Here’s a good question. What is a carport or car port? The dictionary says it’s, “a shelter for a car consisting of a roof supported on posts, built beside a house.” How do you spell it? It’s usually spelled with one word but the urban dictionary spells it “car port” as does most in Central Oregon. If you live in Redmond, Bend, Prineville, LaPine, Madras, Sisters or Terrebonne, the chances of you owning a car port is really high. In fact, many have more than just one, they have several carports.

Ok, I get it! What’s the deal with all this car port talk? Well, we make them! So if we make them, I want to write all about them so people have an understanding of what they are and what kind of carport you can buy if you’re in the market here in the high desert. Because of our long winters and hot summers, it’s absolutely crucial to have your vehicles, farm equipment or toys sheltered from the elements and a car port is the cheapest way instead of building a garage. So let’s get into the specs.

Here are the different types of carports:

  • Prefabricated Metal Canopies
  • Aluminum Carports
  • Party Tent Carport
  • Extension Garage

Prefabricated Metal Canopies

These are made with galvanized steel and the most expensive to build. There are two kinds of these, semi-permanent and permanent (with concrete foundation). Typical costs of these carports range from $2,000 – $10,000 and up depending on how fancy you want these. We at Outbuilders do not build these type of car ports. They are expensive and not typical of our wood structured garage extensions or lean-to’s.

Aluminum Carports

You see these all the time at apartment complexes held up by aluminum rods. They are lightweight, durable and quite portable if you’re interested in moving them, however, they tend to wear out faster than the steel ones and if you accidently bump into one with a car, it could be totaled. These cost around $250 – $2,000 depending on how thick and large you want them. We do not build these type because we mostly work with wooden ones (garage extensions or stand alone garages).

Party Tent Carport or Canopies

Made of polyethylene poles, these are the cheapest way to go but horrible for Central Oregon. Snow and wind tear these down like match sticks! Tent carports is/are a bad idea in the high desert. However, on a tight budget, they work perfect if you maintain them during the snow (knock the snow down) and tear take off the canopy/tent during windy days. We do not sell these and do not recommend them. You can buy these at prices from $150 – $1,000.

Extension Garage

Finally, something we build! Extension garages (carport addition) are exactly what they sound like. They are an extension to the house. We also call these “Lean To’s” as they lean to “something”. We can design any kind of carport garage as you wish. These are wooden structures with a roof and insulation if requested. They are one of the most popular things we build here at Outbuilders. They are used for boats, RV’s, cars, tractors and whatever you can think of. Prices range from $1,000 – $10,000 depending on what exactly you want.

Kirk Sandburg
(541) 556-1804  Mobile
kirk@outbuilders.com
www.outbuilders.com