3 Types of Carports for Keeping your Vehicle Safe

When it comes to keeping your car in the best condition possible, there is nothing quite like having a carport. Carports are invaluable when you need them the most; they keep your car protected from any inclement weather and help to prevent damage that could occur as a result.

Whether your car is particularly valuable, you love it dearly or simply want to preserve your only mode of transportation, a carport is a good investment. Imagine not having to worry about horrible thunderstorms and their impact on your car. With a carport, all of those potential rainstorms, hailstorms or other menaces can be easily avoided.

However, there are a few different carport designs to choose from, and finding the one that best suits your needs is going to be an important part of the buying process. Here are a few design ideas that you should know about before you decide:

1. The Flat Roof Carport

The flat roof carport is the most economical version of this structure. They sport a simple, flat roof that is mostly utilitarian, but which can be built in a range of sizes to suit your specific vehicle. They also offer a number of colour options that can complement the hue of your home.

2. The Gable Roof Carport

If you want to add a touch of style and class to your carport, the gable roof is a great mid-range option. A step up from the simple style of the flat roof, this design can balance well with existing garage and house styles while still not costing an arm and a leg. If you really want to highlight your vehicle, opt for a colour that will help make your car stand out! 

3. The Dutch Gable Carport

If you are very design conscious, the Dutch Gable carport is one of our most stylish options. The perfect blend of function and form, this carport offers a wonderful sloped roof for protection and a unique architectural shape. On sunny days, the Dutch Gable carport also doubles very well as an entertainment area for barbecues, birthday parties, and other get-togethers.

These are three timeless examples of how carports can easily add style and functionality to your home. Why take the risk of having the rain ruin your favourite ride when a stylish carport can prevent it? Check out our many design options and customise one for yourself today!

Not All Carports are Designed the Same

If you're considering a carport, you have plenty of options and several decisions to make. The variety of carport designs has come a long way since the first simple designs, and modern carports give you choices both in terms of the roof style and how you place your carport. When deciding between the following options, make sure to consider your lifestyle, storage needs, and how much form or function you want to get out of the structure.

Options for roof style:

• Flat. A flat roof carport design is generally the most economical. A simple flat roof gives your carport a low profile and reduces both the complexity of construction, as well as the cost of materials. When a homeowner needs a taller carport for a mobile home or RV, they often choose a flat roof because the carport is already quite tall without adding a peaked roof above it.

• Gabled. For those who prefer a more traditional house-like carport design, a gabled roof is the way to go. Gabled carports generally follow a prefabricated design, but because of the wide variety of roofing colours and styles, they can be made to match almost any house. The huge advantage of a gabled carport roof is that it blends more naturally with the rest of the home design and doesn't stand out as a carport. Additionally, the sloped roof sheds water more easily.

• Dutch Gable. For those who want their carport to stand out as a decorative structure, the Dutch gable roof is the way to go. This is the probably the most attractive of the basic carport designs and is often used when the carport is a standalone structure away from the house, or when the house itself has a Dutch gabled roof.

Placement options:

• Adjoining the house. This is probably the most basic placement for a carport. Many people prefer to have the carport placed directly next to the house so that they can come and go in inclement weather without having to make a mad dash. While generally the best choice for convenience, it is not always possible, depending on the space and shape of the yard and house.

• Detached. Even though adjoined may seem more convenient, a large number of people prefer a detached carport. That's because detaching the carport allows you to place it anywhere on your lot that suits your needs, without having to worry about how much space is next to the house. This can allow for a shorter driveway and avoid disrupting landscaping around the home, or even function as a partial privacy screen for the home or yard.

As you can see, there are carport designs for every taste. What are your favourite types of carports?

Thinking of Skipping your Holiday this Year? Plan Ahead and Take One at Home

There are no two ways about it – travel is expensive. And it's probably only going to get worse. After all, the cost of flights is going up for everyone and, considering how expensive it is to fly from Australia to . . . well, just about anywhere, that's a bad thing for people trying to go on holiday. Worse yet, the federal government has just proposed a change in the fuel excise that will increase the price of petrol according to the rate of inflation every six months. If you're already struggling, then taking a trip may seem a bit gratuitous.

