for any permanent carport, and some exempt small structures under a set size. HOAs often have their own rules on size, color and placement. Check with your building department and HOA before ordering. Our metal building permit guide explains the typical process.
Buying A Metal Carport Kit
Most carports are sold through dealers who represent a manufacturer and arrange installation. Some sellers also offer DIY kits you assemble yourself. When comparing sellers:
- Compare the same spec. Size, leg height, roof style, gauge, certification and panels should match across quotes.
- Check what's included. Delivery, installation and anchors are usually included; concrete and site grading usually aren't.
- Ask about lead times. Installation dates can be weeks out in busy seasons.
- Read the warranty. Look for separate terms on the frame, panels and workmanship.
- Confirm the certification. Ask for the engineered drawings for your state, not just a sticker.
Carport vs Metal Garage
| Carport | Enclosed metal garage | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Protection | Sun, hail, snow | Plus security, wind driven rain, theft |
| Installation | Often one day | Days to weeks |
| Foundation | Optional | Usually a slab |
| Permits | Sometimes | Almost always |
If you need security or a workshop, compare an enclosed carport with a red iron building. Our guide to steel building types and our 30x40 garage guide can help.
Get Quotes
Want a carport or a larger steel building? Get free quotes from suppliers in your area.
FAQ
How much does a metal carport cost?
Published dealer price lists put a 12x21 regular carport at about $1,495 to $1,719 and a certified 18x21 vertical roof model at about $2,517 to $2,746. RV covers and enclosed garages cost more.
What is the best roof style for a metal carport?
A vertical roof is best for snow and heavy rain because panels run downhill. A regular roof is the cheapest option for mild climates.
What gauge metal is best for a carport?
12 gauge framing is stronger than the standard 14 gauge and is worth it for wide spans, tall legs or high wind and snow areas.
How long does a metal carport last?
With galvanized framing and good paint, a well anchored metal carport can last decades with little maintenance.
Can I install a metal carport myself?
Yes, DIY kits are available, but most dealer prices already include installation on a level site. If you go DIY, plan for at least two people and follow the anchor plan exactly.
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.