Choosing a Car Port
By: Carports, Tents and Sheds Staff WritersWhen you are looking to purchase a car port, you may not be sure which type is best, or may be confused by some of the terminology. There are numerous factors that go into choosing car ports, such as whether you want the structure to be permanent or portable, the size of the vehicle that is to be protected using the car port, the weather, and your budget, among other factors.
If you are not sure which type of car port is best, consider some of the following differences between car port designs:
Car port materials:
Metal car ports – Metal carports are a perfect choice if you are looking for a permanent structure that will withstand the elements of the weather and will last for a long time. A metal car port can have an A-line roof or a flat roof and can even be attached to a permanent structure. A steel car port is similar in design, durability and strength to a metal car port.
Aluminum car ports – Similar to a metal car port, aluminum car ports function best as more permanent structures. Aluminum is a more lightweight material, but is equally as durable, as long as the structure is not exposed to extreme winds on a regular basis. Some aluminum car ports can also be portable as well.
Wooden car ports – A wooden car port is the perfect choice if you are looking to attach your car port to a home, building or other structure. It can also be used as a free standing car port, but since wood car ports can blend in nicely to a more permanent structure, they are often used as a garage space that is attached to a home.
Canvas car ports – If you are looking for a more temporary car port, or one that is easily portable, then it is best to consider a canvas car port. Canvas car ports typically are comprised of a set of support poles (usually PVC or aluminum) that are assembled and the frame then supports a car port tent made of canvas (although the canopy car port can be made from other materials as well, such as vinyl or another pliable material).
Car port styles:
Portable car ports – These are easily put up and taken down so that they can be transported for use wherever needed. Also called temporary car ports, this style often consists of a car port cover or car port tent made of canvas or vinyl, along with poles that are easily assembled and disassembled made of PVC or aluminum.
Stationary car ports – A stationary car port is made to be left in place in order to provide permanent, or at least long term protection. They are sometimes attached to a building or can be freestanding, but they are made from more durable materials than a portable car port, such as steel, metal, or wood.
A-Frame car ports – This style includes a sloped roof at the top of the structure. These are perfect for locations that receive a lot of snow so that the snow doesn’t pile up on the roof.
Rounded top car ports – Rounded car port tents are typically made from canvas or vinyl set over PVC piping to create the rounded structure. This is a popular design for large car ports that are intended for trucks or other vehicles that are not only big but high.
Soft top car ports – Car port canopies made of canvas or vinyl are often referred to as soft top car ports.
Hard top car ports – As the name implies, a hard top car port has a rigid and solid roof. This includes those made from metal, aluminum, steel or wood. Hard top car ports can have a sloped or A-frame roof, a flat roof or a rounded roof.
Car port construction:
Depending on what type of car port you are considering, you can purchase pre-made car ports, can obtain car port kits and then assemble them yourself, or you can even consider building a car port. It is not that difficult to build a car port if you have some basic carpentry skills and some time to get the project done. There are car port plans available online to help you determine the best car port design, explain how the parts are assembled and can even help you figure out the supplies you need. If a DIY car port is more than you think you can handle, but you don’t want to pay for a company to deliver and install the car port, then purchasing a car port kit is a great alternative.
Where to purchase car ports:
You can often find car ports for sale at locations that sell other portable buildings, such as sheds, gazebos or portable garages. Sometimes you’ll see an advertisement for a car port for sale either online or through a local pennysaver, or you can find a contractor that will build a car port for you according to your specifications. Car port kits are also available for purchase online so that the kit is delivered to you and you take care of the assembly.
Car port prices:
Car port prices can vary considerably, depending on the style, size, type of material chosen, and the type of construction option chosen. There are models available in almost any price range, so you should be able to find a structure to meet your budget. Even if you are looking for cheap car ports, you can find them although they may not be of the quality required for them to be long-lasting. If budget is a consideration, but you are looking for a more durable and permanent structure, you may want to consider doing some research to see if you can find any used car ports available for sale.
There are many options to consider when purchasing a car port, and you will find multiple styles and a variety of terminology used to refer to the same basic type of structure. So whether you are looking for a car port, a carport, a portable garage, a carport tent, or a structure of another name that is used to offer protection to your car, truck, RV, boat, motorcycle or other possessions, you will be armed with the information you need to choose the type of structure that best meets your needs.
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