Open CarportStandard
12' x 20' x 6'
- 14-Gauge frame
- Concrete anchors
- Open access
Planning Price
$2,333
Lead Time
2–6 weeks
Engineered Protection
Metal Carports
Protect vehicles, RVs, trailers, boats, equipment, and outdoor storage with steel carports built for Northern California weather conditions.
Vertical Roof Options
RV & Boat Carports
Multi-Vehicle Coverage
Engineered Options Available
NorCal Delivery & Install
Featured Products
Featured Metal Carports
Compare popular configurations from this product family, review their saved specifications, and request pricing for the closest match or a custom variation.
CarportStandard
18' x 24' x 8'
- 14-Gauge frame
- Concrete anchors
- Side-wall coverage
Planning Price
$4,774
Lead Time
3–7 weeks
CarportVertical
20' x 24' x 8'
- 14-Gauge frame
- Concrete anchors
- Open access
Planning Price
$6,427
Lead Time
3–7 weeks
CarportVertical
22' x 20' x 8'
- 14-Gauge frame
- Concrete anchors
- Side-wall coverage
Planning Price
$6,708
Lead Time
3–8 weeks
Quick Answer
What is a metal carport best for?
A metal carport is best for open vehicle, trailer, boat, tractor, and equipment coverage when you want shade and weather protection without fully enclosing the structure.
Get an EstimateBest For
Daily drivers, trucks, boats, trailers, tractors, side-by-sides, and open storage.
Common Sizes
Single-car projects often start near 12' wide; two-car layouts commonly use 18' to 24' widths; equipment coverage may need 30' or wider.
Roof Style
Vertical roofs are the strongest all-around choice for longer buildings, trees, rain, debris, and foothill exposure.
Pricing Factors
Width, length, height, roof style, frame gauge, anchors, side panels, engineering, and installation city.
Permit Note
Permit requirements vary by city, county, size, placement, foundation, and enclosure level.
Quote Details To Send
Send your city, vehicle or equipment size, preferred roof style, surface type, and any wind or snow concerns.
Comparison Answers
Which Option Should You Choose?
These short comparisons answer the decision questions customers often ask before requesting a quote.
Metal carport vs metal garage: which should I choose?
Choose a metal carport for open coverage, airflow, easier access, and lower material cost. Choose a metal garage when security, enclosed storage, doors, and workshop use matter more.
Choose a Carport For
- Open vehicle coverage
- Lower-cost shade and rain protection
- Fast access for trailers and equipment
Choose a Garage For
- Lockable enclosed storage
- Tools and workshop space
- Roll-up doors, walk-in doors, and windows
Recommendation
If you mainly need weather coverage, start with a carport. If you need security or a workshop, price a garage.
Metal carport vs pole barn: what is the difference?
A metal carport is usually a steel-framed coverage system for vehicles and equipment. A pole barn is a post-frame building style that may involve different foundations, framing, walls, and local permitting.
Metal Carport
- Steel frame system
- Good for open coverage
- Configurable roof, panels, anchors, and height
Pole Barn
- Post-frame construction
- Often more building-like
- May involve broader site and foundation planning
Recommendation
For vehicle and equipment coverage, compare a steel carport or wide-span building first because the quote can be shaped around size, roof style, anchors, and enclosure level.
Built for Real-World Coverage
Norcal Carports provides metal carports for residential, agricultural, commercial, and rural properties throughout Northern California, with configurable sizing, roof styles, side panels, and engineered upgrades depending on the application.
Long-term exposure to UV, rain, debris, and foothill snow accelerates wear on vehicles and equipment left uncovered. A properly configured steel carport reduces direct weather exposure while creating usable covered space.
Cars & Trucks
RVs & Motorhomes
Boats & Marine
Tractors & Ag
Everyday Coverage
Practical covered space without the cost and complexity of fully enclosed construction.
Sizing
What Size do You Need
Carport sizing comes down to the vehicle footprint plus clearance for doors and movement. Use the matrix to find your width.
