Are you planning to build a carport for two cars, but don't know what size to choose? This task requires taking into account many nuances - from the dimensions of your cars to the climatic features of the region. Errors in calculations can lead to the fact that the canopy turns out to be too cramped, inconvenient for maneuvering, or, conversely, excessively large and expensive. In this article we will look at standard sizes of carports for two cars, we will learn how to adjust them to individual needs and avoid typical design mistakes.

It is important to understand that there is no universal solution: the dimensions depend on the type of car (cars, SUVs, minibuses), the method of their arrangement (parallel, serial, at an angle), as well as on additional requirements - for example, the need to store garden equipment or bicycles under a canopy. We will analyze minimum standards, recommended by experts, and we will show you how to adapt them to the specific conditions of your site.

We will pay special attention practical aspects: how to take into account door opening, safe distance between cars, height for trucks or cars with roof racks. At the end of the article you will find ready-made diagrams for placing cars under a canopy indicating exact dimensions for different configurations.

Standard carport sizes for two cars

For most middle-class passenger cars (for example, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat or Hyundai Sonata) the minimum dimensions of the canopy are calculated based on the following parameters:

  • 📏 Length: 5–5.5 meters per car (total 10–11 m for two cars standing in series).
  • 🚗 Width: 2.3–2.5 meters per car (total 4.6–5 m for parallel parking).
  • ⬆️ Height: 2.2–2.5 meters (to the bottom of the roof) for sedans and hatchbacks.

However, these numbers are just a starting point. In practice it is necessary to consider:

  • 🔄 Distance between cars: at least 0.8–1 meter for comfortable door opening.
  • 🚪 Maneuvering area: additional 1–1.5 meters in front and behind if the canopy is adjacent to a fence or wall.
  • 🌧️ Roof overhangs: at least 0.3–0.5 meters on each side to protect from slanting rain.

If your cars are larger than average (eg. Ford Explorer or Toyota Land Cruiser), standard sizes will have to be increased. For SUVs, the recommended canopy height starts from 2.7–3 meters, and the width for one car is from 2.7 meters.

📊 What type of cars do you plan to place under the canopy?
Two cars
Car + SUV
Two SUVs
Minibus + car
Another option

How to calculate the size of the canopy for your cars: step-by-step instructions

To accurately determine the dimensions of the canopy, follow this algorithm:

  1. Measure your cars:
    • 📏 Length (from bumper to bumper).
    • 🚗 Width (by mirrors).
    • ⬆️ Height (including antenna or roof rack).
  • Determine the placement method: parallel (side by side) or in series (one after the other).
  • Add technological gaps:
    • 0.8–1 m between cars (if they are standing next to each other).
    • 1–1.5 m front/rear (for maneuvering).
    • 0.5–0.7 m from the edges of the canopy to the car (for protection from precipitation).
    • Consider climatic features: in snowy regions, the height should be 0.5–1 m greater than the height of the tallest machine.

    Calculation example for two Kia Rio (length 4.4 m, width 1.7 m, height 1.45 m), standing parallel:

    • Canopy width = (1.7 m × 2) + 1 m (gap) + 0.6 m (overhangs) = 5 meters.
    • Canopy length = 4.4 m + 1 m (front) + 0.5 m (rear) = 5.9 meters.
    • Canopy height = 1.45 m + 0.8 m (stock) = 2.25 meters.

    Measure the dimensions of both cars (with mirrors and trunks)

    Determine parking method (parallel or sequential)

    Add clearances for door opening and maneuvering

    Take into account climatic conditions (snow, wind)

    Check SNiP standards for your region -->

    If one of the cars is SUV (for example, Nissan Qashqai height 1.6 m), the height of the canopy will have to be increased to 2.5–2.7 meters, and the width is up to 2.5–2.7 m per car.

