Are you planning to build a carport for two cars, but don’t know what size will be optimal? This article will help you understand the standards, take into account the nuances of machine placement and avoid common design mistakes. We will analyze in detail the minimum and recommended dimensions, provide ready-made diagrams for different types of vehicles (from compact hatchbacks to SUVs), and also tell you how to correctly calculate the height, width and length of the structure, taking into account the climatic characteristics of your region.
It is important to understand that incorrect canopy dimensions can lead to problems: from difficulty opening doors to damage to the body in strong winds or snowfall. For example, owners Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class Often faced with the fact that standard 5.5 m wide carports do not provide enough space for comfortable parking. In the article you will find unique calculations for paired cars of different classes, including electric vehicles with an extended wheelbase (for example, Tesla Model X).
Standard dimensions of a carport for two cars: what SNiP says
According to SNiP 2.07.01-89* "Urban planning. Planning and development of urban and rural settlements", the minimum parking space for two cars must provide:
- 📏 Width not less than 5.0 m (for middle-class cars Volkswagen Passat or Skoda Octavia).
- 📐 Length from 5.0 m (for compact cars) to 6.5 m (for large SUVs).
- ⬆️ Height at least 2.2 m (including antennas, luggage racks and possible snow cover).
However, these norms are not taken into account modern realities: increased dimensions of crossovers (for example, Hyundai Santa Fe has a width of 1.89 m), the need to open doors without the risk of hitting a neighboring car, as well as requirements for ventilation and lighting. Experts recommend adding to the standard sizes:
- 🚗 0.5–0.7 m each on the sides each car for easy access to the doors.
- 🚪 0.3–0.5 m each front and back for maneuver when parking.
- ❄️ Up to 0.5 m in height in regions with heavy snowfall (for example, in Siberia or the Far East).
Canopy dimensions depending on the type of car
One of the key factors when choosing canopy dimensions is class and model of your cars. Below is a table with recommended sizes for different vehicle combinations. The data is based on an analysis of the dimensions of popular models (according to AutoStata for 2023–2026):
| Car type | Examples of models | Minimum canopy width, m | Recommended width, m | Canopy length, m | Canopy height, m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 compact cars (class B) | Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris | 4,8 | 5,5 | 5,0 | 2,2 |
| Middle class (C) + compact (B) | Toyota Corolla + Renault Logan | 5,2 | 6,0 | 5,5 | 2,3 |
| 2 crossovers (SUV class) | Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5 | 5,8 | 6,5 | 6,0 | 2,5 |
| SUV + sedan | Land Rover Defender + BMW 5 Series | 6,2 | 7,0 | 6,5 | 2,7 |
| 2 electric cars | Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4 | 5,6 | 6,3 | 6,0 | 2,4 |
Please note: if one of the vehicles is equipped side trunk (for example, Thule or Hapro), the width of the canopy must be increased by 0.8–1.0 m. The same applies to machines with upward opening trunk (hatchbacks, station wagons) - in this case, the height of the canopy must be at least 2.5 m.
⚠️ Attention: When parking two cars with rear view mirrors protruding beyond the dimensions of the body (for example, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit), the minimum canopy width increases to 6.5 m. Otherwise, the risk of damage to mirrors when opening doors increases by 70% (according to insurance companies).
How to calculate canopy height: snow loads and climate zones
The height of the canopy is not only about comfort upon arrival, but also protection against snow loads. According to SP 20.13330.2016 "Loads and impacts", Russia is divided into 8 snow regions, where the standard snow load varies from 80 kg/m² (Crimea) to 560 kg/m² (Chukotka). If the canopy height is insufficient, snow will accumulate on the roof, increasing the risk of collapse.
Formula for calculating the minimum height:
H = h_auto + h_stock + h_snowwhere:
h_car - height of the tallest car (for example, 1.8 m for Toyota RAV4),
h_margin - 0.4–0.5 m for a comfortable ride,
h_snow—thickness of snow cover in your region (data from Roshydromet).
