What's the Difference Between a Carport and a Garage?
The main difference is that a garage is a fully enclosed structure with four walls, a roof, and a door, while a carport is a covered structure with at least two open sides. This fundamental difference impacts several key factors:
Protection & Security:
- Garages offer complete weatherproofing and superior security with lockable doors
- Carports provide excellent weather protection but have open sides for ventilation
Cost & Construction Time:
- Carports are generally more affordable, costing 40-60% less than garages
- Carport installation typically takes 1-3 days versus weeks for garage construction
Versatility & Use:
- Carports offer flexible multi-purpose space for vehicles, storage, and outdoor entertaining
- Garages maximise security but limit accessibility and airflow
Carport Materials: Steel vs Timber Construction
Steel Frame Carports: Durability and Low Maintenance
Steel’s the workhorse of carport construction in Canberra. It doesn’t burn, termites won’t touch it, and maintenance is basically non-existent. Steel frames handle our wind loads without issue and meet all bushfire attack level requirements. The main drawback is the industrial look.
Timber Frame Carports: Natural Aesthetics and Warmth
Timber adds natural warmth and character that suits certain home styles perfectly. It ages and weathers with personality. However, timber needs regular maintenance in Canberra’s climate – treating every few years to protect against weather and insects. Factor those ongoing costs into your decision.
Roofing Material Options
Colorbond steel is our most popular choice – it handles hail well, lasts 30+ years, and comes in colours to match any house. Polycarbonate panels let natural light through but get loud during hail. Insulated panels reduce both heat transfer and noise during storms.
Material Selection for Canberra’s Climate
Canberra’s UV is intense, temperature swings are extreme, and hail’s a real threat. We only use materials with proper UV stabilisation and hail impact ratings. Steel frames and Colorbond roofing easily meet all BAL requirements. Your carport needs to handle 40+ degree temperature swings between seasons.
Professional Carport Construction in Canberra
Why Canberra Homes Need Quality Carports
Last November, we got a call from a homeowner in Red Hill whose three-year-old Mazda had just copped $8,000 worth of hail damage. She’d been meaning to build a carport for two years but kept putting it off. That one storm cost her more than what a quality carport would’ve run.
Canberra’s hail season runs from October through March, and the Insurance Council of Australia reports that ACT hailstorms cause over $100 million in vehicle damage annually. But hail’s only part of the story. Our UV index regularly hits extreme levels, cracking dashboards and destroying interior upholstery. Then there’s the temperature swings – scraping ice in the morning and returning to a 50-degree interior by afternoon puts serious stress on every vehicle component.
Our Carport Construction Process
Step 1: Free Consultation and Site Visit: We come out to your place at no charge to walk your property, discuss your needs, and answer questions about materials and designs.
Step 2: Custom Design and Quote: You’ll get a detailed design and a clear quote that breaks down costs with no surprises or hidden fees included in the price.
Step 3: Council Approvals: We handle all paperwork and council submissions, managing exempt development rules and DA requirements when approval is actually needed for your project.
Step 4: Professional Installation: Our experienced crews complete installation in 1-3 days, keeping the site clean and working efficiently until everything’s done exactly right for you.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Warranty: We do a thorough inspection with you, hand over all documentation, and provide workmanship warranty coverage that protects your investment for years.
Local Expertise and ACT Compliance
We’ve been building carports in Canberra long enough to know what works and what doesn’t. Our team knows ACT’s building codes, bushfire attack level requirements, and which materials hold up to our extreme UV levels. We’ve built relationships with local suppliers, which means better materials at better prices. When you work with Decking Canberra for your carport installation, you’re working with people who live here, build here, and stand behind their work. We’re your neighbours, and our reputation depends on doing right by every customer.
ACT Council Approvals and Building Compliance
When You Need Council Approval for a Carport: Most single carports under 42 square meters don’t need approval if they meet setback and height requirements. We’ll assess your situation.
ACT Building Code Requirements: Your carport must meet wind load calculations, structural standards, drainage requirements, and height caps of 3.6 meters. We handle all engineering documentation.
Setback Regulations and Boundary Rules: Carports need 1.5 meters from side boundaries and 6 meters from front boundaries, typically. Corner blocks have different rules; we’ll explain.
Our Compliance Management Service: We handle engineering plans, council submissions, and planner questions from start to finish. When approvals are needed, we manage the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carports in Canberra
Single carports typically start around $4,000-$12,000, while double carports range from $10,000-$25,000 depending on size, materials, and features. We provide detailed quotes after assessing your property. Custom designs with storage, electrical work, or premium materials cost more. We’ll work with your budget to find the right solution.
Most single carports under 42 square meters don’t need council approval if they meet setback and height requirements. Larger carports or those close to boundaries usually require development applications. We assess your property during consultation and handle all council paperwork if approvals are needed. It’s included in our service.
We typically complete carport installation in 1-3 days, depending on size and complexity. Single carports often take just one day. Double or custom carports with electrical work take 2-3 days. Weather can affect timing, but we’ll give you an accurate schedule before we start. We keep disruptions to your property to a minimum.
Yes, a properly built carport provides excellent hail protection. We use Colorbond steel roofing rated for impact resistance. Canberra gets severe hailstorms that cause thousands of dollars in vehicle damage annually. A carport pays for itself quickly when you avoid panel repairs, windscreen replacement, and insurance claims from hail events.
We recommend steel frames for most Canberra properties. Steel doesn’t burn, resists termites, needs zero maintenance, and meets all bushfire requirements. Timber looks great, but it needs regular treatment and costs more in the long term. Steel handles our extreme weather better and lasts 40+ years. We’ll discuss both options during your consultation.
Get Your Free Carport Quote Today
Ready to protect your vehicle from Canberra’s extreme weather? We’ll come out to your property, assess your space, and provide a detailed quote with no obligation. Our team handles everything – design, council approvals, and professional installation.
Call us now or fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation.
Phone: 02 6130 0765
Email: info@deckingcanberra.com
Service Areas: We service all Canberra suburbs, including Forrest, Red Hill, O’Malley, Deakin, and surrounding ACT areas.