    ⚠️ Attention: If the canopy is adjacent to a house or fence, be sure to provide for a slope of the roof in the direction opposite to the wall. The minimum slope is 5–10 degrees, otherwise snow and water will accumulate at the base.
    Car type Arrangement method Minimum width (m) Minimum length (m) Recommended height (m)
    2 cars (sedan/hatchback) In parallel 5.0 5.5 2.2–2.5
    2 cars (sedan/hatchback) Consistently 2.8 10.0 2.2–2.5
    Car + SUV In parallel 5.5 6.0 2.5–2.7
    2 SUVs In parallel 6.0 6.5 2.7–3.0
    Minibus + car Consistently 3.2 12.0 3.0–3.5

    The table shows minimum sizes. For comfortable use, we recommend increasing the width by 0.5–1 meter, and the length by 1–1.5 meters. For example, for two SUVsstanding parallel, the optimal size of the canopy will be 6.5×7 meters.

    💡

    If strong winds often blow in the area, increase the height of the canopy by 0.3–0.5 meters - this will reduce the windage of the structure and the risk of deformation of the roof.

    Design features: what affects the size of the canopy

    The final dimensions of the canopy are affected not only by cars, but also materials of construction, roof type and additional elements. Let's look at the key factors:

    1. Frame material

    • 🏗️ Metal (profile, pipes): allows you to create compact and durable structures, but requires anti-corrosion treatment. The thickness of the supports is 50–100 mm, which adds 10–15 cm to the width of the canopy.
    • 🌲 Wood: environmentally friendly, but takes up more space due to the massiveness of the timber (minimum cross-section - 100x100 mm). Increases the width of the canopy by 20–30 cm on each side.
    • 🧱 Brick/concrete supports: the largest (post thickness 250–300 mm), but durable. Suitable for permanent canopies.

    2. Roof type

    • 🏠 Single-pitch: minimum slope 5–10°, adds 0.3–0.5 m to one side of the canopy.
    • 🏡 Gable: slope 15–30°, increases the height of the structure by 0.5–1 m.
    • ⛺ Arched (polycarbonate): requires additional 0.4–0.6 m on the sides for attaching sheets.

    3. Additional elements

    • 🔒 Gate/fence: if the canopy is adjacent to the fence, add 1–1.5 m for free passage.
    • 💡 Lighting: lamps on supports increase the height by 0.2–0.3 m.
    • 🚿 Gutters: require an additional 10–15 cm around the perimeter of the roof.

    For example, a canopy for two SUVs with a wooden frame and a gable roof will be on 0.8–1 meter widerthan a metal counterpart with a pitched roof.

    ⚠️ Attention: If the canopy is installed on a site with a slope, its length or width will have to be increased by the amount of height difference multiplied by a factor of 1.5. For example, for a 0.5m slope on a 5m canopy, add 0.75m to the length.

    Common mistakes when choosing canopy size and how to avoid them

    Even with careful calculations, owners often encounter problems due to design flaws. Here are the most common mistakes:

    1. Unaccounted dimensions of cars with open doors.

      Solution: Add to canopy width 1.2–1.5 meters (0.6–0.75 m for each car) for free opening of doors.

    2. Ignoring the height of the car with a trunk or antenna.

      Solution: Measure the height of the car in running order (with a load on the roof).

    3. Lack of length reserve for maneuvering.

      Solution: Add the minimum 1 meter in front and 0.5 meters behind from the extreme points of the cars.

    4. Incorrect accounting of snow load.

      Solution: In regions with heavy rainfall, the height of the canopy should be at 0.5–1 m morethan the height of the tallest car.

    5. Saving on width between machines.

      Solution: The minimum clearance between cars is 0.8 meters (optimally 1 m).

    A common problem is inconvenience when parking due to the passage being too narrow. If the canopy is located between the fence and the house, the passage width must be at least 3 meters (for passenger cars) or 3.5 meters (if one of the cars is an SUV).

    Example of a failed project

    The carport for two cars was built to the minimum dimensions (5x5.5 m) without taking into account the opening of the doors. As a result, drivers had to park close to the supports, and passengers could not get out without scratching neighboring cars. It was necessary to dismantle the structure and rebuild it taking into account an additional 1.2 m in width.

    Canopy materials: how they affect size and cost

    The choice of materials directly affects the dimensions of the structure, its weight and the final price. Let's consider popular options:

    1. Roof

    • 🔹 Polycarbonate: lightweight, but requires frequent fastening (lathing pitch 0.5–0.7 m), which increases the number of supports. Sheet thickness - 6–10 mm.
    • 🔹 Profiled sheeting: durable, lathing pitch is 1–1.5 m, but adds weight to the structure. Sheet thickness - 0.4–0.7 mm.
    • 🔹 Soft tiles: requires continuous lathing, increasing the cost by 20–30%, but allows you to create complex shapes.

