The right carport protects your car from Perth's harsh sun, keeps winter rain off your vehicles and lifts the street appeal of your home. With a huge range of options available, understanding the different types of carports makes it much easier to choose a structure that suits your block, your budget and the way you live.
At Great Aussie Patios, we’ve designed and installed carports across Perth for more than 25 years. In this guide, we walk you through the main types of carports, from single and double carports to the different styles of carports defined by their roof style, so you can find the ideal solution for your property.
Single and Double Carports: Choosing the Right Size
Before you look at roof style or materials, the first decision most people make is how many vehicles the carport needs to cover. Size affects everything from cost to council approval, so it pays to get the width right from the start.
Single Carports
A single carport is designed to cover one car, ute or small truck. A single carport is around 3 metres wide, though we often recommend going a little wider if you have a larger vehicle so you can open doors comfortably and walk around it.
Single carports are a cost-effective choice for:
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Narrow blocks, townhouses and smaller properties where yard space is limited
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Households with one vehicle, or a second car that needs its own cover
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Covering a caravan, trailer or boat beside the house
Double Carports
A double carport covers two vehicles side by side and has a standard width of around 5.4 to 6 metres, with a similar depth. It’s the most popular choice for family homes in Perth because it gives you room for two cars plus a little extra space for bins, bikes or additional storage.
Double carports also make excellent multipurpose structures. On weekends, you can move the cars out and use the covered area for a backyard BBQ, a kids' party or a workshop. If you have a larger vehicle or a truck, we can increase the height and width to suit.
Think about how many vehicles you own now and what you may own in five years. Most people find that the extra space of a double carport adds more everyday value than the small difference in cost, and it can lift your property value at the same time.
Freestanding Carport vs Attached Carport
Once you know the size, the next question is whether the carport will stand on its own or connect to your house. Both are popular features of modern Perth homes, and the best choice depends on your block layout and how you want the structure to look.
Freestanding Carport
A freestanding carport is supported entirely by its own posts, with no connection to the house. It can be installed almost anywhere on your property, such as at the end of a long driveway, beside a shed or in the back corner of the yard.
Benefits of a freestanding carport include:
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Flexibility to position it wherever access and space allow
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No need to tie into your existing roofline or gutters
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A great option for covering caravans, boats and a second vehicle away from the house
Attached Carport
An attached carport connects to the side or front of your house, using the home's wall or fascia for extra support on one side. This creates a seamless link between the car and the front door, so you can unload groceries and get the kids inside while staying out of the rain.
An attached carport is often the most space-efficient option for suburban blocks. When we match the roof style and colour to your home, it blends in as a natural extension of the house and improves the overall look from the street.
Different Types of Carports by Roof Style
The roof is what gives each carport its character. The roof style shapes the appearance, the headroom, the cost and how well the structure handles wind, rain and sun.
Flat Roof Carports
Flat roof carports are the simplest and most cost-effective of all roof carports. Despite the name, a flat roof is never completely flat. It has a gentle fall of a few degrees so rain drains into the gutter rather than pooling on top.
A flat roof suits modern homes with clean lines, and it is easy to attach under existing eaves. It is also quick to build, which keeps installation costs down. The trade-off is less headroom and less airflow than a pitched roof, so it may not be the best fit for tall vehicles like a truck or caravan.
Skillion Roof Carports
A skillion carport has a single sloping surface that runs from a higher side to a lower side. Think of it as a flat roof with a more noticeable pitch. That angle provides efficient water runoff and helps leaves and debris slide off rather than build up.
Skillion roofs deliver a sharp, contemporary aesthetic that pairs well with modern and architectural homes. You can angle the high side towards the street for a striking front elevation, or towards the house to let in more natural light.
Gable Roof Carports
A gable roof is a classic pitched roof with two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, forming a triangle at each end. Gable roof carports offer plenty of headroom, excellent airflow and a spacious, open feel underneath.
The raised centre lets hot air rise and escape, which helps keep your car cooler in a Perth summer. The steep pitch also sheds heavy rain quickly, and in colder alpine regions of Australia it helps snow slide off the roof. The triangular gable end can be left open, or infilled with a feature panel to match your home. Gable carports have a timeless appeal and suit everything from heritage cottages to new builds.
