From Cars to Tools, Carports and Sheds Have You Covered

 

Protecting What Matters: Carports and Sheds Explained

If you’re looking for reliable protection for vehicles and outdoor storage, here’s what you need to know about carports and sheds:

Structure Type	Best For	Installation	Permit Needed?
Metal Carport	Vehicle protection, open storage	Often DIY or included	Sometimes (size dependent)
Storage Shed	Tools, equipment, secure storage	DIY or professional	Usually for sizes >120 sq ft
Carport-Shed Combo	Combined vehicle & tool storage	Professional recommended	Yes in most cases

Carports and sheds provide essential protection for your vehicles and valuable possessions from harsh weather conditions. While carports offer an economical alternative to garages with their open design and straightforward construction, sheds deliver secure, enclosed storage for everything from lawn equipment to seasonal items.

Metal carports are built using industrial-grade steel frames with galvanized roofs, offering impressive wind resistance up to 100 mph and snow load strength up to 35 PSF. They’re available in sizes ranging from compact 10′ x 15′ spaces to expansive 30′ x 80′ structures that can accommodate multiple vehicles, boats, or RVs.

For those seeking the best of both worlds, carport-shed combos provide covered parking alongside secure storage space, starting at around $4,800 for a standard 12′ x 16′ model with a 5-foot enclosed shed section. These practical structures save both space and money compared to building separate facilities.

Understanding Carports and Sheds: Key Differences

When you’re exploring options to protect your vehicles and store your belongings, it helps to understand what makes carports and sheds different from each other. While both structures serve important purposes around your home, they each have their own special qualities.

A carport is basically an open-sided roof designed primarily to shield your vehicles from the weather. Unlike a fully enclosed garage, carports feature that signature open design that allows fresh air to flow freely around your car, truck, or RV. This excellent ventilation is actually a hidden benefit – it helps prevent moisture buildup that can lead to vehicle corrosion, especially in humid areas.

Sheds, on the other hand, are fully enclosed structures that provide secure, weatherproof storage. When you need to lock up valuable tools, equipment, or seasonal items, a shed offers that peace of mind with four walls and a door you can secure. The enclosed nature makes sheds perfect for storing anything you want to keep dry, clean, and safe.

When it comes to footprint and foundation requirements, there are some practical differences too. Carports typically need more ground space to accommodate vehicles, but they often require less substantial foundations. Many carports can be installed on a simple gravel base rather than a full concrete slab, which can save you quite a bit on installation costs.

Carports and sheds can both boost your property’s resale value, though in different ways:

• A well-built carport adds functional vehicle protection without the expense of a full garage
• A quality storage shed provides valuable secure storage space that many homebuyers find attractive

One thing we’ve noticed at Wright’s Shed Co. over our 25+ years in business is that many homeowners in Utah and Idaho start with either a carport or a shed, and then eventually realize they’d benefit from having both.

The open-sided nature of carports makes them an excellent garage alternative for properties with limited space or budget constraints, while still providing essential protection from sun damage, rain, and snow. For many families, this represents the perfect balance of protection and value without the expense of building a full garage.

Over the years, we’ve helped countless customers find the right balance between open vehicle protection and secure storage to match their specific needs and property layout.

Prefab Metal Carport Kits

When it comes to quick, durable vehicle protection, prefab metal carport kits have become increasingly popular across Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska. These structures offer remarkable durability and ease of installation at competitive price points.

Many DIY-minded homeowners enjoy tackling these kits themselves. The components arrive pre-cut and pre-drilled with all hardware included, making assembly straightforward for anyone with basic tools and some mechanical know-how.

Carport-Shed Combos

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of vehicle protection and secure storage, the carport-shed combinations might just be your ideal solution. These clever structures have become popular, combining an open-sided carport with an enclosed storage shed under a single roof design.

What makes these combos so practical is how they eliminate potential leak points that might occur where separate structures join together. The continuous roofline not only improves weather resistance but creates a more attractive appearance that complements your property rather than looking like two structures awkwardly pushed together.

The security benefits are significant too. The enclosed portion provides a place to secure tools and valuable equipment, while still maintaining the convenience of covered parking.

