Homeowners often install carports without understanding their diverse applicability and their ability to enhance the value of their property. These are simple structures that do not require an extensive installation process. However, they offer ample possibilities to elevate the curb appeal and functionality. Metal carport structures can easily be tailored to meet your specific needs along with allowing you to design them in accordance with your home and aesthetic preferences.
Just because carports are simple, it does not mean they have to be boring. There are various design elements that can complement your property while maximizing the use of the carport.
Align Carport Design With Your Purpose
Ahead of designing your new carport, it is crucial to ensure that it perfectly aligns with your purpose and utility requirements. Consider asking yourself a few questions to make it easier:
- Will you be using the carport for other purposes than just parking?
- Do you have adequate space to install a detached or attached carport?
- Will your vehicles be easily accessible from the site of installation?
- Would you be requiring additional storage space?
With a clear purpose, you will easily be able to design a carport offering maximum functionality.
Choosing the Right Size and Configuration
One of the most essential components of customizing a carport to fit your needs is selecting the ideal size that will accommodate all the necessary functions that you wish for. Carports differ in size based on the number of cars you plan to park under them. If you plan to use your carport structure for multiple purposes, consider installing a larger unit for enhanced operationality.
Number of cars | Standard carport size |
1 car | 12 feet wide and 20 feet long |
2 cars | 24 feet wide and 20 feet long |
3 cars | 36 feet wide and 20 feet long |
4 cars | 48 feet wide and 20 feet long |
The dimensions are customizable and can be increased for multi-use carports.
Design Elements To Elevate Your Metal Carports
Match the aesthetic appeal of your house
Considering the aesthetic appeal of your home can be one of the best ways to design your carport. From style to color schemes, you can easily mirror your home in your carport for an enhanced look.
To create a cohesive look, consider installing the roof and trim just like your home’s. This will not just make your property look stylish and unified but also will make it seem like the carport was an integral part of the original design, making it blend seamlessly.
Cabin-style carports
When thinking of exterior aesthetics, another handy trick can be designing your carport in a way that features a rustic and cabin-like style. Consider installing a detached steel carport with brick red trims, roof, posts, and screws to provide a distressed and rustic look.
You can add string lights to complete the look and lighten up the space in the night, making it ideal for outdoor get-togethers. Cabin-style carports can work the best for the homes, offering a cozy and welcoming feel.
Pergola-style carports
You can also draw inspiration from a pergola when designing your carport. Whether you are looking for an attached or a standalone structure, pergola-style carports can provide shade to your furniture or vehicles.
You can opt for thicker beams and evenly space them out. Opt for a pitched or slated roof structure. These structures are likely to blend utility with a decorative feel.
Modern carports
While these can vary in style for different people, installing a simple and sleek carport that ties your whole outdoor space together can deliver outstanding results. Streamline the architectural elements, balancing between function and form.
Opting for clean finishes and minimal features in neutral color tones can go a long way.
Blend solar panels
To add an energy-efficient element to your carport, install a simple structure and integrate solar panels over the roof, making efficient use of space. This will not only add immeasurable functionality but also will make your carport more than just a space to park your car under.
This sustainable design is tech-savvy as well as futuristic. You can use the energy produced to power your EV chargers and carport lights.
Shaded carports
Instead of opting for opaque roofs, you can instead choose translucent carport roof options like sunshades. While these will protect you from harmful UV rays, they will also let sunlight penetrate, providing a minimalistic and open aesthetic appeal to the structure.
Porte-cochère style carports
For homeowners who prefer going grand, designing a porte-cochère style carport is perfect! Install the carport as a covered entryway to the main building of your house to create a passageway. This design element is known as porte-cochère, which is an area wide enough to accommodate vehicles.
Carport Upgrades: Customizations That Go a Long Way
Door: You should add a sliding or front open gate to metal carports. Along with the appeal, this will also enhance the security of your vehicles. You can easily control access to your carport with this feature, which improves the property’s curb appeal.
Outdoor lights: Exterior lighting in carports is a preferred choice as it improves the visibility and functionality of metal buildings. You can opt for sleek LED lights, string lights, or lanterns based on your carport’s design and utility.
Walls: Several people prefer partially enclosed carports for better protection. You can enclose the structure in a few ways:
- Partial side panels on one or two sides
- Completely enclosed side panels on a maximum of two sides
- Gable ends
Natural element: You can easily add landscaping to your carports by planting climbing plants on the posts or roof of your carport. For an added sense of protection, you can also plant shrubs or small plants around the perimeter of your carport.
Carport with storage: Carport utility structures are very popular as they offer an additional space to house your tools, equipment, personal belongings, as well as gardening gear.
Shelves, cabinets, and hooks: To enhance the operationality of your carport, you can also add shelves, locked cabinets, and hooks to store outdoor items.
Retractable awning: For an additional transitional outdoor space, you can attach a retractable awning to your carports. You can use this to hold barbeques or small outdoor gatherings.
Balance Functionality With Style
Carports are just as flexible as they are simple. The simplicity of the structure makes it possible to mold it however you like!
Now that you are familiar with a range of inspiring carport design ideas, it is time to contact a certified metal building dealer near you and curate the perfect structure for your backyard.