How Much Does a Carport Cost to Install? [2026 Data]

Carport Cost Breakdown

The cost of getting your new carport installed can be divided into two basic areas—materials and labor—plus additional costs for special circumstances that may or may not apply to your property or carport. 

Materials

Most homeowners choose a carport kit sold by a home-improvement retailer.  Metal carports typically cost between $5 to $20 per square foot for materials, although custom designs can be more expensive. Wooden carports average around $24 per square foot, with material costs ranging from $3 to $25 per square foot based on the type of wood. Polycarbonate carports are a budget-friendly option, costing between $12 and $20 per square foot, with an average cost of $16 per square foot.  

Many of these kits will include delivery to your site and some may even include installation. A carport kit should include all required hardware, though you’ll also need basic tools such as a power drill, screw gun, rivet gun, tape measure, and levels if you’re installing the carport yourself. 

Labor

If the company that sold you the carport kit does not offer installation services, you can hire a carport installation pro or local general contractor to do it for you. Labor costs that aren’t included in the total price generally run around $10 per square foot. 

Location

The cost of a carport doesn’t vary significantly on a regional basis across the U.S. However, while major manufacturers typically set carport prices fairly uniformly nationwide, installation labor costs may vary as well as the cost of specific features as discussed above. Additionally, you may encounter higher prices in locations with stricter building code requirements or a tendency toward strong winds and storms, such as the southeastern and southern coastlines.

Style

Style also plays a role in the overall cost of your carport. Custom carports with features that match or compliment the home's aesthetics generally cost more than off-the-shelf kits.

Access 

Carport installations that are a far drive for a materials delivery truck could incur an additional charge of roughly $50 to account for extra labor needs. The extra fees will typically apply for installations 50 feet or more from the road. 

Electricity

Many homeowners choose to add electrical service to their carports for convenience and safety. Add costs of around $100 per hour for an electrician to install lights and outlets as necessary. 

Site Leveling

While a carport doesn't typically require much in the way of a foundation, its installation location should be quite level. If minor ground leveling is necessary to accommodate your carport, expect an extra charge of around $150. 

Non-Standard Installations

Several situations may require unusual installation methods. Prepare to spend up to $200 to install a carport over another structure strong enough to support an automobile, put your carport on a boat dock, or preassemble the structure and move it to its final location for any number of reasons. 

Concrete Slab

If you need to pour a concrete slab to accommodate your new carport, the average cost of a concrete slab ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot. Since the average car needs around 300 to 350 square feet of space, this means you’ll spend somewhere between $1,200 and $2,800 per car.

Permits

Whether or not you need a permit varies by location, but most municipalities require one. Permits vary in cost, so expect to pay between $60 and $800 or more for a permit to build a carport. Permits might seem like a hassle to obtain, but they ensure your build is insurable, built well, and, constructed safely.   

Cost to Install a Carport by Size

The main factor affecting the cost of your metal carport is its size, with smaller styles often costing much less than larger ones. The average prices listed below include typical labor costs. Special features, much larger carports, and sites that require additional work can add to your costs.

Cost by Carport Material

Determining the size of the carport your home needs is job one—the next step is to choose the construction material. 

Metal

Metal carports cost an average of $5 to $20 per square foot for the materials and around $15 to $30 per square foot with labor. Custom builds can reach up to $40 per square foot. The most common material for a metal carport is galvanized steel, though you may find aluminum carports in regions that don’t experience heavy snow or hail.

Galvanized steel is commonly used for carport construction. It’s more expensive than conventional steel, but is coated with zinc which prevents it from eroding. Both steel and galvanized steel are incredibly strong, but galvanized steel can last decades longer. In climates with a lot of rain, galvanized steel can last almost twice as long. It’s important to note that while galvanized steel is more expensive than regular or structural steel, it is less expensive than stainless steel. 

Wood

Wood is a common building material in custom carport construction due to its versatility and affordability. Expect to pay an average of $24 per square foot for a wooden carport, with prices ranging between $15 and $35 per square foot for materials and labor and between $3 and $25 for materials alone.  

Evergreen conifer timber is the best type of wood for constructing a wooden carport. These wood types are naturally resistant to rot and mold, and are strong, durable, and attractive. Here’s the average cost of wood per square foot depending on the type of wood.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate carports often consist of an aluminum support structure and a polycarbonate roof. These carports tend to cost less than other material types, ranging from $12 to $20 per square foot, with an average of $16. 

Why You Should Hire a Carport Builder

Hiring a carport builder near you costs $3 to $10 per square foot for labor. While it may be tempting to cut down on expenses by going the DIY route, it’s a much more difficult project than it seems at first glance. 

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a carport builder

Here are the advantages when hiring a carport builder to complete your project:

• Carport builders possess the necessary power tools, ladders, and safety gear to complete the job.

• Your pro will handle the permitting requirements and ensure it’s built according to local code.

• You’ll have peace of mind knowing the carport is properly installed and structurally sound above your car.

• You won’t be limited to the size and design of carport kits and can customize your carport. 

• You may qualify for material and workmanship warranties to protect your investment.

• Heavy metal carports, including those made with structural and galvanized steel, require professional installation due to the weight of the materials.

• Your carport builder can pour a new concrete slab if you need one for your project.

If you want to DIY your carport

If you’re set on installing the carport yourself, consider the following:

• Select the right carport kit from a reputable seller

• Find experienced and skilled DIYers to help you assemble the carport

• Take safety precautions when climbing ladders and using power tools 

• Educate yourself on the required permits and call 811 before digging

How to Save Money on a Carport Installation

Generally speaking, the cost of carports is fairly uniform across the country, so you’ll probably see a similar cost range for any individual model you consider. You can trim your expenses by selecting the smallest carport for your current and reasonably expected future needs. For example, if you don’t anticipate buying a second vehicle, stick to a smaller one-car model to trim your costs. Additionally, compare the features for various models and seriously consider whether you need additional features.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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