Dutch Gable Roof Carports
A dutch gable combines a hip roof and a gable roof. The lower section slopes down on all sides like a hip roof, while a small gable sits on top near the ridge. The result is an elegant, layered look that adds real character to the front of a home.
Dutch gable carports are an excellent way to match the roofline of many Australian homes, especially where the house itself has a dutch gable. Because the design is more complex, it usually costs a little more than a standard gable, but the gain in street appeal is often worth it.
Hip Roof Carports
A hip roof carport has sloping sides on all four faces, with no vertical gable ends. Hip roof designs are low profile and very stable, because the slopes brace one another. That makes a hip roof carport a strong choice for areas exposed to wind and harsh weather conditions.
Many Perth homes already have hipped roofs, so a hip roof carport can sit comfortably beside or in front of the house as though it was always there. It is a refined, traditional option that protects your vehicles from the elements on every side.
Flyover Carports
A flyover carport is attached to the house but raised above the existing gutter line on brackets, so the new roof 'flies over' your current roof. This lifts the height of the carport, improves airflow and lets more light into the home.
Flyovers are a smart solution where the existing eaves are too low for a standard attached carport, or where you want the extra height for a ute, truck or caravan. They can be built with a flat, skillion or gable roof.
Cantilever Carports
A cantilever carport is supported by posts on one side only, with the roof extending out over the vehicle without front posts. With no posts in the way, you get a clear, open entry that makes parking easy and leaves maximum space for opening doors.
Cantilever carports need extra support in the form of heavier steel posts and engineered footings, so they generally cost more than a standard design. We engineer our cantilever carports to a maximum span of 2.5 metres so they meet local structural requirements and stand up to Perth’s conditions.
Every block is different, which is why we also specialise in custom carport designs. Whether you need an unusual width, extra height for a truck or caravan, or a roof style that matches your home exactly, a custom carport ensures the structure fits your property and your lifestyle.
Carport Council Regulations in Perth
In Western Australia, most carports need a building permit from your local council before they can be built. Council regulations can cover the size and height of the structure, how close it sits to boundaries, setbacks from the street and whether the design suits the streetscape.
Requirements vary from one local council to the next, and a front carport is often assessed more closely than one at the side or rear of the house. Getting this right from the start avoids costly delays or changes later.
The good news is that you do not need to navigate the paperwork alone. We help with council and shire approvals for our customers as part of the process, drawing on more than two decades of experience with Perth councils.
How to Choose Between the Different Types of Carports
With so many different carports to choose from, it helps to narrow your options with a few simple questions:
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How many vehicles do you need to cover, and how tall are they?
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Will the carport be attached to the house or freestanding?
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Which roof style best matches your home and the look you want from the street?
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Do you need extra storage space or a covered area for entertaining?
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What is your budget, and which materials will give you the best long-term value?
Find the Perfect Addition to Your Home
A carport is a perfect addition to almost any property. It protects your vehicles, adds versatile outdoor space and can boost your property value for years to come.
At Great Aussie Patios, we’ve completed more than 350 carport installations across Perth. We offer a free measure and quote, expert craftsmanship and a 6-year structural warranty.
Request your free quote online and our team will help you choose the right carport for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best roof style for a carport in Perth?
A gable roof is a popular choice in Perth because the high pitch improves airflow and keeps the space cooler in summer. Flat roof and skillion carports are more cost-effective, while dutch gable and hip roof carports are ideal for matching your home's existing roofline.
Do I need council approval for a carport in WA?
In most cases, yes. Most local councils in WA require a building permit for a carport. We manage the full approval process for you, from plans to lodgement.
Why do I need council approval for a carport in WA
Generally, yes. Unlike garages, carports do not need full walls or doors, so they are quicker to build and more cost-effective while still protecting your vehicles from sun, rain and debris.
How long does a carport last?
A well-built steel carport with COLORBOND steel roofing can last for decades with minimal maintenance, which is why it is the preferred choice for durability in WA's harsh weather conditions.