Carports serve as valuable additions to homes, offering shelter and protection to vehicles from the elements while also maximizing outdoor space utilization. Whether you own a compact car, a family-sized sedan, an SUV, or another type of vehicle, choosing the right carport size is crucial to ensure adequate coverage and convenience.
The selection process for a steel carport may seem overwhelming, but fear not; our metal carport experts from Eagle Carports have you covered. Our team is walking you through the key considerations and guidelines for choosing the perfect custom carport dimensions tailored to your specific vehicle type.
Understanding Metal Carports
Metal carports are versatile structures designed to provide shelter and protection for your vehicles while also serving a variety of other purposes. Understanding the basics of steel carports is the first step in selecting the right carport dimensions for your specific needs.
Protection from the Elements
One of the primary functions of a carport is to shield your vehicles from rain, snow, hail, and the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the sun. This protection helps prevent rust, paint fading, and other weather-related damage.
Extended Vehicle Lifespan
By keeping your vehicles sheltered, carports can significantly extend the lifespan of your cars, trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. This can save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Versatility
Carports can serve multiple purposes beyond vehicle storage. They can function as covered outdoor seating areas, workspaces, or even play areas for children. Their versatility allows you to make the most of your outdoor space.
Increased Property Value
A well-designed and properly installed metal carport can enhance the curb appeal of your home, potentially increasing its resale value. It's an attractive feature for potential buyers, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Cost-Effective
Compared to building a traditional metal garage, carports are a cost-effective solution for protecting your vehicles. They require less construction time and materials, making them a more budget-friendly option.
Easy Maintenance
Carports are relatively low-maintenance structures. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections are usually sufficient to keep them in good condition.
What Are the Different Types of Carports?
| Type of Carport | Description | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attached Carports | Attached to the side of your house or another structure | Convenient access to the home, cost-effective due to shared support with the house | Limited space flexibility |
| Detached Carports | Standalone structures located separately from your home | Design flexibility, can be positioned anywhere on the property | Requires more space |
| Single Carports | Designed to shelter one vehicle, typically with a width of 10-20 feet, and a length of 20-24 feet | Practical and cost-effective solution for homeowners with a single car or limited space | Only fits one car |
| Double Carports | Suitable for households with two cars, width ranging from 18-24 feet | Provides versatility and protection for multiple cars, good for larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or boats | Requires more space than single carports |
| Triple Carports | Ideal for households with three vehicles or more, width of 26-30 feet or more | Offers convenience of sheltered parking for several vehicles, can serve as covered workspace or recreational area | Requires a significant amount of space |
When considering a carport, it's important to understand the various types available, each with its own set of advantages and considerations:
Attached Carports
These carports are affixed to the side of your house or another existing structure. They offer convenient access to your home and are often less expensive to build since they share support with your house. Attached carports are a great choice if you have limited space or want easy access to your vehicles.
Detached Carports
Detached carports are standalone structures located separately from your home. They provide more design flexibility and can be positioned anywhere on your property. This option is ideal if you have the space and want to create a designated carport area that complements your landscaping.
Single Carports
A single-size carport is designed to shelter one vehicle, making it a practical and cost-effective solution for homeowners with a single car or limited space. A single carport typically features a width of 10 to 12 feet and a length of 20 to 24 feet, providing ample coverage while minimizing their footprint.
Single carports are not only ideal for protecting your vehicle from the elements but also for creating a covered space for outdoor storage or as a shaded area for various activities.
Double Carports
Double carports are the go-to choice for households with two cars or for those who need more space for a single vehicle, allowing for ease of movement and extra storage. With a dimensions ranging from 18 to 24 feet and a length similar to single carports, they provide versatility and protection for multiple cars.
Double carports are also an excellent option for homeowners who want to cover larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or boats.
Triple Carports
For homeowners with three vehicles or those seeking even more space and flexibility, triple carports offer the perfect solution. 3-car structures provide a carport width of 26 to 30 feet or more and can accommodate multiple cars, and larger vehicles, and even serve as a covered workspace or recreational area.
Triple carports are a valuable addition to properties with high parking demands, offering the convenience of sheltered parking for several vehicles while maximizing usable space.
What Vehicles Can Be Stored in a Metal Carport?