If you're looking for a reasonably priced alternative to a big holiday, have you ever considered taking a 'staycation'? Relaxing at home is always a good way to use your time off, but maybe you don't really love your yard and can't see yourself enjoying it for any period of time. Not to worry! Here are some tips for how to make your yard into a retreat not just this coming spring and summer, but also after work, on boring weekends, and all the days in between. And by planning now, you can save up for some of the larger things on the list:

Invest in a Carport

You may not equate carports with luxury and relaxation, but trust us – they're truly versatile. With customisable options, like the colour and roof design, carports offer a stylish shelter from the sun, a great place to read or work on a hobby, an obvious spot for a barbecue, and a great opportunity to build the garden patio of your dreams! You don't have to use it for car protection unless you want to. Also, with our sturdy steel structures, you know that the carport you get will be able to withstand the crazy weather we get here. If placed next to your home, it can also shelter you during a rain storm, meaning that you don't have to run inside or cancel your party at the first sign of drops.

Create Some Privacy

If your property currently abuts that of multiple neighbours, which is likely, you may feel it's hard to relax in your yard. However, there are several ways to block noise and views, some of them less costly than others. For instance, planting a few trees or tall bushes in problem areas is a great way to avoid seeing and being seen at a relatively low cost. For an even budget-friendlier option, buy some large ornamental pots and plant thujas or the like around the edges of your patio area. You can also try some careful placement of garden accents such as small trellises, fountains, and statues. If you already have a chain link fence, invest in some privacy slats to insert into the links.

Buy Some Comfortable Lawn Furniture

There's nothing like an uncomfortable chair to keep you from relaxing outside. If you opted for the cheapest furniture on the market for your backyard, consider an upgrade. You don't have to go crazy – but get something that doesn't start to irritate you in less than a minute. Head to the gardening store and experiment a little. Sit for a few minutes. Lay down as well (if applicable). Does the furniture stay comfortable? If you want to save some money and keep the chairs you have, consider buying some comfy cushions for them instead of replacing them outright.

Facets of Designing Your Carport

After making the decision to get a carport, there are still many factors to consider. What style, size, or materials should you choose? It all depends on how you plan to utilise your carport. Overall, carports protect vehicles from the environment, but they can also provide extra storage space or an entertainment area. When creating your optimum carport design, think about the following:

Location

First, decide where you wish to put your carport. Will it be attached to your house or garage or will it be free standing? The bonus of free standing carports is that they are 'do it yourself,' if you wish to save on expenses. Carports can be placed anywhere on your property, so choose a spot that is most suitable.

Size

Measure your vehicles, machines, or the space you wish to cover. For cars and other vehicles, make sure to account for room to open doors, trunks, hoods, etc.

Style

Depending on the function, choose the right style for you. The most economical design for a carport is a Flat Roof carport, which optimises space at an affordable cost. A Gable Roof carport adds a touch of style and has the ability to match or complement any standing structure. For those with an eye toward design, the Entertainer Dutch Gable Carport is an even more stylish option that can easily be used as a carport or an entertaining space.

 Flat Roof Carport, Gable Roof Carport, Entertainer Dutch Gable Carport

Materials

Steel and timber are two possible materials from which to choose. Steel needs little-to-no maintenance. Timber requires more upkeep since it expands and contracts from season to season. We prefer to use steel as it benefits our clients better in the long run.

Customisation

After choosing the specifications for your carport, you can decide to go further and add your own flair. Flat Roof, Gable Roof, and Entertainer Dutch Gable carports allow designers to add skylights or doors. Storage cabinets can also be added to a carport in order to optimise the usage of space.

Carports are great structures to protect your car from the environment or to protect you and your guests from the elements during outdoor gatherings. Whether the space is for storage or entertaining, design is a key element. Keep all these aspects in mind when creating your carport design. The decisions may seem endless in the design process, but will be worth it to have the extra space in the end.

