Carports

About Our Carports

A carport delivers practical vehicle protection without the planning hassles or cost of a traditional garage. Our collection includes over 100 models ranging from £69 to £3,300, covering everything from compact lean-to designs to spacious double carports that shelter two vehicles.

• Durable Roofing: Every carport features 6mm polycarbonate roofing with 100% UV protection.
• Engineered for UK Weather: Polymer frames are engineered to withstand 75mph winds.
• Free UK Delivery: Included on all models.
• 3-Year Warranty: Covers all materials and workmanship.

Whether you're protecting a family car from frost damage or shielding a caravan from UV degradation, you'll find metal carports offering modern durability, wooden carports providing traditional aesthetics, and cantilever designs maximizing parking space. Our aluminium carports resist rust in coastal climates, whilst timber options complement period properties.

The polymer frame construction reduces maintenance requirements by 80% compared to painted steel alternatives. You won't spend weekends treating rust spots or repainting surfaces. British weather throws everything at outdoor structures—our carports handle it. The polycarbonate roofing blocks harmful UV rays whilst transmitting 90% of natural light, preventing the dark, cave-like feel of solid metal roofs.

Choosing Your Carport

• 1. Measurements: A standard single carport measures 3m wide by 5m deep, accommodating most family cars. Double carports span 5-6m wide. Lean-to carports save 30-40% on materials by attaching to an existing wall. Freestanding carports install anywhere on your property.
• 2. Material Choice: Metal carports using aluminium frames last 25+ years with zero rust concerns and suit modern homes. Wooden carports deliver traditional charm matching older properties but require timber treatment every 3-5 years.
• 3. Budget Dictates: Entry-level carports (£69-£300) cover motorbikes. Mid-range options (£800-£1,500) include full-length carports with reinforced frames. Premium double carports reaching £3,300 incorporate cantilever engineering.
• 4. Your Location: Exposed coastal areas need aluminium frames resisting salt corrosion. Rural properties with planning restrictions benefit from wooden carports. Our Summer Houses and Log Cabins collections show similar material considerations if you're planning multiple garden buildings.

Carport vs Garage: UK Cost Comparison

Material Comparison: Metal vs Wooden vs Polycarbonate Carports

Aluminium Carports (Metal)

• Lifespan: 25-30 years with zero rust in UK coastal climates
• Maintenance: Wash annually with soapy water (15 minutes)
• Cost: £800-£2,100 for single carports
• Best for: Modern homes, low-maintenance preference, salt-air locations
• Weight: Lighter frames (30% less than steel) simplify DIY installation
• Drawbacks: Less traditional appearance, conducts cold in winter

Wooden Carports (Timber)

• Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper treatment every 3-5 years
• Maintenance: Wood preservative application (2-3 hours annually)
• Cost: £1,200-£3,300 for pressure-treated timber models
• Best for: Period properties, rural settings, planning-sensitive areas
• Strength: Supports heavier snow loads (120kg per m² vs 80kg for aluminium)
• Drawbacks: Requires ongoing treatment, susceptible to rot if neglected

Polycarbonate Roofing (Standard on Both)

• Thickness: 6mm multiwall provides optimal strength-to-weight ratio
• UV Protection: 100% blocking prevents interior fabric fading
• Light Transmission: 90% clarity maintains bright workspace underneath
• Impact Resistance: Withstands 75mph winds and 25mm hailstones
• Temperature: Reduces interior summer heat by 15°C vs metal roofing
• Lifespan: 15-year expected life before yellowing occurs

Planning Permission Guide for Carports

Most carports in England fall under "permitted development" rights, requiring no planning permission if you meet these criteria:

• Carport covers less than 50% of your property's total land area
• Structure stands entirely within your property boundary
• Height doesn't exceed 2.5m for locations within 2m of boundaries
• Height stays under 4m for freestanding or pitched-roof designs
• You're not in a conservation area or listed building location

Installation: DIY Carport Kits vs Professional Fitting

DIY Installation (60% of Customers)
Our carport kits include pre-cut components, numbered parts, and illustrated instructions assuming basic DIY skills. An aluminium single carport takes 6-8 hours for two people with standard tools: drill, spanner set, spirit level, and tape measure.

Professional Installation (40% of Customers)
Professional fitters complete installation in 3-4 hours, include site preparation, ensure structural warranty compliance, and handle ground leveling. Costs range from £300-£600 depending on site access and foundation requirements.

Find the Perfect Carport Style

• Lean-To Carports: Attach directly to house walls, utilizing existing structures for 30% cost savings. Ideal for terraced homes or properties with limited garden space.
• Freestanding Carports: Stand independently anywhere on your property. Single carports start at £800 (3m x 5m), double models reach £2,500 (6m x 5m).
• Cantilever Carports: Modern engineering using fewer support posts creates unobstructed parking. Premium prices (£2,100-£3,300) reflect the complex engineering.
• Double Carports: Shelter two vehicles or combine car parking with workshop space. Standard width spans 5.5-6m.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carports

• How much does a carport cost in the UK?

  Carports range from £69 for basic lean-to models protecting motorbikes to £3,300 for premium double carports. Most family car carports cost £800-£1,500 including free UK delivery. Wooden carports start at £1,200, whilst aluminium options begin at £800.

• Do I need planning permission for a carport UK?

  Most carports don't require planning permission under permitted development rules if they cover less than 50% of your property, stay under 2.5m height near boundaries, and sit within your property line. Conservation areas and listed buildings always require permission.

• What's the difference between metal and wooden carports?

  Metal (aluminium) carports last 25-30 years with zero maintenance and suit modern homes. Wooden carports require treatment every 3-5 years, suit traditional properties, and support heavier snow loads. Both use 6mm polycarbonate roofing with 100% UV protection.

• Can I install a carport myself?

  Yes, 60% of customers complete DIY installation in 6-8 hours with basic tools and a helper. Our kits include pre-cut components and illustrated instructions. You'll need standard tools and concrete mixing ability for post foundations.

• How long does a carport last?

  Aluminium carports last 25-30 years, whilst wooden carports survive 15-20 years with timber treatment. The 6mm polycarbonate roofing maintains clarity for 15 years. Our 3-year warranties cover manufacturing defects.

• What size carport do I need for my car?

  Standard family cars need 3m x 5m. SUVs and larger vehicles require 3.5m x 5.5m minimum. Double carports measure 5.5-6m wide. Add 300mm clearance each side for comfortable access and 1m to your vehicle's length for full coverage.

• Do carports protect cars from frost and UV damage?

  Yes, carports prevent 95% of frost formation by blocking radiative cooling. The 100% UV-blocking polycarbonate roofing stops paint degradation and interior fabric fading. The open sides also provide ventilation, preventing condensation.

Ready to Protect Your Vehicle? Browse our complete range of carports with free UK delivery and 3-year warranties included. Need help choosing between aluminium and wooden options? Call our specialist team on 0800 098 8877 or email sales@greenhousestores.co.uk for expert advice matched to your property and budget.