Considering the various carport sizes is a crucial decision that begins by looking toward the types of vehicles you plan to store in the space.
Carport Dimensions for Different Vehicle Types
| Vehicle Type | Width (Feet) | Length (Feet) | Height (Feet) | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Cars | 10-12 | 20-24 | Standard | Confirm there is sufficient height for the vehicle |
| Sedans | 10-12 | 20-24 | Standard | Opt for a slightly larger carport for ease of movement |
| SUVs | 18-24 | 24-30 | Taller | Check the height of your SUV or Crossover |
| Trucks | 18-24 | Custom | Taller | Measure your trucks dimensions, consider lifted suspensions or accessories. |
| Farming Equipment | 18-30+ | Custom | Custom | Ensure adequate height for tall equipment and additional storage for tools and supplies. |
| RVs | 12-20+ | Custom | Custom | Confirm there is enough height to accommodate rooftop accessories (ex: air conditioning units) |
| Boats | 10-20+ | Custom | Custom | Ensure adequate height for tall features like T-tops |
Compact Cars
Compact cars, such as hatchbacks and small sedans, generally require less space. However, it's essential to measure the dimensions of your specific vehicle to ensure a snug fit. A standard single-car carport should suffice for most compact cars
For compact cars such as hatchbacks and small sedans, the following carport dimensions are recommended:
Width: A single-car carport with a width of 10 to 12 feet is typically sufficient.
Length: A length of 20 to 24 feet provides ample space for compact cars.
Considerations: Ensure that the carport is tall enough to accommodate the height of your vehicle. Compact cars are generally lower in height, but it's essential to measure your specific car for accuracy.
Sedans
Mid-sized sedans are a common vehicle type and typically fit comfortably in a standard single-car carport. If you have a larger sedan or wish to provide extra space for ease of movement, you may opt for a slightly larger carport.
Mid-sized sedans require slightly more space than compact cars. Here are the ideal carport sizes to consider for sedans:
Width: A standard single-car carport with a width of 10 to 12 feet works well.
Length: A length of 20 to 24 feet is typically sufficient for most sedans.
Considerations: Sedans often have average height, so the standard carport height should be suitable.
SUVs and Crossovers
SUVs and crossover vehicles are taller and broader than sedans, requiring larger carport dimensions with a minimum width that extends beyond a single-car carport. A double carport or a carport with extended width may be necessary to accommodate these vehicles comfortably.
SUVs and crossovers are larger and taller than sedans, requiring more generous metal carport sizes:
Width: Consider a double-car carport with a width of 18 to 24 feet to comfortably accommodate SUVs.
Length: Opt for a length of 24 to 30 feet to ensure ample space.
Considerations: Check the height of your SUV or crossover to ensure it fits comfortably within the carport.
Trucks
Trucks, whether they are pickup trucks or larger commercial vehicles, tend to be longer and taller. For trucks, you'll need a steel carport with both sufficient width and length. Consider customizing the vertical roof carport size to accommodate these larger vehicles properly.
Trucks, including pickup trucks and larger work vehicles, often require more extensive carports:
Width: Depending on the size of the truck, a double-car carport with a width of 18 to 24 feet or a custom-sized carport may be necessary.
Length: Trucks can vary in length, so measure your specific vehicle to determine the appropriate length.
Considerations: Consider the truck's height, especially if it has a lifted suspension or additional accessories on the roof.
Farming Equipment
Farming equipment, such as tractors, combines, and agricultural machinery, comes in various sizes. To protect your farming equipment from the elements, you'll need a utility carport with ample height and width. Custom-designed metal buildings may be necessary for large farming equipment.
For farm equipment, including tractors, combines, and agricultural machinery, customization of your metal barn carport is key:
Width: Custom-sized carports with widths ranging from 18 to 30 feet or more are suitable for farm equipment.
Length: The length should be tailored to accommodate your specific machinery.
Considerations: Ensure that the carport provides adequate height to shelter tall equipment, and consider additional storage needs for tools and supplies.
RVs and Motorhomes
Recreational vehicles (RVs) are larger and taller than standard vehicles. RVs come in various sizes, from camper vans to motorhomes. You'll need a dedicated RV carport with enough height and length to accommodate your specific RV type, such as a triple carport with a vertical roof style.
