Getting Carport Dimensions Exactly Right
When it comes to building a carport, getting the dimensions right is crucial for functionality, protection from the elements, and optimizing your investment. The last thing you want is to realize too late that your carport is too small to fit your vehicles or allow you to fully open your car doors. On the other hand, an oversized carport wastes money and materials. By carefully measuring and planning ahead, you can feel confident your carport will meet your needs both now and in the future.
We'll look at typical garage sizes, clearance requirements, storage needs, and more. With the right information in hand, you'll be ready to pick carport dimensions tailored to your situation.
Determine What You'll Be Storing
The starting point for choosing carport dimensions is gaining clarity on exactly what you intend on parking or storing. If you only need basic shelter for a single standard-sized vehicle, a basic small carport may suffice. However, most homeowners need space for additional storage needs. Carefully measure the vehicles and items you'll be keeping in the carport so you can plan adequate room.
Type of Vehicles
If you'll primarily be using your carport for vehicle parking, carefully measure the length, width, and height of the vehicles. This includes not just cars and trucks but also boats, RVs, ATVs, snowmobiles, and any other vehicles needing shelter. For standard sized cars, a 12 x 20 foot single car carport or 18 x 20 foot double carport are common choices. However, larger spaces are needed for oversized vehicles. Trucks, SUVs, and vans average 16 - 18 feet long, for instance. And don't forget to measure vehicles with attachments like trailers, lifts, and bike racks.
Number of Vehicles/Items
Consider how many vehicles and items you need to store, both now and in the future. Having ample space between vehicles allows for easier parking, storage access, walking room, and future flexibility. For multi-vehicle coverage, tandem carports which are elongated lengths or detached garages may better suit your needs compared to a basic square carport. Think through odd-shaped items needing coverage too, like ATVs, piles of lumber, or gardening supplies. Adequate dimensions ensure you can conveniently access everything.
Customized Measurements
Rather than guessing at standard sizes, precisely measure the vehicles and equipment to be parked in the carport. This allows you to determine the actual length, width, and height needed for customized coverage. Use a tape measure to accurately gauge sizing on all sides, including mirrors, handles, racks, hitches, and anything else adding width or height. Having detailed measurements ensures your future carport will fully shelter your most valued possessions from sun, snow, wind, and rain.
Calculate Interior Carport Dimensions
The interior clearances of your carport dictate what you can feasibly park inside. Consider what types of vehicles you own now and might own in the future. Leave ample margin so family members and guests can comfortably maneuver vehicles without issues.
Length and Width
Make sure to allow a minimum of 18 - 24 inches of clearance around the perimeter of vehicles on all sides. This leaves room for opening doors fully without banging into walls. It also makes parking misalignments less problematic. Don't forget to measure any attachments adding length or width too. For length, allow enough room in front and behind vehicles for easy pulling in and backing out without needing frustration-inducing multi-point turns.
Ceiling Height
Check the height of your tallest vehicle and make this the minimum interior clearance. Most carports have ceilings ranging from 8 - 12 feet tall. Trucks, vans, and SUVs often need 10+ foot ceilings. Also factor in if vehicles have rooftop attachments, antennas, or racks adding height.
Door Openings
It's incredibly frustrating to park your vehicle inside the carport only to realize you can't fully open your door. Pay attention to the amount of swing clearance your doors require for easy access in and out of vehicles. Generally 3 feet of width allows most car doors to open without obstruction. Consider installing extra long doors if feasible to simplify ingress.
Between Vehicles/Items
Make sure to leave ample space between vehicles and stored items to allow for opening doors, maneuvering mobility equipment, and convenient access. We recommend a minimum of 3 feet between vehicles and 2 feet between other storage items. This leaves room for walking, moving inventory, and reduces accidental scrapes and bumps.
Allow For Support Beam Size
An often overlooked consideration when planning carport dimensions is accounting for the amount of interior space taken up by support posts and beams. Depending on the structural needs, support columns can range from 4 - 12 inches wide in many designs. While this may not seem like much, a row of columns down the middle of a single car carport could mean the difference between a vehicle fitting or not. Make sure to get clarity on support beam dimensions and locations early in planning.
Support Post Width
Standard lumber columns are typically 4 - 6 inches wide. Large treated wood or steel I-beam posts often span 8 - 12 inches. Make sure to measure the posts used in the carport design you choose. If possible, opt for narrower profiles to maximize usable space. In some cases, you may decide to lengthen the carport if interior supports would excessively limit room for vehicles and storage.
Other Structural Components
In addition to posts, carports integrate other structural supports like roof rafters, diagonal beam bracing, and tie rods. Depending on the building style, these can either border the perimeter or bisect the interior area. Carefully review carport plans and account for all structural supports when calculating usable space for parking vehicles and storage items.
Account For Sufficient Overhang Space
While the interior dimensions dictate what fits underneath, the external overhang size impacts weather protection. A generous overhang blocks more sunlight, rain, hail, and snow from reaching vehicles and items parked inside. Yet bigger overhangs also require taller clearance to avoid hitting heads. Carefully balance size and proportions based on your climate and needs.
Typical Recommendations
A good rule of thumb is to size overhangs equal to one-fourth the height of the structure. So a 10 foot high carport would have 2 1/2 foot extensions on each side. Large overhangs up to 4 - 5 feet help significantly limit precipitation reaching the interior. Just make sure to account for the extra area when planning the structure footprint to avoid encroaching property lines.
Understand Local Zoning & Permit Rules
Most areas regulate carport and garage construction through zoning ordinances and building codes. These rules dictate allowable sizes, setback minimums, acceptable materials, and more. Make sure to research the requirements for your municipality early in the planning process. This ensures the design sticks within the permissible guidelines for your neighborhood.
Setback Requirements
Zoning often stipulates minimum distances accessory structures must maintain from property lines, alleys, and other buildings. Common setbacks range from 3 - 10+ feet on sides and rears. Check if Rights-of-Way permits are needed too if building near utility easments. Understanding these upfront prevents costly plan changes later.
Size and Height Limits
Ordinances frequently limit the total square footage and height allowed based on factors like lot size and home proximity. Many limit accessory buildings to under 1,000 square feet and 20 foot heights. Review the specific constraints early so intended plans fall within compliant range.
Materials and Design
Finally, some areas dictate permissible wall and roof covering materials, architectural aesthetics, and landscaping requirements. Knowing these details lets you pick compliant styles and avoid issues during inspection. Overall, a bit of upfront research goes a long way towards smooth approvals.
Pick The Right Carport Style
Carports come in a variety of layouts, placement options, and material constructions. The style you choose impacts the footprint size, access considerations, and expandability for future needs. Think through pros, cons, and long term goals when weighing designs.
Attached vs Freestanding
Attached carports connect directly to an existing building for simple access and more covered space. Yet freestanding structures situated away from the home provide more flexibility on dimensions and placement. If easy, weather-protected entry into the house matters, attached models work well. For expansive vehicle coverage, detached options maximize layout possibilities.