    2. Frame

    • 🔹 Metal profile (50×50 mm): optimal for canopies up to 6 m wide. Weight - 15–20 kg/m².
    • 🔹 Wooden beam (100×100 mm): Suitable for structures up to 5 m, but requires treatment with an antiseptic. Weight - 25–30 kg/m².
    • 🔹 Brick pillars: used for permanent canopies, increase the cost by 40–50%. Weight - 100+ kg/m².

    Example: canopy 6x6 m made of polycarbonate on a metal frame will weigh ~300–400 kg, and a similar one made of corrugated sheets on brick supports - 1.5–2 tons. This affects the requirements for the foundation and, accordingly, the dimensions of the supporting elements.

    💡

    For snowy regions, a metal frame with a support pitch of 1.5–2 m and a roof made of corrugated sheets with a thickness of 0.5–0.7 mm is optimal. This will provide the necessary strength with a minimal increase in size.

    Ready-made carport projects for two cars: diagrams and drawings

    Below are proven carport plans for different vehicle combinations. All sizes include reserves for maneuvering and opening doors.

    1. Carport for two cars (parallel parking)

    Dimensions: 6x6 m
    Materials: metal frame (profile 60×60 mm), polycarbonate 8 mm.
    Features: height 2.5 m, roof slope 10°, supports every 2 m.

    2. Carport for cars and SUVs (sequential parking)

    Dimensions: 3.5×11 m
    Materials: wooden beam 100×100 mm, corrugated sheet C21.
    Features: height 2.8 m, gable roof, reinforced supports for an SUV.

    3. Corner carport for two SUVs

    Dimensions: 6.5×6.5 m (L-shaped)
    Materials: brick pillars, soft tiles.
    Features: height 3 m, additional supports in the corner for rigidity.

    To download detailed drawings indicating fasteners and material sections, follow the links:

    • 📄 Shed drawing 6x6 m (PDF)
    • 📄 Foundation diagram for brick piers (DWG)
    ⚠️ Attention: When using ready-made projects, be sure to adapt them to specific dimensions of your cars and climatic conditions of the region. For example, in windy areas the support spacing should be no more than 1.5 m, and in snowy areas the roof slope should be at least 20°.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about carport sizes for two cars

    ❓ Is it possible to build a carport for two cars 5 meters wide?

    Theoretically yes, but only if both cars are compact cars (for example, Hyundai Solaris or Kia Rio) and you are ready to sacrifice comfort. With a width of 5 m, the gap between the machines will be only 0.6–0.8 m, which will make it difficult to open the doors. Optimal width - from 5.5 m.

    ❓ What is the minimum roof slope for a canopy?

    For regions with rare precipitation - 5°. For snowy areas - 15–30°. The greater the slope, the higher the front of the canopy should be. For example, with a slope of 20° and a length of 6 m, the height difference will be ~2.1 m.

    ❓ Do I need to coordinate a carport for two cars with the administration?

    If the canopy not capital (without foundation, area < 50 m²), approval is not required. However, some regions have local regulations (such as height or material restrictions). Check with your local Architectural Committee or BTI.

    ❓ How to calculate the height of a canopy for a car with a roof rack?

    Measure the height of the car in running order (with load) and add:

    • 0.5 m - for regions with sparse snow;
    • 0.8–1 m - for snowy areas;
    • 0.3 m - if you plan to wash the car under a canopy (for free passage of the brush).

    For example, for Toyota RAV4 (height 1.68 m) in the Moscow region, the optimal height of the canopy is 2.7–3 m.

    ❓ Is it possible to save on the size of the canopy if cars are not parked every day?

    No, it's dangerous economy. Even if the machines are rarely used, the canopy should provide:

    • Safe opening of doors (risk of damage to the body in tight parking).
    • Protection from precipitation (if there is insufficient overhang, water will fall on the cars).
    • Possibility of maneuvering (in an emergency situation, for example, during evacuation).

    It is better to immediately build a canopy with a reserve - remodeling will cost more.