How to Build a Carport

This step by step diy project is about how to build a carport plans. I have designed this carport so it is the best compromise between utility and appearance. I have used 6x6s and 2x6s to create the frame for the single car carport. The roof has a gable shape so it can blend in easily with your home. Make sure you set the location and start the building process, only after reading the local building codes and getting the permit if necessary. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Building a single car carport

Building-a-single-car-carport

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 8 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 144″ long POSTS
• B – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 240″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long, 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 113 3/4″ long 11xTRUSS
• C – 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 12″x20″ long, 2 pieces – 14″x16 1/2″ long 11xGUSSETS
• C – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 29 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 45″ long SUPPORTS
• D – 4 pieces of T1-11 siding – 40 1/4″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x57 1/4″ long GABLE ENDS

• 8 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12′
• 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 20′
• 11 piece of of 2×6 lumber – 12′
• 22 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
• 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 5 pieces of 5/8″ siding – 4’x8′
• 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• tube form, post anchor
• 500 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws, 1 1/4″ screws, 6″ screws
• beam to post connectors
• structural screws for connectors
• strong tie T
• rafter ties
• wood glue, stain/paint, wood filler

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Concrete mixer, Post hole digger

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One weekend

Related

• PART 1: How to build a single car carport
• PART 2 : How to build a carport gable roof

How to Build a Carport

Laying-out-the-posts

The first step of the project is to lay out the 6×6 posts for the single car carport. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, I recommend you to use string and batter boards. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to every corner to make sure the corners are square. In addition, measure the diagonals and make sure they are perfectly equal.

Fitting the posts

You can set the posts in concrete (about 2-3′ deep – make sure you read the local building codes for accurate information) or you can pour footing and use posts anchors. If you live in an area affected by hurricanes, it would be better to set the posts in concrete.

Use a post hole digger to make 15″ holes in diameter and 3′ deep. Pour a 2″ layer of concrete on the bottom of the holes so you level them. Fit the tube forms and then the 4×4 posts. Use a spirit level to make sure the posts are plumb and then secure them temporarily into place with braces. Fill the tubes with concrete and let it dry out as shown on the bags.

Building the top plates

Continue the project by building the 6×6 top rails. Mark the cut lines on the beams and get the job done with a circular saw. Make parallel cuts (2″ deep) inside the marked areas and remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the recess in a professional manner with sandpaper.

Fitting the top plates

Make sure the corners are right-angled and align the edges flush when fitting the rails to the top of the posts. Drill pilot holes through the beams and insert 6″ screws into the posts. Use a spirit level to plumb the posts and to make sure the corners are square.

Building-the-rafters

Build the rafters for the carport from 2×6 lumber. Cut both ends of the beams at 55 degrees with a miter saw or with a circular saw. Repeat the process so all the rafters have the same shape and dimensions.

Assembling the trusses

After building the rafters, you need to assemble the trusses. Build the bottom rafters from 2×6 lumber, by cutting both ends at 35 degrees. Lay the rafters on a level surface, so you get a professional and consistent result.

Attaching the gussets

Reinforce all the joints for the trusses with 1/2″ plywood gussets. Mark the cut lines on the plywood sheets and get the job done with a saw. Fit the gussets to the joints, as shown in the diagram, and secure them into place with 1 1/4″ screws.

Fitting the trusses

Fit the trusses to the top of the single car carport, making sure you place them every 24″ on center. Use a spirit level to plumb the trusses and lock them to the top plates with appropriate hardware or with screws.

Fitting the gable end supports

Continue the woodworking project by fitting 2×4 supports to the gable ends of the carport. In this manner, the panels we need to attach later on, will have a back support. Make the angle cuts to the top of the supports, as shown in the diagram and secure them into place with screws, after drilling pilot holes.

Attaching the gable ends

Fit T1-11 siding to the gable ends of the carport, as shown in the diagram. You need to cut the panels so they can fit into place, before locking them to the framing using 8d nails. Align the edges flush for a really professional result.

Single car carport plans

In order to learn how to build the rest of the carport, I strongly recommend you to read PART 2 of this project. I will show you there how to frame the overhangs, how to install the roof sheets and how to get the job done by attaching the decorative trims.

How to build a carport

This is a super simple project anyone should be able to build in a few days without much effort. If you have a handy friend, you can save some time and labor costs by asking for his help.

This woodworking project was about how to build a carport free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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