Carport Buildings Are More Customizable Than Most Folks Realize
Carport buildings can be configured in dozens of different ways that go far beyond a basic open roof on legs. Most people think of a carport as a simple structure, and while that is where it starts, the customization options available can turn a basic carport into a fully functional building tailored to exactly how you use your property.
Y’all, I have built carport buildings for folks who needed everything from a simple two-car cover to a multi-bay structure with enclosed storage, lean-tos on both sides, and roll-up doors on every end. The beauty of steel construction is that you are working with a modular system that can be configured almost any way you can imagine.
Enclosed vs Open Carport Building Configurations
The most fundamental customization decision is how much of your carport building to enclose. You can go completely open, partially enclosed, or fully enclosed depending on your needs and budget.
A fully open carport gives you maximum airflow and the lowest price. It is just a roof and frame, and it works great for basic vehicle coverage in mild climates. Partially enclosed means adding panels to one, two, or three sides while leaving the rest open. This gives you wind and rain protection from specific directions without the cost of full enclosure.
Fully enclosed carport buildings with walls on all sides, doors, and windows essentially become garages or shops. The advantage of starting as a carport and enclosing it is that you can build in stages, spreading the investment over time.
| Configuration | Sides Enclosed | Best For | Added Cost Over Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully open | 0 | Basic coverage, mild climates | Base price |
| One side enclosed | 1 | Wind protection from prevailing direction | $300-$800 |
| Two sides enclosed (L-shape) | 2 | Corner protection, two-direction weather | $600-$1,500 |
| Three sides enclosed | 3 | Maximum protection with drive-through access | $900-$2,200 |
| Fully enclosed | 4 | Security, full weather protection | $1,500-$4,000+ |
Lean-To Additions for Extra Covered Space
A lean-to is one of the smartest additions you can make to a carport building. It attaches to the side of your main structure and extends the covered area without requiring a separate foundation or frame system.
Lean-tos can extend up to 24 feet wide if the main structure is tall enough to accommodate the roof slope. Here is something interesting that most people do not know. A 12-foot-wide lean-to can sometimes cost the same as or even less than an 8-foot or 10-foot lean-to. That pricing quirk happens because the roofline connection point changes at different widths, and sometimes the wider option requires less additional material at the junction.
The catch with lean-tos is that wider means more concrete if you are pouring a slab. So while the steel might not cost much more, the total project cost could increase because of the foundation work. Plan for this in your budget from the start.
Doors and Windows for Carport Buildings
Adding doors and windows transforms a carport building from a covered area into a functional, accessible structure. The options are straightforward and each one serves a specific purpose.
- Roll-up doors are the most common accessory for carport buildings. They come in various widths and heights and provide easy vehicle access to enclosed ends or sides. The building height needs to be at least one foot taller than the roll-up door on gable ends, and two to three feet taller when doors are on the sides.
- Entry doors, also called man doors or walk-through doors, give you everyday access without opening a large roll-up door. Most enclosed carport buildings have at least one entry door for convenience.
- Windows add natural light and ventilation to enclosed carport buildings. They come in standard sizes and can be placed on any wall panel.
You can also provide your own doors and windows if you have specific brands or styles in mind. The installation crew will frame out the openings to your exact specifications. Just know that installing customer-provided components is a separate negotiation with the crew. For more details on how carports and metal buildings share these customization options, read our property owner’s guide.
Extended Side Panels and Gable Ends
Extended side panels and gable ends are a middle-ground customization that gives you extra weather protection without fully enclosing the structure. They are particularly popular on taller carport buildings designed for RVs, boats, and large equipment.
Side panels typically extend 3 to 6 feet down from the eave on each side. Gable ends are the triangular panels at the peaked ends of the structure. Extended gable ends add material to the peak area for additional rain and wind protection.
RV covers commonly feature 3-foot side panels with extended gable ends on structures that are 12 feet tall. On 13 to 14-foot-tall RV covers, the extended panels are usually 5 to 6 feet to provide more coverage on the taller structure. This is one of the most cost-effective upgrades for anyone parking tall vehicles.