More info about custom shed designs

Portable Storage Sheds

When you need storage solutions without the permanence of traditional construction, portable storage sheds offer remarkable flexibility and convenience. Since 1997, we at Wright’s Shed Co. have been crafting high-quality portable sheds, delivering them ready-to-use across Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Our portable storage sheds come pre-built in our specialized workshops, where our craftsmen ensure every detail meets our exacting standards before your shed ever leaves our facility. We use premium urethane siding that stands up to harsh weather conditions far better than cheaper alternatives. We’re so confident in its durability that it comes with an impressive 50-year warranty – that’s peace of mind you can count on.

Space-savvy homeowners love our built-in loft options, which effectively double your storage capacity. These overhead areas are perfect for those seasonal items that you don’t need regular access to.

Many customers start with simple storage needs but fall in love with our cabin-style designs. With their charming aesthetics and optional features like windows and porches, these structures often evolve beyond mere storage.

Our delivery network is extensive, allowing us to place these structures almost anywhere on your property, provided there’s adequate access. For those tricky spots where pre-built delivery just isn’t possible, we offer build-on-site services, constructing your shed right where you want it.

The beauty of portable sheds is how they help you reclaim your living spaces. From bulky sporting equipment to holiday decorations, having a dedicated home for these items keeps your garage and house decluttered.

The portability aspect provides future flexibility that permanent structures simply can’t match. Planning to move in a few years? Rethinking your yard layout? Unlike fixed structures, these sheds can be relocated with the proper equipment and preparation, making them a truly long-term investment.

Our customers consistently tell us that adding a portable shed has been transformative for their property organization. Whether it’s storing seasonal gear, housing workshop tools, or creating a dedicated space for hobbies, these versatile structures prove their value day after day, year after year.

More info about sheds crafted for you

Pole Barn Style Garages

For those needing substantial covered space for vehicles, equipment, or workshop areas, pole barn style garages offer an economical and versatile solution. At Wright’s Shed Co., we’ve been constructing these practical structures throughout Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska for over two decades.

Pole barn construction, also called post-frame building, uses large posts buried in the ground or anchored to concrete piers to support the roof system. This clever building method creates impressive clear-span interiors without those pesky interior support columns getting in your way. It’s perfect if you need room for farm equipment, multiple vehicles, or that massive RV you’ve been dreaming about.

One of the biggest advantages of pole barns is their large-span capability. While conventional framing typically needs interior supports for anything over 20 feet, our pole barn techniques can create clear spans of 40 feet or more! This unobstructed space gives you maximum flexibility – park your tractor, set up a workshop, or create a multipurpose area without bumping into support posts.

Our rural customers particularly love these structures for farm equipment storage. With generous height clearance and wide entry doors, you can easily shelter combines, tractors, and other agricultural machinery that would never fit in a conventional garage. As one farmer told me, “Finally having all my equipment under one roof has saved me thousands in maintenance costs alone.”

If you’ve been struggling to find affordable space for your vehicles, equipment, or projects, a pole barn style garage might be exactly what you need. They’re practical, versatile, and surprisingly affordable – especially when you consider the decades of use you’ll get from a properly built structure.

Pole Barn Shed Plans

Custom Detached Garages

When standard solutions don’t quite fit your vision, custom detached garages offer the best design flexibility and functionality. At Wright’s Shed Co., we’ve been crafting bespoke garage solutions since 1997, helping homeowners throughout Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska create exactly the structures they dream about.

The beauty of custom detached garages lies in their adaptability. We can tailor every aspect to your specific requirements – from compact single-bay structures to expansive multi-bay buildings with additional workspace. This customization extends to roof styles, exterior finishes, window and door placements, and interior layouts that perfectly suit your lifestyle.

Multiple-bay designs have become increasingly popular among our customers with several vehicles or those wanting dedicated spaces for different purposes. Many families opt for two standard bays for everyday vehicles plus an oversized third bay for a boat, RV, or workshop area. This thoughtful separation creates specialized spaces without compromise.

Loft studios above garages have become a customer favorite. These upper-level spaces transform into home offices, art studios, guest accommodations, or additional storage areas. One client from Salt Lake City told us her garage loft has become “my sanctuary – a quiet place to paint away from the hustle of the main house.”

