Carport Central started as the nation's leading distributor of quality metal carports. Customer demand for the same heavy-gauge steel construction at horse-barn sizes pulled them into the equine market, where they've since become one of the leading distributors of metal horse barns in the U.S. The same engineered framing, the same coating quality, the same delivered-and-installed model — scaled up for stalls, lean-tos, tack rooms, and run-in shelters. Headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina; service area covers 46 states with manufacturing plants distributed across the country to keep delivery times short.
Per Carport Central, yes. Their entry-level metal barn — a 42 × 21 × 9.6 ft structure — is quoted at $4,690 delivered and installed. Most barns across the line install for under $10 per square foot total cost (delivery + installation included). Width, length, height, gauge, roof style, doors, windows, and color all affect final pricing — the entry-level number is a useful floor for budgeting but not the final quote for a customized barn. Pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors and steel-market conditions; confirm current pricing with Carport Central directly.
Three warranties standard on every Carport Central horse barn:
Per Carport Central, the framing is the long-life structural element — the panels are the visible weather skin. Together the warranties cover both surfaces with explicit field-life expectations rather than vague "limited warranty" language. The 12-gauge frame option is heavier and more impact-resistant; 14-gauge is the lighter standard frame; both carry the same 20-year rust-through coverage.
Per Carport Central, yes — in regions where 180 mph wind loads apply, the barns are engineered to that standard. All barns are engineered to meet each customer's local county wind and snow load as specified in each of the 46 states they cover. The local requirements are the customer's responsibility to research, but Carport Central can certify the building to local code in most permit-required jurisdictions. Florida exception: in Florida, the customer is required to obtain the permit themselves; once a deposit is placed, Carport Central provides the engineered drawings the county needs. A "certified building" simply means the structure is professional-engineer-certified to meet local building requirements.
Six practical advantages per Carport Central: (1) No bowing, warping, or wood-rot leaks that ruin feed and equipment over time. (2) Reduced fire risk — steel doesn't burn the way dimensional lumber does, which can lower property insurance. (3) No insect infestations — termites, carpenter bees, and powder-post beetles don't touch metal. (4) Longer field life with rust-inhibitor coating that resists weather where wood would warp or rust-through-fastener. (5) Lower maintenance — steel is mold and mildew resistant; small spots can be touch-up painted rather than full re-coats. (6) Easier cleaning — interior and exterior wash with soap and water or a power washer; that supports horse health by removing dust and bacterial loads.
Per Carport Central, no — concrete is optional. Their metal barns can install on any level surface: concrete, asphalt, ground, gravel, wood decks, walls (3 ft or less), and non-floating docks. The site must be level. For non-certified buildings, level by eye is typically enough. For a certified building, the site must be level to within 3 inches front-to-back and side-to-side; if the site isn't level when the install team arrives, they may have to reschedule, which carries a return-trip fee. Plan to grade and level the pad before the install date.
No — per Carport Central, the barns ship as the shell only. You'll need to add stalls, kick plates, feeders, and tack-room interior walls separately. The one exception: Carport Central can supply barn stall divider walls on the lean-to sections so you can configure stalls and storage areas according to your specific layout. The advantage of the shell-only approach: you build the interior to your operation's exact needs (number of stalls, aisle width, tack-room placement, wash-stall positioning) without paying for fixtures you'd otherwise want to replace. The customer-service team will help you sketch interior layout options that fit your budget and herd size.
Yes — DIY install is supported. Per Carport Central, the standard quote includes delivery + installation. If you'd rather install yourself, Carport Central can drop the components at your site or you can pick up from one of their manufacturing plants — and self-install carries a discount off the retail price (call for current discount level). To quote: contact Jody Casstevens at 844-860-4950 or 980-321-9898. Web: carportcentral.com. Have your dimensions, gauge preference (12 or 14), roof style, color, door/window count, and delivery address ready. Custom designs welcome — the website has a "design your barn" feature coming.
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