Carport Construction Instructions
If you own or rent a home that does not have an attached garage or parking area, then it is time to consider building a carport to protect your vehicle from the elements and keep it looking great. Before getting started, it is important to verify what the building codes and regulations are for your local area. Check to see if there are any permits that you need to acquire.
1. Review the plans for your home to verify that there are not any gas, power, water or sewer lines buried in the ground where you would like to build your carport. If you do not have this information available, you should be able to find out where these lines are by inquiring with your local department of public works.
2. Use grid paper to plan out how much wood you will need and how many angles will be used. This is so you do not run out of materials in the middle of your project.
3. Outline the area where you want to build a carport with carpentry string. Use a square tool to measure the diagonals, to ensure that the area you will be building in is completely square.
4. Mark the exact locations for the posts. Your posts must be spaced within nine feet of each other.
5. Dig a hole that is 1 to 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide. Pour concrete into the hole. Place a stirrup bracket into the middle of each hole. Support the bracket with two pieces of scrap wood. Check it with a level and allow the concrete to dry completely.
6. Cut notches on top of the posts for bearers. Your bearers will be used for connecting posts together on both sides and will be parallel with the direction of your driveway. For best results, you should use 2 inch by 6 inch barriers and make sure that the notches are vertical in the posts.
7. Place the posts in the brackets. Before drilling your hole for the carriage bolt, use a level to make sure that the post is level. Use the carriage bolt to secure the post into place. Repeat the process with the remaining posts. After all posts are in place, use a string line to verify that the posts are level on both sides.
8. The posts on one side of the carport must be lower than the other, to ensure that rainwater will drain off its roof.
9. When you attach the bearers, make sure to use two carriage bolts for every post. If you are going to attach it to the home, be sure to use carriage screws or masonry bolts.
10. Measure the rafters and attach them to the bearers, using galvanized nails and joist hangers. Your rafters must be spaced once every 3 feet and be run perpendicular to the direction of your driveway. Be sure to check your local building codes to make sure that you are building your carport up to code.
11. Attach roofing material to your carport’s roof. Many people prefer corrugated metal or even plastic. This choice is up to you. Just verify that the material you choose is securely fixed to the bearers and rafters, with screws and rubber washers. It is also important to make sure that your roof hangs a few inches out for proper drainage.
12. Attach the walls to your carport using drywall, plywood, sheet metal or your materials of choice.
13. Attach fascias to make sure that your carport has a professional appearance. Many people choose to take it a step further by staining the walls and adding gutters, but the look that you want your carport to have is strictly up to you.