For customers in heavy snow areas like parts of Utah and Idaho, we pay special attention to snow load engineering. Our custom garages feature reinforced roof systems designed to support the substantial weight of accumulated snow. We might recommend steeper roof pitches to encourage snow shedding or improve structural components to safely bear the load – details that matter when winter arrives in full force.

Insulation options represent another significant advantage of custom construction. We can incorporate various insulation systems to create climate-controlled spaces suitable for year-round use, regardless of outside temperatures. This makes custom garages ideal for workshop areas or for protecting sensitive vehicles from temperature extremes that could otherwise cause damage.

The windows and doors you select play a crucial role in both functionality and curb appeal. Our designs can incorporate specialty options like charming carriage-style garage doors, extra-height doors for RVs, or neat French doors for studio spaces. Similarly, we’ll help you optimize window placement for natural lighting while maintaining security and energy efficiency.

Perhaps most importantly for many homeowners, we ensure your custom detached garage aesthetically matches your main residence. From coordinated rooflines and siding to complementary color schemes and decorative elements, we make sure your new structure looks like it was always part of your property’s original design.

The resale value boost provided by a well-designed custom garage shouldn’t be underestimated. Real estate professionals consistently report that quality detached garages are highly desirable features that significantly improve property values. As one realtor in Boise commented: “A custom Wright’s garage can easily return 80-90% of its cost in added home value, plus it gives sellers a significant marketing advantage in competitive markets.”

When you’re ready to explore the possibilities of a custom detached garage that perfectly suits your needs, our design team is ready to bring your vision to life with the craftsmanship and attention to detail that’s defined Wright’s Shed Co. for over 25 years.

More info about garage builders

Choosing the Right Size of Carports and Sheds

Getting the size right is critical – too small and you’ll wish you’d gone bigger; too large and you might have spent more than necessary. Let me help you think through this important decision.

For carports, start by counting vehicles. A single car needs at least 12 feet of width, while a double carport should be 20 feet or wider. For each additional vehicle, plan on adding about 10 more feet of width. Length-wise, 20 feet accommodates most standard cars and trucks, but measure your specific vehicles to be sure.

Always consider your future needs – this is advice I give every customer.

Your available lot space obviously limits your options. Remember to account for required setbacks from property lines (typically 5-10 feet depending on local codes) when measuring. And don’t forget that the actual footprint extends beyond the roof dimensions due to overhangs and foundation requirements.

Height clearance becomes especially important if you’ll be storing tall vehicles like RVs, boats with towers, or commercial equipment. Standard carport heights range from 7 to 12 feet at the lowest point, but we can customize heights for specific needs. Always account for roof pitch in your clearance calculations.

Comparing Metal vs Wood Carports and Sheds

The material you choose for your carports and sheds dramatically affects their longevity, maintenance needs, and overall ownership experience. Let me walk you through the key differences.

When it comes to durability, metal structures, especially those built with 12-gauge steel frames and 29-gauge roofing, can last 30+ years with minimal attention. Wood structures are certainly durable too, but they demand more regular care to maintain their integrity, particularly in areas with harsh weather conditions.

Maintenance requirements differ substantially between these materials. Metal carports and sheds need little more than occasional cleaning and checking fasteners and seals every so often. Wood structures, however, require repainting or restaining every 3-5 years, plus vigilant monitoring for moisture damage, especially where wood contacts the ground.

Pest resistance is another factor worth considering. Metal structures naturally resist termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying pests. Wood structures, even with pressure treatment, remain somewhat vulnerable to these unwelcome visitors, though modern treatments have greatly improved their resistance.

For fire safety, metal clearly wins. Steel carports and sheds are non-combustible, making them ideal choices in areas with wildfire concerns. Wood structures can be treated with fire-retardant materials but remain more susceptible to fire damage.

Aesthetics often drive material decisions. Wood structures offer that warm, traditional appearance many homeowners prefer, especially in residential settings where matching your home’s character matters. Metal structures provide a more contemporary look, though today’s color options and design features have greatly improved their visual appeal.

Looking at lifetime costs often favors metal despite the higher initial investment. When you factor in reduced maintenance expenses and longer lifespan, metal carports and sheds frequently represent better long-term value.

Installation & Maintenance Guide

Proper installation and ongoing maintenance are crucial for maximizing the lifespan and performance of your carports and sheds. At Wright’s Shed Co., we provide comprehensive guidance to ensure your structure serves you well for decades.

