10x20 Carport Kits: Metal Vs. Canopy, Prices & What Fits
A 10x20 carport covers 200 square feet, enough for one car on a narrow driveway or beside a house. It is also one of the most-searched carport sizes because it is the standard size for fabric canopy kits sold at warehouse clubs and big-box stores. This page compares a 10x20 canopy, a DIY steel kit, and an installed metal carport, and explains when the extra two feet of a 12x20 is worth it.
| Frame Size | 10' W x 20' L |
|---|---|
| Roof Length | 21' (overhangs the frame) |
| Covered Area | 200 sq ft |
| Leg Height | 9' standard, up to 14' |
| Vehicles | 1 vehicle |
| What Fits | 1 compact or midsize car, motorcycle or small trailer |
| Price | From $2,350 installed |
How Big Is A 10x20 Carport?
A 10x20 is 10 feet wide by 20 feet long, or 200 square feet. On installed metal carports the roof usually runs a foot longer than the frame, so you may see the same building listed as a 10x21. The installed 10x20 we priced came with 9-foot legs as standard, taller than most single-car sizes, with upgrades to 10, 12 and 14 feet.
- Frame footprint: 10' x 20' (200 sq ft)
- Standard leg height: 9' on the installed model we priced; 7' or 9' on DIY kits
- Framing: 14-gauge galvanized tubing standard on installed units, 12-gauge as an upgrade
- Best for: One compact or midsize car, a motorcycle, a small trailer, or covered storage
Canopy Vs. DIY Kit Vs. Installed Metal Carport
| Option | Typical Build | What To Know |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric canopy kit | Steel poles with a fabric cover | Lowest cost and quick to set up; a temporary shelter, and many carry no certified wind or snow rating; the cover wears out and needs replacing |
| DIY steel carport kit | Steel frame and steel roof panels you assemble | One 10x20 kit we checked was about $1,600, rated for 100 mph winds and 35 psf snow, with 7' or 9' legs |
| Installed metal carport | 14- or 12-gauge frame, delivered and installed | Installed 10x20s were advertised from $2,350 with 9' legs; engineered, anchored and backed by warranties |
Replacement covers are a regular cost with fabric canopies, since sun and weather wear the fabric out. A steel roof avoids that cycle.
What Fits Under A 10x20 Carport?
Most cars and SUVs are 6 to 6.5 feet wide before mirrors, and a half-ton pickup is close to 7 feet. On a 10-foot-wide carport that leaves about 1.5 to 2 feet per side, enough to park but tight for opening doors fully. A 10x20 works well for a compact or midsize car, a motorcycle or two, a small utility trailer, a riding mower, or covered firewood and storage.
If door room matters, or you drive a full-size SUV or pickup, go to 12 feet wide. The extra two feet add a foot on each side, raising door clearance from about 1.5 to 2 feet to about 2.5 to 3 feet.
How Much Does A 10x20 Carport Cost?
In our September 2026 price check:
- DIY steel kit: about $1,600 for a 10x20 steel-roof kit with 7' legs (9' optional)
- Installed metal carport: from $2,350 for a 10x20 with a vertical roof and 9' legs, delivered and installed
- Taller legs on the installed model: 10' added $340, 12' added $640, and 14' added $1,180
One more data point: an installed 12x20 was advertised from $1,695 in the same check. Because 12 feet is the most common starting width for installed metal carports, a 12x20 can cost the same as or less than a 10x20, so price both before you decide.
When A 10x20 Makes Sense
- A narrow side yard or driveway where 12 feet will not fit
- Covering a motorcycle, mower, small trailer or firewood rather than a full-size vehicle
- A setback or lot-coverage limit that caps the footprint at 200 square feet
10x20 Carport With Sidewalls
Installed 10x20 carports can be ordered with one or both side walls, a closed back gable, or a full enclosure. A fully enclosed 10x20 makes a practical storage building or small workshop. If you plan to add walls later, tell your builder when you order so the frame is braced and certified for it.
Do You Need A Permit For A 10x20 Carport?
It depends on where you live. Some local codes exempt small accessory structures up to 200 square feet, which is exactly the size of a 10x20, while others use a 120-square-foot limit or regulate carports separately at any size. Check with your local building department before you order.
Compare Other Carport Sizes
The 12x20 carport is the standard single-car size with full door room. For two vehicles, see the 20x20 carport. Standard dimensions for every size are in the carport sizes guide, and you can browse single car carports.
Get Free 10x20 Carport Quotes
Tell us your size, site and options, and local metal carport builders will send you free installed quotes for a 10x20 or a 12x20.
10x20 Carport FAQs
How Much Does A 10x20 Carport Cost?
In September 2026, a 10x20 DIY steel kit was about $1,600, and installed 10x20 metal carports were advertised from $2,350 with 9-foot legs. Fabric canopy kits cost less but are temporary shelters.
Will A Truck Fit Under A 10x20 Carport?
A half-ton pickup is close to 7 feet wide before mirrors, so it will fit under a 10-foot width with about 1.5 feet per side, which is tight for opening doors. A 12x20 is the better fit for trucks and full-size SUVs.
Is A 10x20 Metal Carport Better Than A Canopy?
For long-term use, yes. A metal carport has a steel roof, anchors to your slab or ground, and is engineered for wind and snow loads. Many fabric canopies carry no certified rating, and their covers need periodic replacement.
Do I Need A Permit For A 10x20 Carport?
Possibly. At 200 square feet, a 10x20 sits right at the small-structure exemption some codes use, but many places regulate carports separately. Check with your local building department.
Should I Buy A 10x20 Or A 12x20 Carport?
If you have the room, a 12x20 is usually the better buy. It gives about 2.5 to 3 feet of door clearance per side instead of 1.5 to 2, fits trucks and full-size SUVs, and installed 12x20s can cost the same as or less than a 10x20.