Protect Your Vehicle from the Elements With One of These Editor-Approved Carports (2024)

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 your 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 All-Metal Construction: Veikou Galvanized Steel Carport
• Best Value: Gardesol Heavy Duty Carport with Roll-up Ventilated Windows
• Best for Multiple Cars: Arrow Double Car Metal Carport
• Best Heavy-Duty: Backyard Discovery Barrington All Cedar Wood 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 are usually made with steel or aluminum, which 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 isn't 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.

Wood

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.

Wooden carports are the most time-consuming to assemble—materials are often delivered piece-by-piece and the building process can often take 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 is 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 a truck or larger vehicle, toggle through the options and find the dimensions that best work for you.