Site preparation is the foundation of a successful installation. The ground should be level within 3-4 inches across the entire footprint of the structure. For carports, a slope of 1-2 inches from front to back can actually be beneficial for water drainage. We recommend removing all vegetation and topsoil from the site, then adding a layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone to create a stable base.

Leveling techniques vary depending on the terrain. For minor variations, adding or removing gravel may be sufficient. For more significant slopes, retaining walls or terracing might be necessary. As one customer from mountainous Utah shared:

Anchoring methods differ based on the foundation type:

• For concrete slabs, concrete anchors provide the most secure attachment
• For asphalt surfaces, rebar anchors driven at an angle offer good stability
• For ground installations, auger anchors or concrete footings are recommended

Assembly time varies by structure type and size. A typical 12’x20′ metal carport can be assembled in 4-6 hours with two people. Larger structures or those with enclosed sections naturally require more time. DIY installation is feasible for many homeowners with basic tools and mechanical aptitude, though professional installation ensures proper assembly and often comes with additional warranty protection.

Essential tools for installation include:

• Tape measure and level
• Power drill with appropriate bits
• Socket set and wrenches
• Ladder
• Mallet or hammer
• Safety equipment (gloves, eye protection)

Rust prevention is critical for metal structures. All metal components should be checked periodically for scratches or damage to the protective coating. Any exposed metal should be promptly treated with appropriate touch-up paint. For structures in coastal areas, where salt air accelerates corrosion, more frequent inspections are advisable.

Regular roof inspections help catch potential issues before they become serious problems. Check for loose fasteners, damaged panels, or signs of water intrusion at least twice yearly and after severe weather events. Tightening loose screws and replacing damaged seals promptly can prevent more extensive damage.

Repainting may occasionally be necessary for both metal and wood structures. For metal carports and sheds, this is typically only needed if the original finish becomes damaged. Wood structures require more frequent refinishing to maintain their appearance and weather resistance.

Snow removal precautions are particularly important in our Utah and Idaho service areas. While properly engineered structures can handle specified snow loads, it’s still advisable to remove excessive accumulation, particularly if it becomes unbalanced. Use a roof rake with a plastic edge to avoid damaging roofing materials.

Annual maintenance tasks for carports and sheds include:

• Cleaning gutters and downspouts
• Checking and tightening all fasteners
• Inspecting for signs of pest activity
• Lubricating door hinges and tracks
• Cleaning exterior surfaces to remove dirt and debris
• Checking foundation for signs of shifting or erosion
• Trimming vegetation away from the structure

As one long-time customer from Iowa advised: “The hour or two I spend each spring maintaining my Wright’s shed has kept it looking and functioning like new for over a decade. It’s the best investment in time I make all year.”

More info about custom or pre-built choice

Permits, Codes & Regulations

Navigating the maze of regulations for carports and sheds can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’ve been helping customers through this process for over 25 years at Wright’s Shed Co. Let me walk you through what you need to know across our service areas in Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Good news! Many smaller structures qualify as “exempt development” in numerous jurisdictions. This means if your carport or shed falls under specific size thresholds (typically between 120-200 square feet), you might not need a full building permit. These structures are usually classified as Class 10a buildings under most building codes – essentially non-habitable structures that face less stringent requirements than living spaces.

Height restrictions are something we see in almost every residential area. Most local codes limit exempt carports to a maximum height of about 10 feet above ground level. If you’re dreaming of something taller, you’ll likely need standard building permits and might face additional problems.

These setback requirements – the minimum distance your structure must be from property lines – vary widely between locations but typically include:

• Front boundary setbacks of 16-20 feet behind the building line
• Side boundary setbacks between 3-16 feet depending on your zone
• Rear boundary setbacks usually between 1.5-5 feet

If you live in a bushfire-prone area, you’ll face special requirements. Structures within 5 meters of a dwelling in these zones typically must use non-combustible materials, which often makes metal carports the only practical choice.

Regional variations can be striking. For example, the Northern Territory in Australia (while outside our service area) demonstrates how specific local rules can be – carports always require building approval there, while garden sheds may be exempt if they meet precise size and placement criteria.

