This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a wooden carport. Building a carport for your RV is a basic project, but it will protect your vehicle from bad weather. A wooden carport will be durable and easy to build, even by persons with average woodworking skills. Nevertheless, a proper planning is essential for the success of the woodworking project.
If you want to build the carport by yourself, there are a few things that you should take into account. Therefore, we recommend you to study the local building codes and to choose the appropriate plans for your needs. These plans are designed for a RV (recreational vehicle), so if you want to build a carport for a regular car you should either adjust the dimensions of the structure to your needs or to check out the related projects.
There are a few tips that you have to take into account, before starting the actual construction. Therefore, we recommend you to invest in durable and weather resistant lumber. Moreover, check if the components are in a good condition before buying them from the local lumberyard. In most of the cases a building permit is required, so make sure you do the due diligence. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
Made from this plan
Building a wooden carport
Building a wooden carport
Materials
- A – 8 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 204” long POSTS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 360” long BEAMS
- C – 12 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 42 1/2″ long BRACES
- D – 16 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 147″ long RAFTERS
- E – 32 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 96″ long BOTTOM RAFTERS
- F – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 360″ long TOP RIDGE
- G – 15 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′ ROOFING
- H – 200 sq ft of tar paper UNDERLAYMENT
- I – 200 sq ft of asphalt shingles SHINGLES
- 8 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 18 ft
- 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 30 ft
- 6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 16 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14 ft
- 32 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
- 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 30 ft
- 15 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 200 sq ft of tar paper, 200 sq ft of asphalt shingles
- tube form, post anchor
- 2 1/2″ screws, roofing felt, asphalt shingles
- rafter ties
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Tips
- Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
- Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface
- Plumb the sides of the bench with a spirit level
Time
- One Day
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How to build a wooden carport
Fitting the posts
The first step of the outdoor project is to lay out the carport and to dig the post holes. Therefore, we recommend you to use batter board and string when marking the perimeter of the carport. Make sure the diagonals are equal and the corners are right-angled. You should adjust the size of the carport according to your car, while using the same steps described in this project.
Anchoring the posts
There are many ways in which you can set the wooden posts into place. Therefore, you could set the posts into concrete or pour footings and use post hangers. Taking into account the size of the carport, setting the posts into concrete would give your structure the best support. Dig 3′ deep holes in the ground, set the posts and plumb them with a spirit level, before filling the tube forms with concrete.
Installing the support beams
Let the concrete to dry out for several days before installing the support beams. Attach the 2×8 beams to the top of the posts and check if they are perfectly horizontal, before drilling pilot holes and inserting the carriage bolts.
Fitting the braces
In order to reinforce the structure of the carport, we recommend you to attach 4×4 beams to the posts, as in the free plans. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and check if the posts are plumb before attaching them into place. Work with attention and align everything at both ends, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner.
Installing the rafters
The next step of the project is to build the rafters and to fit them into place. As you can see in the image, you have to attach the rafters to the top ridge at one ends, and to the support beams at the opposite end. Place the rafters equally spaced, if you want to get a professional result.
In order to secure the top ridge into place, we recommend you to fit the rafters placed at both ends of the roof. Use a spirit level to make sure the top ridge is perfectly horizontal. Afterwards, install the rest of the rafters to the structure.
Building the rafters
Building the rafters is not a difficult step, but you need to pay attention to the plans and use a quality miter saw for the angle cuts. Build the bottom rafters from 2×6 lumber, while the regular rafters should be built from 2×4 lumber. Align everything before locking the components together with 5 1/2″ galvanized screws.
Drill pilot holes through the bottom rafters and insert 5 1/2″ screws into the supports beams, on both sides of the rv carport. Leave no gaps between the components for a professional result.
Installing the roofing sheets
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to build the roof of the carport. First, you need to attach 3/4″ plywood sheets over the rafters, using the pattern describe din the plans. Mark the line before adjusting their width with a circular saw. Attach the plywood sheets to the rafters and lock them into place with 1 1/4″ screws, making sure there are no gaps between them.
How to build a wooden carport
Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with putty and let it dry out for several hours, before smoothing the surface with sandpaper. Make sure all the screws are inserted properly and the components aligned at both ends.
My best tips for building a gable RV carport:
An RV is a significant investment, and protecting it from the elements is essential for maintaining its value and longevity. A gable-style RV carport provides excellent protection from rain, snow, and sun while offering extra height and an aesthetic look. With its sloped roof, a gable carport allows for effective water runoff and increased durability. Here are my best tips for building a gable RV carport that is functional, spacious, and long-lasting.
1. Plan and Design the Carport
- Determine the Size: The size of your RV carport will depend on the dimensions of your RV. A standard carport for an RV should be at least 12-14 feet wide, 14-16 feet tall, and 35-45 feet long to comfortably accommodate your RV with enough clearance on all sides.
- Choose a Gable Roof Style: A gable roof has two sloped sides that meet at the top, forming a triangle. This design allows for better water drainage and adds aesthetic appeal. For RVs, the roof should have a higher pitch to provide extra clearance.
- Decide on Free-Standing or Attached: Consider whether the carport will be free-standing or attached to an existing structure like your home or garage. A free-standing design offers more flexibility in terms of location, while an attached carport can be more convenient.
- Check Local Building Codes: Before you begin, check local building codes for height restrictions, setbacks, and permit requirements. Some areas may also have rules about the type of roofing materials you can use.