Storage Additions and Multi-Bay Configurations
Carport buildings can be configured with dedicated storage sections, creating a combination structure that serves multiple purposes under one roof. These designs are popular with property owners who want vehicle coverage and enclosed storage without buying two separate structures.
A common setup is a carport with an enclosed storage area on one end. The main section stays open for vehicle parking while the enclosed end provides a lockable space for tools, lawn equipment, seasonal items, or anything else you want secured.
The design tool that manufacturers use can have limitations with storage placement. Sometimes achieving the exact layout you want requires creative solutions like configuring the building in reverse. Your dealer should be able to work through these layout challenges with you to get the configuration that matches your property.
| Configuration | Open Section | Enclosed Section | Total Size Example | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carport with end storage | 20′ x 20′ | 20′ x 10′ | 20′ x 30′ x 8′ | $4,500-$7,000 |
| Carport with side lean-to storage | 20′ x 25′ | 12′ x 25′ lean-to | 32′ x 25′ x 8′ | $6,000-$10,000 |
| Double-bay carport with center storage | Two open bays | Center enclosed | 30′ x 40′ x 10′ | $10,000-$16,000 |
Gauge Upgrades That Make Sense for Custom Carport Buildings
When you start customizing a carport building with enclosures, lean-tos, and accessories, upgrading the steel gauge becomes more important. A basic open carport with 14-gauge framing and 29-gauge panels works fine. But once you start adding weight and complexity, stronger steel is worth considering.
Upgrading the roof panels to 26-gauge is the single most popular upgrade, and I recommend it for any carport building that will have enclosed sections. The thicker panels resist impacts better, hold up longer in severe weather, and add structural rigidity to the overall roof assembly.
For wider structures in the triple wide range of 26 to 30 feet, upgrading to 12-gauge framing is common practice. Combined with 26-gauge sheet metal and a vertical roof, this gives you a carport building that can handle just about anything. Check out our metal carports guide for a full breakdown of gauge options. And visit the carports page to see available configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I add walls to an existing open carport building?
A: Yes, open carport buildings are designed to accept wall panels, doors, and windows as add-on components. Many homeowners start open and enclose over time as their budget allows.
Q: How wide can a lean-to be on a carport building?
A: Lean-tos can extend up to 24 feet wide depending on the height of the main structure. The roof slope of the lean-to must clear the main building’s eave, so taller main structures allow wider lean-tos.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy a carport and enclose it later or buy a garage from the start?
A: Buying a garage from the start is typically cheaper than building a carport and enclosing it in stages. However, staged construction lets you spread the cost over time, which works better for many budgets. The total final cost may be 10 to 20 percent more than buying enclosed upfront.
Q: Can I put a roll-up door on the side of a carport building?
A: Yes, but the building height must be at least two to three feet taller than the door when it is placed on the side. This extra height accommodates the door mechanism and structural clearance requirements.
Q: What is the most popular carport building customization?
A: Partially enclosed configurations with two or three walls and one open side are the most popular. This setup provides wind and rain protection while maintaining easy drive-in access from the open direction.
Q: Can I put storage on a specific end of my carport building?
A: Yes, though the manufacturer’s design tool may have limitations on storage placement. Your dealer can usually work around these by configuring the building layout to position the enclosed storage where you need it.
Q: Do custom carport buildings cost a lot more than basic carports?
A: Customization costs vary based on what you add. A basic one-side enclosure might add $300 to $800 to a standard carport price. Fully enclosing all four sides with doors and windows can add $1,500 to $4,000 or more depending on the size.
Q: Can I attach a lean-to to both sides of my carport building?
A: Yes, lean-tos can be added to one or both sides of a carport building. Just keep in mind that each lean-to increases the total footprint and may require additional concrete if you are pouring a slab.
References
[1] “Metal Building Manufacturers Association” https://www.mbma.com/
[2] “Steel Framing Industry Association” https://www.steelframing.org/