Carports for Sale in Knoxville, TN: Metal, Wood, and Custom Structures
A carport is one of the most practical investments you can make for your property. It protects your vehicles, boats, equipment, and outdoor toys from UV damage, rain, ice, falling debris, and the thick Tennessee pollen that coats everything from March through May. And it does all of that at a fraction of the cost of building a full garage.
At Foothills Custom Outdoors, we sell carports in a range of sizes, materials, and configurations, and we install every one of them on your property with proper anchoring, leveling, and site preparation. Whether you need a single car cover for your driveway or a tall RV carport for your camper, we will help you find the right structure and make sure it is built to last in East Tennessee conditions.
Affordable Vehicle Protection Without the Cost of a Full Garage
A garage addition can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take weeks or months to complete. A quality carport provides the weather protection you need at a fraction of that cost, often installed in a single day.
Carports protect against
- UV sun damage that fades paint, cracks dashboards, and degrades tires
- Rain and standing water that causes rust, mold, and water spots
- Falling branches and storm debris common on East Tennessee's heavily wooded lots
- Ice and snow load that stresses vehicle roofs and windshields
- Thick spring pollen that forces daily car washes from March through May
For homeowners who do not have a garage, or whose garage is already full, a carport is the smart, cost effective solution.
Carport Roof Styles: Which One Performs Best in East Tennessee?
The roof style you choose has a direct impact on how well your carport handles Tennessee weather. Here are the three main options.
Vertical Roof: The Best Choice for Tennessee Rain and Snow
A vertical roof has panels that run from the peak down to the eaves, just like the roof on your house. This design lets rain, snow, leaves, and debris slide straight off the edges instead of collecting in the panel ridges.
For East Tennessee, this is our strongest recommendation. If your property is on a wooded lot (and most are around here), a vertical roof prevents the leaf dams and water pooling that plague other roof styles.
Boxed Eave (A Frame): When Aesthetics Matter
A boxed eave roof has an A frame shape that closely resembles a traditional home roofline. It looks clean and blends well with residential architecture. The panels run horizontally, which means water and debris can collect in the ridges over time.
This style works well in open areas with moderate weather exposure. It is a good compromise between looks and performance.
Regular (Rounded) Roof: Budget Option with Trade Offs
The rounded roof is the most affordable option. It has a gentle curve and horizontal panels. While it does the job in mild conditions, the rounded shape and horizontal panel orientation can allow water and snow to pool, especially during heavy East Tennessee storms.
Metal vs. Wood Carports: Material Guide for the Tennessee Valley
Steel and Galvanized Metal: Rust Resistance in High Humidity
Metal carports are the most popular choice in our area, and for good reason. They are strong, affordable, and low maintenance. But not all metal carports are created equal.
Gauge thickness
14 gauge steel is standard. 12 gauge steel is stronger and better suited for areas with heavy wind or snow load. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the steel.
Galvanization
Galvanized steel has a protective zinc coating that resists rust. In a region with over 50 inches of annual rainfall and high humidity, galvanization is not optional.
Powder coating
An additional layer of colored finish that protects against scratches, UV fade, and surface corrosion. It also gives you color options to match your home.
A note on condensation: Metal carports in humid climates can develop condensation (sweating) on the underside of the roof during temperature shifts. If this is a concern, adding a condensation control blanket or vapor barrier under the roof panels will prevent dripping on your vehicle.
Cedar and Wood Carports: The Premium Aesthetic Option
Wood carports offer a look that metal simply cannot match. Cedar structures with hardtop roofs blend beautifully with East Tennessee’s “Mountain Modern” residential style and often satisfy strict HOA requirements that prohibit metal structures.
The trade off is cost and maintenance. Wood requires periodic sealing or staining to prevent moisture damage, and it needs to be inspected for insect activity. But for homeowners who want a carport that looks like a natural extension of their home, cedar is the premium choice.
Sizing Your Carport: Single Car, Double, Triple, and RV Heights
Standard Vehicle Sizing
Here is a practical sizing guide based on what we see most often:
Single car (12x20 or 14x20)
Fits most sedans, crossovers, and small SUVs comfortably.
Double car (20x20 or 22x20)
Fits two vehicles side by side. If you drive full size trucks or SUVs, go with 22 or 24 feet wide so you have room to open doors without hitting the support posts.
Triple wide (30x20 or wider)
For three vehicles, boats, or a combination of vehicles and storage.
Expert Tip
A common mistake is sizing too tight. We always recommend going one size up from the minimum to give yourself room to move around the vehicle and store a few extras along the edges.
RV and Boat Carports: Tall Leg Heights and Extra Wide Spans
Knoxville is a gateway to the Smokies, and RV ownership in this area is well above the national average. If you need to protect a motorhome, camper, or boat, you need a carport with:
- Tall eave heights: 12 to 14 feet minimum for most RVs and motorhomes.
- Extra width: 14 to 18 feet for single RV coverage; wider for side panels or walk around access.
- Side panels (optional): Enclose one or more sides for additional UV and weather protection.
