What is the difference between a carport and a porch?

When you want to protect your vehicle or create a sheltered space in your garden, two structures frequently stand out: the carport and the porch. Although similar in appearance, these two installations differ in their functions and essential features. Wondering what the difference is between a carport and a porch? AKENA can help you find the solution best suited to your needs!

The main difference between a carport and a porch lies in their use:

Carports: designed specifically to protect vehicles, carports are open-sided structures with a roof supported by pillars or posts.
The porch: used to shelter various outdoor activities such as garden furniture or a terrace, the porch is a covered structure offering an outdoor living space sheltered from the elements.

Whether you choose a carport or a porch, both solutions can be attached to your house or freestanding. This gives them great flexibility.

Akena Carport - Adossé - Voiture protégée

Although different, both carports and porches have evolved over time to meet modern household needs. Today, they offer versatile and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

A carport for your car

The carport is an ideal solution for those looking to protect their vehicle from the elements with an attractive structure. Thanks to its open-sided design, this carport provides good ventilation while offering effective protection against rain, snow and sun. A genuine alternative to the garage, the carport is a practical and economical choice for sheltering cars, motorbikes, bicycles, camper vans and other means of transport. As well as its primary function, it can be used for other purposes, such as storage space.

A real outdoor living space with the porch

The porch is designed to enhance your outdoor living space. It creates a welcoming, multifunctional place to enjoy your garden or terrace, while being protected from the elements. Whether you're looking for a place to spend time with family and friends, or a play area for the kids, the porch lends itself to a wide range of uses. By adding garden furniture, lighting and plants, you can turn it into a real extension of your home, combining comfort and conviviality.

Porches have the ability to create continuity between the inside and outside of your home. Today's carports are often designed with clean lines and modern materials.

Ultimately, whatever your choice, these two solutions can be perfectly adapted to the style of your home, and to your needs thanks to :

The materials: at AKENA, for example, we prefer aluminium to wood or steel for these two structures. Unlike other solutions, aluminium is rust-resistant, durable and aesthetically pleasing, while requiring little maintenance.
With options such as curved or flat roofs, polycarbonate infills, blackout panels or glass roofs, the possibilities are endless when it comes to designing your enclosure. AKENA even offers solar carports! For the fronts, you can also consider modular options to adjust the opening according to the season.
Design: to ensure that your carport or porch blends in perfectly with your home, choose colours that complement your home's palette, use offset posts for a more airy design, or add decorative edging for a touch of elegance.

Another difference between a carport and a porch is the price. In general, for the same surface area, a carport is less expensive than a porch. This is because the structure of a carport is often simpler than that of its counterpart. A porch can also benefit from a large number of additional options to improve comfort within the living space. For all these reasons, a carport is quicker and easier to install, which is reflected in its price.

7 520€

Now that you know the differences between a carport and a porch, you know which structure is best suited to your needs. Call on AKENA! We'll help you design and build your outdoor shelter. Contact us today to get a personalised quote and benefit from our expertise!