If you’re looking for a practical, stylish, and cost-effective way to shelter your vehicle from the British weather, wooden carports are the perfect solution. Whether you want to protect your car from frost, rain, or intense sun, or simply free up space in the garage, carports are becoming an increasingly popular choice across the UK.
But how much does it actually cost to build a carport? And what are your options? We answer these questions and others with expert advice from a leading timber product manufacturer, Palmako UK.
Types of carports
Unlike a garage that is closed on all sides, a carport is a semi-closed structure that offers overhead protection from the elements. It can accommodate one or more vehicles, and some designs can incorporate side panels for additional shelter.
Carports come in a variety of designs:
- Single carport: A single carport houses one vehicle at a time and will be made from timber wood with a sturdy roof supported by posts that are firmly planted in concrete to support it. It is ideal at the end of driveways or next to your house.
- Double carport: A double carport is built to accommodate two vehicles and is associated with higher costs because it is a much larger structure. Double carports can protect much more than cars and often house motorcycles, boats, and trailers.
- Simple flat roof: A simple, horizontal roof design with little or no pitch. The simplicity of the design allows it to be constructed of inexpensive materials such as metal sheets or heavy-duty fabric.
- Pitched Roof: A gabled or pitched roof that is aesthetically pleasing with good water runoff. However, they are much more expensive due to the complex installation process.
Carport cost
The cost of building a carport in the UK typically ranges from £1,200 to £6,000, depending on the size, design, and materials. Here is a general breakdown:
|
Type |
Average Cost |
Cost Justification |
|
£1,200 to £2,500 (kit only). |
Smaller foundations and fewer materials are used to build a single carport, so installation is much faster. This is a budget-friendly option. |
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£2,500 to £4,500 (kit only) with costs reaching £6,000+ depending on finishes and features. |
Greater preparation is needed for the foundations because of the size and complexity of the structure. The use of high-quality building materials will increase the longevity of the carport. |
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Included in the kit. Drainage upgrades can add £100-£300. |
Since the design of the carport is much simpler, a flat roof is easy to install. However, good water management will be required, and this will increase costs slightly. |
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Adds an additional £300 - £800 to the project over a flat roof. Included in the kit. |
This traditional carport structure requires beams and angled posts, making it a more expensive option than a flat roof carport. However, it always looks good, which may justify the cost. |
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£4,000 - £6,000 |
These carports are combined with extra rooms such as a side-garage, or summer house that can serve as a storage room. |
👉 See Palmako’s fully equipped prefab carport catalogue and have your carport installed in no time!
Factors affecting carport costs
When considering your budget, it would be wise to begin with a number of key factors that will make the most difference to the cost of your carport. Each of the following elements significantly increases or decreases the money you need.
- Material type: The material type will not only determine the cost but also the longevity of your carport. Want it to last up to 30 years? Use timber (like Palmako’s Nordic spruce), or metal. If you’re on a serious budget, then a plastic carport will still serve its purpose.
- Size: A large carport (especially those large enough to house boats and trailers has more materials and a complex structure. The larger it is, and the more materials you need, the greater the cost.
- Design complexity: A pitched roof and any special design features will add to the bill, so if this is an issue, beware of complicated designs.
- Supplier quality: Cheaper kits may cost less, but they will lack the robust character needed for a carport. Investing in high-quality, easy-to-assemble kits (such as the Palmako carport kits) will ensure your carport protects your vehicle now and in the long run.
- Installation method: DIY kits save money and can be easy to erect, depending on the size. However, there is also value in requesting a professional carport installation. This service's value increases as the carport's complexity increases (e.g, a carport with a garage).
Carport installation prices
Palmako Roger - 6,7m x 5,7m. Carport with garage.
If you opt to hire a professional contractor or utilise the services of the carport supplier, installation costs in the UK are somewhere between £1500-£2,000, depending on the structure’s size and additional features.
Key points to consider:
- Day rates for tradespeople can be between £112-£360.
- A prefab carport kit can take between 1-4 days to complete.
- You can expect higher quotes in London and the South East.
- Ground preparation and additional features may attract separate quotations.
Palmako’s DIY carport installation can be achieved with easy-to-read, detailed instruction manuals that come with the kits. However, they also provide the option of professional installation, which is charged as an additional fee. Their experts are skilled at assembling the DIY kits, and this kind of expertise can greatly reduce labour costs.
Additional costs to consider
Beyond the kit and installation, here are other costs that can be added to your budget.
|
Item |
Estimated Cost |
|
Concrete base or slab |
£300-£1,000 |
|
Drainage or soakaway system |
£100-£400 |
|
Timber treatment/oil |
£50-£100 (every few years) |
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Lighting or electrical setup |
£100-£500 |
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Security camera or alarms |
£100-£300 |
Planning permission and building regulations
Palmako Robert XL+ 5,6m x 3,6m
In the majority of cases, carports fall under ‘permitted development' and don’t require planning permission, provided they meet the following criteria:
- No higher than 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary.
- Built behind the front wall of the property.
- Covers less than 50% of the total land around the house.
- Not in a conservation area or listed building site.
Local building regulations usually don’t apply if the carport is open on at least two sides. However, for larger structures, it is best to check with your local planning authority before starting work.
Benefits of a carport
A good quality carport can be of great advantage, especially here in the UK, where quickly changing weather conditions can affect the condition of your car’s paintwork and interior. Carports are advantageous for several good reasons:
They keep rain, snow, and damaging UV off your vehicle, protecting the paintwork and the interior.
Carports are cheaper than building a full garage. Many good-quality single-car options will cost you around £2,500, or less. Look for seasonal supplier discounts. When they’re moving older stock along at certain times of the year, you can pick up a carport at reduced prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a carport?
Most carports can be installed in 1 to 4 days, depending on size and whether it’s DIY or professionally done.
What size carport do I need?
A single carport typically measures around 3m x 5m, while a double carport measures 6m x 5m. If you currently only have one car, but anticipate adding another car in the near future, it is best to plan ahead and invest in a double carport.
Do I need a concrete base?
A flat, stable surface is essential. Many choose to pour a concrete slab, but paving or compacted gravel may also be suitable, depending on the design.
Is a carport cheaper than a garage?
Yes - carports generally cost 30-50% less than a comparable garage because they can be open and do not have doors. Garages, on the other hand, require more building material and are more complex to erect.
Conclusion
One of the smartest and budget-friendly ways to protect your vehicle is a carport, but it also enhances the value of your property. You don’t need a full-sized garage to keep your car safe and away from the elements. With Palmako, you can have a stylish, high-quality carport made from Nordic timber and install it in no time.
Ready to build your carport kits?
Explore our full range of carport kits and timber structures on Palmako.co.uk and bring practical elegance to your driveway.