Width Selection Matrix
Sizing based on standard vehicle footprints
| Width | Best Use Case | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
12' Wide | Single Car, Truck, or SUV | 1 Vehicle |
18' Wide | Two Compact Cars or One Large RV | 1-2 Vehicles |
20' Wide | Two Mid-Size Sedans | 2 Vehicles |
22' Wide | Two Full-Size Cars | 2 Vehicles |
24' Wide | Two Full-Size Trucks, SUVs, or Vans | 2 Vehicles |
26' Wide | Three Compact/Mid-Size Cars | 3 Vehicles |
28' Wide | Three Mid-Size Cars | 3 Vehicles |
30' Wide | Three Full-Size Cars, Trucks, or SUVs | 3 Vehicles |
Pro Tip: Door Swing Clearance
While these dimensions list vehicle capacity, we always recommend measuring your vehicle with the doors open. A 12' wide unit is a tight fit for a full-size truck with extended mirrors.
Roof Styles
Which Roof Style
Roof orientation affects drainage, debris, snow performance, and cost. Standard is the affordable default; step up only when the site calls for it.
Best Value
Standard Roof
The affordable, best-selling default — strong protection at the lowest price point.
Right when
Most residential and light-storage builds where budget and value matter most.
Learn moreStep Up
A-Frame Horizontal
A boxed-eave, more residential look for a modest step up from standard.
Right when
When appearance matters but a full vertical upgrade isn't required.
Learn morePremium Upgrade
Vertical Roof
A premium upgrade — worth it when the site demands it, not the default.
Right when
Snow load, heavy tree debris, or structures 36'+ long where runoff and longevity justify the higher cost.
Learn moreSpecialty
Attached Slope / Lean-To
A specialty add-on roof for attaching coverage to an existing structure.
Right when
Extending off a home, garage, or existing building wall.
Learn moreUse Cases
Common Carport Applications
Every property and use case is different. We size and configure carports around how the space will actually function.
Residential Car
Protect daily-use vehicles from UV, rain, and bird droppings while reducing interior heat buildup.
RV & Motorhome
Tall-leg carports with vertical roofs configured for safe entry clearance of AC units and antennas.
Boat & Marine
Wide-clearance layouts that simplify backing trailers into position while protecting from water and UV.
Agricultural Use
Open-sided layouts for tractor parking and hay protection, maintaining airflow while providing workspace.
Real Pricing
Pricing & What Drives It
Live starting prices from recent carport builds — from an economical standard cover to a larger vertical-roof build. Get an instant estimate for your size.
12' x 20' x 6'
12 x 20 x 6 Standard Open Carport
Starting at$2,333
18' x 40' x 14'
18 x 40 x 14 Vertical RV Carport
Starting at$14,666
What drives the price
- Size — width, length, and leg height
- Frame gauge — 14-gauge vs heavier 12-gauge
- Roof style — standard vs premium upgrades
- Site — anchors, slab, and snow/wind rating
Get an Instant Estimate
Estimates only — contact us for an official quote
Installed Projects
Real Carport Builds
Metal carport installations across Northern California.
Built to Code
Engineering & Permits
Structures are configured for real Northern California conditions and documented for local requirements.
Frame Gauge
Cost-effective 14-gauge or heavy-duty industrial 12-gauge framing.
Wind & Snow
Configurations for valley wind corridors and foothill/mountain snow loads.
Certified Anchoring
Concrete, asphalt, or ground anchors rated for local wind and uplift.
Engineered Plans
Stamped drawings and calculations available for permit submittal.
Metal Carport Questions Answered
How much does a metal carport cost?
Open standard carports start around $2,333 for a 12x20; larger builds and vertical roofs run higher. Final price depends on size, gauge, roof style, and site conditions — get an instant estimate from the calculator.
Which roof style should I choose?
Standard (regular) roof is the affordable default for most residential coverage. Step up to a vertical roof for heavy snow, lots of tree debris, or structures over 36' long. See the roof comparison above.
What size carport do I need?
Allow at least 2 feet of width beyond your widest vehicle for door clearance. A single car fits a 12'–18' width; two vehicles or an RV need 20'–24'+. Use the sizing matrix above for common footprints.
Do I need a permit for a carport in California?
Most California jurisdictions require a permit for permanent structures over 120 sq ft. We provide engineered drawings designed to meet your local county's snow-load and wind requirements to speed approval.
Do you pour concrete or do foundation work?
No — Norcal Carports does not perform concrete or any foundation work. We provide site-appropriate anchoring (concrete, asphalt, or ground anchors) but do not install foundations. See our foundation requirements guide to prep your site.
Request A Metal Building Quote
Need pricing for a carport, RV cover, garage, lean-to addition, or wide span steel structure? Contact Norcal Carports to discuss structure sizing, roof style selection, engineering options, snow load upgrades, and site conditions.
Structure Sizing
Engineering
Snow Loads
Clearance