When beginning the journey of buying a carport, a lot of of different factors go into choosing the right size. Considering how much room you have to work with, how many vehicles you need to shelter, and the type of vehicles that need sheltering will all play a factor in deciding the length, width, and height of your carport. In this blog post we will cover some common questions to help you determine the size carport that works for you!
What size carport do I need for 1 car?
The standard size carport for 1 car is 12 feet wide by 20 feet long. The standard size carport is wide enough for any normal road vehicle to pull in and open the doors completely without hitting the posts. Although 20 feet long is the standard length, you may want to opt in for something longer, especially if you have an oversized and longer vehicle like a van or a truck. The next most common size for 1 car carports is 12 feet wide by 25 feet long. Additionally, keeping the width between 10 and 16 ft wide will generally be acceptable for one vehicle.
How big of a carport do I need for 2 cars?
The standard size carport for 2 cars is 20 feet wide by 20 feet long. Storing 2 cars under the same carport is much more economical than buying 1 for each and so there needs to be adequate room for both vehicles. 20x20 carports are standard but if you are wanting something a little smaller or bigger, we recommend keeping your carport between 18 feet and 24 feet wide. Also, 2 car carports can be 25 feet long if the standard 20- feet is not long enough.
How wide does a carport need to be for 3 cars?
Carports that can shelter 3 cars are called certified triple wide carports, which are 26 feet to 30 feet wide. Sheltering 3 cars under a carport is the easiest when your structure is 30 feet wide. You can store 3 vehicles under a carport as little as 26 feet wide; However, it's its best to go at least 28 feet wide unless some of the vehicles are more on the compact size. All certified triple wide carports have a truss to insure strength and durability, which affects the clearance height.
What's the standard height of a carport?
The standard height of a carport is 6 feet, although 8 feet tall is the most common height of carports. This measurement is the height of the legs of the carport. Although the leg height is a crucial measurement, the overall clearance should be considered. This applies especially to recreational vehicles that may have additional roof storage, antenas, and satellite dishes that need additional clearance. Most vehicles will fit under carports with legs between 8 feet and 12 feet tall.
Carport Clearance Height Chart
The clearance height of a carport is determined by the height of the legs and the difference in the distance from the top of the leg to the center brace or peak brace. The peak brace is welded at the top of each bow. In the case of triple wide units (26 to 30 feet wide), the difference in height will be determined by the difference in leg height and the welded truss. For determining max clearance for each carport type refer to the table below.
Carport Width | A-frame/ Vertical Roof | Regular Roof |
12 Feet | Leg Height + 16 inches | Leg Height + 27 inches |
18 Feet | Leg Height + 31 inches | Leg Height + 33 inches |
20 Feet | Leg Height + 31 inches | Leg Height + 33 inches |
22 Feet | Leg Height + 28 inches | Leg Height + 31 inches |
24 Feet | Leg Height + 30 inches | Leg Height + 29 inches |
26 Feet | Leg Height + 16 inches | Leg Height + 24 inches |
28 Feet | Leg Height + 16 inches | Leg Height + 26 inches |
30 Feet | Leg Height + 15 inches | Leg Height + 25 inches |
Conclusion
Now you have learned what size carports are needed for covering a single car, 2 cars or even 3 cars. You now know what sizes are standard for storing each number of vehicles and how much variance you are allowed with each sizing option. Lastly, you have learned how tall your carport should be and how to determine your overall clearance. Now that you know how big your carport should be, start designing with our 3D builder to customize and price your carport online in minutes!