Carport Buying Mistakes – What Most People Get Wrong Before Ordering a Carport
After more than two decades supplying steel carport kits across Australia, I’ve seen the same mistakes made again and again. Most buyers aren’t careless — they’re working off assumptions created by an industry that often avoids explaining how carports are actually designed, engineered, and approved.
This page exists to help you order the right carport the first time — compliant, engineered, and suited to your property, with no costly surprises.
Mistake #1: Assuming Carports Only Come in “Standard Sizes”
Many people believe carports are limited to preset sizes. That belief usually comes from suppliers who only offer what suits their manufacturing process — not what engineering allows.
The Reality
A steel carport can be custom-sized in width, length, and height provided it can be engineered correctly. In practice:
- Custom sizing does not usually cost more
- Custom heights do not usually cost more
- Engineering determines what’s possible — not a price list
If a supplier can’t accommodate sizing changes, it’s a production limitation, not a structural one.
Mistake #2: Believing “Custom” Automatically Means More Expensive
“Custom” is one of the most misused words in this industry. It can mean anything from a genuinely engineered structure to simply choosing from a short list of options.
When Custom Does Add Cost
Extra engineering is typically required when you introduce additional structural loads, such as:
- Roller doors
- Fully or partially enclosed walls
- Snow load requirements
These elements change wind, uplift, and downforce calculations and usually attract additional engineering fees.
When Custom Does Not Add Cost
In a properly engineered kit system:
- Custom sizes (within engineering limits)
- Custom heights
- Full COLORBOND® colour selection
- Gable infill options
These should not increase the base price.
Mistake #3: Misunderstanding Colour and Finish Options
Colour-related mistakes are one of the most common causes of order errors — and they’re entirely avoidable.
Roofing and Sheeting Colours
Some suppliers restrict customers to a small colour range for convenience. There is no technical reason for this. A well-established supply chain allows access to the full standard COLORBOND® range.
Post Finish Expectations
A common assumption is that posts arrive colour-matched. In reality:
- Posts are supplied in galvanised (Duragal / electrogal) finish as standard
- Powder coating is optional and costs extra
- Painting posts yourself is simple, durable, and far more economical
Preventing Colour Errors
All specifications must be checked before manufacture. A formal double-check process eliminates colour and detail errors — something experienced suppliers implement early and maintain consistently.
Mistake #4: Assuming All Carports Are Made from Australian Steel
This is one of the most misunderstood — and most important — issues in the industry.
“Made in Australia” vs “Made from Australian Steel”
Not all carports manufactured in Australia use Australian steel. Some rollformers import steel coil from overseas and form it locally.
Why This Matters
Australian-made steel:
- Is independently tested
- Meets Australian Standards
- Can be fully engineered and certified
Imported steel often:
- Has inconsistent strength
- Lacks verified testing data
- Cannot be reliably engineered
If steel cannot be engineered with certainty, it should not be used in a structural kit.
Mistake #5: Assuming Every Carport Is Engineered
This mistake carries real safety, approval, and insurance risks.
Why This Is Dangerous
A carport supplied without engineering:
- Cannot be approved by council
- May void your insurance
- Carries a genuine risk of structural failure
The biggest risk isn’t paperwork — it’s what happens in high winds or severe weather.
What You Must Ask Any Supplier (Non-Negotiable Checklist)
Before ordering, get clear answers to all of the following:
- Is engineering supplied with every carport kit?
- Are full structural calculations included, not just a generic drawing?
- Is the design certified to the latest Australian Standards?
- Is the engineer registered and qualified?
- Is the steel made in Australia or imported? Ask for confirmation in writing. If it’s imported, ask how it has been tested and whether it can be fully engineered.
- Is the sheeting genuine COLORBOND® steel? Ask them to prove it by using genuine COLORBOND® colour names (e.g. Monument®, Surfmist®, Woodland Grey®). If they can’t name them, it isn’t Colorbond.
If a supplier can’t answer these clearly, that tells you everything you need to know.
Mistake #6: Assuming Carports Are “In Stock”
Steel carports are not off-the-shelf products.
Why Every Carport Is Custom Made
Each carport must be engineered for:
- Your exact dimensions
- Your selected colours
- Local wind speed classification
- Site conditions such as terrain and shielding
Even neighbouring properties can require different engineering outcomes.
Why State-Based Manufacturing Matters
When your carport is made in your own state:
- Delivery is faster
- Freight costs are lower
- Engineering aligns with local conditions
National supply agreements with manufacturers like BlueScope Lysaght allow this without compromising quality or compliance.
Final Advice from 24 Years in the Industry
Most carport problems are locked in before the order is placed. The difference between a smooth DIY install and a costly mistake is almost always down to engineering, materials, and asking the right questions early.
Get those right, and everything else follows.
Get the Right Carport the First Time
Have your carport designed, engineered, and supplied correctly from day one.
Request a quote online or speak with an experienced specialist today.
Call 1300 011 191
Kind Regards,
Ashley
Owner & Founder, Excalibur Carport
(Part of Excalibur Steel Buildings, established 2001)
Recommended FAQ Schema Questions (Carports – Australia)
Do carports need engineering approval in Australia?
Yes. A carport must be engineered to Australian Standards to obtain council approval. Without certified engineering documentation, most councils will not approve the structure, and insurance coverage may be affected.
Are all steel carports engineered?
No. Some suppliers sell unengineered or partially engineered carports. Always confirm that full engineering calculations are supplied with the kit and that the engineer is registered.
Can a carport be custom sized without costing more?
In many cases, yes. Custom widths, lengths, and heights can usually be engineered without additional cost. Extra fees generally only apply when additional structural loads are introduced, such as walls or roller doors.
What is the difference between Australian-made steel and imported steel in carports?
Australian-made steel is independently tested, compliant with Australian Standards, and can be fully engineered. Imported steel may lack verified testing data and may not be suitable for structural engineering.
How can I tell if a carport uses genuine COLORBOND® steel?
Ask the supplier to specify genuine COLORBOND® colour names such as Monument®, Surfmist®, or Woodland Grey®. If they cannot name official Colorbond colours, the sheeting is not genuine COLORBOND® steel.
Are steel carports supplied in standard sizes only?
No. While some suppliers limit their offerings, properly engineered steel carports can be manufactured in a wide range of custom sizes to suit individual sites and vehicle requirements.
Do carports come pre-painted to match the roof colour?
Steel posts are typically supplied in a galvanised finish as standard. Powder coating is optional at extra cost, while painting posts yourself is a common and cost-effective option.
Are steel carports kept in stock?
No. Steel carports are custom manufactured based on your dimensions, colour selection, local wind classification, and site conditions. This is why engineering is required for every order.
Why does wind rating matter for carport engineering?
Wind speed varies by location, terrain, and shielding. Carports must be engineered to the correct wind classification to ensure structural safety and council compliance.
Can I install a carport kit myself?
Yes. Engineered steel carport kits are designed for DIY installation. Success depends on accurate site preparation, correct footing sizes, and following the supplied engineering and installation instructions.