Historical Carports and Traditional Carports

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Carports for historical districts are much harder to track down than standard carports as they are more of a specialist requirement. Some things to take into consideration when choosing a traditional carport or a carport for a historical district include:

Carport Size

You don’t want the carport to be too overwhelming, so build a 3D model using cardboard boxes or packing crates in the actual location to see how it will actually look in place. You don’t want to overpower any sights or architecture by creating a carport which is too big and/or too tall.

Carport Appearance

The most important thing. A timber carport is often the best choice for historical areas because it’s more customisable and fits in with more historical periods. However, if building work in the area is limited then a custom made metal carport will last longer and is more durable, so less disturbing for residents and tourists. Depending on the style of your area, fake stone cladding can also work quite well in either sandstone or grey, to look in-keeping with other buildings in the area.

If all else fails, or you’re worried about how your carport will look, green climbing plants and flowers will make any carport look more attractive.

Carport Roof

The appearance of your carport has a lot to do with the type of roof you choose, particularly when it comes to detached carports. A sloping roof or straight roof makes a huge difference, as does the material it is made from. Be aware that whilst timber carports can be painted different colours – exactly matching nearby buildings – they are more work and will need regular maintenance to continue looking attractive. This isn’t always practical if you are short on space or budget.

Carport Assembly

Choosing a carport or carport kit with simple assembly can be a huge advantage. If your area thrives on tourists, then getting a carport set up straight away helps the area look more attractive. If you’re providing large carports for tourists, then they will be quicker to set up than garages and also less permanent. Make sure the ground is as level as possible before purchasing your carport, and don’t be afraid to get the professionals in if you need fast and reliable carport installation.

Carport Support Poles

An essential thing to check, especially if you are providing carport access to visitors. Make sure you use the highest quality supports and they are fitted properly to avoid damaging either your carport or cars. Metal carports more frequently come with adjustable legs to accommodate uneven ground, which is also something to consider.

Cheap Carports, Metal Carports and Wholesale Carports, oh my!

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We’ve published lots of posts since we launched three months ago, and had some great feedback and enquiries from visitors. In case you missed anything, we’ve decided to list our most popular posts with a little explanation – so here it is; the great post round up!

Portable Metal Carports – What do you need to consider when buying a metal carport, and what’s the difference between a regular metal carport and a portable metal carport?

Prefabricated Carports – Also known as carport kits, prefabricated carports are a great way to save money and get your carport installed fast.

Carports Inspiration – Our photo post was very popular; a lot of visitors appreciated the visuals to see what kind of carport designs are out there and to get some ideas.

Heavy Duty Metal Carports – Find out about durable metal carports and what benefits they have.

Metal Carports vs Timber Carports – Although we mostly focus on metal carports, we took a look at timber carports to see how they compare.

Modern Carport Designs – Another extremely popular post, find out about different carport styles and carport designs.

Carports Kits – An introduction to carport kits for beginners.

Finding used carports for sale – It’s cheaper to buy a second hand carport, but where can you find them? What do you need to consider when buying second hand? We answer these questions and more!

Aluminum Carports and Kits – Known as aluminium carports and kits to our global friends, this post looks at the benefits of specifically aluminum carports and their benefits.

Freestanding vs attached carports – When to buy a freestanding carport, and when to buy an attached carport.

Metal Buildings – Steel Buildings – We haven’t focused on steel buildings or metal buildings as much, but this is a post on why you may want one.

Metal Carports vs Timber Carports

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One of the questions we get asked a lot is, ‘What kind of carport should I buy – metal or timber?’ Obviously we’re more biased towards metal carports here, but timber carports have their place too. Whilst they aren’t as hardwearing as metal carports, they can look more attractive in rural settings. They also have the advantage of being easy to paint should you fancy a different look. They can also be better for the environment, assuming that your wood carport is sourced in a friendly way from a sustainable source. (As a side note, second hand carports, whether metal or wood, are a better choice if you’re concerned about the environmental factor).

Timber carports are often cheaper than metal carports, but the flip side is that they don’t tend to last as long. If you just have a single vehicle then a timber carport may well be a good option. If you live in a region which has well-defined seasons with cold winters and hot summers, then a metal carport will be more durable and benefits from not expanding and contracting like a timber carport does.

If you want a solution that will last up to a decade and you’re on a budget, then you could do a lot worse than a timber carport. Although you will need to stain the wood every few years and ensure you treat it properly, a timber carport fits in well with most home designs and is often easier to construct. Be careful when buying second hand to ensure that your timber carport is in good condition and still has life left in it. Whilst timber carports are harder to keep clean, particularly if you live in an area with lots of overhanging trees or birds, they don’t get hot like metal carports do, and so may be a wiser choice if you have children or animals in the area.

To sum it up, whether you buy a timber carport or a metal carport, it’s ultimately up to you to decide which works best for your situation. If you want a solution that will last decades and money is not a huge factor for you, we’d recommend choosing a metal carport. If you’re on a tight budget and you want something which will suit the décor of your home straight out of the box, a timber carport will probably be your best bet.