Planning a parking space on your own property is a task that requires precise engineering, especially when it comes to parking for two vehicles. Carport for two cars dimensions which are calculated incorrectly will turn from a convenient shelter into a constant source of problems with opening doors and maneuvering. The owner must take into account not only the current fleet, but also the possible replacement of vehicles with larger models in the future.
Modern SUV or a full-fledged SUV require significantly more space than a compact urban hatchback, which dictates its own conditions when designing the frame. Errors at the sketch stage often lead to the design being too narrow or low, making it impossible to operate for large vehicles. That is why the calculation of dimensions should be based on strict logic and taking into account all possible use scenarios.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the aspects that affect the final figures: from the width of the car with open doors to snow loads on the roof. You will learn how to correctly calculate roof overhangs and what minimum distances must be maintained between racks for comfortable parking.
Basic dimensions and classification of cars
The first step in the design is to determine the class of cars that will be stored under the canopy. The standard width of a modern C-Class sedan is about 1800 mm, but rear view mirrors and door opening clearance must be added to this value. For a complete comfort when exiting a car, a person requires a minimum of 600-700 mm of free space on each side.
If the family has two cars, it is important to understand whether these will be two compact models or, for example, a sedan and a large SUV. Dimensions Toyota Land Cruiser or Mercedes G-Class significantly exceed the standards, and you need to focus on them if you plan to purchase such equipment. The width of the body of such cars often reaches 2000 mm or more, excluding mirrors.
It is also necessary to take into account the length of the car, since the depth of the canopy depends on this. A standard parking zone should allow a car to enter with plenty of room in front and behind, so that you can safely walk around the car or place snow removal equipment there. The minimum length of a parking space is usually taken to be 5000-5500 mm.
⚠️ Attention: When calculating the width, always take the maximum width of the car with the doors open, and not just the width of the body. This is critical to prevent damage during boarding and disembarking.
Thus, the basic dimensions are formed based on the worst-case scenario: the widest car that owners could theoretically own, plus the necessary technological clearances. Ignoring this rule will result in the canopy becoming cramped within the first year of operation.
Calculation of the optimal width of the structure
The width of a two-car carport is not simply the sum of the widths of the two cars. There should be significant clearances between the posts and the vehicles, as well as between the vehicles themselves. For two middle-class cars, the minimum internal width of usable space should be at least 5.5 meters. However optimal The size range is considered to be from 6 to 7 meters.
Let's consider the mathematics of the process: if the width of the car is 1.8 meters, then taking into account the open doors on one side (0.8 m) and a small gap to the pillar (0.5 m), about 3.1 meters are required per car. For two cars this is already 6.2 meters of clean space. If we add here the thickness of the support pillars, the total width of the structure along the outer contour will increase by another 40-60 cm.
The wider the span, the more powerful the supporting beam must be to support the weight of the roof and the snow cap. Usage corrugated sheets or polycarbonate allows for a slight reduction in frame power requirements compared to heavy shingles, but geometry remains key.
When planning the width, it is also worth considering the vehicle's installation angle. If the site allows, parking at a 45-degree angle can save space, but this is rarely used for carports due to the complexity of the roof structure. In the standard version, the machines are placed parallel to each other, which requires maximum front width.
Canopy height and vehicle clearance
Canopy height is a second critical parameter that is often underestimated. The standard driveway height in garages is considered to be 2.1-2.2 meters, but for a street canopy these figures are insufficient. It is necessary to take into account the height of the car along with the roof rack installed, which can add another 30-50 cm. For versatility It is recommended to set the height of the lower edge of the roof to at least 2.5 meters.
If you are the owner of a tall SUV or minibus, the height should be increased to 2.8-3.0 meters. This will ensure free entry even if there is a high snowfall on the driveway in winter. In addition, a higher canopy allows for better natural ventilation, which reduces the risk of metal corrosion in wet weather.
When calculating the height, it is also important to take into account the structure of the roof itself. If a gable roof is planned, then the height is indicated at the lowest point (along the eaves), but the ridge can rise much higher. This creates an additional volume of air under the canopy, which has a positive effect on the microclimate.
Effect of snow on entry height
In winter, the height of the entrance can be critically reduced due to snowdrifts. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider heated entryways or increase the eaves height to 10 feet for extra room.
It is worth noting that an excessively high canopy (above 3.5 meters) can become a target for strong winds, creating a sail effect. Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between the ease of entry of tall vehicles and the aerodynamic stability of the structure.
Length of parking area and roof overhangs
The length of the canopy is determined by the length of the longest vehicle plus the required technological clearances at the front and rear. The standard length of a passenger car varies from 4.5 to 5 meters. For comfortable use, the length of the parking space must be at least 6 meters. This allows you to leave about 50-70 cm in the front for passage and 30-50 cm in the back.
Special attention should be paid to roof overhangs. The roof of the canopy should be wider and longer than the platform itself for cars in order to protect them from slanting rain and snow. The minimum roof overhang on each side should be 50-80 cm. If this is not done, water will flow directly onto the body or, worse, onto the foundation and base, eroding the soil.
