Protect Your Vehicle from the Elements With One of These Editor-Approved Carports

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Parking your car under cover is essential for keeping its body pristine and generally prolonging its lifespan. If you don’t have a garage, the next-best option is a carport. Carports provide nearly the same protection as a built-in garage and all you need is space and some flat ground.

A good carport is easy to build and set up anywhere around your property, yet sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall, and most block UV rays in summer so you car stays cool. You don’t have to use carports solely as a covered parking space, either—they’re great as extensions of patios and porches, plus they provide shade.

To expand your garage capacity or add a protective parking space, consider the best carports we recommend, reviewed below along with the most important things to consider before starting your search.

The Best Carports

• Best Overall: Sannwsg Metal Heavy Duty Carport

• Best Value: Gardesol Heavy Duty Carport with Roll-up Ventilated Windows

• Best Heavy-Duty: Backyard Discovery Barrington All Cedar Wood Carport

• Best All-Metal Construction: Veikou Galvanized Steel Carport

• Best Attached: Palram Canopia Feria Carport

What to Consider

What Material Is Best for a Carport?

Most carports are made of all metal, a metal frame with a fabric canopy, or wood. Below, we offer a rundown of the benefits and drawbacks of each.

All-Metal

Metal carports usually made with steel or aluminum, with have sturdy frames that are quick to set up, and hold up well against rain and snow. Quality metal options are treated with protective coatings that prevent rust and corrosion even if you live in an area where it rains often. Metal carports have metal roofs and are a great option for basic protection.

Keep in mind, though, that most metal carports lack side panels or walls, and unless they are properly anchored down, they may tip over in a strong wind gust. Some metal carports are fully enclosed, but that it’s the norm. They are also more expensive than uncovered options and may be subject to zoning laws in certain municipalities. That said, some metal carports come with fabric coverings on the sides. These provide protection from the weather and roll up easily when not in use.

Metal Frame with Fabric Canopy

You can also choose a carport with a metal frame and fabric canopy on the roof and sides. These are typically less expensive than all-metal or wooden carports. Most canopies are made of waterproof materials or have a weatherproof coating. They’re generally the most affordable choice, and a smart choice if you live in an area that doesn’t see extreme weather often.

Wooden carports stand up the best against intense wind due to their weight and installation process. Unlike metal or fabric carports which can be anchored in with weights or stakes, most wooden carports require bolts or screws which lock the legs in place. Most come with metal roofs which repel water and hold up to continuous exposure to moisture.

Wood

Wooden carports are the most time-consuming to assemble—materials are often delivered piece-by-piece and the building process can often taking hours or even days to complete. Most companies that sell wooden carports also offer professional assembly for an additional fee.

Capacity

For locales that get heavy snow, the roof’s capacity is an important point of consideration. Metal carport roofs typically handle several hundred pounds without bowing or bending. This why metal roofs are also common on wooden carports. For areas with heavy snow, choose a roof that can hold 500 or more pounds.

If a total figure isn’t provided on the product listing, check the pounds per square foot (PSF) of the roof. While fabric rooftops don’t have nearly the same integrity, many have sharp-angled designs which help snow slide down the sides instead of accumulating on top.

Size and Design

Most carports come in multiple sizes, from those just large enough to cover a small sedan to extra-long carports designed for multiple cars. We recommend choosing a carport that offers at least one foot of additional space on each side with respect to the size of your car. This improves how well the roof protects your car and makes pulling in and parking much easier.

While most carports are standalone structures, some—called attached carports—attach directly to a wall or gate, with legs on the other side to prop up the roof. These work well if you park your car on the side of the house. They also work well as patio extenders to provide dry space and shade, much like an attached awning.

Side Panels and Ventilation

While all carports provide overhead coverage, some also come with side panels that enclose the vehicle. These panels are made of waterproof materials or fabric treated for weatherproofing. The sides panels typically zip on and some models feature windows for ventilation and roll-down covers to block out sun and rain.

How We Selected

Each carport on this list was selected for durability, weather-repelling abilities, design, ease of setup, and price point. We chose a variety of carports that fit different needs and budgets, whether you’re extending your patio space or adding a parking spot for your vintage car.

