What Is the Difference Between Steel and Wood Carports?
When homeowners begin searching for a long-lasting way to protect their vehicles, garden equipment, or outdoor tools, one question appears again and again:
“Should I buy a steel carport or a wooden carport?”
Both offer strong weather protection, but they perform differently in durability, maintenance, style, installation, and long-term value.
This guide breaks down the key differences using real product examples:
SUNJOY Steel Carport (6.1 × 3.67 m)
SUNJOY Wooden Carport (6.03 × 3.36 m)
These comparisons help shoppers choose a premium, high-quality, steady, and durable structure that suits their lifestyle and home design.
Why Are UK Shoppers Searching for “Steel vs Wood Carport”?
- wood vs steel carport
- are wooden carports durable
- steel carport benefits
- best carport for UK weather
- maintenance of wooden carports
- carport for rain and wind UK
Most users want to understand:
weather resistance, lifespan, structural strength, maintenance, appearance, and long-term cost.
Below, we answer these questions in a clear, conversion-friendly way.
Steel Carports vs Wood Carports: Key Differences
1. Durability & Weather Resistance
Steel Carports (e.g., SUNJOY Steel Carport)
Steel is naturally resistant to rot, warping, insects, and moisture—making it a strong choice for UK climates with heavy rain and wind.
High-quality steel carports, like the SUNJOY Steel Carport, offer:
- Powder-coated steel for rust resistance
- Excellent stability during storms
- Long-term structural strength
- Minimal impact from humidity or temperature swings
Great for: Coastal areas, high-rainfall regions, windy sites, all-season protection.
Wooden Carports (e.g., SUNJOY Wooden Carport)
Premium cedar or treated wood provides natural strength, but requires proper sealing to maintain long-term durability.
High-quality models like the SUNJOY Wooden Carport use weather-resistant materials:
Natural cedar frame with high stability
Strong gable-roof construction
Excellent resistance to wind when properly anchored
Great for: Homeowners prioritising a warm, architectural look while still needing strong weather performance.
2. Appearance & Design Aesthetic
Steel Carports
- Modern, clean, minimalist. Works well with:
- Contemporary homes
- Brick houses
- Urban architectural styles
- Homes with metal or composite roofing
SUNJOY steel carport delivers a sleek, premium, industrial-modern look that blends into modern driveways.
Wooden Carports
Warm, natural, timeless. Works beautifully with:
- Traditional UK homes
- Country cottages
- Timber-clad houses
- Landscaped gardens
The SUNJOY wooden carport adds a premium architectural feel, almost like an outdoor extension of the home.
3. Assembly & Installation
Steel Carports
- Fewer components
- Pre-drilled holes
- Usually faster assembly
- Lightweight beams but strong structure
- Lower skill requirement
SUNJOY steel carport is designed as a user-friendly kit, ideal for DIY installation or a team of two.
Wooden Carports
- Slightly more complex assembly
- Heavier beams
- Requires more precision when aligning posts
However, SUNJOY’s wooden kits—like the Diran model—come with pre-cut, pre-drilled components to simplify installation.
4. Maintenance Requirements
Steel Carports
Very low maintenance:
- Occasional cleaning
- Basic checks for scratches
- No painting or staining needed
Wooden Carports
Moderate maintenance:
- Re-sealing every 1–2 years
- Visual inspection of wood surfaces
- Preserving the natural colour if desired
But the benefit is a much richer, more natural appearance.
5. Lifespan & Long-Term Value
Both steel and premium wooden carports offer long service life—10+ years with proper care—but they differ in long-term character.
|
Feature |
Steel Carport |
Wooden Carport |
|
Lifespan |
10–20+ years |
10–20+ years with care |
|
Stability |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
Aesthetic |
Modern |
Natural |
|
Maintenance |
Low |
Moderate |
|
Value added to home |
Medium |
High (visual appeal) |
Wooden carports often add more perceived property value because of their architectural quality.
6. Price & Cost Considerations
Steel carports often cost slightly less upfront.
Wooden carports may cost more due to premium cedar or timber construction but deliver greater visual and resale value.
Side-by-Side Comparison: SUNJOY Eiger vs SUNJOY Diran
|
Feature |
SUNJOY Eiger Steel Carport (6.1×3.67 m) |
SUNJOY Diran Wooden Carport (6.03×3.36 m) |
|
Material |
Powder-coated steel |
Premium cedar/timber |
|
Roof Style |
Gable roof |
Modern gable roof |
|
Strength |
High wind & rain resistance |
Strong, stable structure |
|
Maintenance |
Very low |
Moderate |
|
Aesthetic |
Modern, sleek |
Warm, architectural |
|
Best For |
All-weather car protection |
Aesthetic-driven outdoor upgrades |
|
Use Cases |
Vehicles, bikes, equipment |
Vehicles, outdoor workspace |
Which Carport Should You Choose?
Choose steel if you want:
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Maximum weather resistance
✔ Modern design
✔ Fast installation
Choose wood if you want:
✔ A premium architectural look
✔ Warm, natural materials
✔ A structure that enhances curb appeal
✔ A multi-use outdoor room vibe
Both SUNJOY models deliver high-quality, durable, steady, long-lasting performance, so the right choice comes down to style and lifestyle.
