How to build a lean to carport

This step by step diy project is about how to build a lean to carport. Building a simple carport is a straight forward project, if you plan everything from the very beginning and use the right carpentry techniques. A lean to construction is ideal for narrow backyards, as well as for a woodworking novice, as it doesn’t require an extensive expertise in carpentry. Moreover, you only need basic tools, to get the job done.

Before starting the actual construction of the lean to carport, you need to study the local building codes thoroughly. The legal requirements vary extensively according to the area where you live, so you should read them a few times. In most of the cases, the construction require a building permit, so you need to be aware of the required depth of the footings, or the materials you are allowed to use.

Align the wooden components at both ends, before driving in the screws. Drill pilot holes trough the components to prevent the wood from splitting. Check the corners for squareness, every time you install a component. Check if the posts are plumb and if the support beams are horizontal, before locking them into place with screws or bolts. A lean-to construction will be easier to build as compared to a gable roof carport .The roof will direct the water in only one direction, so you could build it close to the property line. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

 

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Building a lean to carport plans

Building a lean to carport

Building a lean to carport

 

Materials

  • A – 6 pieces of adjustable metal anchors, tube forms, cement, sharp sand, gravel FOOTINGS
  • B – 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96” long, 3 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 127 1/4” long POSTS
  • C – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120” long RIM RAFERS
  • D – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 26” long BRACES
  • E – 12 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 124 1/4” long – both ends cut at 15º RAFTERS
  • F – 8 piece of 3/4” tongue and groove plywood ROOFING
  • G – 120 sq ft of tar paper ROOFING FELT
  • H – 120 sq ft of asphalt shingles SHINGLES

Tools

Tips

  • Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
  • Check the corners for squareness, using a corner square

Time

  • One weekend

 

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How to build a lean to 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. In order to get an accurate result, you need to use batter boards and string, as in the image. Check the corners for squareness, by applying the well-known 3-4-5 rule to every corner.

Smart tip: In addition, you should measure the diagonals and adjust the strings until they perfectly match.

 

Anchoring the post into concrete

Anchoring the post into concrete

 

Afterwards, you have to set the posts into place. As you can see in the image, you have several options: set the posts into concrete, pour concrete footing and attach adjustable anchors or setting the supports to a slab.

Smart tip: Digg a 2-3′ deep holes and fit tube forms. Pour a 2” concrete layer on the bottom and set the posts plumb (use braces to lock them into place). Fill the forms with concrete and finish the top with a float.

 

Fitting the posts

Fitting the posts

 

Setting the posts in concrete is essential for the rigidity of the carport. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to dig 3′ deep holes and to pour 2″ gravel on the bottom. Install the tube forms to the holes. Secure the posts with braces before filling the forms with concrete, making sure the posts are level.

Smart tip: Alternatively, you could use posts anchors. Secure the metal anchors into concrete, as to lock the wooden posts into place properly. Align everything with attention and with great care.

 

Fitting the wooden posts

Fitting the wooden posts

 

Fitting the posts into place should be a straight forward task, as you just need to secure them with lag screws to the metal anchors. Use a good circular saw to cut the posts at the right size, making the ends are right-angled.

Smart tip: Place the posts into the anchors, plumb them with a spirit level and secure them with two 2×4 braces. Drive in 2 1/2” lag screws into the wooden posts.

 

Attaching the support braces

Attaching the support braces

 

Afterwards, you need to attach the support beams to the wooden posts, as in the plans. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, you need to align the 2×6 beams at both ends (the supports should overhang 1 1/2” on both ends). In addition, check if the supports are level, before clamping them to the wooden posts. Drill pilot holes trough the beams and posts, before driving in the 5 1/2” carriage bolts.

 

Top ridge

Top ridge

 

As you can see in the image, the crossbeams should overhang about 1 1/2” at both ends. In addition, the top ridge should be installed 1 1/4” higher as compared to the posts, otherwise you won’t be able to secure the roofing sheets properly.

 

 

Attaching the braces

Attaching the braces

 

If you live in a windy area, or you have secured the posts with posts anchors rather than setting them in concrete, you should increase the rigidity of the structure with wooden braces. As you can see in the image, you have to cut both ends of the braces at 45º and lock them into place with screws.

Drill pilot holes trough the braces and insert the 2 1/2” screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Make sure the braces are aligned properly, before inserting the screws.

 

Installing the rafters

Installing the rafters

 

The next step of the woodworking project is to build the rafters and to fit them into place. In order to drain the water properly, the roof should have a slope of at least 15º. Therefore, cut both ends of the rafters at 15º, using a circular saw with a sharp blade.

Smart tip: Fit the 2×6 wooden rafters between the crossbeams and align them at both ends, making sure they are spaced 24” on center.

 

Securing the rafters

Securing the rafters

 

In order to lock the rafters tightly to the crossbeams, you have several alternatives. On one hand, you could drill pilot holes trough the breams and insert 3” screws from the outside of the lean-to carport.

On the other hand, you could use corner framing hardware to anchor the rafters to the rim beams. Use 1 1 /2 screws to secure the rafters into place tightly. Ask a friend to hold the rafters, while driving in the screws.

 

Attaching the roofing sheets

Attaching the roofing sheets

 

After installing the rafters into place, you need to fit the roofing sheets. If you want to get the job done properly and to get a durable result, we recommend you to use 3/4” tongue and groove plywood sheets and to la them as in the plans.

Smart tip: Lay the sheets on top of the rafters and secure them every 6” with 2” screws/nails. Work with great care and attention, making sure the connections are tight and rigid.

 

Covering the roof with felt

Covering the roof with felt

 

Cover the roof with felt, making sure the strips overlap at least 2”. Use staples to secure the tar paper to the 3/4” plywood. Fit the back and front drip edge over the roofing felt, while the side drip edges should be installed under the felt.

Install the shingles starting with the bottom of the roof. First, install the starting course with the tabs upward-oriented. Continue the installation by fitting the tabs and securing them into place with staples.

 

Single car carport

Single car carport

 

The carport seem from one side. Fitting lattice panels to the sides would be a great way to protect your car from the elements.

 

Building a lwan to carport

Building a lean to carport

 

The carport seen from the front. As you can notice, the wooden lean to carport is a simple construction with a modern design, ideal for any backyard.

 

Lean to carport plans

Lean to carport plans

 

The carport seen from the opposite side. As you can notice, the slope of the roof is steep enough to drain the water efficiently.  I have a newer and much fresher design for a lean to carport, so take a look HERE. The plans also come with full Cut & Shopping lists! I promise you will like it very much.

 

How to build a lean to carport

How to build a lean to carport

 

Last but not least, you should take care of the final touches. Therefore, you could install lattice panels between the posts and use them as privacy screens. In addition, you need to fill the holes with wood putty and to let it dry out for several hours, before sanding the components. See all my carport plans HERE.

Smart tip: Apply several coats of wood stain to the structure, to protect the components against decay and to enhance their appearance. 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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