Walmart's Affordable Carport Creates More Garage Space But Is It Really Worth The Hype?

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Are you looking for garage alternatives that don't involve construction or break the bank? A portable carport might just be the item you need. These temporary structures can be erected on your property, often in a driveway, to shelter your vehicles from harsh weather and damage. They're a great solution for homeowners that don't have a garage and building one is outside of their budget; a portable carport can be easily installed and dismantled when necessary, making it an affordable alternative to a permanent building. If you're searching for a temporary vehicle shelter that's on the cheaper side or you can't afford a more permanent solution, the LZBEITEM Heavy Duty Carport sold by Walmart is likely a smart buy.

This portable vehicle shelter features a frame made from corrosion-proof powder-coated galvanized steel and a UV-resistant waterproof canopy and comes in two sizes, with the smaller option starting at about $288. While the price is undeniably budget-friendly, is this portable carport worth the hype? Or is it an example of a home item you should never, ever buy at Walmart? A plethora of positive customer reviews far outweigh the negative feedback and the average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars is a good sign. However, it's worth digging a little deeper into the shopper critiques before you add this carport to your cart as some, like poor weather resistance and a lackluster return policy, reoccur.

At first glance, Walmart customers have lots of positive things to say about this creative carport idea to make the most out of your parking space. Chiefly, it's easy to assemble, even for those who are generally DIY challenged. One satisfied customer, Melynda, commented: "I initially wanted a metal carport but opted for this one because you can take it down and move it. Installation and setup was easy." She also advised, however, that it's a job best completed by two adults. Worth mentioning, too, is the carport's large size. Happy customer Bill noted that the product is "bigger than I thought" in his 5-star review.

Despite these clear positives, there are some negatives worth pointing out. The main customer concerns focus on durability — or lack thereof. One less-than-happy reviewer, Phillip, wrote, "I have had it for under 6 months and a windstorm came by and completely destroyed it." If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather, this carport may not be the best purchase. Furthermore, when dissatisfied customers have tried to return their purchase, they don't appear to be getting the response they want from the company. The "product came missing the top to the car port and the company has not responded to my messages," shopper Greg said.