Using a carport canopy is the best option for those without a garage. They allow you to keep your car covered from the bad weather and protect it against snow. They are available as fixed or portable canopies that both offer many benefits.
The best carport is the Abba Patio Canopy, which is constructed of high quality polyethylene that is suitable for all weather. If you require a fixed carport, the Palram Vitoria is the best option with a stylish heavy duty design.
Choosing between the two is a matter of personal preference. Some car owners may simple require a temporary solution for working on their car. Others may require a fixed carport that is a permanent fixture on their driveway for safe parking.
Table of Contents
Carport Canopy Comparison
| Car Canopy | Type | Size(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Abba Patio Canvas | Portable | 12 x 20 x 9 |
| Palram Vitoria | Fixed | 16 x 10 x 8 |
| Arrow Steel | Fixed | 6 Sizes |
| Ikuby Lockable | Fixed | 2 Sizes |
| Abba Patio Steel Legged | Portable | 10 x 20 x 9 |
| Quictent Heavy Duty Tent | Fixed | 10 x 20 x 9 |
| ShelterLogic 90154 | Portable | 6 Sizes |
Keeping your car safe whilst outdoors is paramount because weather conditions such as snow can cause expensive damage. Installing a permanent steel or portable carport is the best solution and they cost far less than you would expect.
The benefits surrounding carport canopies makes them a worthwhile investment for any car owner. Permanent solutions are available in multiple stylish designs whereas portable alternatives can be used for a variety of other applications.
Below is a list of the best carport canopies that provide protection against all weather conditions and feature a durable design.
The Best Carport Canopy
1. Abba Patio Portable Carport
The Abba Patio brand are known for creating car canopies and produce a variety of different designs. This 12 x 20 feet portable carport is constructed of a rust resistant steel and a heavy duty polyethylene canvas.
A clever design feature of this carport is the detachable sidewalls that are easy to attach and remove. They provide protection within the tough winter conditions and extra airflow in the summer.
Other features of the Abba Patio Canopy include:
- 12 x 20 x 9 feet in size
- UV and water resistant top cover
- Foot pads on the legs for stability
- Includes heavy duty bungees
- Easy to setup and takedown
- All hardware included
Abba Patio state that it will be able to handle wind, rain and snow with ease, which is great for protecting your pride and joy. It is the best portable carport canopy that will withstand tough conditions and is designed to last.
Check it Out2. Palram Vitoria Steel Carport
The polycarbonate panels on the roof are shatter resistant and provide 100% UV protection to prevent them going yellow as well as protecting the car.
Other features of the Palram Vitoria include:
- Maintenance free design
- Impressive 10 year warranty
- Heavy duty aluminum and galvanized steel construction
- No special tools required for the installation
- Rust resistant with a powder coated finish
The brand claim that it is virtually unbreakable and unlike the cheaper alternatives, it will not turn yellow over time. If you require a stylish heavy duty carport, the Palram Vitoria is the best option that will not disappoint.
Check it Out3. Arrow Galvanized Steel Carport
A cheaper alternative to the Palram Vitoria is the Arrow carport, which uses a 29 gauge painted galvanized steel roof. In terms of the dimensions, it is available in sizes ranging from 10 x 15 x7 to 12 x 29 x 7 feet.
The brand claim that it is a carport that can withstand 100 mph of wind and snow or debris of up to 35 PSF.
Other features of the Arrow Car Canopy include:
- Industrial grade steel frame
- Painted galvanized steel that resists corrosion
- All weather protection
- Easy DIY assembly
- 10 year limited warranty
Overall, the Arrow Outdoor Car Canopy is an affordable steel solution with an impressive warranty and all weather performance. The offering of multiple sizes allows you to choose the carport that best suits your requirements too.
4. Ikuby Lockable Portable Carport
The Ikuby Carport is a lockable car shelter that covers the whole of the vehicle for full protection. It is a very clever design that can withstand all weather conditions thanks to a durable 600 D Oxford fabric with a PU coating.
To ensure the installation is straightforward, the manufacturer has labelled each pipe to make them easy to identify.
Other features of the Ikuby Lockable Canopy include:
- Powder coated steel frame
- UV resistant and waterproof
- All-round protection
- Available in two sizes
- Modern and stylish design
The Ikuby Canopy is an excellent portable carport that doubles up as a semi-permanent garage. The unique design will have many people confused but it provides maximum protection for the car inside.
Check it Out5. Abba Patio Outdoor Carport Canopy
In terms of the dimensions, it is 10 x 20 feet with a 6.5 feet entrance height, which is suitable for most passenger vehicles.
