How to build a double carport

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a double carport. Building a large free standing carport is a great addition, as it will keep your cars dry and it will protect them from bad weather. Work with attention and with good judgement, as you need to plan every aspect of the construction from the very beginning. Pay attention to anything that might go wrong, as to prevent costly mistakes. See more step by step carport projects HERE.

Taking into account you will most likely need to obtain a building permit, we recommend you to study the local codes before starting the actual construction project. Work with attention and with great care, as these preliminary steps are essential for the project. There are many useful aspects that you could learn from the building codes, such as the depth of the footings or the materials you need to use. Consult an engineer, as you need to build a large roof that has to support a significant weight.

Moreover, we strongly recommend you to hire an engineer when designing the carport. A construction for two cars needs a rigid structure, otherwise it might collapse on the long run. These plans are for informational purposes, so you need to hire a specialized professional before starting the construction. Fit the posts into place properly, either by using metal anchors or by setting them into concrete. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

 

Made from this plan

DIY-Double-Carport

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Building a carport

Building a double carport

Building a double carport

 

Materials

  • A – 6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 84″ long POSTS
  • B – 4 piece of 2×6 – 240″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
  • C – 8 pieces of 4×4 – 32 1/2” BRACES
  • D – 11 pieces of 2×6 – 243”, 22 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 157″, 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22 1/2″ TRUSSES
  • E – 300 sq ft of 3/4″ grooved plywood GABLE ENDS
  • F – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 157″, 30 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 7 ” long OVERHANGS
  • G – 18 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′ DECKING
  • H – 600 sq ft of underlayment tar paper UNDERLAYMENT
  • I – 600 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING

  • 6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
  • 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10 ft
  • 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 20 ft
  • 11 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 22 ft
  • 30 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 14 ft
  • 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
  • 300 sq ft of 3/4″ T1-11 siding
  • 18 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4×8′
  • 600 sq ft of tar paper & asphalt shingles
  • post anchor, tube form, concrete
  • 2 1/2″ screws, 5 1/2″ carriage bolt, rafter ties
  • roofing felt, asphalt shingles

Tools

Tips

  • Hire an engineer before pouring the footings
  • Secure the walls temporarily with braces

Time

  • One Week

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How to build a double carport

Laying out the carport

Laying out the carport

 

The first step of the project is to lay out the carport in a professional manner. As you can see in the image, you need to use batter boards and string, otherwise you might not get a professional result. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to each corner, in order to make sure they are right-angled. In addition, adjust the strings until the diagonals are perfectly equal.

 

Anchoring the posts

Anchoring the posts

 

There are many ways in which you can set the posts into place. First of all, you need to dig 2-3′ deep holes (at least 6″ under the frost line) and pour a 2″ layer of gravel. Install tube forms and fit the posts into place, making sure they are perfectly plumb. Secure the posts with braces before filling the forms with concrete.

Smart Tip: Alternatively, you could use posts anchors. As you can see in the image, you need to secure the metal anchors into concrete, as to lock the wooden posts into place properly. Align everything with attention and with great care.

 

Installing the posts

Installing the posts

 

Let the concrete to dry out for several days before continuing the project. Moreover, as you can notice in the image, you need to plumb the posts with a spirit level. Place a straight edge on top of the posts to check if they are horizontal.

 

Attaching the support beams

Attaching the support beams

 

Continue the woodworking project by attaching the support beams to the top of the posts. As you can see in the image, you need to drill pilot holes both through the 2×6 beams and trough the posts. Clamp the beams into place and insert the 7″ carriage bolts. Use washers and make sure you don’t overtighten the bolts, to prevent the wood from splitting.

 

Installing the braces

Installing the braces

 

Taking into account the size of the carport, you need to reinforce the frame with braces. As you can notice in the image, build the braces using 4×4 lumber and cut their ends at 45º. Attach the braces into place, drill pilot holes and lock them into place with 3 1/2″ galvanized screws.

 

Building the trusses

Building the trusses

 

Building the roof of the double carport is a complex process, as the frame is very wide. As you can notice in the plans, you need you need to assemble several roof trusses on a level surface. Cut the components at the right size and lock them together tightly with wood screws. Build the bottom rafters from 2×6 lumber and the common rafters from 2×4 lumber.

Smart Tip: Add several intermediate rafters to the end trusses, as they need to support the gable ends. In addition, we recommend you to reinforce the joints with 1/2″ plywood gussets. Attach the gussets over the joints and lock them into place with nails. Cut the top of the vertical supports at 60 degrees.

 

Installing the trusses

Installing the trusses

 

Taking into account the size and the weight of the trusses, you need to ask a friend to give you a hand when fitting them to the frame of the carport. Attach the trusses on top of the frame and lock them to the support beams with long galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes at angle before inserting the screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting.

Smart Tip: Place the trusses equally spaced, leaving about 24″ between them. Use a spirit level to plumb the trusses and several braces to lock them into place, before attaching the decking sheets. Fit 2×4 blockings between the trusses, in order to increase the rigidity of the structure.

 

Fitting the gable ends

Fitting the gable ends

 

Continue the woodworking project by attaching the gable ends to the end trusses. Use 3/4″ grooved siding and lock them to the trusses with finishing nails, every 8″ along the framing. Align the sheets with great care, if you want to get a professional result.

 

Installing the overhangs

Installing the overhangs

 

If you want to add style to your two car carport, you need to attach overhangs to the front and back of the structure. Use common rafters and 7″ long blockings to get a rigid structure, before attaching them to the roof structure with 3 1/2″ galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the blockings.

 

Fitting the roofing sheets

Fitting the roofing sheets

 

Attach 3/4″ tongue and groove plywood sheets to the roof, as in the image. It is essential to follow a certain pattern, otherwise the roof won’t be rigid enough. Align the sheets at both ends and lock them to the rafters with 1 1/2″ nails, every 6-8″. It is essential to close the gaps between the sheets, if you want to get the job done as a professional.

 

Installing the soffit

Installing the soffit

 

Attach 1/4″ plywood to the rafters as in the image, if you want to enhance the look of the project. In addition, fit 1×6 trims to the ends of the rafters, as well as to overhangs. Secure the trims and to plywood into place, using 1 1/2″ finishing nails. Work with attention and with great care, as to prevent potential issues and to get a professional result.

 

Installing the shingles

Installing the shingles

 

Cover the roof of the shed with roofing felt, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. In addition, cut a 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under. Place a starting course at the bottom of the roof, before installing the asphalt shingles. Always read the manufacturing instructions before starting the installation, as there are several aspects that differ.

The first course should star with a 3 tab shingle, the second course with a  2 1/2 tab , the third course with a 2 tab, the forth course with a 1 1/2 tab, the fifth course with a 1 tab, the sixth course with a 1/2 tab. Repeat the process from the beginning, starting with the seventh course. Don’t forget that the shingles should overhang from the drip edge about a 1/4″. In addition, secure the asphalt shingles to the roof decking with tacks.

 

Two car carport plans

Two car carport plans

 

The double carport seen from one side.

 

DIY double carport

DIY double carport

 

The two car carport seen from the front. The construction features a simple design, so it can match the style of any property.

 

How to build a double carport

How to build a double carport

 

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours.  Check if there are protruding screws and fix the issue if necessary. Check out plans for a 2 car carport with trusses.

If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.

Smart Tip: Apply a few coats of stain or exterior paint to the components, in order to protect them from decay and water damage. Don’t forget that you need to freshen up the paint every two-three years. If you want to get this plan as a PDF file, please take a look over the GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support!

 

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