How Much Does a Carport Cost in Australia?

Published by ShadeKits | shadekits.com.au

A carport is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. It shields your car from the Australian sun, keeps the hail off, and gives you extra covered space for bikes, tools, or a trailer. The tricky part is figuring out what you should actually be paying — because the price range is wider than most people expect.

Here’s a plain-English breakdown of what Australians are spending on carports in 2026, and the factors that move that number up or down.

What affects the cost of a carport?

Size and style

This one’s straightforward — a single carport for one car costs less than a double or triple bay. But the shape matters too. An L-shape or M-shape cantilever design, where posts sit on one side only, gives you a cleaner, more open look and better driveway access. That engineering comes at a slightly higher price than a basic flat-roof design with posts on both sides, but for most homeowners it’s well worth it.

Material

The two main contenders are aluminium and steel. Aluminium is lightweight, won’t rust, and handles coastal and humid climates well — it’s what ShadeKits carport kits are built from. Steel carports made with Australian Colorbond have a look that blends naturally with most Australian homes and carry manufacturer warranties of up to 25 years. Neither is a bad choice; it comes down to your climate, your home’s existing roofline, and personal preference.

Roof type

A standard flat or skillion roof is the most affordable option. Step up to insulated roof panels and you’re adding roughly $500–$1,500 to the kit price — but in Queensland, WA, or the NT, that extra spend makes the space genuinely usable through summer rather than just a hot tin shed. If you’re in a cooler southern state, standard polycarbonate sheeting does the job just fine.

DIY vs. professional installation

Fitting a DIY kit yourself — or with a handy mate — can save you $2,000 to $5,000 compared to a fully contracted custom build. ShadeKits kits come with clear step-by-step instructions and all the hardware you need, so a competent home handyperson can typically get a single carport up over a weekend. If that’s not your thing, a local handyman or builder can do it for a fraction of what a bespoke installation would cost.

Permits and site prep

Most councils require a permit before you build, especially for an attached carport. Budget $300–$1,200 depending on your local area. If the site needs a concrete slab, factor in an extra $1,500–$3,000. These costs aren’t always top of mind when people are comparing kit prices, but they’re worth knowing upfront.

Rough price guide for 2026

Carport type	DIY kit	Professionally installed
Single (one vehicle)	$2,800 – $5,000	$5,500 – $8,500
Double (two vehicles)	$4,500 – $7,500	$7,000 – $12,500
Insulated/premium	$5,500 – $9,000	$9,000 – $15,000
Triple / custom	POA	$10,000 – $17,000+

Prices vary by state, material, site access, and configuration.

The most affordable way to get a quality carport

If budget matters — and it usually does — a direct-to-door DIY aluminium kit is hard to beat. ShadeKits offers cantilever, L-shape, and double carport kits with polycarbonate roofing, a 7-year frame warranty, and delivery across Australia. You’ll pay significantly less than you would for a comparable custom build through a local contractor.

Get a free quote

Browse the full ShadeKits range at shadekits.com.au and request a free quote based on your size, location, and style preferences. Most orders ship within 2–4 weeks, and the team is happy to help you work out which kit suits your home best.