What's the difference between a patio and a carport?

Both are Colorbond steel structures with a solid roof, but they're built for different jobs. A patio is an outdoor living space attached to or near your home for entertaining and relaxing. A carport is a vehicle shelter — open-sided so you can drive in and out — usually positioned on the driveway or beside the house. The structure is similar; the purpose and placement are different.

Can a patio double as a carport?

Sometimes. A freestanding patio with enough headroom and clearance can shelter a vehicle, and a carport can provide a sheltered outdoor area. But the two are designed around different uses — vehicle access and height for a carport, comfort and connection to the home for a patio — so it's worth deciding the primary purpose first. Our WA team can help you choose. See our dedicated carports page for more.

Is a carport cheaper than a patio in WA?

Not necessarily — cost depends mainly on size, height, roof style, wind region and any upgrades rather than whether it's labelled a patio or a carport. A simple flat-roof structure of either type is typically the most economical. Use our patio calculator for an instant indicative estimate, or contact us for a tailored carport quote.

Do both a patio and a carport need council approval?

Approval requirements for both structures depend on the project and local government area. A building permit, planning approval or both may apply, so confirm with your local council or a registered building surveyor before you build.

Are your patios and carports engineered for WA conditions?

Engineering requirements depend on the structure, kit configuration and project site. The documentation supplied for your project will identify the applicable design requirements. As a factory-direct manufacturer in Bellevue WA, family owned since 1999, we cut each kit to size and back it with delivery, phone and install support.

Patio Comparison

Patio vs Carport

Outdoor living space, or vehicle shelter?

Patios and carports are both Colorbond steel structures with a solid roof — the difference is what they're for. Compare them on purpose, sides, placement, engineering and approval to choose the right kit for your WA home.

PRICE MY PATIO DESIGN IT ON MY HOUSE

Patio Kit Estimator

Design it on my house

Get an instant estimate for your dream patio.

Width (m)

Length (m)

Design

Roofing Type

Height (m)

Traditional corrugated steel patio roofing.

From

$35 pw*

Total Price

$4,760

Incl GST

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36 Months Interest-Free Available

Cash & Direct deposit discounts available

Get Started with a $500 Deposit

Indicative estimate only, based on your selected size and design with Corrugated roofing — final price depends on engineering, wind region, colour, roofing and site requirements. The weekly figure is an example repayment over a 36-month interest-free term for approved applicants; terms, fees, charges and lending criteria apply.

Quick Answer

Both are Colorbond steel structures with a solid roof, but they do different jobs. A patio is an outdoor living and entertaining space off your home. A carport is an open-sided vehicle shelter, usually on the driveway or beside the house. The structure is similar, while engineering and approval requirements depend on the design and project site — the right choice comes down to purpose and placement. See our carports page or get instant pricing with the patio calculator.

Patio vs Carport At A Glance

Patio and carport compared by purpose, roofing, sides, placement, engineering and approval
Feature	Patio	Carport
Main purpose	Outdoor living & entertaining	Shelter for vehicles
Roof	Solid Colorbond roof	Solid Colorbond roof
Sides	Usually open to the home/garden	Open sides for vehicle access
Typical position	Off living areas / alfresco	Driveway, beside or in front of home
Relative cost	Varies by size & style	Varies by size & style
Engineering	Depends on design & site	Depends on design & site
Council approval	Depends on project & location	Depends on project & location

Each Structure Explained

Patio

Lifestyle

Outdoor living, entertaining and relaxing.

Pros

Solid Colorbond roof for all-weather use
Connects to living areas for entertaining
Range of styles — flat, gable or raised
Engineering documentation based on the project

Trade-offs

Not designed for vehicle access
Approval requirements depend on the project

Best For

Creating a comfortable, weatherproof outdoor living and entertaining area.

Carport

Vehicle shelter

Open-sided shelter for your vehicles.

Pros

Protects cars, boats or caravans from sun and rain
Open sides for easy drive-in access
Engineering documentation based on the project
Cost-effective alternative to a garage

Trade-offs

Open sides — less secure than a garage
Approval requirements depend on the project

Best For

Sheltering vehicles where a fully enclosed garage isn't needed or possible.

Key Takeaways

Choose a patio for outdoor living and entertaining off your home.
Choose a carport to shelter vehicles with open-sided, drive-in access.
Engineering and approval requirements for both depend on the design and project site.
Want a vehicle shelter? See our dedicated carports page for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Project

Carports WA Patio vs Pergola Flat vs Gable Patio Patio Cost Guide WA Patio Calculator (Instant Pricing)Design It On My House

Not Sure Which One You Need?

Preview a structure on a photo of your own home, get instant pricing, or talk to our WA team about whether a patio or carport best suits your block.

DESIGN IT ON MY HOUSE PRICE MY PATIO 1800 942 932