Buying a steel carport comes down to choosing the right size for your vehicles now and in the future, confirming it’s engineered for your area’s snow and wind, and planning the site and foundation. A steel carport protects vehicles from sun, rain, snow, and falling debris at a lower cost than a garage, and a good one can later be enclosed as your needs grow. This guide covers carport dimensions, features, and what to check before you buy.
8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Steel Carport
- Type of vehicle: Trucks, RVs, boats, and multiple vehicles need more width, length, and height than a single car.
- Location: Your available space sets the maximum size. Decide whether the carport will sit beside the house or stand alone, and check that the ground is level enough.
- Certification and engineering: Many areas require carports to meet specific wind and snow ratings. A carport engineered and certified for your address with stamped drawings makes permitting straightforward. See our guide to certified vs. non-certified metal buildings.
- Local weather: Even where permits are simple, consider your area’s snowfall, wind, and rain. An open-sided carport faces real wind uplift.
- Style: Choose a carport that complements your home and other buildings.
- Budget: Size, style, and options all affect cost.
- Delivery time: A prefabricated carport arrives ready to assemble, far faster than building one from scratch.
- Foundation: Your carport needs footings or a slab to anchor it. Plan and complete the foundation before the kit arrives.
How to Choose the Right Size
Plan for your future vehicles, not just your current one — if you might upgrade to a truck or add a second car, size for it now.
Width
| Use | Common Width |
|---|---|
| Single car | About 12′ |
| Two compact cars | 18′ to 22′ |
| Multiple larger vehicles or trucks | 22′ to 30′ |
| Commercial or fleet | 30′ and wider |
Length
Base the length on your longest vehicle plus any storage space you want. About 20 to 21 feet covers a compact car; full-size pickups typically need around 24 feet or more; and RVs often need 40 feet or longer, depending on the model.
Side Height
Side height is measured at the lowest point your vehicle must clear, so it’s the dimension that matters for tall trucks, vans, and RVs. If you might enclose the carport later, choose a side height tall enough to fit a garage door.
Toro’s Carport Options
Toro offers two carport systems: the straight-wall M-Model carport, cold-formed and manufactured directly by Toro, and the arch-style C Model carport, manufactured by our sister company Future Buildings and sold through Toro. Both use Galvalume Plus steel and can be customized in size, and the straight-wall M-Model is especially easy to enclose or extend later — including with a lockable storage room, like our DIY Steel Secureport.
Common Questions
Can I Assemble a Carport Myself?
Yes — carport kits arrive pre-cut and pre-drilled with detailed instructions, so they’re a realistic DIY project for most handy owners. For large or tall carports, a local contractor can handle assembly. See can you install a steel carport yourself.
What Material Is It Made From?
Toro carports are made from Galvalume Plus steel, which resists corrosion far better than standard galvanized steel.
Can I Customize It?
Yes. Every Toro carport is sized to your needs, with options for height, width, length, colour, and future enclosure.
What Does a Steel Carport Cost?
Toro’s steel building kits start at $19 to $26 per square foot for the shell. Where your carport lands in that range depends mainly on your site’s snow, wind, and seismic requirements. Foundation and assembly are separate costs.
Permits, Codes & Engineering
Design loads follow the ASCE 7 standard from the American Society of Civil Engineers, referenced by the International Code Council‘s International Building Code, or the National Building Code of Canada. Toro’s in-house engineering team calculates your carport’s loads and anchorage for its specific address before it ships.
Related Building Types
Carports | M-Model Carports | Carport vs. Garage
Get Your Steel Carport
Toro Steel Buildings engineers every carport to your vehicles and your site. Request a free quote to get started.
Looking to cover our RV that we full time live in.
24.6 x 42 x 15
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I’m in the market for a DYI flat roof car port. Do you have something that meets that description?