Homeowners looking to install a carport can expect to pay an average of $7,170. The typical price range for a carport is approximately $2,805 to $9,935.
Carports can protect cars, valuables, RVs, and even farming equipment from the elements. They’re also great for creating an outdoor workspace or sitting area. While they can be a suitable replacement for a garage, they can also add value to homes with garages by adding extra protected parking.
In this cost guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Costs to Install a Carport in 2024
| National Average Cost | $7,170 |
| Typical Price Range | $2,805 – $9,935 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $730 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $30,000 |
The typical price range for a carport is between $2,805 and $9,935. The national average for a new carport is $7,170. Depending on the size and materials of your carport, it could cost as little as $730. On the other hand, sizable, custom carports made of wood may cost as much as $30,000.
Carport Cost Estimator by Size
The size of your carport will be the most important factor when estimating cost. Carports can range from $10 to $30 per square foot. The average carport is $20 per square foot.
We used the following examples of small, medium, and large carports to approximate the cost of a new carport by size. The sizes in the chart refer to single-car carports, two-car carports, and three-car or RV carports. It is generally recommended that an RV carport be at least 30 feet long.
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 12 x 20 feet | $4,800 |
| 20 x 20 feet | $8,000 |
| 20 x 30 feet | $12,000 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
While size is the most crucial factor to consider when estimating the cost of your new carport, several other factors can significantly affect the price. These factors include:
Carport Material
Carport prices vary based on materials. Common carport materials include polycarbonate, metal, and wood. Metal and polycarbonate are common in prefabricated carports. For custom builds, wood is a prevalent and affordable material.
| Carport Material | Typical Price Range Per Sq Ft |
| Polycarbonate | $12 – $20 |
| Metal | $10 – $30 |
| Wood | $15 – $30 |
Roofing Material
Carport roof styles include polycarbonate, metal, or shingles. Prefab carports typically have polycarbonate or metal roofs. Custom carports allow for a wider variety of options. You can select your preferred type of shingles, which enables you to match the shingles with your home’s roof.
| Roofing Material | Typical Price Range |
| Polycarbonate | $1,000 – $9,000 |
| Metal | $960 – $8,640 |
| Shingles | $840 -$ 3,170 |
Type of Carport
Carports can be portable, freestanding, or attached to your home:
- Portable carports are typically prefabricated and temporary, meaning they can be put away.
- Freestanding carports are the most common type and can be prefabricated or custom. You can install these carports anywhere on your property.
- Attached carports must be custom-built to match your home and come with additional costs.
| Type of Carport | Typical Price Range |
| Portable | $400 – $1,200 |
| Freestanding | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| Attached | $6,000 – $30,000 |
Labor Costs
The labor cost for carport installation is typically included in the overall project price. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the larger or more complex your new carport is, the higher the labor cost will be. While the labor cost for most carports ranges from $8 to $10 per square foot, labor for a custom build could cost up to $20 per square foot.
Related Services
Suppose you are already planning to install a carport. In that case, you may need a few related services to prepare your property for its new addition. Or, you may want to consider building a garage instead for increased security.
Land Clearing
If you’d like your new carport in a specific place on your property, but there are trees, rocks, or underbrush in the way, you may require a land clearing service. Most homeowners will pay between $1,265 and $3,900 for any land-clearing service. However, clearing enough room for a smaller project (such as a single-car carport) may only cost around $565.
Concrete Slab or Driveway
If you don’t already have a driveway or concrete slab on your property, it’s a good idea to install one under your carport so you don’t have to park on your grass. When you hire a contractor to install a carport, let them know if you already have concrete to park on or if you’ll need to install it.
A new concrete slab typically costs between $4.34 and $7.73 per square foot. Laying a whole concrete driveway costs $6 to $16 per square foot.
Garage
Building a new garage costs between $35 and $70 per square foot. Carports are typically much more cost-effective than garages, but a garage is an excellent option if you prefer an enclosed area to keep your vehicles and valuables safe. Like carports, garages can be attached or detached.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Many home improvement stores offer metal carport kits and freestanding carports that you can install on your own to save on labor costs. Or, if you’re an experienced DIYer and have the help of a friend or two, you can build your own carport from scratch.
Below, we’ve calculated the DIY cost of a single-car, 12 x 20-foot carport.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Power auger | $350 |
| Concrete forms | $12 each (at least 4) |
| Fast-set concrete | $6 per 50-pound bag (400 bags) |
| Wheelbarrow | $60 |
| Anchor bolts | $25 |
| Lumber | $15 (at least 14 posts, rafters, and beams) |
| Power drill | $120 |
| Screws | $10 per 100 screws |
| Power Saw | $80 |
| Bolts | $10 for a 25 pack |
| Joist Hangers | $55 for a 24 pack |
| Plywood roof boards | $50 for 4ft x 8ft piece |
| Shingles | $35 for 32.8 sq ft |
| Caulk | $5 |
| Stain | $12 per quart |
| Total DIY Cost for a 12×20-foot carport | $3,820 |
If you are building a sizeable, complicated carport, it may be best to have a professional help out. However, it may be advisable to create your own carport if you’re a skilled DIYer and you already have a shed full of tools. The best price available for your carport will depend on your preferences and level of expertise.
The total cost for a single-car DIY carport is $3,820. The typical price range for a carport is between $2,805 and $9,935. This means that a DIY carport is priced similarly to professionally made ones. Custom carports can have installation costs of as much as $30,000, so be prepared to spend a little more for advanced professional help.
Cost to Install a Carport by Location
The cost of a carport does not vary significantly by location. Portable carports from home improvement stores have very similar prices between different retailers across the country. You may find that labor costs are heftier in big cities than in small towns.
Areas with turbulent weather conditions (such as tornadoes and hurricanes) may require you to construct your carport from more durable materials, which could result in higher costs. Additionally, different municipalities may require you to purchase building permits.
FAQ
While a carport may not directly raise the value of your property, it can make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Each state and county has different rules for property taxation, so it is best to search the property tax rules for your area. Most of the time, carports only raise property taxes if built on a concrete slab or if you decide to include water or power.
A carport is great for protecting your vehicles from snow. Most carports can withstand as much as 20 pounds of snow per square foot. Metal carports will withstand snow better than wood carports.
Final Thoughts
A carport can be an excellent way to protect your vehicles or add storage space to your property. There are several style options for a carport, from simple and portable to a beautiful custom addition to your home.
Simple portable or freestanding carports can be purchased from most home improvement stores. Experienced DIYers can build their carport with the right power tools and materials. You’ll want to contact a professional contractor in your area for attached carports and other custom jobs.
Main Photo by: PxHere
