Metal vs. Wood Carports: Which One’s Worth Your Money Long-Term?

Snow. Ice. Rain. Repeat. If you live in Canada, your carport has to handle all of it and keep standing.

Thinking about building one? You’ve likely narrowed it down to metal or wood. But which actually lasts longer? Which costs more to keep up? And which one gives you better value down the road?

This guide cuts through the guesswork. You’ll get real answers, based on real Canadian conditions so you don’t waste money on something that won’t last.

Upfront Costs: What You’ll Pay Today

You’ve probably seen carport prices all over the map: $2,000 here, $30,000 there. So what’s real?

Here’s the truth: when it comes to metal vs. wood carports, your upfront cost depends on more than just material. Installation, location, and design choices can swing your budget fast.

Metal carports often come as prefab kits, making them quicker and more predictable to install. But they’re not cheap. In most provinces, you’re looking at $11,000 to $30,000 installed, depending on the size and setup.

Wood carports can seem like the budget-friendly option. Some kits start at $2,300, but don’t be fooled once you add in custom work, labour, and finishing, they often land in the same price range as metal.

Then there are the extras most people forget:

• Permits that can cost up to $2,000,
• Labour rates pushing $100 per square foot,
• And delays if you’re building custom.

So which one saves you money up front? Sometimes wood. Sometimes metal. But here’s the catch: upfront cost doesn’t tell the whole story. The real difference shows up after your first winter.

Durability in Canadian Conditions: Snow, Rain, and Freeze‑Thaw Cycles

Canada’s weather tests everything you build and your carport is no exception. So let’s break down how metal vs. wood really hold up under snow, rain, and freeze‑thaw stress.

Snow Loads: Strength When It Matters

Metal carports are engineered with heavy-duty galvanized steel and reinforced trusses. Many models are rated to handle 40–100 psf snow loads, far exceeding most municipal minimums in Canada . That means they shrug off deep winter drifts with ease.

Wood structures, however, don’t always come with snow‑load specs unless professionally built. Overloaded roofs and poor design can lead to collapsing rafters or cracked beams after heavy snowfall.

Moisture & Decay: Rot vs Rust

Wood struggles in damp, coastal climates like BC. Even pressure-treated timber can rot, warp, or attract mold over time . Termites, too, are a risk in humid areas.

Metal won’t rot or warp, but untreated steel can rust especially near coastlines. The fix? Stick to galvanized or powder-coated finishes and stay on top of minor corrosion .

Freeze-Thaw & Structural Integrity

Canada’s temperature swings from –40 °C in winter to +40 °C in summer can be brutal on wood. Swelling, shrinking, cracking… you name it.

Metal is far more stable under these conditions steel framed carports keep their shape regardless of temperature changes . Just ensure bolts remain tight and coatings are intact.

Wind Resistance

A well-designed metal carport can also resist 90+ mph winds when properly anchored . Some models include wind bracing and vertical steel supports built for harsh conditions.

Wood can handle wind if built to code with diagonal bracing and strong anchoring. But even small gaps or loosened connections can make a difference.

Durability Summary

For harsh Canadian winters heavy snow, wet springs, and freeze‑thaw cycles metal is the most resilient long-term choice. Its engineered design and minimal vulnerability to rot or structural fatigue make it a top performer.

Maintenance: The Real Cost of Keeping It Standing Year After Year

You might think wood needs just a quick stain and call it done. Or that metal is no-maintenance aside from a rinse. But the real story? It’s more nuanced and it matters over 15–20 years.

Wood Carport Upkeep: Annual Chores and Hidden Costs

Wood carports demand apps of attention:

• Sealing and staining every 2–3 years to stop rot and warping.
• Pest control, especially in humid zones like coastal BC.
• Structural checks, like tightened bolts and replaced decayed boards.

These tasks add up to an average yearly spend is around 2%–4% of the initial cost. For a $20,000 wood build, that’s $400–$800 annually, not including surprises after a harsh winter

Skip upkeep, and you could face cracked beams, collapsed joints, or termite damage in as little as five years.

Metal Carport Upkeep: Minimal, but Tasked

Metal is low-maintenance:

• Annual rinse to clear debris.
• Rust checks every year, especially near coastlines.
• Tightening bolts quickly, especially after storms.

That’s it. Most steel carports require just ~1% of their build cost per year (e.g., ≤ $300–500 for a $30,000 install). Spot-rust? Add a $50 rust-treatment kit and you’re set.

Typical Neglect After 5 Years

Many wood carports at 5 years show visible decay, unless regularly maintained. Metal builds, with minimal care, look nearly new minus a few clean-up tasks.

 Maintenance Summary

• Wood carport: Care-heavy. Plan on $400–800/year and regular inspections.
• Metal carport: Low effort. Budget $200–500/year. A rust kit now and then.

Curb Appeal & Customization: Which One Makes Your Home Shine?

Your carport isn’t just a shelter, it’s a design statement. And when it comes to curb appeal, metal and wood take very different paths.

Wood carports draw people’s eyes for a reason. Warm, natural timber can be customized with trim, color stains, or cedar posts. That timeless, rustic look fits well with rural homes, heritage houses, or modern farmhouse styles. They’re often cited as boosting property value thanks to their aesthetic charm .

But metal carports aren’t all about function over form. Modern steel structures come in powder-coated colors, sleek frames, and modular designs. Many kits now support solar panels, LED lighting, or integrated storage spaces built for looks and performance .