Why Getting a Customisable Carport is the Ideal Option

When you are considering the purchase of a carport, you may be tempted to run out and buy the first generic model that you see. However, doing so would be a big mistake! After all, the last thing you want is to go to the trouble of putting up the structure only to find that it's not quite big enough. 

The solution to the problem? Get a customised carport that was created specifically for you. Now, you might be wondering if going out of your way to invest in a special carport is worth it. The answer depends on what you're planning on using the structure for, to a degree. If you are looking for minimal protection as cheaply as you can get it, then a run-of-the-mill, mass-produced carport is probably not a bad idea. If you're looking for anything beyond that, however, you should opt for better quality. 

Here are several of the advantages of getting a custom-designed carport:

• Space- If you have any kind of specific space requirements, a customised structure is your best bet. For instance, maybe you have a thing for monster trucks -- you'll need a pretty tall carport. Or perhaps you have minimal space and you need the carport to hug the house. Either way, your average product just won't cut it. 

• Coverage- As any classic car collector already knows, rust is your enemy -- and rain is the easiest way to start developing it. Your cherished 1957 Chevy Bel Air isn't something that you want exposed to the elements. Even if the classic is the only thing that you are using the carport for, a single-car model might not be enough if there's a slanting rain. The great news is that carport designs can be created to suit your specific vehicle and give it the coverage it needs to stay dry.

• Style- Customised carports are a good option if you don't want a hideous structure blighting your property. Many of the standard carports out there are incredibly dull, and function solely on a utilitarian basis. A custom-made one will come in colours and even roof pitches that can complement your home and other existing structures.

• Entertainment- A stylish, custom carport can double as an entertainment area for birthday parties, barbeques and other functions. Set up tables and a grill underneath, park the cars on the street for the day, and invite all your friends and family. You're sure to get compliments on how nice your space looks.

Do I need a Garage or a Carport?

When you move into a new home, your priorities tend to be in-house improvements, such as repainting the walls, replacing the old leaky faucets, and retiling the mouldy bathtub -- the outside of the house can wait. But once you've got the indoors reasonably taken care of, you start looking outside at things like the landscaping and any outbuildings (or lack thereof) on the property. If you find that there isn't space for your car, for instance, you'll need to decide what type of investment you want to make. 

You know you want some kind of protection for your vehicle and are looking at carports and garages. But which should you choose? There are advantages to each kind of structure, and here are the most important of them:

Garage

More Secure Space- Unquestionably, garages provide more secure space. The only question that you have to ask yourself is "is it necessary?" For instance, if you have a Jaguar, a garage might be a smarter move, since it will protect a valuable asset from wind and weather, not to mention burglary. 

Protects Sensitive Items- If you have a lot of items that you need to store that are temperature or moisture sensitive, a garage might be a good choice. For instance, those books that you want to keep, but can't fit into the house, old photos of family members, and that antique chest that was made by your great grandfather are all things that require a dry building. 

Makes for a great workshop- If you have a serious hobby and no extra room in the house, a garage provides a great spot for it. The enclosed space means that when you need to work off some stress by throwing a vase or painting a picture, you can head out to the garage -- even in the winter. 

Carport

Less Expensive- Now, if you don't own a Jag and have to pay some attention to how much you are spending on the project, a carport is a great option. This will allow you to cover your vehicle and make sure that it isn't exposed to the worst weather, avoiding rust and other damage. 

Great Place for Parties- An attractive carport could double as a porch or verandah for barbeques, birthday parties, and other events. Just park the car a bit further down the driveway that day, set up some folding tables, lawn chairs, and decorations, and you are good to go!

Less Effort- When you are setting up your structure, the amount of work that you put in can be a factor, depending on your physical state and the help you will have. While all of our buildings are relatively easy to assemble, the effort involved does vary somewhat, depending on the specific garage or carport designs. Smaller/less complex/less material = less effort and vice versa, so if you are looking for easy, a carport should be your choice.

Customise Your Home with a Carport Design

Carports are a useful addition to any property. While adding a full garage is not always possible for many reasons, carport designs can be even more flexible and more useful. With so many materials and functions to choose from, carports allow you to completely customise your design to fit your home's aesthetics and provide the ideal inexpensive way to shield your car from the elements.