Examples for different regions:
- 🌞 Southern Federal District (Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar): canopy height 2.2–2.4 m.
- ❄️ Siberian Federal District (Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk): 2.7–3.0 m.
- ❄️❄️ Far Eastern Federal District (Yakutsk, Magadan): 3.0–3.5 m.
If there are frequent ice deposits (for example, in Central Russia), increase the height of the canopy by 0.3 m - this will prevent the formation of icicles that can damage the windshield.
Mistakes when choosing canopy sizes: what to consider in advance
Even experienced car owners often make mistakes when designing a canopy. Here are the most common ones that can lead to additional expenses or inconvenience in operation:
- Ignoring parking angles. If cars are parked at an angle (for example, 30–45°), the width of the canopy should be 15–20% larger than for parallel parking.
- Failure to take into account dimensions with open doors. For a comfortable exit from the car without the risk of hitting a neighboring car or canopy post, the minimum distance between cars should be 0.8–1.0 m.
- Savings at a premium. The 2.2 m high canopy is suitable for Lada Granta, but it will be cramped for Volvo XC90 (height 1.78 m) with roof rack.
- No roof slope. A flat canopy roof in regions with heavy rainfall will lead to accumulation of snow and ice, which increases the load on the structure.
What happens if wind loads are not taken into account?
Wind loads (especially in coastal regions or steppe zones) can deform the canopy if its frame is not sufficiently reinforced. For example, in Kaliningrad region or Astrakhan region wind speed often exceeds 20 m/s. For such regions it is recommended:
- Use pipes with a cross section of 60×60 mm (instead of the standard 40x40 mm).
- Install additional braces in the frame.
- Choose arched structures, which resist the wind better than straight ones.
Another common mistake is wrong choice of roof material. For example, polycarbonate 6 mm thick is suitable for southern regions, but in northern latitudes a sheet 10–12 mm thick will be required to withstand the snow load. A corrugated sheet stamps NS35 or NS44 although cheaper, it creates more noise during rain than metal tiles.
Schemes and drawings of carports for two cars: ready-made solutions
To simplify design, we have prepared 3 standard schemes canopies for different car combinations. All sizes are indicated taking into account the recommended reserves:
Scheme 1. Carport for two compact cars (class B)
- 📏 Width: 5.5 m (2.5 m per vehicle + 0.5 m per passage).
- 📐 Length: 5.0 m (for Kia Rio or Lada Vesta).
- ⬆️ Height: 2.3 m (including antenna).
- 🔹 Roof material: polycarbonate 8 mm or corrugated sheet
NS35.
Diagram 2. Canopy for crossover and sedan (class C + SUV)
- 📏 Width: 6.5 m (3.2 m for crossover + 2.8 m for sedan + 0.5 m reserve).
- 📐 Length: 6.0 m (for Toyota RAV4 + Skoda Octavia).
- ⬆️ Height: 2.6 m (including roof rack).
- 🔹 Frame material: pipe 60x60 mm reinforced with braces.
Diagram 3. Canopy for two SUVs (SUV class)
- 📏 Width: 7.0 m (3.3 m per vehicle + 0.4 m reserve).
- 📐 Length: 6.5 m (for Land Cruiser 200 or BMW X5).
- ⬆️ Height: 2.8–3.0 m (for regions with high snow cover).
- 🔹 Roof: arched structure made of polycarbonate 10 mm.