2. Choose Durable Materials
- Pressure-Treated Lumber or Steel Posts: For a gable carport, you can use either pressure-treated wood or steel for the structural posts and beams. Steel is ideal for larger RV carports because of its strength, while wood provides a classic look and is easier to work with for DIY builds.
- Roofing Materials: Metal roofing (corrugated or standing seam) is a popular choice for gable carports due to its durability and low maintenance. You can also use shingles or polycarbonate sheets, depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences.
- Concrete for Post Footings: For a strong and secure foundation, use concrete footings to anchor the posts. This will keep your carport stable, even in harsh weather.
- Tools and Hardware: You’ll need basic tools like a saw, drill, level, measuring tape, and post-hole digger. Heavy-duty hardware like lag screws, carriage bolts, and joist hangers will ensure a strong build.
3. Mark and Prepare the Site
- Choose the Best Location: Select a flat, well-drained area to build the carport. Ensure the location has enough clearance for your RV, and consider ease of access to and from the driveway. If possible, choose a location that’s sheltered from wind and other elements.
- Mark the Carport’s Layout: Use stakes and string to mark the carport’s footprint. Double-check the measurements to make sure the space is large enough for your RV and that the layout is square.
- Clear and Level the Ground: Remove any grass, rocks, or debris from the area. If needed, level the ground to ensure a flat surface. You can choose to pour a concrete slab, add gravel, or leave the ground bare, depending on your preference and budget.
4. Set the Support Posts
- Dig Post Holes: Using a post-hole digger, dig holes for the support posts. The holes should be at least 3-4 feet deep for a tall, heavy structure like an RV carport. This depth ensures that the posts will be stable and won’t shift over time.
- Set the Posts in Concrete: Place the posts into the holes and pour concrete around them. Use a level to make sure the posts are plumb (vertically straight) and brace them with temporary supports while the concrete sets. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24-48 hours.
- Post Spacing: Space the posts 8-10 feet apart along the sides, with additional posts at the front and back. This provides enough support for the gable roof while leaving ample room for your RV to fit between the posts.
5. Install the Horizontal Beams
- Attach Beams to the Posts: Once the posts are set, install horizontal beams (usually 2×8 or 2×10) across the tops of the posts. These beams will support the roof structure and add rigidity to the carport.
- Secure with Heavy-Duty Hardware: Use lag screws or carriage bolts to attach the beams to the posts securely. Check to ensure the beams are level across the structure.
6. Build the Gable Roof Structure
- Install the Ridge Beam: The ridge beam runs along the peak of the gable roof and supports the rafters. It should be positioned at the top center of the carport. Use temporary supports to hold the ridge beam in place while you attach the rafters.
- Cut and Install Rafters: Measure and cut the rafters (usually 2×6 or 2×8) to fit from the ridge beam to the horizontal beams at the top of the posts. Rafters should be spaced 16-24 inches apart for adequate support.
- Use Rafter Hangers for Extra Strength: Secure the rafters to the horizontal beams and ridge beam using metal rafter hangers or hurricane ties. This helps reinforce the roof structure and protects against strong winds.
- Check for Proper Slope: Ensure that the roof has the correct pitch (slope) for water runoff. A steeper pitch (around 4:12 or higher) is ideal for RV carports to handle snow and rain.
7. Install the Roofing Material
- Lay Down the Roofing Sheets: Starting from the bottom edge, install the roofing material (metal panels, shingles, or polycarbonate sheets). Overlap the sheets as per the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent leaks.
- Secure the Roofing: Use screws with rubber washers or appropriate roofing nails to attach the roofing material to the rafters. Be sure to fasten down all the edges to prevent wind damage.
- Add a Ridge Cap: Install a ridge cap along the top peak of the roof to protect the seam where the two sides of the roof meet. This will ensure water doesn’t seep into the roof structure.
8. Add Finishing Touches
- Install Gutters and Downspouts (Optional): To manage water runoff, install gutters along the edges of the roof. Attach downspouts to direct rainwater away from the carport and prevent water pooling around the base.
- Paint or Stain the Wood: If you’ve used wooden posts and beams, consider painting or staining them to protect against the elements. Use a weather-resistant finish to prolong the life of the wood.
- Add Trim or Lattice (Optional): For added protection from wind and sun, consider installing lattice panels or trim along the sides of the carport. This also enhances the overall appearance of the structure.
9. Anchor and Stabilize the Structure
- Anchor the Posts for Wind Resistance: For added stability in windy areas, use heavy-duty anchor brackets to secure the posts to the concrete footings. This will help prevent the carport from shifting or lifting during storms.
- Install Cross Bracing: To reinforce the carport, install diagonal cross braces between the posts and beams. This will add rigidity to the structure and prevent swaying in strong winds.
10. Maintain Your RV Carport
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically check the carport for any signs of wear, such as loose screws, damaged roofing, or rust. Tighten or replace any parts as needed.
- Clean the Roof: Regularly remove leaves, debris, and dirt from the roof to prevent water buildup and extend the life of the roofing material.
Building a gable RV carport is a practical and rewarding DIY project that offers excellent protection for your RV while adding value to your property. By following these tips—choosing the right materials, ensuring proper drainage, and reinforcing the structure for stability—you’ll create a durable and stylish carport that will last for years. Whether you’re building it as a permanent structure or a temporary solution, a well-built gable RV carport is an investment that pays off in the long run.
Thank you for reading our project about how to build a wooden carport and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.
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