Carport Size Guide: Choosing the Right Metal Carport or Garage for Your Property
Investing in the right metal carport or metal building is a critical decision for homeowners, farmers, and business owners alike. Whether you’re looking to protect pickup trucks, RVs, boats, lawn equipment, or create extra storage space, selecting the proper carport size ensures your investment provides long-term value, durability, and compliance with local regulations.
This comprehensive guide from Norcal Carports will walk you through essential carport sizing considerations, explain common layouts, and help you choose the perfect configuration based on your vehicle’s type & size, intended use, and site conditions.
1. 🔍 Start With Your Vehicle’s Type & Size
Before choosing from various carport dimensions, take time to measure your vehicle height, length, and width. Consider mirrors, hitches, and attachments.
Vehicle Type | Suggested Width | Side Height |
|---|---|---|
Compact Car | 12′ | 7–8′ |
Mid-Size Sedan | 18–20′ | 8–9′ |
Full-Size Truck/SUV | 22–24′ | 9–10′ |
RV or Camper | 25′+ | 12–16′ |
Boat with Trailer | 20′+ | 10–12′ |
Always account for clearance around vehicles and plan for outdoor gear or future upgrades.
2. 👨💼 Define Your Purpose: Vehicles, Tools, or Both?
Ask yourself:
- Will this structure house one or multiple vehicle types?
- Do I need extra storage space for tools, farm equipment, or lawn equipment?
- Will I use the space as a Workshop Garage, Boat Carport, or RV Garage?
The more functions you expect from your carport, the more detailed your Size and Dimensions planning should be.
3. 🧱 Choose the Right Building Style
Norcal Carports offers several building types, each with different advantages.
- Metal Carports: Affordable, open-sided protection for sun and light rain
- Metal Garages: Enclosed, lockable structures with added security
- RV Carports: Tall enough for Class A RVs, fifth-wheels, and trailers
- Metal Barns: Ideal for All Agricultural Barns and multi-vehicle shelters
- Utility Carports: Built-in storage room combined with open space
- Custom Buildings: Fully tailored solutions for your site and layout
4. 📏 Understand Standard Dimensions
Understanding common metal carport size categories helps you compare layouts and plan confidently.
Size | Use Case |
|---|---|
12′ x 20′ | One compact car or small boat |
18′ x 20′ | Two compact cars |
20′ x 25′ | Two mid-size vehicles or one full-size truck |
24′ x 30′ | Two large vehicles or three small cars |
26′ x 35′ | Three mid-size sedans |
30′ x 40′+ | Multiple vehicles + equipment or RV |
50′ x 60′+ | Wide-span Clear Span sheltering large equipment or fleet |
5. ☂️ Weather Conditions Matter
In California, structures must endure blazing sun, strong winds, and heavy rain. For higher elevations, snow load requirements apply.
Ask your carport builder about:
- Roof Style (regular, A-frame, vertical)
- Roof Type (boxed-eave vs. vertical panels)
- Steel Gauge (12-gauge for higher wind/snow zones)
- Certified vs. non-certified buildings for building department restrictions
See our guide to California Snow Load Requirements for more information.
6. 📋 Don’t Skip Local Building Permits
Many areas require a building permit, especially for Metal Garages, Custom Buildings, or large RV Carports.
Contact your city or county’s building code office and ask about:
- Maximum building size allowed
- Required setbacks from property lines
- Zoning or building regulations
- Drainage and site leveling needs
Contact Norcal Carports and we’ll help you with drawings and engineered plans if required.
7. 🏠 Consider Side Height and Roof Pitch
Choosing the right side height ensures your vehicles enter safely and your structure doesn’t feel cramped.
- Boats on trailers often need 10′+
- RVs typically require 12′ to 16′ clearance
- Farm tractors or hay equipment may require custom metal carports with raised rooflines
For better drainage and wind resistance, select a vertical Roof Style with boxed eaves.
8. 🪠 Plan for Extra Storage Space
Many customers underestimate how much outdoor gear, seasonal equipment, and tools accumulate over time.
For flexible solutions, explore:
- Utility Carports with enclosed back sections
- Metal Sheds for small yards
- Garage extensions to increase storage capacity
9. 💡 Customization Options: From End Panels to Garage Doors
Norcal Carports lets you fully customize your structure:
- Add garage doors for security
- Install side paneling or full walls
- Upgrade to 12-gauge galvanized steel for durability
- Include windows, walk-in doors, insulation, and more
10. 🧰 Size Calculation Tools & Resources
Not sure where to start? Our Carport Size Guide and tools can help.
- View example layouts for Single and Multiple Vehicles
- Download our Carport Size Planning PDF (coming soon)
11. ➟ Compare Metal Carports vs. Wood Carports
Why choose Prefab Steel Carports over Wood Carports?
Feature | Steel Carports | Wood Carports |
|---|---|---|
Lifespan | 20–40+ years | 10–20 years |
Maintenance | Minimal | Requires sealing/painting |
Fire Resistance | Excellent | Vulnerable |
Pest Resistance | 100% pest-proof | Can attract termites |
Customization | High (roof, walls, colors) | Limited |
Steel wins on durability, cost-efficiency, and customization every time.
12. ✅ Final Thoughts: Match the Size to Your Life
When it comes to carport preferences, it’s always better to go slightly bigger. Your vehicle type may change. You might purchase a boat, trailer, or even build a small workshop. Choose a structure that gives you room to grow.
️ Work with a trusted California carport builder. ️
Follow local building codes. ️
Choose the correct Roof Type, Steel Gauge, and layout. ️
🏁 Ready to Get Started?
Norcal Carports is California’s trusted provider of Metal Buildings, Carports, Garages, and All Sheds. We deliver, install, and customize across the state—with certified structures that meet or exceed local requirements.
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