The exact dimensions of both cars were taken (length × width × height)|The height of the trunk/antenna was taken into account (if any)|Climatic standards for your region were checked (snow, wind)|Roof material with a safety margin was selected|The location of the canopy was agreed upon with the neighbors (if adjacent to a fence)-->
Canopy materials: what to choose for durability
Not only the appearance of the canopy, but also its strength, sound absorption and cost. Let's look at the pros and cons of popular options:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Average price per m² (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate (cellular) | Lightweight, light transmitting, corrosion resistant | Less durable in heavy snowfalls, may turn yellow over time | 1 200–2 500 ₽ |
| Corrugated sheet | Sturdy, durable, large selection of colors | Noisy when it rains, requires anti-corrosion treatment | 800–1 800 ₽ |
| Metal tiles | Aesthetic appearance, good sound insulation | More expensive than corrugated sheets, more difficult to install | 1 500–3 000 ₽ |
| Awning (PVC) | Mobile, does not require a foundation, low price | Short-lived (service life 3–5 years), poor hail protection | 500–1 200 ₽ |
For regions with high humidity (for example, St. Petersburg, Sochi) it is recommended to choose polycarbonate with UV protection or metal tiles with polymer coating - they are less susceptible to corrosion. In steppe zones (Rostov region, Stavropol Territory) it is better to give preference corrugated sheets with additional fastening, as it better withstands gusts of wind.
⚠️ Attention: If you are planning to install an awning close to a fence or house, use fire resistant materials (for example, metal tiles with a fire hazard classKM0orKM1). This requirement is specified in Federal Law-123 "Technical regulations on fire safety requirements" (Article 13).
Cost of a carport for two cars: calculation and ways to save
The price of the canopy depends on materials, sizes and type of construction. Below is an approximate calculation for a canopy 6 m wide and 6 m long (for two crossovers):
- 🔧 Frame (pipe 60×60 mm, galvanized): 40 000–60 000 ₽.
- 🏗️ Foundation (pile or strip): 15 000–30 000 ₽.
- ⛱️ Roof (polycarbonate 10 mm): 25 000–40 000 ₽.
- 🔨 Installation: 20,000–50,000 ₽ (depending on complexity).
Total: 100 000–180 000 ₽.
Ways to save without losing quality:
- 🛠️ Self-installation (savings up to 30%).
- 📦 Purchasing materials in bulk (for example, polycarbonate is 10–15% cheaper when ordering 20 sheets or more).
- ♻️ Use of used materials (for example, pipes from dismantled hangars).
- 🏢 Order in low season (in autumn or winter, many companies offer discounts of up to 20%).
The most durable and economical option - frame made of galvanized pipe 60×60 mm + polycarbonate 10 mm. If installed correctly, such a canopy will last 15–20 years without repair.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about carports for two cars
Do I need to coordinate the construction of a canopy with the administration?
If the canopy not capital (without foundation or on screw piles) and area less than 50 m², approval is not required (according to Art. 51 of the Town Planning Code of the Russian Federation). However, if the structure is adjacent to a house or fence, neighbors' permission may be required.
Which foundation is better for a canopy: strip or pile?
For lightweight structures (polycarbonate, awning) it is enough pile foundation (screw piles with a diameter of 76–108 mm). For heavy canopies (metal tiles, corrugated sheets) it is better strip foundation depth 0.5–0.7 m. In regions with heaving soils (for example, the Moscow region) it is recommended bored piles.
Is it possible to make a canopy with an opening roof?
Yes, such structures are called "sliding" or "folding" awnings. They are convenient for washing cars or airing. However, their cost is 30–50% higher than standard ones, and installation is more difficult. Popular models: Carport Slide (Germany) or AutoHouse Folding (Russia).
How to protect a canopy from vandals?
Recommended:
- Install motion-activated spotlights (for example, Steinel XLED Home 2).
- Use anti-vandal polycarbonate (12–16 mm thick).
- Secure the frame to anchor bolts (and not with self-tapping screws).
- Install video surveillance (cameras Hikvision or Dahua).
How long does it take to install a canopy?
The timing depends on the type of construction:
- Canopy: 1–2 days.
- Polycarbonate canopy on a metal frame: 3–5 days.
- Capital canopy with foundation: 7–10 days (including concrete pouring).
On average, a team of 3 people assembles a standard 6x6 m canopy in 2–3 business days.