A car parked outside is exposed to rain, snow, UV radiation, and hail. All this reduces the car’s life and increases the need for maintenance. If you do not want to invest into an expensive garage, a carport by the house is an elegant compromise. What variants are there, what are their advantages, and how much do they cost?
What Types of Carports Exist?
When choosing a carport, it is worth focusing especially on the structure and material, as they are vital for the durability, lifespan, and appearance of the building.
Wood
Classic wooden carports easily fit with traditional houses and have a natural appeal. But they require regular maintenance like coating and weatherproofing.
Metal
Metallic pergolas or carports made of steel sections (primarily steel bars and square tubes) are among the sturdiest solutions. In everyday terminology, they are usually called “metal pergolas”, yet in fact, these are always robust steel structures with surface treatment (galvanised, powder-coated) to withstand adverse weather and winter loads. Their design is rather technical, and therefore they are more suitable for modern buildings or industrial settings.
Aluminium
Aluminium pergolas with slats and pergolas with polycarbonate roofs are becoming an increasingly popular option. They are maintenance-free, sturdy, and visually attractive. Thanks to their robust structure, you can use them as an elegant alternative to the classic carport.
Their great advantage is the possibility to add to them aluminium side roller shutters, fixed slat filling, or integrated lighting. Thanks to this, they will not only protect your car, but also become an architectural element that goes with the house and garden.
Tarpaulin and temporary variants
If you are looking for a “quick and low-cost” solution, you can choose to install a tarpaulin structure or build the carport yourself. You can erect it fast and at minimum costs, but shorter lifespan and lower durability must be expected. It is therefore more of a temporary solution, and it is worth investing into a more stable structure in the long term.
Location and Capacity
A carport or a pergola can be customised not only in terms of materials, but also the method of installation:
- Free-standing structure – ideal if your plot is sufficiently large and you want the carport to function as a solitary element.
- Carport attached to a wall – a practical solution that saves space and acts as a natural continuation of the façade.
- Extended pergola – if your plot layout allows, it can be designed wider and used for two cars, or you can only use one parking place and use the other as a storage space.
Brief Overview of Carports
The prices vary depending on the material, size, and accessories.
| Type of carport | Indicative price * | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Tarpaulin / cheap structures | CZK 8,000–12,000 | + Lowest price, easy and fast installation. − Short lifespan, low durability, more of a makeshift solution. |
| Wooden carport | CZK 16,000–50,000 | + Natural look, goes well with traditional houses. − Requires regular maintenance (coating, weatherproofing). |
| Wooden carport for 2 cars/with a storage space | CZK 35,000–90,000 | + More space, possibility to use as a storage. − Higher purchase price, maintenance required. |
| Metallic structure (pergola made of steel bars and square tubes) | CZK 22,000–45,000 | + Robust, sturdy, fit with modern buildings. − Technical look, may look “industrial”. |
| Extended metallic structure for 2 cars/with a storage space | CZK 35,000–85,000 | + Robust solution for multiple cars. − More demanding installation, higher price. |
| Aluminium / modern structure | CZK 50,000–120,000 | + Maintenance-free, elegant design, possibility to add accessories. − Higher costs compared to wood/steel. |
| Extended aluminium structure for 2 cars/with a storage space | CZK 120,000–150000+ | + Premium, long-life solution. − Higher price, more complicated installation. |
| Isotra aluminium pergola | from CZK 100,000 | + Premium quality, variable accessories (aluminium shutters, panels, lighting), an aesthetic elements. − Higher costs compared to basic shelters. Check out the Isotra portfolio |
*The prices are indicative only and may differ per size and accessories
Do You Need a Building Permit?
A frequent question concerns the building permit process – i.e., if a building permit must be obtained to build a carport. It depends on the size and location of the structure as well as the municipal regulations. In general, small structures up to 25 m² can usually be erected without a building permit, but we recommend checking the specific conditions with the building authority.
Carport as a Shelter: An Elegant Alternative for Long-Term Use
Each carport type has its pros – from the cheap tarpaulin structures to the solid wooden or metallic variants. But if you are looking for a solution that combines car protection with long-term useful life and aesthetic appeal, it is worth considering an aluminium pergola. The higher purchase price will be outweighed by zero maintenance, variability, and the possibility to add aluminium shutters, fixed panels and integrated lighting.
A bioclimatic pergola with tilting slats, allowing regulation of light and air circulation, may be an interesting choice for more demanding users. This pergola can therefore be used not just as a modern carport, but also as a nicely shaded and protected terrace.
Take inspiration in the Isotra pergolas portfolio and choose a solution that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a building permit required for shelters by the house?
A notification of intent is usually sufficient for small constructions up to 25 m², but it always depends on local conditions and municipal regulations. We recommend checking it with the building authority.
What is the lifespan of carports depending on the material?
Tarpaulin structures will only last a few years, the wooden ones require regular maintenance, while aluminium pergolas have a lifespan of dozens of years without major interventions.
Is it worth investing into a pergola instead of a cheaper shelter?
Yes, if you are looking for a long-term solution. A pergola is more durable, maintenance-free, and fits aesthetically with the house – it is therefore not only a practical, but also design element.
May a pergola be used for purposes other than parking a car?
Definitely. You can use the same structure for shading a terrace or garden seating. A pergola is a universal solution that can be customised to your needs.
How big of a carport do I need for my car?
A standard parking space measures approx. 3 × 5 m. If you have an SUV or a larger car, we recommend choosing a larger structure or a two-car garage, which will provide a reserve for the future.
