Cantilever Carports South Africa: a cantilever carport carries its roof on arms from posts on one side only. With no posts at the front or between bays, cars and doors have a clear opening.
- Good where front posts would block doors, gates or turning space.
- Needs bigger footings and stronger sections than a four-post carport.
Describe your driveway once and compare cantilever designs.
Get Cantilever Carport QuotesHow It Works
Each post acts like a lever, holding a beam arm that reaches over the vehicles. The weight of the roof, and wind pushing up or down on it, are taken into the ground by a large footing at the post. That is why cantilever carports cost more and need careful design.
Layouts
| Layout | Suits |
|---|---|
| Single-sided (one row of posts at the back or side) | Homes and narrow driveways |
| Back-to-back "T" or "Y" posts | Two rows of parking from one row of posts, common in complexes and offices |
| Wall-assisted | Where a strong wall can take part of the load; needs engineering |
The roof can be shade net or solid sheeting. Solid roofs are heavier and catch more wind, so the structure must be designed for it.
Foundations and Structure
- Footings are deeper and larger than on standard carports.
- Posts and arms are usually heavier steel sections or I-beams.
- Base plates and holding-down bolts must be set accurately.
- Ask for engineer-designed footings and sections, especially on solid roofs and commercial sites.
Site Suitability
- Firm ground for the footings. Fill, clay or a high water table may need special design.
- Space for footings where you want the posts, clear of pipes and cables.
- Exposed, windy sites need extra attention to uplift.
- Check the building line, as the overhang counts as part of the structure.
Cantilever Carport Prices
| Cantilever carport | Ballpark installed price |
|---|---|
| Single, shade net | R11,500 - R18,900 |
| Double, shade net | R12,000 - R26,000 |
| Triple, shade net, about 7.5 m x 5 m | About R30,000 (one Cape Town list price) |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges compiled from price guides published by South African carport and building-cost websites, checked 14 October 2026 and rounded. They are not our prices and no contractor is bound by them. "From" prices on one guide are the lower bound. Solid-roof cantilever carports cost more, and engineering and approvals can be extra. The sources mostly do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote.
Sources:
- The Handyman Johannesburg, shadeport price list (updated February 2026)
- KB Carports, Cape Town carport prices (2026 rates)
Compare with standard carports on the carport prices page, or see double carport layouts.
Compare cantilever specialists through Car Ports Installers South Africa, or see the carports overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cantilever carports strong enough for wind?
Yes, when designed for the site. The footings and sections must resist uplift. Ask for engineer sign-off, especially on exposed sites.
Can a cantilever carport have a solid roof?
Yes, but a solid roof is heavier and catches more wind, so the posts, arms and footings must be sized for it.
Why do cantilever carports cost more?
They need heavier steel, larger footings and more design work than a four-post carport of the same size.
Can a cantilever carport cover two rows of parking?
Yes. Back-to-back "T" or "Y" designs cover a bay on each side of one row of posts.
Related Services
Car Ports Installers South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Work is assessed, quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written quote, what is and is not included, proof of insurance and the payment terms before paying anything.
Cantilever Carports South Africa. Send your sizes and site photos once and compare cantilever quotes.
Get Cantilever Carport QuotesCompare Cantilever Carport Quotes
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