RVs and motorhomes come in various sizes, so specific carport dimensions are crucial:
Width: RV carports can range from 12 to 20 feet or more in width, depending on the RV size.
Length: Measure the length of your RV and choose a carport length accordingly.
Considerations: The carport's height is critical to accommodate the RV's height, including rooftop accessories and air conditioning units.
Boats
Boats, whether small fishing boats or large cabin cruisers require specialized storage solutions. Boat carports or boat storage shelters are designed to shield boats from the elements. The size of your boat and any additional accessories (like boat trailers) should be considered when selecting the appropriate boat carport sizes.
A boat metal carport should be tailored to the size and type of boat:
Width: Boat carports can range from 10 to 20 feet or more in width, depending on the boat's width.
Length: Measure the boat's length, including any trailers or additional equipment.
Considerations: Consider the boat's height, especially if it has a T-top or other tall features.
Other Factors to Consider When Building a Carport
Building a carport involves more than just selecting the right size. There are various factors to consider to ensure it meets your specific needs and complements your property.
Number of Vehicles
Your carport's dimensions should align with the number of vehicles you intend to shelter. If you have multiple vehicles, consider a double-car or even a triple-car carport so you can comfortably open your car door without hitting a wall or another vehicle.
Future Expansion Needs
Think about your future needs when choosing a carport size. If you anticipate purchasing additional vehicles or expanding your family's vehicle count, it's wise to plan for extra space in advance. This can save you the hassle and cost of having to install a larger carport later.
Local Climate and Weather Conditions
The climate in your area plays a significant role in carport size selection. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, you'll need a taller carport to prevent snow accumulation on your vehicle's roof. In regions prone to strong winds, consider a carport with sturdy anchoring to withstand gusts.
Available Space
The available space on your property is a crucial factor in determining carport size. Measure the area where you plan to install the steel carport carefully. Ensure that there's enough room for the carport's width, length, and height while allowing for adequate clearance around it for vehicle access and maintenance.
Zoning and Building Codes
Local zoning regulations and building codes may dictate the size and placement of your carport. Check with your local authorities to ensure compliance with these regulations. Failure to do so may result in fines or the need to modify your metal carport.
Carport Dimensions, Sizes, and More
| Carport Type | Vehicle Type | Width (Feet) | Length (Feet) | Height (Feet) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attached Carport | N/A | Varies | Varies | Varies | Convenient access to the home and cost-effective due to shared support with the house, but limited space flexibility |
| Detached Carport | N/A | Varies | Varies | Varies | Design flexibility: can be positioned anywhere on the property but requires more space |
| Single Carport | Compact Cars | 10-12 | 20-24 | Standard | Practical and cost-effective solution for homeowners with a single car or limited space |
| Sedans | 10-12 | 20-24 | Standard | Look for a slightly larger carport for ease of movement | |
| Double Carport | SUVs | 18-24 | 24-30 | Taller | Suitable for larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or boats, and provides versatility and protection for multiple cars |
| Triple Carport | Trucks | 18-24+ | Custom | Taller | Offers the convenience of sheltered parking for several vehicles and can also serve as a covered workspace or recreational area, but requires significant space |
| Utility Carport | Farming Equipment | 18-30+ | Custom | Custom | Protects large farming equipment from the elements and has additional storage for tools and supplies but requires customization to fit specific equipment |
| RV Carport | RVs | 12-20+ | Custom | Custom | Can accommodate various sizes of RVs, with a height sufficient for rooftop accessories and air conditioning units, but requires customization to fit specific RVs |
| Boat Carport | Boats | 10-20+ | Custom | Custom | Shields boats from the elements and is tailored to the size and type of boat, but requires customization to fit specific boats |
Contact Eagle Carports Today for Guidance on Customizing Your New Metal Carport
Ready to take the next step in customizing your metal carport to meet your preferences? Look no further than Eagle Carports. Our experienced team of metal building contractors will guide you through the process, ensuring that your carport is tailored to perfection. From selecting the right dimensions to choosing the ideal features, we're here to make your carport project a breeze.
Get started today by calling us at 800-579-8589 or filling out the form below.
