Cantilever carport or 4-post carport?
A cantilever carport stands on posts on one side only, so the open side has nothing in the way when you drive in, turn or open your doors. A 4-post carport has a post at each corner, which is a simpler design and, in our range, costs less. If access and space are tight, a cantilever is usually worth it. If you have room to drive between posts, a 4-post carport gives you more coverage for your budget.
How the two designs differ
Cantilever carports
The roof is held up by posts on one side and reaches out over the parking space. Our Sydney Wave cantilever carport stands on two 86 ร 170 mm posts and is described as ideal for turnaround areas and car charging stations. The Arizona Wave 5000 also stands on two posts, so you can drive in and open the doors without posts in the way, and it doubles as an outdoor cover when the car is out.
4-post carports
The roof sits on a post at each corner. The Colorado has only 4 posts and a wide entrance, and is described as fitting two large cars. The Atlas 5000 and Vitoria 5000 each stand on four 8 ร 4 cm aluminium poles.
Cantilever vs 4-post at a glance
| Cantilever | 4-post | |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Open side with no posts in the way | Drive in between the front posts |
| Best for | Tight driveways, turning areas, EV charging spots | Standard driveways with room for posts |
| Footings | The Sydney Wave carports require concrete footings | A flat, level, solid base; the Arcadia includes anchoring and foot-pads |
| Price in our range (time of writing) | From $5,049 | From $3,075 |
Our cantilever carports compared
| Model | Size (W ร L) | Posts | Wind and snow rating | Price at time of writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Wave 5000 | 289 cm wide | 2 | Not listed | $5,049 |
| Sydney Wave cantilever | 286 ร 586.5 cm | 2 | 120 km/h, 65 kg/mยฒ | $6,225 |
| Arizona Wave 5000 Double Wings | 578 ร 495 cm | 2 | 120 km/h, 75 kg/mยฒ | $8,730 |
| Sydney Wave double | 572 ร 586.5 cm | 4, joined in the centre | 120 km/h, 65 kg/mยฒ | $12,645 |
The Sydney Wave double is a two-car design with four posts that connect in the centre, in an Apex or Wings configuration, so both cars get an open side. The Sydney Wave models give an overhead clearance of 200 to 287.5 cm.
When a cantilever makes sense
- Your driveway is narrow and posts on both sides would make it hard to open doors.
- You need to turn or reverse in the covered area.
- You want to cover an EV charging spot or a space you also use as an outdoor area.
- You can put in concrete footings where the design requires them.
When a 4-post carport makes sense
- You have room to drive between the posts comfortably.
- You want the most cover for your budget. Our 4-post singles start at $3,075 at the time of writing.
- You need a long carport. The Arcadia comes in five lengths, up to 10.72 m (just under 11 m) long.
- You need extra height. The Alpine is a taller version of the Arcadia for caravans, RVs and lifted 4WDs.
Measure before you choose
Measure the width of your driveway and how far you need to open your car doors, then compare with the inside and overall sizes on each product page. Check where the posts will go relative to paths, gardens and boundaries, and check your council’s rules for your address. You can request the engineering certificate and calculations for your state on each product page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cantilever carport strong enough?
Our cantilever carports list their tested ratings: the Sydney Wave models are tested to 120 km/h winds and 65 kg/mยฒ of snow, and the Arizona Wave 5000 Double Wings to 120 km/h and 75 kg/mยฒ.
Do cantilever carports need concrete footings?
The Sydney Wave carports state that concrete footings are required. Check the assembly instructions on each product page for your model.
Can a cantilever carport cover two cars?
Yes. The Arizona Wave 5000 Double Wings and the Sydney Wave double are both designed to cover two cars.
Which is cheaper?
In our range, 4-post carports start lower, at $3,075 at the time of writing, while our cantilever carports start at $5,049.
Find the right carport
Compare every design, size and price in our carport kits range. If you are not sure which design suits your driveway, send us a message and we will help you choose.