For metal tiles or slate overhangs may be larger due to installation features, whereas polycarbonate allows you to create neater and more minimalistic edges. However, you should not save on overhangs: in winter, snow sliding from the roof should not fall on a parked car, but go beyond its dimensions.
☑️ Check length dimensions
Also, the length of the canopy can be increased to organize a utility area. Often, under the same roof as cars, there is a place to store garden equipment, bicycles or building materials. In this case, the total length is increased by another 2-3 meters, zoning the space with a partition or simply markings.
Table of standard sizes for different classes of cars
To simplify the calculations, we present a summary table that will help you navigate the minimum required sizes. The data is given for the option of parking two cars parallel to each other.
| Car class | Min. inside width (m) | Recomm. inside width (m) | Min. height (m) | Length (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small class (A, B) | 4.5 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 5.5 |
| Middle class (C, D) | 5.0 | 5.5 | 2.4 | 6.0 |
| Business and SUV | 5.5 | 6.0 | 2.6 | 6.0 |
| SUVs (Full-size) | 6.0 | 6.5+ | 2.8 | 6.5 |
Using this data, you can quickly estimate the required footprint (building spot) on your site. Remember that the values given are the internal dimensions between the supports. To these you need to add the thickness of the support pillars themselves (usually 100x100 mm or 150x150 mm for metal/wood).
It is important to note that for areas with limited space, sometimes you have to sacrifice width, but this should be done with caution. Narrowing the passage between cars to less than 0.8-1 meters will make it impossible to simultaneously open the doors from the inside.
Placement standards and distances to site boundaries
When building a canopy, it is necessary to be guided not only by convenience, but also by current building codes (in Russia this is SP 53.13330). According to the rules, the distance from the canopy to the border of the neighboring plot must be at least 1 meter. This is necessary to ensure fire safety and the ability to maintain the structure.
There are also requirements for the distance to the windows of residential premises. Water runoff from the roof of the shed should not be directed onto a neighbor's property or onto the walls of the house. Organization drainage - a mandatory element of the project. Rainwater should be collected in a storm drain or drained into a drainage well.
If the canopy is adjacent to the house, it is considered part of the building, and then the norms for distances from permanent buildings to boundaries apply (usually 3 meters). If it is a free-standing lightweight structure, the requirements are softer, but the neighbors may be against the shadow falling on their garden.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting construction, be sure to coordinate the location of the canopy with your neighbors and make sure that water runoff from your roof will not enter their territory. This will help avoid conflicts and litigation.
In addition, consider the distance to the entrance to the site. The canopy should not block the entrance and should provide a turning radius for the car. For a passenger car, the turning radius is about 6 meters, which must be taken into account when planning the driveway.
Selection of materials and impact on dimensions
The selected frame material directly affects the final dimensions and usable area. A 150x150 mm wooden beam takes up more space than a 100x100 mm profile pipe, but at the same time it looks more natural in the landscape. Metal structures allow you to make thinner and more elegant supports, which visually expands the space.
Polycarbonate, often used for roofing, has the property of thermal expansion. When installing sheets longer than 6 meters, it is necessary to take into account expansion gaps, otherwise the roof may “sink” in the heat. Glass or metal tiles do not have such requirements, but they are heavier and require a more powerful, and therefore larger, frame.
Use clear or translucent polycarbonate for the shed roof. This will provide natural light during the day, allowing you to better see the dimensions of the car when parking, and visually make the structure lighter.
The foundation also plays a role. Post foundations take up less space and are less expensive, but for heavy machinery and heavy snow loads, strip or slab may be required. A slab foundation poured under a canopy immediately sets clear dimensions for the parking area and eliminates the need for additional landscaping of the site.
The optimal material for the frame of a carport for two cars is a rectangular profile pipe, as it provides maximum strength with minimal dimensions of the supports.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to make a carport already 5 meters long for two cars?
Technically, it is possible if both cars are small cars of class A or B (for example, Daewoo Matiz or Smart). For middle-class cars, a width of less than 5 meters will make boarding and disembarking passengers extremely difficult, since the doors will rest against each other or against the pillars.
What roof angle is optimal for a canopy?
For a pitched roof, the minimum angle of inclination depends on the material. For corrugated sheets - from 8-12 degrees, for metal tiles - from 14 degrees. The optimal angle is 20-30 degrees, which ensures good drainage of water and snow, but does not create excessive wind load.
Is it necessary to close the sides of the canopy?
It is not recommended to cover the sidewalls with blank walls, as this will impair ventilation and create windage. However, installing windbreaks made of polycarbonate or grilles on one (mainly western or northern) side is acceptable for protection from slanting rain.
How to calculate the snow load for a canopy?
The load depends on the region. In central Russia, the snow load is about 180 kg/m² (II snow region), in Siberia and the Urals - up to 320 kg/m² (IV-V regions). The frame must be designed with a safety margin of at least 30% of the design load.
Can the canopy be used as a summer kitchen?
Yes, if the dimensions allow. Often one of the sections of the canopy (for example, 3x6 meters) is allocated for a car, and the rest of the space is used as a terrace. The main thing is to ensure fire safety when using the barbecue and properly organize smoke removal.