We’ve all seen them. You know, rickety and rusty carports dragging down a property’s curb appeal. In fact, the eyesore is all you pay attention to. Even though carport designs have improved over the years the structures still lack some curb appeal.

You can spend the extra money on a custom design but this doesn’t guarantee you’re going to be thrilled with the carport’s appearance. If you’re searching for some unique ways to boost carport curb appeal, we’ve got you covered.

From innovative projects to quick little fixes around your property the following list of carport makeover ideas is comprised of important tips on how you can spruce up your motor’s living space.

Add Decorative Trim

Do you have any scraps of wood lying around? You’re looking for relatively narrow wood strips. Instead of tossing the strips in the dumpster or recycling pile, why not put them to use?

You can use the wood strips to create a decorative trim around the window and door frames. Don’t have any windows on your carport, what about the door? Obviously, this idea only works on fully enclosed carports. You’re not going to have a door if the carport is open. Don’t forget to paint the trim or at least stain the wood. A coat of paint or stain adds a nice touch while also helping protect the trim from damage.

Get Creative With the Roof

A great aspect of carports is how easy the structures are to modify. For example, you can start off with a budget-friendly open carport and add walls later on. If your carport is a custom design, it’s a tad easier to have a bit of freedom with the roof. You can still swap out the roof style with a prefab kit but it may be a little higher in cost.

Most carports come with either a flat or slanted roof and this is okay. However, if you’re looking for something more than just okay, consider going with a scalloped-edge roof. Talk about adding a bit of the wow factor to a carport. You can also go with a gabled or lean-to roof. The roofing material can also vary and this can do wonders for your carport’s curb appeal.

However, before you go too crazy with roofing materials check to see what’s best for your needs and area. A metal roof is more energy-efficient but rust can be an issue in areas with heavy rainfall and high humidity. Tile roofs are more expensive and durability can be an issue.

Asphalt roofs are inexpensive but typically need more maintenance compared to metal and then something else to consider is the impact on the environment. This can be just as important as boosting curb appeal. When it comes to environmental benefits, metal is often the best option. Metal roofs not only offer a ton of design options but they’re typically made from recycled materials.

Install a Walkway

A walkway can add curb appeal while also making it easier to get to your carport, especially if it’s not attached. You can get your kids along with the neighbors and have them run back and forth wearing out a dirt path. The kids get some exercise and you end up with a dusty trail. While kind of effective, it’s not doing a lot to boost your carport’s curb appeal.

Why don’t you head to your local garden or home improvement store and pick up some paving materials? You can spend as much or as little as your budget allows. Paving stones are attractive, functional, and not exactly cheap. If staying on budget is a priority, what about using gravel? You can pick up bags of gravel to use for your walkway. The gravel adds a nice touch while also helping to keep your walkway from turning into a muddy mess every time it rains.

Use Native Plants

Planting greenery almost always adds curb appeal. There’s just something about live plants that really spruce an area up. Don’t have a green thumb, so no worries. Your local garden center can point you toward plants that require little to no care. You know plants that seem to thrive even when you forget to provide some care.

Native plants always grow best and they’re also beneficial for the environment. Annuals often put on quite a show but you’ll need to replace the tender plants every year. Perennials require a little less care and tend to return every year. If you want year-round greenery, consider going with shrubs. Some taller-growing species can also double as a privacy hedge.

Try planting some greenery around the carport. If there’s a walkway, what about lining the path with some flowering plants? Sticking flowers in window boxes or pots is another great idea.

A Coat of Paint Can Do Wonders for a Carport

Is your carport looking a little worse for wear? This typically happens over time. You’re not stuck with your less-than-stellar-looking carport. Chances are, it’s nothing a fresh coat of paint can’t fix. Best of all, it’s a pretty easy and inexpensive way to improve your carport’s appearance.

Before you grab just any can of paint or reuse an old one in the garage, make sure it’s the right type. Along with using exterior paint, make sure it’s designed for your carport’s material. You’re going to use a different type of paint for wood than metal. Even the type of wood or metal can also affect paint type so it’s usually best to double-check with a professional. When it comes to picking a paint color, your options are pretty much limitless. You can go with a color that matches or contrasts with your home.

Add Some Lights

Don’t worry, you don’t need to pay for a professional electrician just to add lights to your carport. You can find some inexpensive and eco-friendly options like solar-powered lights. Try sticking some lights along the walkway to the carport.

You can even find strings of solar lights to hang around the carport’s roof. When it comes to adding curb appeal to a carport, it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes making a small upgrade is more than enough to make your carport stand out for the right reasons amongst your neighbours.