Design Your Own Carport. Complete Guide for 2026
Designing your own carport starts with choosing the right size (12x20 for one car up to 30x40 for RVs), roof style (regular, A-frame, or vertical), and add-ons like side panels and doors, with custom metal carports ranging from $1,500 to $15,000+ in 2026. This guide walks through every design decision, includes current 2026 pricing, carport design ideas for every use, and compares the best 3D carport builder tools available.
How to Design a Custom Carport
Designing a custom carport requires five decisions. Size, roof style, enclosure level, color, and anchoring method for your ground surface. Get one of those wrong and you end up with a structure that does not fit your vehicles, does not handle your weather, or costs more than it should. Here is how to get all five right.
| Size | Dimensions | What Fits | Starting Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 12 × 20 ft | 1 car | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Wide Single | 18 × 20 ft | 1 car + storage | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Double MOST POPULAR | 20 × 20 ft | 2 cars | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Double+ | 20 × 26 ft | 2 cars + workspace | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Triple | 24 × 30 ft | 3 cars or 2 + storage | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| RV | 18 × 36 ft | 1 RV up to 12 ft tall | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Large RV / Boat | 24 × 40 ft | RV + vehicle or large boat | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Workshop Combo | 30 × 40 ft | Vehicles + enclosed workshop | $8,000 – $15,000 |
Step 1. Choose Your Carport Size
Carport sizes range from 12x20 feet (single car, minimum) to 30x40+ feet (RV or multi-vehicle), with the most popular residential size being 20x20 for two cars. Most people undersize their first carport. A "single car" carport at 12x20 fits a sedan with about six inches of clearance on each side. That is tight. If you drive a truck or SUV, bump up to an 18x20 or wider.
The 20x26 double-plus size is the sweet spot for homeowners who want room for two vehicles and a workbench or storage area along the back wall. It costs roughly $500-$1,000 more than a standard 20x20 and gives you 120 extra square feet of usable space [1].
Workshop combo structures at 30x40 are growing fast in the South and Midwest. These buildings pair an open carport bay with a fully enclosed workshop, and they run $8,000 to $15,000 depending on enclosure options and accessories.
The three metal carport roof styles are regular (rounded, cheapest), A-frame horizontal (pointed, mid-price), and vertical (pointed with vertical panels, best for rain and snow). This is the single most important structural decision you will make after size.
Regular roof carports have a rounded, bowed top with horizontal panel ridges. They are the cheapest option. They also trap water and debris on the roof surface. In areas with moderate to heavy precipitation, regular roofs develop leaks faster and require more maintenance.
A-frame horizontal roofs have a pointed peak that sheds water better than regular roofs. The panels still run horizontally, which means snow and leaves can catch on the ridges.
Vertical roof carports have a pointed peak with panels running top to bottom. Water, snow, and debris slide straight off. Vertical roofs cost $400 to $800 more than regular roofs on the same size structure, but they last significantly longer in harsh weather states.
If you get any rain or snow, pay extra for vertical. It is worth it. The price difference pays for itself in reduced maintenance and longer roof life within three to five years.
Step 2. Select a Roof Style
| Roof Style | Look | Price Premium | Snow Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (Rounded) | Rounded / bowed | Base price | Low | Mild climates, budget builds |
| A-Frame Horizontal | Pointed, horizontal panels | +$200 – $500 | Medium | Moderate climates, better looks |
| Vertical BEST CHOICE | Pointed, vertical panels | +$400 – $800 | High | Rain, snow, debris — all climates |
Step 3. Open, Partial, or Fully Enclosed
| Surface | Anchor Type | Security Level | Extra Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Wedge anchors | Highest | Included | Most secure; preferred for enclosed carports |
| Asphalt | Rebar anchors | Good | Included | Common for driveways; slightly less hold than concrete |
| Ground / Gravel | Auger anchors (mobile home style) | Moderate | Included | Most common for rural installs; adequate for open carports |
| Dirt | Auger anchors | Moderate | Included | Works but may loosen over time in soft soil |
Metal carports come in three enclosure levels. Open (roof only, cheapest), partially enclosed (1-2 side panels), and fully enclosed (all sides plus a door, essentially a metal garage). Most buyers start with an open carport and wish they had added at least one or two side panels.
Side panels cost approximately $200 to $600 per side depending on the length of the carport. Gable ends run $300 to $500 each. A roll-up garage door adds $300 to $800 to the total.
Partially enclosed carports with panels on the back and one side block prevailing wind and rain while keeping the structure easy to access from the front and driveway side. This configuration adds $500 to $1,200 to the base price and is the most popular upgrade for residential carports in 2026.
Step 4. Pick Your Colors
Metal carports use the same 20-25 standard colors available across most steel building manufacturers. The most popular carport colors in 2026 are White, Galvalume (bare metal silver), Barn Red, and Burnished Slate. White reflects heat and stays cooler in Southern states. Galvalume is the cheapest option because it skips the paint process entirely.
Two-tone combinations (one color for the roof, a different color for the trim) add a custom look without extra cost from most manufacturers. See the full metal building color chart for all available options and popular combination ideas.
Step 5. Anchoring and Installation Surface
Metal carports can be anchored to concrete (wedge anchors), asphalt (rebar anchors), or ground/gravel (auger anchors), with concrete being the most secure. Your anchoring surface affects both the stability and long-term durability of the carport.
