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

In 2026, the national average cost to install a carport is $6,372. Most homeowners spend between $3,131 and $9,683 per square foot, with final costs driven by material choice, project size, and site conditions. Budget extra for permits ranging from $60 to $800, site leveling around $150, and concrete slabs between $1,200 and $2,800.

Carport Cost Breakdown: What Determines the Price?

Depending on your material choice and project size, costs range from $12 to $40 per square foot. Additional costs for site-specific circumstances—such as permits, concrete slabs, or site leveling—may also apply depending on your property.

Materials

Most homeowners choose a carport kit from a home-improvement retailer, with material costs varying significantly by type. Metal carports run $5 to $20 per square foot, while wooden carports range from $3 to $25 per square foot, depending on the wood species. Polycarbonate carports are the most budget-friendly option, ranging from $12 to $20 per square foot with an average of $16 per square foot.

Labor

If the company that sold you the carport kit does not offer installation services, you can hire a carport installation pro to handle the work. Labor costs not included in the kit price run around $10 per square foot. Getting separate labor quotes before purchasing your kit helps you budget the full project cost accurately.

Location

The cost of a carport does not vary significantly by region across the U.S., as major manufacturers set prices uniformly nationwide. Installation labor costs and specific feature pricing can still differ from market to market. Homeowners in areas with stricter building codes or exposure to strong winds and storms—such as the southeastern and southern coastlines—may encounter higher overall costs.

Style

Custom carports designed to match or complement your home's aesthetics generally cost more than standard off-the-shelf kits. If curb appeal and cohesive design matter to you, budgeting for a custom build is worth considering.

Access 

Carport installations located far from the road can incur an additional delivery charge of roughly $50 to account for extra labor needs. This fee applies when the installation site is 50 feet or more from the road. Confirm access conditions with your supplier before finalizing your order to avoid unexpected charges.

Electricity

Expect to pay around $100 per hour for an electrician to install lights and outlets. Many homeowners add electrical service to their carports for convenience and safety. This is a worthwhile upgrade if you plan to use your carport after dark or want to charge an electric vehicle. 

Site Leveling

A carport does not require a full foundation, but its installation site must be reasonably level. If minor ground leveling is needed, expect an extra charge of around $150. Have your installer assess the site before work begins so you can account for this cost up front. 

Non-Standard Installations

Installing a carport over an existing structure, placing it on a boat dock, or preassembling and relocating it can cost up to $200 in additional labor. Discuss any unusual site conditions with your installer before work begins to get an accurate project estimate. 

Concrete Slab

If your carport requires a poured concrete base, the average cost of a concrete slab ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot. Since the average car needs roughly 300 to 350 square feet of space, most homeowners spend between $1,200 and $2,800 per car. Factor this into your budget early, as it is one of the more significant additional costs in a carport project.

Permits

Most municipalities require a permit to build a carport, with costs ranging from $60 to $800 or more depending on your location. Pulling a permit ensures your structure is insurable, built to code, and constructed safely. Check with your local building department before starting your project to confirm what is required in your area.  

Carport Cost by Size: What to Budget For

Size is the primary factor affecting carport cost, with smaller structures costing significantly less than larger ones. The average prices in the table below include labor costs. Special features, oversized carports, and sites requiring additional prep work can all increase your final total:

Carport Cost by Material: What to Budget For

Once you have determined the size of the carport your home needs, the next step is choosing a construction material. Your material choice affects both up-front cost and long-term durability. The table below breaks down average carport installation cost ranges by material type:

Metal

Metal carports cost an average of $5 to $20 per square foot for materials and $15 to $30 per square foot with labor included. Custom builds can reach up to $40 per square foot. 

Galvanized steel is commonly used for carport construction. It's more expensive than conventional steel, but it’s 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.

The table below breaks down average carport installation costs by metal type:

Wood

Wood is a popular choice for custom carport construction thanks to its versatility and affordability, with an average cost of $24 per square foot. Prices range from $15 to $35 per square foot for materials and labor combined, and from $3 to $25 for materials alone. The table below shows average material costs by wood species:

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 a wood carport per square foot, depending on the type of wood:

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate carports feature an aluminum support structure with a polycarbonate roof, making them one of the more affordable material options. These carports range from $12 to $20 per square foot, with an average cost of $16. If budget is your primary concern, polycarbonate is worth a close look before committing to metal or wood.

Why You Should Hire a Carport Builder

Hiring a carport builder near you costs $3 to $10 per square foot for labor. While DIY installation may seem like an easy way to save money, carport installation is a more complex project than it appears. Working with a professional ensures the structure is built to code and installed safely over your vehicle.

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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