Metal or Wood Carport? The Advantages and Disadvantages to Both

Carports are an excellent way to keep your vehicles and toys safe from inclement weather without building a garage. They can be constructed out of either metal or wood, depending on the preference of the homeowner. When it comes to comparing the two, however, metal carports offer everything that wood carports do – and a whole lot more. These are the advantages of choosing metal carports Charleston, SC construction over wooden ones.

The durability of metal carports far exceeds wood. Carports made from metal are constructed with galvanized steel that can stand up under high winds and extreme weather conditions. Wood carports are more likely to collapse when put under extreme stress, and because they are flammable, fire is also a concern of wood versus metal construction. Metal carports are also impervious to pests like termites, which are common in the South Carolina region. And they won’t rot or warp. Although some homeowners worry about rust with a metal carport, the finish on galvanized steel carports resists corrosion and is typically guaranteed for a minimum of 20 or more years.

The cost of building a metal carport pales in comparison to a wood carport. It is cheaper from the start because there is less waste when building. Metal carports come prefabricated, so there is no waste. And the small amount that is left over after construction can be recycled, which is a win-win situation for everyone.

Wood carports require staining or painting every season to keep the wood from rotting. That is a lot of maintenance when you compare it to metal. Also, over time, wood carport shingles will need to be repaired or replaced. A metal carport does not require maintenance, and it will hardly ever need to be repaired or have any parts replaced.

Metal carports are pre-assembled so they are ready to be put together upon delivery. They are precisely pre-cut, so all you have to do is piece them together. Most metal carports can be put together in just a couple of hours, whereas wood carports can require the labor of many days to cut and piece together. Unlike wood carports, metal carports need nothing more than a few nuts and bolts to construct, and they also don’t require an extensive skill level if you plan on doing it yourself.

When you compare metal carports to wood carports, metal wins as being the less expensive, less labor-intensive product, and it needs less maintenance. The one place where metal carports don’t always win is in aesthetics. However, metal carports are just a better fit to withstand the high winds and tumultuous storms of the South Carolina Coast! If you are interested in a metal carport, Ravenel Buildings has a wide variety of sizes and styles to choose from. We are the leading metal carports Charleston, SC builders in the industry. Contact us today to discuss how we can get your car under wraps in no time.