Concrete pads provide the strongest foundation and prevent moisture from wicking up into stored items. A 20x20 concrete slab runs $2,400 to $4,800 depending on your region and local concrete prices as of 2026. Gravel pads cost less ($800 to $1,500 for the same size) but require proper grading and drainage to prevent settling [2].
Asphalt anchoring works for existing driveways but is the least secure option in high-wind areas. If you live in a hurricane-prone zone or anywhere with sustained winds above 90 mph, concrete is the only anchoring surface worth considering.
Carport Design Ideas for 2026
The most popular carport design ideas in 2026 include enclosed utility carports with storage, RV carports with extra-tall vertical roofs, lean-to carports attached to houses, and workshop-carport combo buildings. Here are the six designs getting the most attention this year.
Enclosed Utility Carport
The enclosed utility carport is a 20x26 structure with one fully enclosed side for storage or a small workshop. This design costs $3,500 to $6,000 in 2026. Homeowners who want vehicle protection and lockable storage in a single structure without building a full garage are driving demand for this configuration.
The enclosed side typically includes a walk-in door and optional windows. Some buyers add a roll-up door on the enclosed side to create a small drive-through workspace.
RV Carport with Extended Height
RV carports at 18x36 or 24x40 with 14-foot or taller leg height and a vertical roof protect recreational vehicles, boats, and tall equipment from sun, rain, and hail. These structures cost $5,000 to $10,000 in 2026.
Extended height is non-negotiable for RV carports. Standard carport leg heights of 6 to 8 feet do not clear most Class A or Class C motorhomes. Spec the leg height at least 2 feet taller than your tallest vehicle to allow clearance for rooftop accessories like air conditioning units and antennas.
Lean-To Carport Attached to House
Lean-to carports use a single-slope roof that attaches to an existing wall of your home or garage. They cost $1,500 to $4,000 and are the most space-efficient carport option for properties with limited yard space.
The single-slope design drains water away from the building it is attached to. Make sure the slope direction sends runoff toward a gutter system or drainage area, not toward a neighboring property or your foundation.
Workshop-Carport Combo
The workshop-carport combo is a 30x40 structure with half open carport and half enclosed workshop with a roll-up door. At $8,000 to $15,000 in 2026, this is the ultimate multifunctional metal building for hobbyists, contractors, and rural homeowners.
This design is the fastest-growing carport category in the Southeast. Buyers use the open side for vehicle and equipment storage and the enclosed side for woodworking, automotive repair, or general storage. A 30x40 combo provides 1,200 total square feet. That is larger than many two-car garages.
Modern Double Carport
The modern double carport is a 20x20 structure with a vertical roof in Charcoal and White trim for a clean, contemporary look. This design costs $3,000 to $5,000 and is gaining popularity in suburban neighborhoods where homeowners associations have historically resisted metal structures.
The Charcoal and White color combination mimics the look of more expensive architectural materials. Paired with a vertical roof that creates clean sight lines, this carport does not look like a traditional metal building.
Farm Equipment Carport
Farm and ranch carports at 24x30 or larger with extra-tall legs, open sides for easy equipment access, and heavy-duty framing cost $5,000 to $9,000. These structures protect tractors, combines, hay bales, and implements from weather exposure that accelerates rust and deterioration.
Open sides are essential for farm equipment carports because tractors and wide implements need clearance to enter and exit from multiple angles. Heavy-duty framing with 12-gauge or 14-gauge steel handles the snow loads and wind speeds common in agricultural areas.
FAQ. Designing Your Own Carport
Q: How much does a custom carport cost?
A: Custom metal carports cost $1,500 to $15,000+ in 2026 depending on size, roof style, and enclosure options. A basic single-car open carport starts at $1,500 while a 30x40 workshop combo with full enclosure can exceed $15,000.
Q: Do I need a permit for a carport?
A: Permit requirements vary by location. Many counties do not require permits for open carports under 200 square feet. Enclosed carports and larger structures almost always require a building permit. Always check with your local building department before ordering.
Q: How long does carport installation take?
A: Professional metal carport installation takes 1 to 4 hours for standard sizes and 4 to 8 hours for larger or enclosed structures. Most manufacturers include free delivery and installation in the quoted price.
Q: What is the best carport roof style?
A: Vertical roof is the best carport roof style for durability because water, snow, and debris slide off vertically-oriented panels. Regular roof is the cheapest option and works fine in mild climates with minimal precipitation.
Q: Can I design an enclosed carport?
A: Yes. Most metal carport manufacturers offer side panels, gable ends, and roll-up doors to partially or fully enclose a carport. A fully enclosed carport functions as a metal garage and provides complete weather and security protection.
Q: Can I attach a carport to my house?
A: Yes. Lean-to carports are designed to attach to existing structures with a single-slope roof that drains water away from the building. Lean-to carports cost $1,500 to $4,000 in 2026 and are ideal for properties with limited yard space.
Q: What is the cheapest carport I can buy?
A: The cheapest metal carport is a 12x20 single-car regular-roof open carport, starting around $1,500 installed in 2026. Upgrading to a vertical roof adds $400 to $800 but significantly improves durability and lifespan.
Written by Logan Hermer
Comparing carports and garages? See our full carport vs garage guide.
Picking colors for your build? See all 23 options in our metal building color chart.
References
[1] HomeGuide. "How Much Are Metal Carport Prices? (2026)." https://homeguide.com/costs/metal-carport-prices
[2] HomeGuide. "How Much Does a Concrete Slab Cost? (2026)." https://homeguide.com/costs/concrete-slab-cost