What Size Carport or Garage Do I Need?
The answer to that question depends on the amount and size of the vehicles you need to cover, as well as what else you plan to use the space for.
Whether you’re searching for a garage large enough for all of the family’s vehicles or interested in an RV carport, we can help you find and customize the right structure for your needs.
Most people looking to buy a carport or garage are looking for somewhere to put their vehicles, so the first thing to consider is how many cars you need to keep covered.
Number of Vehicles | Standard Carport/ Garage Width |
---|---|
1 | 12-18 feet |
2 | 20-24 feet |
3 | 30-38 feet |
4 | 40-48 feet |
5 | 50-60 feet |
How Tall Is a Standard Carport?
A standard carport is around 8 feet tall, but the actual clearance will vary since the width of a carport will influence the height.
For example, in a 12-foot wide regular-roof carport with 12’ legs, the clearance in the middle of the carport is 2’ 3″ taller than the leg height. This size will have a center clearance of 14’ 3”.
Roof Center Brace Clearance & Peak Height
Select your carport or garage preferences to see the center clearance and peak height.
What Size Garage Do I Need?
The garage size you need will also depend on the amount and size of your vehicles. For example, the average 2-car garage dimensions may not be wide enough if you plan to use the space for both vehicles and storage.
To choose the right garage size, consider the following factors:
Watch our video for tips on choosing the right garage size.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you need space for 2 cars and some extra storage, go for at least a 2 ½ car carport. That way you’ll have room to park and store a few extras.
A single car carport should be at least 12 feet wide— perfect for a small or mid size car. If you have a larger vehicle like a truck or SUV you may need something wider.
Carports come in all shapes and sizes! The most common ones start at 12 x 21 and go up to 18 x 42. Need something custom? We’ve got you covered!
Yes! We offer side or end paneling options for your carport so you can partial or fully enclose the structure. If you want a fully enclosed garage, you can customize one from the start. Check out our 3D Builder to build the perfect carport or garage for you!
That depends on how it’s installed! If your carport is bolted to a solid foundation it’s considered a permanent structure. But if it’s not anchored down and can be moved it’s considered temporary. If you’re unsure check with your local regulations to see what applies in your area.
Most of our metal carports can handle 35 pounds of snow per square foot (PSF) and are designed to withstand up to 50 PSF in areas with heavy snowfall. They’re built with your local weather in mind to keep your carport strong and reliable through the winter!
A single car garage should be at least 10 feet wide with an 8 foot door. But if you want room to open your doors comfortably we recommend 12 feet wide x 20 feet deep.
A standard 2 car garage door is 16 feet wide which is basically double the size of a single car door (9 feet). So you have enough room to park side by side without squishing in.
If you’re parking a full size truck your garage should be at least 24 feet deep. That way you can walk around comfortably without bumping into the walls.
Most garages have a ceiling height of 9 feet but if you want extra room for bigger vehicles or storage we recommend 10 feet.
Absolutely! Insulating your metal garage helps with temperature control and keeps your space comfortable. Whether you use it as a workshop or just want to protect your vehicles, insulation is a good idea. We have two types of insulation here at Alan’s to fit your needs. Check out our insulation guide to see what’s best for you!
Yes! Carports are generally less expensive than enclosed garages since they use less material. If you just need weather protection for your car a carport is a budget friendly option.
Why Shop Alan’s Factory Outlet for Metal Buildings?
Do you have a general question?
Get quick answers to common questions in our Help Center, an extensive knowledge base available 24/7.
Do you need something specific?
Please fill out the form on this page, or call us at 1-800-488-6903 (M-F, 9-6 Eastern).