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Compare Metal Carport Costs

$2,300 – $3,450, Installed

The average cost of a 20′ X 20′ metal carport is $1,340 if you handle the pickup, assembly and installation yourself. For Pro metal carport installation, expect to pay around $2,775. Due to a wide range of cost factors, carports start at $700 and can exceed $6,000.
Average DIY (20×20)
$1,340
Average Pro (20×20)
$2,775
Typical Range
$2,300 – $3,450
Low End
$700 (DIY)
High End
$6,000 (Pro)
Updated: November 17, 2023

How Much does it Cost to Install a Metal Carport?

 

Low
$700 – $2,150
Average Cost Estimate
$2,300 – $3,450
High
$3,500 – $6,000
Size One or Two Cars One or Two Cars Two Cars +
Wall Height 7′ to 8′ 7′ to 10′ 8′ to 15′
Gable Ends No Yes or No Yes
Side and End Panels No Partial or Full Full
Windows or Entry Door No Yes or No Yes
Upgraded Steel No Yes or No Yes
Snow Load Roof No Yes or No Yes or No
Installed By DIY or Pro DIY or Pro Pro
Permit & Inspection $0 – $25 $0 – $100 $0 – $250

Sections: Overview | Product Costs | Installation Cost | DIY or Pro

Overview of Metal Carports

A metal carport is an affordable way to shelter vehicles, RVs, boats, firewood and anything else you want protected from the elements. The cost ranges from $700, for a basic metal carport installed yourself, to more than $6,000, depending on the style and features you choose.

Most metal carports are sold as kits to be assembled onsite. Keep in mind shipping costs that can amount to $500 or more. If the seller provides “free shipping,” you can bet the cost of shipping is simply hidden in the higher cost of the unit.

Your area probably has carport dealers that will transport fully assembled single-wide units to your property. Cost is higher for assembled carports. The many cost factors that determine price are detailed below.

Product Cost Details

Metal Carport Price Factors

With options from small and basic to large and full-featured, the potential cost range is broad.

These factors will allow you to narrow your cost estimate for the structure you have in mind.

  • Footprint – Size starts at 10×10 for a single-vehicle carport to about 24×30 for a 2.5-car model. Larger sizes for large RVs and greater storage capacity are available. In the rare event you need a custom size, cost will be significantly higher.
  • Wall Height – It begins at 7 feet and rises to 15 feet. Most carports have walls less than 10 feet.
  • Style – Multiple styles are available, and the more elaborate come with higher costs. Roof options range from low slope to those with enough slope to allow for overhead storage.
  • Options—A long menu of options that raise cost include reinforced roof structure for regions where snow loads must be factored, gable panels, side panels, end panels, vertical roof panels, boxed eaves and premium colors.
  • Foundation – Carports can be placed on existing ground. If you add a foundation of gravel ($), asphalt ($$) or concrete ($$$), cost will rise.

Retail Cost Range (Kit Only)

Let’s break down the cost of metal carport kits from basic/fully open to fully enclosed. Installation supplies, foundation cost and labor cost if you hire an assembler are covered below.

  • 10×10 to 12×20: $700 – $3,100 / Avg $1,950
  • 12×22 to 12×30: $1,150 – $3,675 / Avg $2,400
  • 14×22 to 14×30: $1,200 – $4,250 / Avg $2,875
  • 18×22 to 18×30: $1,350 – $4,600 / Avg $3,400
  • 20×22 to 20×30: $1,425 – $5,150 / Avg $3,725
  • 22×22 to 24×30: $1,600 – $6,000+ / Avg $4,150

Cost of Installation Supplies and Extras

Basic kits contain everything needed including anchors. If you’re putting the carport onto a dirt or gravel driveway, you may want to install a series of concrete blocks as a foundation.

Extras:

  • $75 – $300 per foot | Raising side wall height beyond 7 foot
  • $80 – $200 per panel | Side panels. These are horizontal siding panels used for partial or full walls to provide additional shelter from the elements. Depending on the height of the wall and width of the panels, at least 3 panels are required for a full wall.
  • $150 – $325 per panel | Gable end panels
  • $325 – $600 per panel | End panels are used to enclose the non-entry end of the structure.
  • $225 – $600 | Roof structure reinforcement for significant snowfall.
  • $200 – $500 | Upgrading to heavier steel, for example from 14 gauge to 12 gauge.
  • $175 – $300 | 30×36 window
  • $275 – $400 | Steel entry door (fully sided carport only)
  • $400 – $800 | Steel rollup garage door (fully sided carports only)

Pad Options:

  • $2.00 – $3.00 per square foot | Installed gravel pad
  • $4.00 – $6.00 per square foot | Installed asphalt pad
  • $5.50 – $8.00 per square foot | Installed concrete pad

Pads are an extra expense not included in the prices listed above.

Permits, Inspection, and Unit Installation Costs

Permit requirements vary quite a bit. In many cities and counties, structures under a certain size don’t require a permit. A common limit is 160 square feet.

In other places, a permit is required for any structure. The permit cost is based on the size and value of the structure.

  • $0 – $250 | Permit cost, if a permit is required.

Installation Labor Cost

Some sellers include installation labor in their costs. If not, hiring a handyman service for the work is common.

  • $200 – $500 | Assembly cost. Most single-car carports can be assembled by a crew of 2 in less than 3 hours. Two-car models take up to 5 hours to assemble and might require a larger crew.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

Many carports are DIY installed. It requires an ability to use hand tools and to carefully follow printed instructions.

We recommend a crew of two or three for the project because parts such as roof panels are large and can be difficult to get into position.