Carports - Happy Memories and Functionality

Carports are not garages. Well, that's obvious right? I mean, they are not completely enclosed. They don't usually have built in storage or shelving. They are open for all the world to see. They are just carports. But that's the great thing about them. They are a place to put your car, boat or RV and that's pretty much it. Simple, functional, relatively inexpensive, and sometimes even moveable. They come in all sorts of configurations, from metal, to wood, to canvas. And, they range in price from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars. But more on that later. First, I just have to take a little trip down memory lane.

I don't think that carports are usually associated with fond memories, but they are for me. When I was a kid I lived in a house that had an attached carport. Sort of a lean-to structure built onto the house. It didn't have a closeable door so was always open in the front. It wasn't very big but it holds a special place in my memories because it was where so many magical moments happened. There was something wonderful about it. For example, when the thunderstorms would roll in we would go outside and listen to the rain while we stood protected and dry under the carport roof. I can almost smell and hear it in my memory. That space also served as our fort when we played cowboys and Indians. And it was always "safe" when we played hide-and-go-seek. When we would return from going someplace in the car, it was the carport that welcomed us home. The car barely fit, but it was home. When we would have water fights with our Dad, the carport became a place of relative protection. He did have the hose after all, so we couldn't totally escape, but the carport offered at least the sense of refuge. And it is where I learned to first ride a bike. Wow, how warm and fuzzy can carports make one person feel.

But enough of that. What I really want to talk about is some of the details and benefits that modern carports offer. I'm not talking about the built on carports common in the 1970's. I am talking about the ultra modern, snazzy structures and covers that serve as carports today. These things range from being simple quality canopies like the ones made by companies like King Canopy, to carports that are enclosed professional grade storage spaces that can be closed off from the elements and made secure.

The Jewett-Cameron company makes carports that act as shelters for recreational vehicles, modular boat storage, car and truck storage, and even workshop type canopies. These carports are domed shaped and come in a wide variety of sizes. The nice thing about these is that they are built to last and can be assembled almost anywhere.

And finally, carports like those made by Rhino are heavy duty open sided steel covered structures that give greater protection than canvas carports and are just as portable. They also come in a variety of sizes so you are sure to find one that will work for you.

So, as you can see, besides providing fond memories for kids, they provide great functionality for adults!