There are a variety carport designs that are perfect for electric vehicles. If you're concerned with conserving power, this is a viable option. These carports have solar panels with plug-ins wired in for the vehicles. This is a great addition for those that are looking to remain environmentally-friendly. Corporations are also starting to utilise these carports.

Semi-truck drivers have to keep their trucks looking professional for their customers. If the driver is an owner operator, then a large carport is easier and cheaper than trying to erect a garage that large. This gives an area to not only protect their semi, but also a place to comfortably work on it. This is an economical way to store and protect such a valuable work investment.

Another vehicle owners want to protect includes recreational vehicles. Oftentimes, these vehicles are the size of buses and simply will fit into a standard garage. However, Fair Dinkum Sheds are completely customisable with the ability to choose the span, length and height of your carport, making it easy to fit a large recreational vehicle like an R.V.

Interested in a fully-customisable carport design? Call Fair Dinkum Sheds today at 1-800-786-878.

Creative Carport Designs for Your Home

As the name suggests, a carport is a haven that protects the car from the elements, and they are a popular and low-cost alternative to building a garage. Carports can be designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property whilst providing convenient cover for all types of weather. If you're considering a carport, look no further! Our carport designs are extremely flexible and can be erected in any sized yard, adding value to your home while providing protection for your vehicle.

At Fair Dinkum, we offer a wide range of fantastic carport designs. One of our most popular is the flat roof carport. It is a lightweight, versatile structure that is suitable for both private and commercial properties. Our gabled varieties allow a homeowner the opportunity to imprint some of their personality on the home. The gabled roof is a perfect match for more traditional styles of architecture. We also provide carports that combine elements of both designs. Our expert team members look forward to assisting home renovators to personalise a design for their home.

We take pride in the fact that our carport designs can be easily customised. The steel frame is much lighter in comparison to other building materials, so it does not involve complicated constructions such as extensive foundation requirements. The attached carports do not hinder the structural integrity of other buildings either. Our carports can be modified to allow alterations to the placement of leg supports and even include balustrades and other features to help personalise the exterior embellishments of the structure.

Carports attached to the side of a home are a popular choice. Attached carports allow for the parking of vehicles closer to the entrance way of the home, which can be of real benefit when trying to ferry small children or groceries into the house during inclement weather. Attached carports are a great option for houses that do not have a lot of space as they can be erected over the driveway and still allow access to the backyard.

Carports can also be attached to the side of the garage or a shed. Our designs have proven popular for housing the caravan or boat. Growing families with teenagers have found the addition of a carport has provided more space for the extra vehicles in the driveway! Carports can be attached to the sides of sheds to store firewood or hay or to provide storage for horse floats and trailers.

Our freestanding carports provide more options. The flat roof carport tends to appeal to customers looking for a slim-line, unobtrusive structure to shield the car. Customers with a green thumb would be pleased to note that our carports can be made to resemble arbours. Latticework and other embellishments can be added to create a stunning effect.

Combined with gabled features, the carport can add a real touch of sophistication to any home. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order!

The Different Types of Carports to Consider

When it comes to selecting a carport to park your car or recreational vehicle, you have to realize there are many types of carports to choose from. Carports come in a variety of different styles, usually consisting of polyester, polyethylene, aluminum and steel. It is very important to evaluate aesthetic, portability, durability, and price to determine if you are selecting the right carport to suit your needs. It is always a great idea to consider a budget and do a little research so you will know the price you want to pay and the type of carport you want. Whatever type of carport you decide on, you are sure to find an affordable selection at Fair Dinkum Sheds.

Many homes are not built with garages, and considering the cost, most homeowners would rather add carports because they are more economically sound. Of course, garages will add more protection to your vehicles and other items that are stored, but a carport will fulfill the same basic function at a drastically reduced cost.

If you are seeking temporary protection for your vehicle, the best way to go is to use a polyester and polyethylene carport. These are basically canvas carports, and they are lightweight and can be placed almost anywhere. They are also the cheapest among the different styles of carports. As long as you are living in an area that has decent weather year-round, you can have a polyester and polyethylene carport built on site that will last for quite a few years. Of course, if you are the Mr. Fix-It type, you can have the materials delivered to your home and assemble it yourself.

