How to keep cool in the summer by adding a carport

Getting ready for the summer and want to enjoy the outdoors? How about adding a carport to your property? While it may seem unconventional – especially if you have a garage, there are many ways to use a carport to your advantage.

First, today’s carports are sturdier and more modern than the ones manufactured years ago. Quite stylish, they can be added to the house, right next to it, or completely separate from the main home. With the summer months quickly approaching, having a plan in place to expand your living space into the outdoors makes sense, right?

Here are a few things you can do:

• Picnic area

Get ready for the barbeque! A carport is a great way to have a large (or small) gathering without having to trek in and out of the house. It provides great shade, you can hook up a TV or stereo system, throw some tables, chairs, and maybe a couch or two under the carport and have a good time. The great thing about a carport is that you can have it as big as you like. That means you may have room to set up a quick food prep area and you’re all set!

• Outdoor living space

You should never let a great summer day to go to waste. Wouldn’t it be really cool to create an indoor-outdoor living space? The carport can be outfitted with ambient lighting, comfortable seating and cozy tables to create a space you’ll never want to leave. Those nice, summer nights where you want to relax outside will quickly become a reality, and you’ll be able to relax in style.

• Horse run

If you’re an equestrian buff, how about creating your own horse run? A carport can serve these purposes right on your property. Depending on the size you get, this is perfect for added seating, a feeding space and more. Instead of going to see the horses, you can invite others to come and enjoy yours!

• Garden center

Beautiful gardens take work. You need space to plan and create your masterpiece. A carport can serve as your modern greenhouse, providing a shady space to house tools, grow plants, and more. There’s no limit to what you can do to make this an area inviting enough to welcome both work and play. All you need is a little imagination.

• Activity center

Want the kids and their friends out of the house? Create an activity center or even an art studio under the carport! You can outfit this area with a TV, some tables, chairs, couches, games and other activities and you won’t have to worry about where they are and what they are doing. Outfit this area with some lighting, a couple of high-powered fans, and they will stay occupied for hours. You’ll be happy and the kids will love it. Consider this the modern-day version of a clubhouse – a gift for the kids that keeps on giving.

These are just a few affordable options when using a carport to enhance your summer fun while keeping cool. One of the best parts about using a carport is that it is versatile enough to accommodate almost any idea you have. Whether you need to throw an event or want to create a romantic restaurant-type setting, the carport will meet your needs. A metal carport can also be customized to your specifications, whether you want a single or triple car area, or one with specialized dimensions. Whether your custom metal carport is completely open or has partially enclosed sides, you’ll be able to create the additional space you want and stay cool the entire summer.