Can I Put Doors On My Carport?

Carports have come a long way from the simple, lean-to structures with corrugated plastic roofs that were popular in the ’70s and ’80s. Today, they are available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and materials – whether it’s a sleek, freestanding double or triple-bay wooden design or a more compact steel or aluminium structure designed purely for vehicle protection and practicality. You can even opt for a completely bespoke build for a truly unique, personalised touch.

So, can you put doors on your carport? The answer is a resounding yes! Whether you want to fully enclose it or just add partial coverage, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about adding doors to your carport – whether you’re modifying an existing structure or planning a brand-new build.

Benefits Of Enclosing Your Carport With A Door

Keeps Your Space Safe

One of the biggest perks of enclosing your carport? Security! We all want peace of mind when parking our car, caravan, or even boat at home. If you are an agricultural outfit, you’ll want to keep your farm vehicles and other large valuables safe too. By adding doors, you create a barrier that keeps prying eyes (and unwanted visitors) out – not just from your carport, but potentially from more of your property too.

Boost Your Home’s Value And Kerb Appeal

Adding doors to your carport isn’t just practical, it’s stylish too! With a garage-style door, you get more control over how your home looks, adding personality and boosting kerb appeal. And the best part? It can even add value to your property, making it a smart long-term investment.

Protection From The Elements

Let’s face it, weather can be brutal! Whether it’s scorching sun, heavy rain, or even hail, an enclosed carport helps protect your vehicle and other possessions from damage and unnecessary wear and tear. No more worrying about paint fading, interiors overheating, or surprise dents from a hailstorm!

Do You Need Planning Permission To Put A Garage Door On A Carport?

Typically speaking, no—you don’t need planning permission to add a door to your carport. Since it doesn’t change the footprint or increase the size of the structure, it usually falls under permitted development.

However, if you’re building a brand-new carport, you’ll need to check whether the structure itself qualifies as permitted development. If not, you’ll need approval from your local planning officer before going ahead with the build. That said, if you’re simply adding doors to an existing carport, you typically won’t need permission.

A few exceptions to keep in mind:
If your property is a listed building or your carport is within the grounds of a listed building or a conservation area, the rules can be stricter. In these cases, it’s always best to check with your local planning authority before making any changes, just to be on the safe side!

View our detailed guide on planning permission for carports.

Best Material For Carport Doors – Why Wood Is The Top Choice

When it comes to choosing the best material for your carport doors, there are a few key factors to consider: durability, aesthetics, sustainability and maintenance. While materials like metal and PVC have their advantages, we firmly believe that high-quality, pressure-treated timber is the best choice for carport doors, just as it is for the carport itself!

Why Wood?

Durability and longevity

The pressure-treated timber we use at Nationals is tanalised, meaning it’s specially treated to withstand the elements. This makes it highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, ensuring your carport doors stand the test of time. Unlike metal, which can rust, or PVC, which may become brittle over time, wood remains strong and reliable with the right care.
Aesthetic appeal

Wood brings a natural, timeless charm that complements a variety of home styles. Whether you want a rustic, traditional feel or a sleek, modern look, timber doors can be customised to suit your design preferences. Unlike metal or plastic alternatives, wooden doors blend seamlessly with outdoor surroundings, making them an especially great choice for rural or countryside properties.
Sustainability

As a company committed to using sustainable, responsible source timber, we know that wood is one of the most eco-friendly building materials available. Choosing timber doors means reducing your environmental impact while investing in a renewable and recyclable resource.
Customisation and flexibility

Wooden carport doors offer plenty of design flexibility, whether you want solid doors for full enclosure or partially slatted designs for ventilation. You can also paint or stain them in any colour to match your home’s style, something that’s much harder to achieve with metal or PVC doors.

What to Consider When Choosing Carport Doors

Security needs: Solid wooden doors provide excellent strength and security, especially when fitted with high-quality locks and hardware.
Weather conditions: Tanalised wood is naturally weather-resistant, but an additional stain or sealant can help prolong its lifespan, especially in areas where the weather can be particularly harsh.
Budget: While timber doors can be a little more expensive upfront than some other materials, their durability and longevity make them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Maintenance: The pressure treated wood we use means that regular maintenance should be very minimal. Whilst applying a protective finish isn’t necessary, it can help keep wooden doors looking their best and performing well for years. All that is really needed is a good clean every now and then, and a regular inspection to check the lock and ironmongery is working efficiently and looking its best.

Looking for expert advice on a custom wooden carport door? We’d be happy to help you find the perfect fit! Likewise, it you need a custom wooden garage or carport structure designed and installed; we’re here for you. Not sure on the difference between carports, garages and carriage houses? You are not alone! Check out our guide, before you click away.