Ordering a metal carport on metal-america.com takes less than 10 minutes from start to checkout. No phone calls, no waiting for a custom quote, no back-and-forth with a salesperson. Metal America is the only steel carport company in the United States that offers a fully online buying experience with region-specific pricing, free delivery, and free professional installation included.
This step-by-step walkthrough covers everything from browsing models to getting your carport installed on your property. Follow these 7 steps and you will have a professionally built steel vehicle shelter on your land in as little as 2 to 4 weeks.
1. Go to the Carports Page
Start at metal-america.com/carports. You will see all 11 standard carport models with photos, sizes, price ranges, and a brief description of who each model is best for.
You can filter by category (1-car, 2-car, 3-car), enclosure type, and roof style. If you already know what size you need, scroll to the model that fits. If you are not sure, the buying guide section below the models walks you through sizing based on what you plan to cover.
2. Pick a Model and View Details
Click “View Details” on any model to see the full specifications. Each product page shows the exact dimensions (width, length, and height), included features, roof style options, and gauge information.
The price range displayed on the product card reflects regional variation. The exact price for your location appears when you start checkout.
3. Start Checkout and See Your Exact Price
Click “Buy Now” on the model you want. The checkout process first asks for your zip code and other information. This matters because Metal America works with 12+ certified steel building manufacturers across the country, and your zip code determines which manufacturer offers the best price and fastest lead time for your location.
The price you see at this step is the total out-the-door cost for a professionally delivered and installed metal carport. It includes free delivery, free professional installation, and all standard materials. There are no hidden fees that appear later. The only add-ons are optional upgrades (12-gauge frame, 26-gauge panels, vertical roof) that you choose yourself [1]. This level of pricing transparency is unique in the metal building industry.
4. Choose Your Upgrades (Optional)
During checkout, you can upgrade the steel gauge, roof style, and panel thickness. Here is what each upgrade does and whether it is worth it for your situation.
| Upgrade | What It Does | Cost Impact | Worth It If |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-gauge frame | Thicker, stronger steel tubing with 20-year rust warranty | +10-15% | High winds, heavy snow, or 15+ year timeline |
| 26-gauge panels | Thicker roof and wall panels, more dent-resistant | Varies | Hail-prone areas or premium build |
5. Choose How to Pay and Place your Deposit
Metal America offers three ways to pay for your carport.
Full payment. Pay the full amount now by card, ACH, or check. Fastest path to installation. A 3.4% processing fee applies to credit and debit card payments.
Rent-to-own. No credit check. Approved in 5 minutes through RTO National [3]. You pay a deposit now and make monthly payments starting after installation. Available in most states.
Traditional financing. For buyers with a 620+ credit score. Competitive rates through our lending partners. Works like a personal loan with fixed monthly payments.
Whichever option you pick, the deposit is refundable within 72 hours if you change your mind [4]. After 72 hours, deposits are non-refundable, but cancellations within 10 days may be accommodated depending on manufacturing status.
Note: Financing options are unavailable when purchasing directly from our website. If you prefer to finance using rent-to-own or any other method, please contact us directly, and our expert building specialists will walk you through the best options for you.
6. Confirm Your Order and Get Your Install Date
After you complete checkout by signing your building agreement and paying your initial deposit, here is what happens next.
- Within 1 week. Our customer service team calls you to confirm the order details, verify your site is level, and discuss any permit requirements for your area.
- Site readiness. Your installation site must be level within 3 to 4 inches. If your site is not ready, your order goes on hold until you confirm it is prepared. No pressure, no rush.
- Scheduling. Once your site is confirmed ready, we schedule your installation date. You will receive a confirmed date with a time window.
- Installation day. The crew arrives with everything. They build the carport on your level site, anchor it, and clean up. Most standard carports are completed in a few hours. Larger or enclosed structures may take a full day.
- Final payment. The remaining balance (if not already paid in full) is due upon completion of installation.
7. After Installation
Once your carport is built, Metal America follows up to make sure everything looks right.
- 1 hour after install. We call to confirm you are happy with the build and answer any questions.
- 1 month after install. Courtesy call to check on the structure and ask for a review.
- 3 months after install. Final check-in. By this point, 85-90% of orders are fully installed and verified.
If anything is wrong with the build during the workmanship warranty period, contact us and we will send a crew to fix it. The warranty covers installation quality, and the rust warranty covers the frame for 10 years (14-gauge) or 20 years (12-gauge) [2].
The Whole Process at a Glance
| Step | What You Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Browse models at metal-america.com/carports | 2 minutes |
| 2 | Pick a model and view specs | 1 minute |
| 3 | Start checkout, see exact price | 1 minute |
| 4 | Choose upgrades (optional) | 2 minutes |
| 5 | Pick payment method, sign building agreement, and pay deposit | 3 minutes |
| 6 | Confirm site is level, get install date | 1-2 weeks |
| 7 | Crew shows up and builds it | A few hours |
Total time from your couch to a completed carport on your property. Under 10 minutes of your time plus 2 to 4 weeks of lead time. That is it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to create an account to order?
A: No. You can complete your purchase as a guest. You will enter your name, email, phone, and installation address during checkout, but no account creation is required.
Q: What happens if my site is not level?
A: Your order goes on hold until your site is ready. There is no penalty for not being ready immediately. Your order will save for the next time you sign in. However, if the crew arrives and the site is not level, a return trip fee applies. Make sure your site is within 3 to 4 inches of level before confirming readiness.
Q: Can I still call someone if I have questions?
A: Absolutely. You can call 737-381-0896 anytime during business hours. The online checkout is there for people who prefer to handle everything themselves, but the phone is always available.
Q: How do I know if I need a permit?
A: Call your local building department before ordering. Most areas require a permit for permanent structures over 120 to 200 square feet [5]. Our team can help you figure out whether you need generic drawings or site-specific engineered plans.
For more details on what to look for when buying any metal carport, read our complete buyer’s guide. To compare all 11 models side by side, see our full product breakdown.
Order your metal carport online right now. Under 10 minutes.
Start at metal-america.com/carports
Or call 737-381-0896 if you prefer to talk to someone.
References
- Metal America Carports – All pricing, models, and specs verified from the live product page.
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) – Steel gauge standards and structural properties.
- RTO National – Rent-to-own financing for metal buildings. No credit check.
- Metal America Refund and Returns Policy – 72-hour deposit refund guarantee.
- International Code Council (ICC) – Building permit requirements for accessory structures.