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The Solution Section (FAQ)
How did Carport Central get into horse barns?
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.
Is the entry price really under $5,000 delivered and installed?
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.
What warranties come standard?
Three warranties standard on every Carport Central horse barn:
- 1-year workmanship warranty on installation
- 10-year panel warranty against cracking and chipping (the steel skin)
- 20-year rust-through warranty on the 12-gauge or 14-gauge galvanized steel framing
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.
Can these really withstand 180 mph wind?
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.
Why pick a metal barn over a traditional wood barn?
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.
What about the foundation — do I need to pour concrete first?
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.
Do the barns come with stalls, tack rooms, and feeders?
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.
Can I install it myself for a discount, and how do I get a quote?
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.
What styles of horse barn does Carport Central offer?
Carport Central builds raised center aisle barns, the Carolina Barn, Seneca Barn, Texas Barn, all-vertical and two-tone designs, plus step-down and drop-down profiles. Loafing sheds, run-in shelters, and lean-to additions are also available. Because every barn is 100% customizable, you can blend an enclosed stable with open turnout shelters in one structure.
How much does a metal horse barn cost?
Pricing depends on size, roof style, and options. Published examples include an 18'x40' raised center barn around $36,794.00, a 20'x46' raised center barn near $37,006.00, a 42'x30' steel pole barn at $21,846.00, and a 44'x50' two-tone raised center barn at $42,910.00. The original InfoHorse ad notes basic structures starting at less than $5000 including delivery and installation.
Are delivery and installation included in the price?
Yes. Carport Central's professional crews handle both delivery and installation, and the advertised price includes delivery AND installation. Most orders are set up in days rather than weeks once the site is ready.
How strong are the barns and what wind rating do they carry?
Carport Central's strongest barns are engineered to withstand winds up to 180 mph when properly anchored on a level surface. Frames use heavy-gauge American steel, with 14-gauge framing offered for barns that stay easy to manage and clean. Roof, anchor, and certification upgrades can be selected to match local building codes and wind or snow loads.
What roof styles are available?
You can choose a regular roof, an A-frame boxed-eave roof, or a vertical roof. The vertical roof runs its panels from ridge to eave so rain, snow, and debris shed off the top instead of pooling, making it the recommended choice for the longest-lasting weather protection in harsh climates.
Can I add stalls, a tack room, and a feed room?
Yes. Barns are fully customizable, so you can add interior stall walls, walk doors, roll-up doors, windows, and gable ends, then enclose a lean-to as a dedicated tack and feed room. Insulation and additional bows or trusses can also be specified for comfort and structural strength.
Does Carport Central offer rent-to-own?
Yes. The rent-to-own program requires no credit check, offers same-day approval after a few basic questions and a signed contract, and runs on a month-to-month basis. You can pay the barn off any time with no penalty, and it converts to full ownership once paid. Horse barns, loafing sheds, and agricultural buildings all qualify.
What financing options are available?
Beyond rent-to-own, Carport Central offers traditional financing for buildings up to $55,000, with terms up to 180 months and zero-down options available with approval. Qualifying purchases can ship with no payments and no interest for 12 months. Approved buyers can choose from multiple offers to find the payment that fits their budget.
What warranty comes with the barn?
Coverage includes a 30-year frame warranty against rust-through on qualifying steel framing, a 10-year panel warranty for rust-through protection, and a 30-day workmanship warranty for manufacturing or installation issues. The horse barn line is specifically backed by a 20-year warranty.
Where is Carport Central located and does it ship nationwide?
Carport Central is headquartered at 1018 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030. It serves all 48 contiguous states with professional delivery and installation crews. You can reach building specialists at (980) 321-9898 or (336) 429-5848, or email info@carportcentral.com.
How do I get an exact price for my barn?
Carport Central offers an online 3D Building Configurator and quote calculator so you can choose dimensions, roof style, color, doors, windows, and lean-tos and see instant pricing. For custom configurations or questions about codes and anchoring, you can call a building specialist directly at (980) 321-9898.
What site preparation do I need before installation?
The installation site must be level, clear, and accessible for the crew and delivery equipment. A level pad of dirt, gravel, concrete, or asphalt is required, and you select the matching anchor type when you order. Having the area ready in advance keeps the install on the fast, days-not-weeks timeline.
What colors can I choose for the barn?
Carport Central includes 12 or more color choices at no extra charge, and two-tone barn designs let you pair a roof or trim color with the wall color. You select your colors during the order or directly inside the 3D Building Configurator.
What is a lean-to and why add one to a horse barn?
A lean-to is a single-slope roof extension attached to one or both sides of the main barn. On a horse barn it creates shaded run-in space, sheltered aisle access, or covered storage for hay, tractors, and equipment. Carport Central offers lean-tos as a built-in option on most barn models, including a 36'x70' barn-with-lean-to configuration.
Is Carport Central a reputable company?
Carport Central has installed more than 15,000 buildings, holds a 4.8-star Google rating, and is BBB accredited with a 2024 Torch Award for marketplace ethics. All structures are manufactured in America from premium steel, and a dedicated team of building specialists supports customers from quote through installation.
Can the same barn serve as a barn with living quarters or a barndominium?
Yes. Carport Central builds metal barns with living quarters and barndominiums, which are typically far less expensive than traditional wood-framed homes. The same steel framing that protects horses and equipment can be insulated and finished into an apartment, office, or full residence within the barn footprint.
What office hours can I reach Carport Central?
Building specialists are available Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the office closed Sunday. Call (980) 321-9898 or (336) 429-5848, or email info@carportcentral.com to start a quote or finalize an order.
