How to make a carport

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a flat roof carport. If you want to learn how to make a carport with a flat roof, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article and to check out the related projects. A simple carport made out of wood is ideal for any property, as it will protect your car from bad weather but it also provides the convenience of proximity to the house.

In most of the cases, a building permit is required so make sure you go to the town hall and ask information about the legal requirements you have to comply with. In this manner, you will also find out useful details about your carport construction. When building the carport, you should make sure the plans are detailed and come with step by step instructions, as well as with a complete list of the materials.

It is essential to invest in high quality materials, that are also water-resistant, such as pressure-treated lumber. Cut the components at the right size by using a circular saw and smooth the cut edges with a sand block. Don’t forget to ask a skilled friend to assist you during the project, especially if you don’t have a large expertise in the field. You need someone to hold the components into place, while you drive the screws in. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Flat roof carport plans

Building a flat roof carport

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 132″ long, 2 pieces –  140 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 148 1/2″ long POSTS
• B – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 265 3/4″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• C – 2 piece of 4×4 lumber – 42 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 47 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 55″ long, 2 pieces – 59″ long BRACES
• D – 12 piece of 2×6 lumber – 140″ long RAFTERS
• D – 2 piece of 2×6 lumber – 143″ long, 2 pieces – 265 3/4″ long RIM RAFTERS
• E – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x73 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 44″x96″ long, 1 piece – 44″x73 3/4″ long ROOFING SHEETS
• F – 350 sq ft tar paper, 350 sq ft asphalt shingles ROOFING

• 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12 ft
• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 14 ft
• 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 24 ft
• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10 ft
• 14 piece of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft
• 9 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 350 sq ft tar paper, 350 sq ft asphalt shingles
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 5 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• rafter ties
• stain

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jigsaw
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

• Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
• Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

• One Week

Related

• Free carport plans
• Double carport building plans

How to make a carport

Laying out the carport

The first step of the woodworking project is to lay out the carport in a professional manner. Therefore, we recommend you to use batter boards and string to make sure the posts will be properly placed. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to each corner of the layout in order to check if they are perfectly square.

Fitting the posts

Next, you need to cut the posts at the right size, making sure you need to fit them about 3′ into the ground, before adjusting their dimensions.

Fitting the posts

The next step of the project is to fit 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.

Fitting the support beams

After a few days, allowing the concrete to dry out, you need to install the 2×6 support beams to the top of the posts. Use clamps to secure the beams to the top of the posts. Drill pilot holes through both the support beams and through the posts before inserting the 8″ carriage bolts. Leave no gaps between the components and lock the components together tightly. Repeat the process for the other posts until you get a rigid structure.

Fitting the braces

You also need to fit 4×4 braces to the flat roof carport, in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and secure them to the structure, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws and leave no gaps between the components, for a professional result. After fitting the braces, install the other support beams.

Building the rafters

Build the rafters out of 2×6 lumber. After cutting the beams to the right size, we recommend you to make a few notches to the components, as to lock them to the support beams easier. Smooth the notches with sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Fitting the rafters

Lay the rafters to the support beams, making sure you place them equally-spaced. Drill pilot holes through the rafter and secure them to the support beams using 5 1/2″ screws. It is essential to pay attention to details, otherwise the roof won’t be plane.

Fitting the exterior rafters

Next, attach the 2×6 trims to the exterior of the roof, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the trims and secure them into place using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

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. Use a good circular saw to adjust the size of the sheets, when needed. Align the sheets at both ends and lock them to the rafters with 1 1/2″ nails or screws, every 6-8″. It is essential to close the gaps between the sheets, if you want to get the job done as a professional.

Fitting the roof

You could fit asphalt shingles to protect the carport, as it is a straight forward solution. Therefore, install roofing felt over the roofing sheets, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. 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.

How to make a carport

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the carport plans, as there are several alternatives to choose from.

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

Thank you for reading our project about how to make a flat roof carport and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends and LIKE us, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE if you want to be the first that gets our latest articles.