Laying the foundation for any new structure can be a stressful process, especially if you choose a D.I.Y. approach to constructing your project.

Even with smaller structures, like a carport base, finding the right materials can make or break the long-term durability of your property, and determine whether or not you’ll need to spend more money on maintenance costs later down the line.

Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take before paving the way for your carport foundation to ensure that you get the most reliable base for your home, no matter how many vehicles you intend to cover.

How to determine which carport base is right for your home?

Before you can begin shopping for materials, there are 3 main factors you’ll need to consider when deciding which carport foundation is the best fit for your needs.

Local Building Codes

Even on private property, some restrictions may apply before you can add an additional steel structure or metal carport building to your space. You should check with your local building authorities before breaking ground on any construction project, so you can make sure your interests are protected.

Type Of Building Cover

Next, you’ll need to decide what type of roof material you plan on using for your carport. In most cases, steel carports and metal buildings are the most commonly used material for these types of projects, mainly because of their durability and affordability.

Depending on which option you choose, you may need to adjust your carport foundation based on the weight of your cover, helping you to avoid any potential damage to your structure.

Slab Sizing Requirments

Finally, you’ll want to get an accurate idea of how much space your carport base needs to cover based on the number of vehicles that you’ll be storing at any given time.

For example, a carport built for small vehicles will be significantly smaller than a carport for an RV cover, and the size of your slab will have a large impact on the price of the materials you need.

What materials can be used for a carport base?

Once you have a good idea of the size and building style of your carport, you can begin comparing foundation materials until you find the one that best aligns with your project.

The most commonly used carport foundations are…

Concrete Foundations

Known for its durability, concrete is one of the most widely used foundations for carports of all sizes, especially for commercial projects.

But despite being one of the most sought-after construction materials, a concrete pad for a carport base does come with its share of disadvantages.

For example, concrete can be extremely expensive for homeowners to purchase on their own, and doesn’t provide any filtration for moisture in the ground, potentially leading to cracks forming in your carport over time.

Asphalt Foundations

Like concrete, asphalt foundations can provide lots of support for heavy loads and are considered to be highly durable.

However, large carports may require a concrete slab in conjunction with pouring asphalt, which can drive up your project costs. Additionally, asphalt foundations require regular maintenance which may not be realistic for many property owners.

Gravel Foundations

Possibly the most affordable option, gravel stones are a great way to create a solid carport foundation on a budget.

Gravel can be easily spread against any surface and provides irrigation for rainy weather, allowing moisture to drain out of your carport without causing any potential damage.

If you choose gravel for your carport base, you may need to refill your materials periodically to ensure that your foundation stays fully covered.

How can BaseCore Geotextiles help secure your carport?

At Backyard Bases, we’re committed to making your carport installation as simple and cost-effective as possible, no matter which material you choose to use for your base.

Our all-in-one carport base kits include our industry-leading BaseCore Geotextiles, which provide a seamless ground stabilization solution for infill materials of all varieties.

Learn more about how our customer service team can help you streamline your carport project today.