Steel Carports
Compare up to 5 steel carport quotes from 5-Star rated installers across South Africa.
Get the best quoteWhich roof finish do you prefer?
Steel carport prices in South Africa
| Steel carport and size | Ballpark installed (2026) |
|---|---|
| Single bay (about 3 × 6 m) | R17 050 – R22 500 |
| Double bay (6 × 6 m) | R26 400 – R34 800 |
| Triple bay | From ±R49 500 |
| Flat roof design, per m² | From ±R743 |
| Pitched A-frame design, per m² | From ±R908 |
| L-beam flat roof, per m² | From ±R1 595 |
Get an accurate quote. One guide lists prices without VAT, the other does not say. Concrete footings, colour sheeting, gutters and installer travel can all add to the total.
What pushes the price of steel carports up
- Painted Chromadek sheets instead of plain galvanised IBR
- Thicker sheeting that needs fewer purlins but costs more
- L-beam frames, side panels and gable ends
Types of steel carports
| Type | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Flat roof steel | Lowest cost per square metre | Too little slope leaves water pooling |
| Pitched A-frame steel | Matching a pitched house roofline | Taller structure, slightly higher cost |
| L-beam steel | Clean modern look with strong beams | Roughly double the flat roof rate |
| Cantilever steel | Open access with posts on one side | Deep footings carry the full load |
| Steel with side panels | Extra shelter from driving rain | May need full plans once enclosed |
Steel carport materials and specs compared
| Material | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanised IBR (Z100 to Z275) | Cheapest sheet, bright metal finish | Bare zinc can struggle in harsh air |
| Chromadek (Z200 plus paint) | Colour options, 10 to 30 year warranty | Warranty depends on site and corrosion zone |
| Chromadek Ultim (Z275 plus thicker primer) | Built for marine and industrial sites | Higher price than standard Chromadek |
| Zincalume IBR (AZ150) | Aluminium-zinc coating, Colorbond colours available | Guarantee needs approved fasteners |
| 0.40 mm sheet | Light and cheaper per sheet | Shortest allowed purlin spacing |
| 0.55 mm sheet | Longer double spans up to 2.10 m | Heavier and pricier than thinner gauges |
Sheet gauge and span
- IBR roof sheets come from 0.40 mm up to 0.80 mm.
- Thin 0.40 mm sheets need purlins at most 1.25 m apart.
- From 0.47 mm, single spans can stretch to 1.50 m.
- Wind exposure changes purlin spacing, so an engineer should confirm it.
Coatings and rust
- Galvanised sheets rely on a bare hot-dipped zinc layer.
- Chromadek adds an oven-cured paint system over Z200 galvanising.
- Chromadek Ultim uses heavier Z275 zinc for harsh marine or industrial air.
- Zincalume IBR carries an AZ150 aluminium-zinc coating.
Roof pitch and water
- IBR needs at least 5° fall on slopes under 30 m.
- Flat steel roofs let water stand and speed up corrosion.
- Low-pitch side and end laps should be sealed against leaks.
- Check gutters and anchors after heavy storms pass.
Approval for steel carports
- Open-sided steel carports of 40 m² or less count as minor building work under the National Building Regulations.
- You still need to inform your municipality in writing and get its go-ahead before building. Some councils ask for plans anyway.
- Anything bigger than 40 m² or closed in on the sides needs full plans. Estates and body corporates may add their own approval step.
Steel carport services
| Service | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| Galvanised IBR carports | Sheet thickness and zinc coating class |
| Chromadek colour carports | Colour code and a manufacturer warranty |
| Cantilever steel carports | Post size, footing depth and engineer sign-off |
| Double and triple steel carports | Purlin spacing across the wider span |
| Steel carports with side panels | Ask if enclosing it triggers full plans |
| Steel roof sheet replacement | Fastener type and removal of old swarf |
Practical steel carport tips
- Standard single and double steel builds take about 1 to 3 days.
- Insist on cutting without an angle grinder to avoid spark damage.
- Have all metal filings swept off the roof after fitting.
- IBR sheets cover 686 mm each, which helps you check sheet counts.
- Keep the coil number if you want a Chromadek warranty claim.
- Use Buildex Climaseal 3 screws on steel purlins for Zincalume guarantees.
What to send with your request
- Width and depth you need
- Photos of the parking area
- Galvanised or Chromadek preference
- Distance to the sea, roughly
- Vehicles to fit underneath
Quotes come from independent steel installers, the final pick stays with you, and the leaderr service is free.
Frequently asked questions
What does a steel carport cost in 2026?
A single bay starts near R17 050 and a double usually lands between R26 400 and R34 800. Triples start around R49 500.
How long does the Chromadek warranty last?
ArcelorMittal offers 10 to 30 years, depending on corrosion zone and distance from the high water mark. Terms apply.
Do I need plans for a steel carport?
Not for an open-sided one up to 40 m², but your municipality must be told and approve it first. Bigger builds, like multi-bay business parking, need plans.
Is steel better than shade net for a carport?
Steel keeps vehicles dry and blocks hail, which net cannot do. It costs more and holds more heat underneath.
Can I use a steel carport close to the sea?
Yes, but pick Chromadek Ultim, which is rated for sites from 400 m off the high water mark. Rinse the roof regularly.
Steel Carports near you
Compare quotes from 5-Star rated experts near you.
Other carport types
- Aluminium Carports
- Carport Prices
- Carport Repairs
- Carport Roof Replacement
- Commercial Carports
- Custom Carports
- Double Carports
- IBR Carports
- Shadeport Net Replacement
- Shadeport Prices
- Shadeport Repairs
- Shadeports
- Single Carports
- Solar Carports
- Wooden Carports