Other features of the Abba Patio Car Canopy include:
- 1 1/2 inch powder coated steel
- Double polyethylene fabric
- 6 steel legs with foot pads for stability
- Heavy duty bungee cords
- Fade and UV resistant
- 9.5 feet peak height
- Available in beige or white
Overall, this is the best cheap carport canopy and will provide great protection for your car. Many cheaper examples cannot handle bad weather such as snow and have the tendency of blowing over in windy conditions.
Check it Out6. Quictent Heavy Duty Carport Car Canopy
The Quictent is a popular carport that uses a heavy duty steel framework and extra thick fabric for the construction. To ensure maximum stability, included are reinforcement connectors, elastic ropes and base plates.
For peace of mind, the brand provide a lifetime warranty on the connectors, pegs and ropes. In terms of the cover and poles, included is a 1 year warranty but the heavy duty design will easily last multiple years of usage.
Other features of the Quictent Carport Canopy include:
- Choice of white powder coated or galvanized poles
- Polyethylene fabric is waterproof and UV resistant
- Includes reinforcement accessories for stability
- 10 x 20 feet in size with a peak height of 8.7 feet
- Easily washable fabric
- 1 year warranty for covers and poles
Overall, the Quictent Carport Canopy is a great option and the brand offer multiple sizes and different designs. Compared against the Abba Patio alternatives, it also offers the best value for money with multiple accessories included within the package.
7. ShelterLogic 90154 Carport Canopy
In terms of dimensions, it is 12 x 24 x 11 feet, which is great for taller vehicles such as trucks or RV’s. The brand also offer this carport in numerous different sizes to suit your requirements.
Other features of the ShelterLogic 90154 include:
- Stabilizer block at each rib connection
- Ratchet Tite tension system
- UV treated inside and out
- Universal foot plates for stability
- Available in green or grey
- Multiple sizes available
If you require an affordable and large carport, the ShelterLogic 90154 is a great option. The additional space is ideal for larger vehicle and generally working on your car with space to leave tools.
Check it OutCarport Canopy Buying Guide
The two main types of carports are polyethylene and aluminum/steel, which both will protect your car. However, the latter will clearly protect your car more because it will not move under heavy impact such as a tree falling down.
Depending upon your budget, you are able to choose from a variety of different designs. We strongly advise that you choose a carport that has been built with durability in mind and from a reputable brand.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding carport canopies.
Portable Carports
The cheaper and more portable polyethylene car canopies are very popular worldwide. They provide the all important protection from rain, wind and snow for your vehicle at a budget price. The ability to take a carport down in seconds when its no longer needed is also very beneficial.
Steel and Aluminium Carports
Due to the materials used, the heavy duty steel and aluminum carports are much more expensive. However, with the additional cost, you get a strong carport that will withstand excessive damage and are available in stylish designs.
When choosing a steel carport, you will need to ensure that it has been powder coated or galvanized. If it hasn’t has either of the finishes applied, it could potentially rust after just a few years.
Installing a Carport
The majority are polyethylene carports have a steel frame that will be labelled in the instructions. To begin, you would setup the structure and then used the provided hardware to attach the fabric as the top cover. Most portable carports are designed to be easy to assemble and take down.
Steel or aluminum carports will be more heavy duty but still require no special tools. You will need to be able to bolt the floor plates to the ground, which provides the stable and secure qualities.
Many people may build their own carport from wood but we would avoid the hassle. You may save money but it will not be as durable, come with warranties or provide the all weather protection you require.
Additional Components
Most brands will offer a variety of optional add-on items for the carport. Although it’s great to save money, the extras can transform the way you use carports. Some of the recommended additions include:
- Side doors
- Bungee cords
- Foot plates
- Connectors or pegs
- … and much more
Most of these additions are to improve stability, which is needed for windy conditions. Many people like to go further and install bright garage lights to the port to provide lighting during dark or poor weather conditions.
Dimensions
In terms of the dimensions of the carports available, the standard length is usually 20 feet long by 10/12 feet wide. The height really does vary but if you have a lifted truck or RV, its really important to check the height dimensions.
The length is usually more than plenty for the majority of cars. For those that work on their cars, there will be plenty of space for using a car ramp for servicing or taking the wheels off your car whilst remaining dry.
Conclusion
Purchasing a carport canopy can be expensive but they are a worthwhile investment. They provide a secure parking spot for your car that is protected from all weather conditions and falling debris for those that park near trees.
All of our recommendations within this article are suited to a range of budgets and include various designs. We advise that you purchase from a reliable brand that provides lengthy warranties and a durable construction to avoid disappointment.
