Steel, aluminium and timber are the three most common carport frame materials in South Africa, with polyethylene and PVC sheeting as the usual lightweight roof coverings. Steel is the most expensive of the three frame materials up front, aluminium is the cheapest and lowest-maintenance, and timber’s ongoing treatment needs can make it the costliest over time. Aluminium carports are the usual answer on the coast, where salt air attacks an unprotected steel frame first. The right combination comes down to budget, local climate and how much upkeep you want to take on.
Steel, aluminium and timber compared
| Frame material | Cost | Life expectancy | Maintenance | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Most expensive of the three up front | 25+ years | Regular rust inspection; needs powder coating or galvanizing to prevent rust | Robust, industrial look, finished in different ways |
| Aluminium | Cheapest of the three | 25+ years | Very low; highly resistant to corrosion | Lightweight and strong, finished in a variety of ways |
| Timber | Treatment costs add up over the life of the carport | 15+ years | Regular maintenance; untreated timber risks rotting, warping or splitting | Natural, warm appearance |
Steel only reaches that 25-year life expectancy with rust protection in place. Galvanized steel carports use a zinc coating for that protection, and suppliers who specify BlueScope Steel back the frame with a manufacturer warranty on the material itself. For a style-first rather than material-first comparison, see different types of carports.
Polyethylene and PVC roof coverings
The frame carries the structure; the covering keeps the weather out. Two lightweight materials are common:
| Covering | Properties |
|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | A hard-wearing, waterproof plastic weave that’s resistant to low temperatures and light enough to transport easily |
| PVC | Durable, waterproof and resistant to low temperatures, with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio |
A rigid PVC roof sheet is a different product from the flexible PVC cover above — see PVC carport roofing for sheet styles and installation, or polycarbonate carport roofing for a UV-blocking, impact-resistant alternative. KB Carports builds custom carports in Cape Town in any of these frame and roof combinations, matched to the site and the budget.
What drives the price
Material is only one part of the final cost — labour, site preparation, the size and type of carport, and extras such as lighting, custom paint, varnish, gables and lattice edges all move the number. In the Greater Cape Town area, an open-design flat roof carport starts from R475 per square metre, a 3-side panel design from R550 per square metre, a flat-roof L-beam carport from R1450 per square metre, a CromoDek carport patio from R3200 per square metre, and a pitched A-frame carport from R825 per square metre. See carport designs for the full range these prices cover.
More carport material guides
Each material and roof type has a dedicated guide with the full specification:
- BlueScope Steel carports — a premium branded steel backed by a manufacturer warranty on material defects and corrosion resistance.
- Galvanized steel carports — how zinc coating protects a steel frame, and why hot-dip galvanizing is the specification to ask for.
- Polycarbonate carport roofing — a lightweight, UV-blocking roof sheet that resists hail and impact without shattering.
- PVC carport roofing — the budget roof sheet: waterproof, but shorter-lived under constant UV.
- Best paint for a metal carport — paint types, application and upkeep for a steel frame.
Match the frame to your budget, the roof or cover to your climate, and confirm the combination with a supplier before you order.
Ready to build? Compare carport prices in Cape Town and steel carports Cape Town before you request a quote.
Get a price for your carport. KB Carports builds and installs across Cape Town — request a free quote or call 062 397 4233.