Hybrid Designs: Wood Frame, Metal Roof

The best of both worlds? A wood carport with a metal roof. That combo brings the elegance of timber with the durability of steel. It’s perfect for those wanting style and resilience

Eco-friendly & Sustainable Options

Looking to go green? Both materials offer eco-friendly choices:

• Wood: Cedar and other sustainably sourced timber are renewable and biodegradable .
• Metal: Steel is almost 100% recyclable and often contains recycled content .

Match Your Style & Trends

Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your design choices:

Why It Matters

Curb appeal isn’t just pretty, it drives resale value and buyer interest. Whether it’s the charm of wood or the sleek efficiency of metal, a thoughtful design pays off.

Resale Value and ROI: Which Material Pays Off?

When thinking about carport investments, many ask: Will it boost my home’s resale value? The short answer: yes but how much depends on material, design, and your local market.

Do Carports Really Add Value?

A well-built carport can make your home more attractive to buyers. It doesn’t add as much as a full garage, but it still offers a clear benefit. One expert says it’s a “cost-effective way to enhance your home” and can help it sell faster .

In some markets, such as Killarney (Vancouver), homeowners have even turned carports into full garages to lift property value showing how a simple upgrade can pay off .

Comparing ROI: Metal, Wood, and Garage Alternatives

According to Sunjoy, carports depreciate faster than garages. But metal garage buildings which share many traits with high-quality metal carports tend to last decades and add strong property value .

Here’s how different upgrades typically stack up:

So, metal carports don’t offer as dramatic a return as garages or garage doors. But they still provide value especially when built well and targeting buyers who want long-term durability without the cost of a full garage.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Metal carports: Best for long-lasting value and minimal maintenance. Likely to perform better in ROI than wood in harsh climates.
• Wood carports: Excellent if your home has rustic charm. Adds curb appeal, but expect lower payback and higher upkeep.
• Garage conversion: Offers the highest ROI per square foot often 10–15 % in Canada

Lifetime Cost Breakdown: Metal vs. Wood Over 15–20 Years

What truly matters isn’t just the upfront price, it’s the total cost over time. Here’s how metal and wood compare over two decades:

Lifespan & Maintenance Costs

• Metal carports typically last 30–50+ years with routine maintenance far beyond the 20-year mark .
  
• Annual upkeep costs are low about 1–3% of the build cost (around $200–$500/year) .
  
• Wood carports generally last 15–30 years .
  
• Maintenance is much higher typically 2–4% per year (about $400–$1,200/year), due to staining, pest control, and rot repairs .

Cost Over 20 Years: Sample Breakdown

Let’s assume an initial $20,000 build for both materials.

You’d typically spend $10,000–15,000 less over 20 years by choosing metal.

Hidden and Ongoing Costs

• Wood: Regular painting/staining, pest treatments, board replacements, weather-related structural repairs.
• Metal: Occasional bolt-tightening, rust spot treatment (rust kits cost ~$50), and foundation leveling over time

For more on how metal structures stand the test of time, check out this insightful guide on steel building lifespan and best maintenance practices: What You Need to Know About Steel Building Lifespan .

Which Material Offers the Best Long-Term Value?

After diving deep into costs, durability, maintenance, curb appeal, and resale impact, here’s the bottom line:

Metal Carports Win by a Mile

• Stronger & longer-lasting. Galvanized steel carports tolerate heavy snow, harsh freeze-thaw cycles, and high winds much better than wood .
• Lower upkeep costs. Annual maintenance is only 1–3% of initial cost, usually $200–500/year compared to wood’s 2–4% and expensive repairs .
• Better total cost over time. Over 20 years, metal saves homeowners $10,000–$15,000 when all costs are combined.
• Eco-friendly & recyclable. Steel is nearly 100% recyclable, reducing waste and promoting sustainability .

Wood Carports Still Have Their Place

• Aesthetic appeal. Wood fits beautifully with heritage homes, craftsman styles, and rural properties .
• Eco-conscious if sourced well. Sustainably harvested wood is biodegradable and renewable .
• But upkeep is real. Regular sealing, stain, and structural checks come with ongoing time and money costs plus pest risk.

When Wood Might Be Best

• You live in a mild climate where severe weather is rare.
• You want a carefully styled finish that matches a traditional home.
• You’re ready for consistent upkeep and see value in that custom aesthetic.

In most Canadian settings especially those with snow, wind, and moisture metal simply outperforms wood for lifespan, total cost, and low maintenance.

Our Honest Verdict

If you want lasting value, minimal hassle, and strong weather performance in Canada the smart choice is a high-quality, galvanized steel carport. It offers the best return over 15–20 years with minimal surprises.

But if you’re going for a traditional rustic look and don’t mind regular maintenance, a wood carport or a hybrid design (wood frame with metal roof) can still make sense.

Next Steps  

You’ve done the hard work now, it’s time to make it real. Here’s a clear, actionable roadmap to move your carport project forward: Now it’s time to take the next step and we’re here to help.

At Metal Pro™ Buildings, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians design strong, weather-rated steel carports that stand up to snow, wind, and time.

• Engineered for Canadian winters
  
• Prefab kits and custom builds available
  
• Fast delivery with clear instructions and lifetime support
  
• Backed by decades of metal building expertise

Whether you need a simple single-vehicle shelter or a fully enclosed carport, we’ll guide you through permits, sizing, and finishing options. Request your personalized quote today