If you're looking for something more durable, aluminum carports are a step up from polyester and polyethylene when it comes to stability and longevity. Aluminum is built to withstand the harsh conditions and day to day elements of any region. No matter what tough weather may develop in your area, an aluminum carport can withstand these harsher conditions.

Of course, aluminum is a great choice, but it is not as durable as steel, which is the most durable type of carport. With steel, your carport will offer the best protection from moisture, water, the sun, and wind. In addition, your house value will increase with a sturdy carport, so you can consider steel as more of an investment for the future.

No matter what type of carport you decide on, Fair Dinkum Sheds is here to help. Browse our wide selection of carports today and feel free to contact us if you need additional information or assistance.

Our Carport Designs Offer Many Options for Storage and Shelter

Today's carport designs are fully customisable additions to the home or property that provide everything from shelter for the car to an entertaining space or functional cover for a work area.  At Fair Dinkum Sheds, we have over 18 years of expertise and have sold over 150,000 sheds, barns, garages and carports through a network of over 150 distributors throughout the nation.

We are a member of the Australian Steel Institute and have been awarded ShedSafe accreditation, so you can trust that our buildings are engineered in compliance with the Building Code of Australia.

Whether adding to existing structures or planning to build them as a new freestanding project, you can customise your carport or awning to the style and size that will benefit you the most. They are an ideal and cost-effective method for protecting a boat or caravan from the elements, or for extending your roof coverage to protect extra vehicles or to use as an outdoor entertainment space.

Carport designs can start from a single carport to a multi- bay carport and can feature roofs in a number of styles. The more budget conscious Flat Roof Carport is the most simply designed structure, where the angle and the direction of the roof can vary according to your needs and whether the carport is attached to another structure. For a more attractive and designer look, consider the Gable Roof and the Dutch Gable Carports – both carports can be attached to your home or built freestanding. By matching colours in your home with the wide range of COLORBOND® steel colours, we can ensure the addition of a carport will complement your home and surroundings.

Carports can be supplied in kit form, with detailed instructions, drawings and bolt set out diagrams for the experienced home handyman to assemble. Many of our distributors are also able to arrange a professional to complete the building work for you if preferred.

The Fair Dinkum range of sheds, garages, and carport designs are made from quality COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® Australian steel.  When choosing a carport supplier it’s important to ensure your structure will comply with the Building Code of Australia. The easiest way to assure yourself of compliance is to buy from a reputable supplier that has ShedSafe™ accreditation, which is an independent accreditation program run by the Australian Steel Institute. Contact your local Fair Dinkum Sheds distributors to learn more, or to arrange a design and quotation for your carport, garage, barn, farm shed, stable, hangar or commercial building.

We Offer Carport Designs You'll Love

We encourage all homeowners considering an addition to their home to look over our carport designs.  Keep in mind the design and location, of your carport is as important as the style and color you choose. At SOL Home Improvements, we can help with all these decisions. Our specialty is custom design. We offer many different roof styles to fit the needs of your home. All buildings constructed by SOL, may be attached or freestanding, giving you the freedom to choose which is best for your property.

When considering the location of a carport, there are several things that are helpful to keep in mind. The style and size of the vehicle that you own now, or may own in the future will influence your decision. A 4WD sport utility vehicle will require more clearance than a passenger sedan. Opening all doors and lift gates will help decide the clearance needed between vehicles to avoid dings. When measuring the height of your vehicle, consider the open lift gate and any cargo that you may have secured to the top. This information can help you decide which carport designs will fit your needs for years to come.

Check on different regulations regarding home improvements in your area. Our staff will work with you to make sure that you understand what is needed to meet these requirements.

We understand that everyone has a different idea of what their ideal carport design will feature. We look forward to working with you until you are completely satisfied with the final product.

We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions. Look around our website to view different carport designs and see if any of our past work gives you an idea of what your perfect carport design will look like.