8 Best Carport Kits
Updated: Apr. 14, 2022Keep your car safe from the elements with a carport kit. They're available in a range of sizes, and most can be easily assembled by two people.
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Buying a Carport Kit
If you don’t have a garage or would rather use it for storage, consider a carport. These simple structures protect your vehicle from rain, hail, bird droppings and harmful UV rays, and keep you and your passengers from getting soaked during storms.
Carport kits are available in a range of sizes and designs. Take these factors into consideration to ensure you pick the right one for your situation:
- Size: The carport must be long enough to cover your vehicle and wide enough to pull in and out of easily. Factor in the space you’ll need for opening the doors, and for keeping dry in rain or snow when you’re loading and unloading your car or trunk. If you plan on permanently anchoring your carport to your driveway, make sure its support legs won’t overhang the concrete you’re drilling into.
- Skill level required for assembly: While all carport kits are meant to be DIY, some are easier to assemble than others. If you’re mounting it to concrete, you’ll need to know how to use a power drill. Some carports may require you to cut the support beams to length. Honestly consider your DIY skill level and review online installation instructions to make sure you can do the job effectively and safely.
- Roof material: The roof of your carport kit will be soft (canvas or polyethylene plastic), metal or polycarbonate plastic. Soft roofs are lightweight, easy to assemble and generally cheaper, although they lack the strength and protection of metal or hard plastic. Metal roofs (aluminum or steel) are heavy and require more effort to install, but protect against falling trees branches and heavy snowfalls. Polycarbonate plastic roofs are translucent so they let some light through. If they’re shatter-resistant, they should hold up well against falling debris and snow.
- Roof design: Gabled-roof options are peaked, making it harder for leaves, pine cones or branches to stay up there. They also require less cleaning and maintenance than flat-roofed models. If you live in a wet climate, consider one with gutters to direct rainwater and reduce erosion and foundation damage.
- Anchoring options: Safely secure your carport to the ground, especially if you live in an area with high winds. Anchoring your carport directly into concrete is the most secure option, so make sure the kit includes all the necessary hardware. Carports can also be anchored to grass and gravel with long auger anchors or spikes, but only if prevailing winds are generally light. Review the anchoring options of your carport before purchasing, and pay attention to any “wind load” ratings that you can compare to your local weather.
- Cost: Your options run from a couple of hundred to thousands of dollars. Generally, the more you spend, the more protection you’re providing for your vehicle. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, rain and wind, a higher-end model could be worth the investment. If all you’re looking for is a basic cover for your vehicle and don’t have extreme weather to worry about, you can get away with a cheaper option.
- Zoning: Make sure that you can legally place your carport on your property. Some areas have structural zoning rules that forbid it, or restrictions on how close or far it can be from your home. Some homeowner associations have restrictions and codes as well.
- Insurance: It depends on your provider and specific insurance plan, but carports can sometimes be added to your homeowner’s insurance policy. Also, carports connected to your home are sometimes automatically covered. Contact your carrier and provide them with the specifics for a better idea of your options.
Best Retractable Carport Kit
The retractable canopy of the Ikuby All Weather Proof Carport offers full-coverage protection against the elements. It’s easily opened and closed by a single person.
The powder-coated steel framework resists rust and corrosion and can withstand up to eight inches of snow. Thanks to this instructional video, assembly is straightforward; two people should easily handle it. Have a power drill on hand to create an anchor hole in your driveway.
Best Carport Kit Splurge
Although the Arrow Metal Carport costs more than similar options, the sturdy steel roof, ample square footage and sleek open design could make it worth the price.
At 12 feet wide, it’s easy to drive into without worrying about fitting between the supports. All parts are pre-drilled for hassle-free assembly, although you’ll need to provide screws. The included ceiling hooks allow you to hang lights.
Best Enclosed Carport Kit
With a budget-friendly price and full-coverage canvas sidewalls, the Finfree Carport Car Canopy is a great choice for those who want maximum protection for their vehicle without breaking the bank.
It’s 10 ft. x 20 ft., large enough for most trucks and boats. And since the walls can be easily removed, it’s convenient for other uses, like outdoor picnics or parties. One Walmart.com reviewer writes: “If you need a large shelter that you can use for many purposes or modify, this is a good starting place.”
Best Inexpensive, Easy-Install Carport Kit
The minimal design and soft roof of the Outsunny Heavy-Duty Galvanized Car Canopy makes for an easy assembly and also contributes to its affordable price, hundreds of dollars less than our other options.
Still, it features strong steel tubing and footpads, and a polyethylene roof to keep out rain and harmful UV rays. With clear instructions and a light weight — just 81 lbs. — this carport should take about an hour for two people to assemble.
Best Attached Carport Kit
By connecting directly to the wall of your home or garage, and with only one set of supports to worry about, the Integra Attached Carport can save a considerable amount of space in your driveway. It’s extremely sturdy as well, boasting a 130 mph wind rating, and the roof can support up to 30 pounds of snow.
Installation involves more DIY knowledge than other models — you’ll need to cut the supports to length — so keep your skill level in mind when considering this option.
Best Carport Kit with a Transparent Roof
The polycarbonate plastic roof panels of the Palram Vitoria Carport and Patio Cover allow some light to shine through, while still blocking the harmful UV rays that can damage your vehicle’s paint job.
One Amazon buyer praised this plastic roof, writing it “provides plenty of light to unload the car, yet a fine shade in the heat of day.” The durable panels are also shatter-resistant and won’t yellow over time. The aluminum and steel framing is all pre-drilled, and should take two people one afternoon to put together.
Best Carport Kit with Windows
The large windows on the Peaktop Outdoor Portable Garage allow you to keep an eye on your vehicle while protecting against wind, rain, sun and snow. The windows also mean it can double as a tent for social gatherings.
It comes in three colors to match to your existing home or garage. The steel-reinforced frame resists rust, peeling and corrosion, and a 10-in. roof overhang ensures rainwater won’t be an issue.
Best Compact Carport Kit
The 7 ft. x 12 ft. footprint of the Advance Outdoor Portable Storage Shelter is ideal for those looking to store smaller vehicles, like an ATV or motorcycle. The heavy-duty polyethylene cover fully covers the roof and sides, and a double zipper ensures it will stay closed and secure.
The steel frame requires no tools to put together. And because the cover comes in a single piece, this unit is a great choice for those with limited DIY skills.
All prices and links were current as of publication.