Lean To and Attached Carports
A lean to carport attaches to the side of an existing building, like your home, garage, or workshop. It saves space, shares a wall for structural support, and keeps the vehicle close to the house.
This option works well for homeowners who want covered parking without placing a freestanding structure in the yard.
Wind Ratings, Snow Load, and Storm Certification: Why It Matters Here
East Tennessee is no stranger to severe weather. Heavy thunderstorms, straight line winds, occasional tornado activity, and winter ice storms are all part of life in the Tennessee Valley. When shopping for a carport, look for:
Certified wind ratings
100 to 150 mph wind speed ratings are available for this region. A certified structure has been engineered and tested to withstand specific loads. An uncertified one has not.
Snow load capacity
Even though Knoxville does not get heavy snow every year, ice storms can deposit significant weight on a roof. A snow load rating of 30 to 35 PSF (pounds per square foot) handles the worst case scenarios.
Anchoring system
The carport is only as strong as what holds it to the ground. Proper anchoring (rebar, concrete bolts, or helical anchors) is what prevents your carport from becoming airborne during a storm.
MPH Wind Speed
PSF Snow Load
We do not sell uncertified structures for permanent installation. Every carport we install meets the structural demands of this region.
Carport Installation by Foothills Custom Outdoors: Site Prep to Final Anchor
A carport is a straightforward structure, but installing one correctly on East Tennessee terrain is not always straightforward. Sloped driveways, rocky subsoil, soft red clay, and uneven grading all create challenges that a professional installer knows how to handle.
Can You Install a Carport on a Slope? Yes. Here Is How We Do It.
Most properties in Knoxville, Maryville, and the surrounding foothills have some degree of slope. A carport installed on uneven ground without proper adjustment will lean, collect water, and look wrong.
Our approach:
- We measure the slope and calculate the exact leg height adjustments needed to keep the roof level.
- We prepare the foundation surface (whether concrete, gravel, or compacted soil) to provide stable footing.
- We use extended leg posts where needed, cut to precise measurements for your specific site.
The result is a carport that looks and performs like it was built for that exact spot, because it was.
Anchoring Options: Rebar, Concrete, Helical, and Asphalt Bolts
Different ground conditions require different anchoring methods:
Rebar anchors
Driven into compacted soil or clay. Simple, effective, and the most common method for carports installed on ground or gravel.
Concrete anchors
Bolted directly into an existing concrete slab or driveway. Provides the most secure hold.
Helical (mobile home) anchors
Screwed deep into the ground for maximum resistance to uplift. Ideal for areas with high wind exposure.
Asphalt bolts
Used when the carport is installed on an existing asphalt driveway.
Local Service Area: Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, and Knox County
We install carports throughout Knox County and the surrounding East Tennessee area, including Farragut, Powell, Seymour, Lenoir City, and beyond.
Carport Permits and Zoning in Knoxville and Knox County
We help you navigate these requirements during the consultation process so there are no surprises.
Jurisdiction Rules
City of Knoxville: Permits Required for All Sizes
If your property is within the Knoxville city limits, a building permit is required for a carport of any size. This includes both freestanding and attached structures.
Unincorporated Knox County: The 120 Square Foot Threshold
In unincorporated Knox County, structures under 120 square feet generally do not require a permit. Anything larger does. Since most useful carports exceed 120 square feet, plan on needing a permit in most cases.
Setback Requirements and HOA Rules
- Property line setbacks vary by zone. Your carport typically needs to be a specific distance from the property line, the street, and your septic system (if applicable).
- Front yard placement is restricted in many residential zones. Some areas only allow carports in the side or rear yard.
- HOA requirements in neighborhoods like Farragut or Hardin Valley may specify colors, materials, or require the carport to match the home’s exterior. Metal carports are prohibited in some HOAs; wood or composite alternatives may be required.
Grill Gazebo and Bar FAQ
How much does a carport cost?
Carport pricing depends on size, roof style, gauge of steel, certification level, and any customization. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.
Is delivery and installation included?
Yes. When you purchase a carport through Foothills Custom Outdoors, delivery, site preparation, and professional installation are part of the package.
Will the metal roof sweat and drip on my car?
It can, especially during humid mornings in East Tennessee. Adding a condensation control blanket under the roof panels eliminates this issue. We can include this in your installation.
Can I enclose the carport later?
Many carport designs allow you to add side panels, end walls, or even a full enclosure down the road. If future enclosure is a possibility, let us know up front so we can recommend a structure that accommodates it.
How long does a metal carport last?
A quality galvanized and powder coated metal carport, properly installed and anchored, can last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Can I put solar panels on the roof?
Some carport frames can support solar arrays, but the structure needs to be engineered for the additional load. If solar is a goal, mention it during your consultation so we can recommend a frame with the right weight capacity.
Get a Free Carport Consultation: Call Nick and Sam Today
Whether you need a basic single car cover or a certified triple wide RV carport, we will help you find the right structure, prepare your site, and install it correctly.
Give us a call or fill out our contact form. We will get back to you quickly, visit your property, and give you an honest recommendation based on what you actually need.