The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Carport Kit for Australia

The ultimate guide to choosing the right carport kit for Australia should answer all your questions about the right carport kit for you. If you are looking for a carport kit to protect your vehicle from Australia’s relentless sun, hailstorms, and random downpours a carport is an excellent choice. It's one of those purchases that makes sense, provided you pick the right one. But not all carport kits are created equal, and the last thing you want is to spend money on a poorly designed kit that doesn’t fit your needs or falls apart after one windy season.

Here’s a no-nonsense guide to help you cut through the marketing fluff and get the right carport kit for your Aussie home.

1. Carport Size Matters – Know What You Need Before You Buy

First things first: measure your vehicle. A standard single carport usually measures around 3.0m (width) x 5.4–6.0m (length) in Australia. That sounds straightforward, but modern vehicles—think SUVs, Utes, or those with roof racks and accessories—often need more wiggle room.

If you try to squeeze a big Ute into a tiny carport, you’ll regret it. Go a bit bigger than you think you need. In fact, for the little more involved, design a carport that fits most of the available area. You’ll not regret the additional covered area.

Plan ahead: Do you want space for bicycles, a workbench, or some storage on the side? A bigger carport, a 6m x 6m double version or much larger, could be the smarter (and more practical) choice.

2. Material and Carport Roof Style — Pick What Suits Your Climate and Lifestyle

Common materials are steel or sometimes aluminium or wood. Steel should always be your preference for durability and minimal maintenance.

When it comes to roofs, pick a roof style based on your local weather and preferences:

1.      Gable roofs: Allow good water runoff and airflow but can cost more.

2.      Hip roofs: More stable in high winds but slightly more complex to construct.

3.      Flat roofs: Cheaper and simpler but might struggle with heavy rainfall or leaf build-up.

4.      Dutch Gable roofs: A classy choice that blends with many Australian Homes

Look for kits specifically designed for Australia’s harsh conditions. Don’t just take the manufacturer’s word for it—check customer reviews for real-world performance against sun, rain, and storms.

3. Don’t Skip This Step: Check Your Local Council Rules

If you think you can just slap a carport kit on your block without asking, think again. In Australia, permits or council approval are usually required.

Why? Because councils want to make sure your carport:

1.      Isn’t a safety hazard,

2.      Meets building codes, and

3.      Doesn’t interfere with neighbours or local infrastructure.

Before you buy, give your local council a call or check their website. Getting this sorted early saves you the hassle (and potential fines) later.

4. Picking the Right Kit Carport and Installation Method

Off-the-Shelf Carport Kit vs. Custom Build

Off-the-shelf Carport kits tend to be cheaper than custom-built versions. They come with pre-cut materials and instructions, which sounds great — but don’t expect every kit to be beginner-friendly. Poor instructions or unclear component quality can turn an easy build into a nightmare.

Off-the-shelf carport kits are only available in standard single flat roof, or double flat roof. The Budget range of carports also offers a single Gable and double gable. These can NOT be modified, so if you need a greater clearance than 2.4m or slightly larger, then opt for a custom design. The

a link to YouTube to view if you are not sure.

Cost of a Carport - The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Carport Kit for Australia

a)      Budget Carports

The cheapest option is an off-the-shelf Budget Carport. These are limited in quality and durability. The Lysaght off-the-shelf carports, made from Australian Steel are a more attractive and more durable option.

b)     Lysaght Carport

Lysaght (BlueScope Steel), offers a single and double carport range. Car Covers and Shelter offer a guaranteed lowest price delivered cost on the Lysaght carports.

c)      Professional Choice Carports – Custom Made Carports

These are simply the best quality, most durable carports available in Australia. Prices for Hip roof and Dutch Gable are unbeatable. The Skillion and gable carports are also extremely well-priced, and all can be made strong enough to support the weight of solar panels on the roof.

Installation Method

Check how the kit is meant to be installed:

1.      Concrete slab anchoring is common and provides solid stability. (Not available in cyclonic regions).

2.      Most kits require concrete footings for posts, which means more prep work.

Make sure your site suits the kit’s installation requirements because trying to patch it up later isn’t fun or cheap.

Customisation Options

Off-the-shelf carports come with Australian Standard certification. Any changes to what you buy will void the certification and your warranty.

Choose a custom-made kit that may allow tweak features but tell the design experts when ordering that you intend adding walls, solar panels, or roller doors as the carport must be made stronger to accommodate such changes.

 

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Carport Kit for Australia, Summary

Selecting the right carport kit boils down to balancing vehicle size, the area of your yard you have available, material durability, local regulations, and your installation capabilities.

If you’re after a quick, cost-effective shelter and live in a mild climate, a smaller off-the-shelf carport kit with a simple roof might do the trick. But if you want longevity, weather resilience, and potential versatility, don’t shy away from investing a bit more—especially considering how brutal Australia’s weather can be.

Practical Checklist Before You Buy:

1.      Measured your vehicle and planned extra space.

2.      Decided between metal or wood based on durability and maintenance.

3.      Pick a roof style that suits your home.

4.      Check with local council rules and arranged permits if necessary.

5.      Confirmed installation requirements (slab vs. footings).

Choosing the right carport kit isn’t rocket science, but it does take some thought. Skip the impulse buy, do your homework, and protect your vehicle the smart way.

Ready to explore reliable carport kits built for Aussie conditions? Check out our selection and get peace of mind for your next vehicle shelter.