We paid particularly close attention to how well each carport handled different types of weather. For areas with hot summers and direct sunlight, we looked for those that block UV rays. For areas with a lot of rain, we found carports made of waterproof materials that won’t rust or corrode over time. We also took into account the roof weight capacity for areas where heavy snow and rain is common.

Many of the options on our list come in multiple sizes, so if you have truck or larger vehicle, toggle through the options and find the dimensions that best work for you.

Metal Heavy Duty Carport

With a sturdy metal roof and roll-down walls, this carport combines the security of heavy duty options with the versatility of lightweight fabric. The roof is made of galvanized steel that, when caulked and sealed, is completely waterproof. It is also resistant to rust and corrosion, so it can stay outside year-round.

The roll-down sides are made of waterproof polyethylene fabric which provides even more protection during rainstorms. The metal roof features a support beam across the center which prevents bending or bowing under the weight of snow accumulation.

The carport also comes with an attachable solar lamp that mounts anywhere on the metal frame—a handy extra that we appreciate.

Heavy Duty Carport with Roll-up Ventilated Windows

This carport from Gardesol is an affordable choice that works as more than just a protected parking spot. With four mesh windows, the carport doubles as a space for outdoor activity, much like a covered gazebo.

The roll-up front opening completely envelops your car, so when it starts to rain or snow, simply zip down the front and all sides of the car are protected. Each of the ventilated windows has roll-up covers, so nothing inside is exposed to the elements.

While the fabric is waterproof, some users report leaky windows. Also, the fabric connects to the steel joints with velcro, which may wear out over time.

Barrington All Cedar Wood Carport

This wooden carport is a standout for style and heavy-duty construction. The cedar fame is incredibly durable, and once installed, stays firmly in place. In fact, the carport is rated to withstand wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour.

This strength is combined with a waterproof steel rooftop that protects your car from rain or snow and keeps the majority of moisture away from the wood.

The size and durability does come with drawbacks. The assembly process is relatively complex and time-consuming. For such a large and heavy carport, it’s worth considering professional assembly.

Galvanized Steel Carport

With width that can cover a full-sized pickup truck, this carport is a durable, practical option for larger vehicles. The all-metal rust-resistant structure is rated to withstand winds of up to 100 miles per hour, and its galvanized roof can hold up to 35 pounds per square foot of snow. The roof is also sloped to prevent snow and rain from accumulating.

While the roof is extremely protective, the carport lacks any side walls, so your vehicle is more exposed that some other options we cover.

Canopia Feria Carport

Instead of a standalone structure that requires staking or bolting into the ground, this structure connects to the side of your house, with standing legs to support the sloped roof.

This creates a shaded and protected parking spot right next to your house, which is incredibly convenient for anyone with a side driveway. This carport in particular has a weather-resistant roof which angles downward to prevent water or snow buildup. There’s also a built-in gutter that siphons rainwater down the side.

Heavy Duty Anti-Snow Carport

The high angle, pointed roof on this carport is specifically designed to preventing heavy from pooling, even though the cover is made of.

The roof has a polyethylene fabric cover, supported by six steel beams that prevent the triangle-shaped top from warping or breaking. Beyond the roof integrity, this carport offers all-around protection with fully covered sides and roll-up front and back openings.

During heavy rain, unroll the front and back openings, zip them closed, and your car is completely enclosed. That said, without ventilation, the carport is more susceptible to wind, so make sure each corner is properly staked and weighed down.

Carport

For some quick shade that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, this is the carport for you. With a polyethylene roof and a powder-coated steel frame, this carport offers solid protection from the sun and rain without rusting or degrading over time.

Because of its relatively open design, the carport also works well as an extension of your porch, a way to shade your patio, or as a long gazebo for parties and barbecues.

That said, this carport is not equipped for extreme weather. Beyond shade and some mild rain protection, don’t expect to keep your car pristine during a storm. Even when staked down, the carport may not stay steady against heavy winds, so we only recommend using it in less intense weather.

Double Car Metal Carport

If you have multiple cars or large farming vehicles, this metal carport is worth a look. With extra length and width in comparison to other options on this list, it comfortably fits two cars underneath the roof, with potential for more if properly parked.

The metal roof is made of thick galvanized steel that can handle up to 35 pounds of snow and it’s durable enough to resist rust and corrosion over time.

The carport is designed for DIY assembly, with screw-in pieces and hook anchors. However, the company recommends having at least two people build it together.

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