A carport is an open structure, braced on the sides by vertical posts with a covered roof. This is a very basic carport design, which is simple and inexpensive. Carports can be freestanding or attached to a house, they can be built over a cement slab or be portable.  While there may not be as many options as far as usage when compared to a garage, there are many advantages to building a carport.

The obvious advantages are that a carport will protect your vehicle from damage from the sun or hailstorms, your vehicle will remain much cleaner when kept under shelter and your vehicle will not get so hot during summer months.  Other big advantages are that it costs a lot less to build a carport, and it can usually be built much faster.

There are many different options when it comes to carport designs.  As stated above, some carports are attached to the house while others are freestanding structures.  There are definite benefits to having an attached carport. It saves space and provides more convenience as you walk to and from your vehicle especially if the vehicle will be much closer to your kitchen entrance for instance.  A shorter walk can save tons of time and effort when you need to unload your weekly groceries.

Once you have decided the basics regarding what type of carport you would like to build such as whether it is to be free standing or attached to your house and whether or not you will lay cement first, you can then look for a suitable carport design plan. Fortunately, there are quite a few carports, designs, or kits available online and if you are intending to build it yourself, you should be able to find something that is quite suitable for your specific needs.  Most carports are built from wood, with iron roofing thus you will find that most designs are wood carport designs.

Related posts:

1. Metal Carport Design Ideas
2. Carport Blueprints
3. How to Build My Own Carport