Engineer certifications have become increasingly common requirements, even for relatively simple structures. These documents verify that your design meets local wind and snow load requirements. Rest assured, all Wright’s Shed Co. structures come with engineering documentation suitable for permit applications.

One often overlooked aspect is stormwater drainage. Most jurisdictions require roof water to be directed into an existing stormwater system rather than flowing onto neighboring properties. This might mean adding gutters, downspouts, and proper drainage connections to your project.

The typical permitting journey involves checking local zoning regulations, preparing site plans showing your structure’s location, submitting structural plans with engineering certifications, paying the applicable fees, and scheduling any required inspections.

While it might be tempting to skip permits for smaller structures (we’ve heard all the justifications!), unpermitted buildings can create serious headaches when selling your property or making insurance claims down the road. We always recommend starting with a call to your local building authority early in your planning process.

At Wright’s Shed Co., we’ve helped thousands of customers steer these regulatory waters since 1997. We’re happy to share our experience and provide the documentation you’ll need for a smooth approval process.

Carports and garages – Rules PDF

Building a garden shed approval guide

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Carports and Sheds

Can I install carports and sheds myself?

Many of our customers at Wright’s Shed Co. ask if DIY installation is possible. The short answer is yes – with some important considerations.

Metal carport kits are designed to be relatively straightforward. The components arrive pre-cut and pre-drilled with all hardware included. Two people with basic tools can typically assemble a standard 12’x20′ carport in about 4-6 hours.

Shed installation tends to be more involved. While the instructions are detailed, you’ll need more precision and time – often 1-3 days depending on the size and features you’ve chosen. The satisfaction of building it yourself can be rewarding.

For either project, you’ll need basic tools like a tape measure, level, power drill, socket set, ladder, and appropriate safety equipment. The most critical step is proper site preparation – getting that foundation level and secure is essential for the long-term stability of your structure.

While DIY is certainly an option, we include professional installation with most of our products within our standard service areas. Our experienced teams can typically complete in hours what might take a weekend for most homeowners, and their work is covered by our warranty program.

Do I need a permit for carports and sheds?

The permit question is one we hear almost daily at Wright’s Shed Co., and the answer depends on several factors – primarily your location and the size of your structure.

In many areas, smaller structures (typically under 120-200 square feet) qualify as “exempt development” and don’t require formal building permits. However, even these exempt structures usually need to comply with setback requirements, height limitations, and other local zoning regulations.

Several factors typically trigger permit requirements, including structures exceeding local size thresholds, heights over local limits (often 10-12 feet), electrical or plumbing installations, concrete foundations, special zoning considerations, or attachment to existing structures.

Even when building permits aren’t required, you might need other approvals – like HOA authorization, driveway permits for new access points, or stormwater management documentation. We recommend checking with your local building department early in the planning process.

At Wright’s Shed Co., we help steer these requirements by providing engineered plans and specifications suitable for submission to local authorities. While it might be tempting to skip permitting to save time or money, unpermitted structures can create headaches when selling your property or filing insurance claims. The peace of mind from doing things properly is invaluable.

Protect What Matters Most with Wright’s Shed Co. Carports and Sheds Solutions

Throughout this comprehensive guide to carports and sheds, we’ve explored the remarkable versatility, practical benefits, and diverse options available for protecting your vehicles and valuables. From basic metal carports to expansive custom detached garages, these structures offer solutions for virtually every storage and protection need.

The benefits of investing in quality carports and sheds go far beyond simply having a place to store your stuff. These structures actually preserve the things you value by shielding them from harsh weather that would otherwise damage finishes and shorten equipment life. As many of our customers have finded, having dedicated outdoor storage also dramatically reduces household clutter, improving both the appearance and functionality of your property.

Since 1997, we at Wright’s Shed Co. have been crafting superior storage solutions across Utah, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska. Our commitment isn’t just to building structures, but to creating lasting value for our customers.

We stand behind our craftsmanship with warranties up to 50 years on select materials and construction elements. This isn’t marketing hype—it reflects our genuine confidence in the lasting quality of our work.

Ready to protect what matters with a quality carport or shed? Contact us today to discuss your needs, request a custom quote, or schedule a visit to one of our display locations across Utah, Idaho, Iowa, or Nebraska. Your perfect storage solution is just a conversation away.

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