Carports

Buying guide for carports

Carport styles & types for NZ homes

Carports are available in various designs to suit a wide range of properties and outdoor spaces.

Carport body styles

Single and double carports: A single carport accommodates one vehicle and is suitable for tighter driveways. A double gives you room for two cars, or one car plus bikes, a trailer, or storage along the side.

Free-standing carports: Standalone structures ideal for long or shared driveways, sloped sections, or when you want to position the shelter exactly where you park your vehicle.

Cantilever carports: Designed with posts on one side only, leaving the other three sides open. This allows easier access and parking, especially in narrow spaces. Creates a clean, modern look with less visual clutter.

Carport roof styles

Gable: A classic choice that suits most home styles and handles rain runoff well, ideal for wetter regions.

Skillion: Designed to slope in one direction, making them useful when you need to control water runoff away from paths, doors, or neighbouring boundaries.

Flat: Offers a clean, modern look but requires proper drainage planning, especially in areas with heavy rainfall.

Carport specifications & features

Specification	Typical Value / Filter Option	Why It Matters
Size (W × L)	2.6-6.0 m × 5.0-10.8 m	Needs to fit your vehicle, plus door swing room, and any extras such as bikes, trailers, or storage.
Frame material	Galvanised steel, aluminium, treated timber	Affects strength, corrosion resistance, and how much maintenance you will do long-term.
Roof type	Sloped, pitched, curved; polycarbonate or metal roofing	Drives rain runoff, UV protection, light levels, and how hot the space feels in summer.
Wind & load rating	Up to ~120 km/h / 160 kg/m² (varies by model)	Helpful for exposed sites, coastal areas, and places with heavier weather.
Finish & colour	Powder-coated steel, neutral tones, timber left natural or stained	Protects against rust and matches house exterior.

Quality carport materials built for NZ weather

NZ weather can be hard on anything left outside, so the materials you choose make a difference over time:

Galvanised steel is a popular option because it withstands sun, wind, and rain without requiring much maintenance.

Aluminium is lighter and naturally corrosion-resistant, providing a good fit for coastal areas or modern-looking installations.

Treated timber can look great with older or character homes, but it does need a bit more upkeep, including sealing or re-coating, to keep it in good shape.

Sloped or pitched roofs tend to handle rain more reliably, while polycarbonate carport canopies keep the space light and provide UV protection.

Carport installation & care tips

Carport kitsets are designed for DIY installation. Whether you’re fixing to concrete or securing in the ground, using the right anchors and following the manufacturer’s guidance helps keep everything solid when the wind picks up, especially in exposed or coastal areas.

Smaller single-carport structures are often manageable with two people and a weekend, while larger spans, double-carport structures, and timber structures may require additional hands and more planning. Heavier components, such as beams and roof panels, are much easier and safer to handle with proper lifting supports.

Once your permanent or temporary carport is in place, maintenance is minimal. Occasional washdowns help remove dirt and salt. Keeping roof panels clean ensures rain sheds properly. Timber carports benefit from regular sealing or staining to protect the wood and maintain its appearance over time.

What our customers say

Carport 5.2m x 6.0m Ironsand

“Awesome purchase. So happy with this carport. Good value for money.”

Palram Verona Carport 3.0m x 5.0m

“Easy to assemble, sturdy, nice tidy finish and colour, once concrete was set, it was up in a day!”

Palram Cantilever Carport Arizona Wave 2.9m x 5.0m

“Good quality product that went up easily. Looks great!”

Frequently asked questions

What carport sizes are available?

Trade Tested’s high-quality fixed and portable carports are available in single and double-designs, plus longer options for trailers, boats, caravans, and RVs. Sizes range from approximately 2.6m wide to 6m+ wide and 10m+ long, depending on the model.

Can I attach a carport to my home?

Trade Tested’s carport kits for sale are freestanding structures that are installed independently of the house.

Which carport materials are best for NZ weather?

For low-fuss durability, galvanised steel and powder-coated aluminium are hard to beat. If you want a bright, sheltered feel, polycarbonate roofing performs well and offers strong UV protection.

How long does carport installation take?

You can install most of our carport kitsets over a weekend. Larger car shelters and timber builds take longer, especially if you’re pouring footings, adding gutters, or working around site levels.

Do I need council consent for a carport?

Council consent requirements depend on carport size, location on your section, and local rules. If your carport is large, close to boundaries, or you’re attaching it to a dwelling, you may need consent; contact your council for more information.

How do I maintain my carport?

Wash off grime, check anchors/fasteners occasionally, clear gutters if fitted, and recoat timber when needed.

Why buy carports from Trade Tested?

Browse our range of carport kitsets for sale online or contact us to learn more. With clear specs, nationwide delivery, and expert support, it’s easy to choose the right fit for your driveway.

Our Complete Carport Range in our Sheds & Carports Section

Double

Single