Don’t let the complexities of pricing hold you back from getting the carport of your dreams. When going out for shopping carports, you will be surprised to see the huge difference between prices on metal carports. That’s because not all steel carports are made equal. There are many factors that affect its pricing. Let’s see what they are.

Understanding How Various Factors Influence Steel Carport Pricing

1. Size Matters (And Price Too!)

Steel is a material that is bought and sold by weight. Thus, a large size carport will cost you more as it will need more raw materials. But selecting a smaller carport just for the sake of the low price isn’t a practical decision either.

It must be able to serve the primary purpose for which you have installed it, i.e., to protect your vehicle from direct sun, rain, and snow. The typical metal carport cost with size is as follows:

Carport Type	Size	Starts At
Single Car Carport	: 12 ft. x 20 ft.	: $1295 [regular roof]
Double Wide Carport	: 18 ft. x 20 ft.	: $1595 [boxed eave roof]
Triple Wide Carport	: 26 ft. x 20 ft.	: $2795 [regular roof]   $3195 [vertical roof]

But how to choose the right size for a metal carport? Depending on your vehicle’s type, model, and size, you can easily decide the accurate size. Don’t forget about height. After all, you won’t want your car’s roof to rub against the roof’s eave when entering or leaving the carport.

Tip: When measuring your car, include side mirrors, antenna or shark fin on the roof, vents/ AC ducts on RV, etc., to get a correct measurement. Leave about 1 to 3 ft. [depending on space availability] on sides, front, and back for easy maneuver.

2. Material Choice (Frame & Panel Gauge)

It is important to choose the correct thickness of frame and panels for a sturdy, durable, and long-lasting carport shed. Generally, you will find the following thickness:

• frames made using 12 gauge or 14 gauge thickness [industry standard]

• square legs of 16 or 18-gauge thickness
• roof panels of 26 [industry standard] and 29 gauge thickness

For fair weather regions, you can choose a 14 gauge steel frame with 29 gauge lightweight panels, while if you opt for certified steel carports for harsh weather zones, you will likely get 12 gauge frames with 26 gauge panels.

Tip: Depending on your location and the size of the parking carport, you can choose thickness. The thicker the material, the more it can bear the load, and the more priced it will be.

3. Design & Customization (Adding Features = Adding Cost)

When deciding the total cost to build carport, don’t forget about its design and custom features, as they will also add to the final pricing. Here are some common features with their potential use:

Roof Style: You can pick an economical regular roof or a horizontal roof for a traditional appeal. 
But if durability and longevity are your major concern, choose a vertical roof as it is easy to clean and maintain, and with extra braces, purlins, and a ridge cap, it lasts long.

Roof Pitch: Generally, the pitch of a steel parking shed is 3/12, 4/12, 5/12, and 6/12. The higher the roof pitch is, the more material it will need and the more it will cost.

Color: While most metal building dealers let you choose color, any further customization may increase the final cost. You can pick colors for roof panels, trim, front & back gable ends, and partial side walls [if any]. 

Roof Insulation: These let you control temperature and benefit the shaded area. It’s useful if you live in areas with extreme temperatures.

Lean-Tos: Attached to the main carport are open, shaded areas where you can keep garden tools, supplies, or equipment. Note that it will take up some space on your property around the carport, and its height will be lower than the main building.

Foundation: For a steel parking carport, you can choose a gravel bed, asphalt base, or a concrete slab. The former will cost a minimum but will require timely maintenance and releveling gravel, while the latter will cost more. However, once installed correctly, a concrete slab needs less upkeep and lasts longer.

4. Location (And Installation)

Your location matters! Climate conditions like heavy snow, high winds, extreme temperatures, rain, and humidity can affect the cost to build carport since high-gauge materials usually cost more. Any additional reinforcement, such as bracing, purlins, screws, anchors, etc., can further increase prices for a steel carport.

If the location of installation is closer to the manufacturing hub, you may end up paying less for shipping & transport. Another factor is the local labor rates, which vary by region. For example, urban areas have typically higher labor charges than rural areas.

Now, you may be tempted to DIY a carport kit, but there’s a catch! You must know that a metal building is as good as its installation. Hence, most manufacturers won’t give a warranty on a DIY-installed carport since it doesn’t guarantee excellent craftsmanship.

The professional crew has enough experience and expertise to ensure proper installation of the carport structure and to ensure that the structure meets all safety standards while maintaining structural integrity.

Tip: Choose a metal building dealer who offers complete packages like raw materials with shipping and installation services to save you time and convenience.

5. Economic Factors (Inflation & Tariffs)

The market price of steel directly affects the cost of manufacturing, which is passed on to the consumer. Another issue can be with the supply chain, such as delay, shortage, etc., which can increase the price of steel. Recent tariffs on steel imports have also led to fluctuations in steel prices. 

All these factors will increase the price of steel as it’s a global commodity and not state-owned. Not to mention, an expensive material will need skilled labor, which will further increase the cost of installation.

6. Manufacturer (And Supplier)

Different manufacturer supplies different grades of materials. A higher quality material will come at a higher price tag but will offer better durability and longevity, if you look at the difference between American steel vs. Chinese steel, you will find that American steel is generally 3 times stronger and less likely to break, assuring durability.

Further, a reputed metal building dealer will provide a warranty and better customer support, which can add to the initial cost but offer better value with time. 

7. Permits (And Local Regulations)

In many regions, you will need to secure a permit before installing a metal carport or starting any construction project on your lot. Some areas may require inspection before, during, and after the carport installation, which may come with additional fees.

You also need to consider local building codes and guidelines that dictate material, design, construction method, etc., that will further impact the cost. For instance, regions with strict wind resistance or snow load will need more robust & reinforcement.

Ready To Invest In A New Steel Car Carport?

Understanding various factors influencing steel carport cost will help you make an informed decision when buying one for your home, farm, or business. Starting from material costs and adding custom features to labor costs and location, we have covered most expenses in the detail above. Each of these is critical in determining the final price so that you can budget and choose the best one for you easily. Would you like to add anything to this list?