How to Build Carports
The elements and the sun's rays can wreak havoc on an automobile's surface. Its paint will fade faster, it will get dirtier, and it will show the signs of aging much faster than if it was protected. If you do not have a garage to put your car into, perhaps you will wish to build a carport to put the car under. This will protect the car fairly well from the forces of nature, and it can extend the life of your car. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Post hole digger or shovel
- Wooden posts 2,100 mm in height
- Concrete
- Cross supports cut to the width of your carport
- 3 wood beams cut to the length of your carport
- Galvanized wood bolts (size optional to fit)
- Bolt driver/wrenches
- Joist hangers
- Roofing material (optional tin, PVC or material of your choice)
- Building permit (optional)
Instructions
-
General Instructions
-
1
Dig your post holes with your post hole digger or shovel 3,000 mm apart along the length of your carport, on both sides. Make the holes a good foot or so deep.
-
2
Place each wooden post into the holes. Once the posts are placed and centered, fill each hole with concrete. Allow the concrete to dry.
-
-
3
Place the three beams lengthwise down your carport--one on either side, and one in the middle. Attach these beams to the posts with the galvanized bolts.
-
4
Place the cross supports width-wise across your carport, every third set of posts or so. Attach these to the posts and beams with the galvanized bolts.
-
5
Add joists to the corners of each cross support and beam, where they meet the posts for additional support. Attach with the galvanized bolts.
-
6
Place your roofing material on top, and attach it to the wood with the galvanized bolts.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Pretreated wood is recommended, as it will be more weather resistant than nontreated wood. Have the design laid out on paper before building the carport. Have your local lumber store cut your beams and posts to length for you. This will make for a faster build for you.
Depending on where you live, a building permit may be necessary before you start your build. Check with your local state or city government to see if it is necessary to have one. If you live in a climate with a lot of rain or snow, make sure your roofing material can handle the storms. PVC or aluminum work the best for this application.
