About Our Carports
Our carport collection covers everything from compact single-car shelters to commercial double bays. We stock two material types: Palram Canopia aluminium carports with polycarbonate roofing and Palmako timber carports in slow-grown Nordic spruce. Prices start from £1,700 for the Arcadia 4300, rising to £13,699 for the Oslo 20x40 commercial unit. Every model ships with free UK delivery. Browse our full range of garden structures for patio covers, gazebos, and more.
A carport protects your vehicle without the planning headaches or cost of a garage. Our Palram models use virtually unbreakable polycarbonate panels — the same material used in riot shields — which block 100% of harmful UV rays while letting natural light through. Unlike solid metal roofs, polycarbonate keeps the space bright rather than dark and cave-like. The powder-coated aluminium frames are completely rust-free and need zero maintenance.
Why We Chose This Range
"We tested dozens of carport brands before settling on Palram Canopia and Palmako. The reason is simple: the roof panels do not yellow or crack. Many budget carports use cheap PVC that turns brittle and opaque after two UK summers. Palram uses high-impact polycarbonate rated to withstand a 150kg/m² snow load. We've had Arcadia carports installed since 2016 that still look brand new. The Palmako timber range uses the same glulam construction as commercial buildings — these are not flimsy garden sheds with a roof bolted on."
— Matt, Founder of Greenhouse StoresTypes of Carport We Offer
Palram Arcadia Carports
Our best-selling range. Flat-roof aluminium carports with 6mm twin-wall polycarbonate roofing and integrated guttering. Available from 4.3m to 12.7m long. The Alpine variants add height-adjustable legs (up to 3.5m clearance) for motorhomes and caravans. Prices from £1,700.
Palram Arizona Wave
Curved-roof design for a distinctive look. Single and double-width models available. The wave profile sheds rain and snow more efficiently than flat roofs. Single carport from £3,120, double from £6,349.
Palmako Wooden Carports
Traditional timber carports in slow-grown Nordic spruce. The Karl range has an open-sided design; the Robert range adds a solid back wall for extra weather protection. Glulam arches rated to 100kg/m² snow load. From £2,199. View our wooden garages for enclosed options.
Palram Oslo Commercial
Heavy-duty commercial carports for businesses, farms, and multi-vehicle households. 20ft wide with lengths from 20ft to 40ft. Galvanised steel frame with 16mm multi-wall polycarbonate roofing. From £7,100.
Carport Comparison Table
| Model | Material | Width | Depth Range | Roof Type | Price From | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia 4300 | Aluminium | 3.6m | 4.3m | Flat polycarbonate | £1,700 | Small cars, tight driveways |
| Atlas 5000 | Aluminium | 3.0m | 5.0m | Flat polycarbonate | £1,750 | Budget single car shelter |
| Arcadia 5000 ⭐ | Aluminium | 3.6m | 5.0m | Flat polycarbonate | £2,469 | Most popular — fits most family cars |
| Arizona Wave | Aluminium | 3.0m | 5.0m | Curved polycarbonate | £3,120 | Distinctive curved design |
| Arcadia Alpine | Aluminium | 3.6m | 6.4m–12.7m | Flat polycarbonate | £3,849 | Motorhomes, caravans (3.5m height) |
| Karl (Palmako) | Nordic spruce | 3.6m | 3.6m–6.0m | Open timber | £2,199 | Traditional look, open sides |
| Robert (Palmako) | Nordic spruce | 3.6m | 3.6m–6.0m | Timber with back wall | £2,699 | Extra weather protection |
| Oslo Commercial | Galvanised steel | 6.1m | 6.1m–12.2m | Multi-wall polycarbonate | £7,100 | Farms, businesses, multi-vehicle |
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Matt's Pick: Best All-Round CarportBest For: Family cars on standard driveways Why I Recommend It: The Arcadia 5000 is our best seller for good reason. At 3.6m x 5.0m it fits any standard car comfortably, the integrated guttering channels rainwater away, and it assembles in a weekend with two people. We've installed hundreds of these since 2016. Price: £2,469 |
Quick Guide: Carport vs Garage
A carport costs 70-80% less than a brick garage (typically £1,700–£3,500 vs £15,000+). Installation takes 1-2 days rather than 6-8 weeks. Open sides provide constant airflow that dries wet cars faster and prevents the chassis rust caused by trapped moisture in enclosed garages. Most carports qualify as Permitted Development, meaning no planning permission needed.
🔧 Matt's Installation Tip: The Concrete Cube Rule
A carport is effectively a giant wing. Wind catches the underside and creates massive uplift force. You cannot just bolt the posts into paving slabs or tarmac — they will rip out in the first storm. For every support post, dig a hole approximately 50cm x 50cm x 50cm and fill it with concrete. Bolt the post brackets into this cured concrete cube. This ballast is the only thing keeping your carport grounded during a winter gale. On tarmac driveways, you must cut through the tarmac first — it softens in summer heat and cannot hold expanding bolts under tension.
Looking for enclosed vehicle storage? Our wooden garages provide full weather protection with sectional or traditional timber doors. For patio and entrance coverage, see our patio covers and door canopies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carports
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How much does a carport cost in the UK?
Our carports range from £1,700 to £13,699. A standard single-car aluminium carport typically costs £1,700–£2,500. Wooden carports start from £2,199. Double carports and commercial models range from £6,349 to ��13,699. All prices include free UK delivery.
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Do I need planning permission for a carport in the UK?
Most carports fall under Permitted Development rights. This means no planning application is needed if the carport covers less than 50% of your garden area, sits within your property boundary, and stays under 2.5m at the eaves near a boundary. Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings have stricter rules — check with your local planning authority before ordering.
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Can I bolt a carport directly to my driveway?
No — you need proper concrete foundations for every post. Tarmac softens in summer heat and cannot hold expansion bolts under wind uplift. Paving slabs crack and shift. Cut through your existing surface, dig 50cm x 50cm x 50cm holes, pour concrete pads, and bolt the post brackets into the cured concrete. This is non-negotiable for safety.
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What is the best material for a carport?
Aluminium with polycarbonate roofing offers the lowest maintenance. It never rusts, never needs painting, and the polycarbonate panels block 100% of UV rays while transmitting natural light. Timber carports suit period properties and handle heavier snow loads, but require treatment every 3-5 years to prevent rot. We recommend aluminium for most UK driveways.
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Will a carport protect my car from frost?
Yes — a carport significantly reduces frost formation on your vehicle. The roof prevents radiant heat loss to the open sky, which is the main cause of frost on parked cars. Our customers report rarely needing to de-ice their windscreens after installing a carport. It also prevents tree sap, bird droppings, and UV damage to paintwork.
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How long does it take to install a carport?
Most carports take 1-2 days for two people. The aluminium Palram models are designed for DIY assembly with basic tools. Concrete foundations need 48-72 hours curing time before you bolt the posts down. Timber carports take slightly longer due to heavier components. Full instructions and anchor kits are included with every model.
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What size carport do I need for my car?
A 3m x 5m carport fits most standard family cars. Measure your vehicle and add at least 60cm clearance on each side for comfortable access. SUVs and 4x4s typically need 3.6m width. For motorhomes or caravans, the Arcadia Alpine range adjusts up to 3.5m height clearance. Double carports start at 6m wide for two vehicles side by side.