According to statistics, 63% of housing units have either a garage or a carport. That’s two-thirds of people with a vehicle shed on their property. Somewhere, it must have crossed your mind to think about creatively using them and making the most out of them.
A carport is a structure that is open from at least two sides. They are pretty open buildings with shade. Being open, there are myriad ways in which you can re-purpose them when not used as a car shelter.
Let’s have a look at how your metal carports are multi-purpose.
1. Livestock shelter
- Small animals like chickens, bunnies, pigs, goats, etc., can be sheltered under a carport.
- Few large animals like cattle or horses can be sheltered, too.
- You can start your small business using chicken coop & sell fresh eggs as well.
- Your furry friends may find a new home as a metal carport. They will have the freedom to move around.
- Metal carports have low upkeep, are easy to clean, and are an excellent choice for keeping small or medium-sized animals.
2. Outdoor Kitchen
Who doesn’t like barbecue? Picture this – an open area with greenery all around and a shade over your head while you showcase your culinary skills to your friends & family. How about that? A metal carport is a great way to be used as an entertainment & lunch area with close ones.
Additionally, steel is a non-combustible material. That makes your carport – fire-resistant. You would be delighted to know that fire-resistant materials have a low insurance premium.
3. Greenhouse
A little green area around your house can make you happier. Studies have shown that real plants can reduce your stress level and increase your productivity. They can be therapeutic. That sounds great! So, how can you use your steel carport as a greenhouse? Let’s see…
- First, decide if you want a cold season crop (carrots, lettuce, peas, spinach, sprouts, etc.) or a warm season crop (potato, tomato, cucumber, watermelon, peppers, etc.).
- The open structure allows plenty of sunlight to come in. You can control the amount of heat & sun by adding or removing panels.
- You can add seeds to the potted soil or ground (in case you have dirt & gravel base) & see them grow.
- Steel carport do not attract pests, insects, etc., so it will protect your plants.
4. Employee/ Public break area
You can provide a shaded outdoor area for your employees at a corporate office or for the general public at a restaurant using a metal carport. A breeze of outdoor air will freshen them up for the work.
Some studies have shown that a 15 minutes outdoor break can improve productivity among employees. A steel carport will be the best option as it costs less, is low maintenance, and has sturdy structures.
5. Outdoor activities
Do you like karaoke nights with your family & pals? A metal carport can act as a stage for your outdoor recreational activities. Be it outdoor dining, birthday parties, wedding parties, or movie nights, you can use your steel carport the way you want.
Be it any kind of celebration, and your carport is there for you with a covered shelter and open space. You can also rent it out for a day and make some bucks.
6. Recreational vehicle cover
Who doesn’t like boating, a long drive in RVs, or maybe kayaking in the nearest water body? A carport can be used to shelter not just your cars but also other recreational sports gear. So, go for it.
7. Patio or deck area
People like having their morning breakfast while soaking in morning sunlight or having an evening cup of coffee with the sun setting. A carport can be used as a deck or a patio area with a top shelter to protect you from rain and too much sun without obstructing the views.
You will enjoy every morning and evening outside your living area, where you can enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer.
8. Picnic area
If you have kids, you know that they like to go out every weekend, which can be an expensive deal. So, an affordable solution would be to use your steel carport as a picnic area and enjoy brunch with them.
You can add some curtains or a hammock to give it a nature like feel to it.
9. Solar panel carport
According to reports, the solar carport market was valued at $533.34 million in 2022 and is expected to rise at a CAGR of 4.7% till 2028. Solar energy is free. Solar panels come with a one-time cost.
Energy bills have started going up, and it does not seem to come down in the near future. So, investing in a solar carport will be cost-effective in the long term. So, you can use your carport roof to generate electricity for your house.
Bonus: You can use various roofing materials for your carport to either stand out or blend it with your property. An aesthetic roof is like a kaleidoscope roof, which will let some light fall in but appear pleasing at the same time.
To Wind Things Up:
As you have seen how functional your metal carports are, now you can confidently go for it. The versatility of s can be seen in many forms. Plus, you can add your very own creative DIY skills to create your own cross functional use of it.
