I would like to build a carport myself but would prefer to gather some information first. The carport is planned to be 3.00 meters (10 feet) wide and 5.00 meters (16.5 feet) long.
To help you understand better, I will try to describe how I imagine it. The carport will be attached along its length to a wall. The horizontal beam (left/right) will be fixed to the wall using a post shoe, and the first vertical post will be placed 1.40 meters (4.6 feet) from the wall, the second at 1.80 meters (5.9 feet), and the third at the far end. The vertical posts (6 pieces) will be connected to the ground with U-post anchors. The ground consists of clay soil, but a 50 cm (20 inches) thick layer of frost protection aggregate has been added, followed by a 10 cm (4 inches) layer of bedding gravel, on top of which grass protection grids have been installed. Once both sides are in place, I plan to attach six horizontal squared timbers (5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches)) and then install the roof panels on top (a total of 15 OSB boards).
Of course, I’ve already been to the hardware store and recorded the prices, and with everything included, the total cost comes to about 350€.
My question to you is: Do you see any concerns with my described approach? Are the beams perhaps too thin, etc.? I’ve set aside one week for the construction with two people, and we plan to start on Monday.
I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.
To help you understand better, I will try to describe how I imagine it. The carport will be attached along its length to a wall. The horizontal beam (left/right) will be fixed to the wall using a post shoe, and the first vertical post will be placed 1.40 meters (4.6 feet) from the wall, the second at 1.80 meters (5.9 feet), and the third at the far end. The vertical posts (6 pieces) will be connected to the ground with U-post anchors. The ground consists of clay soil, but a 50 cm (20 inches) thick layer of frost protection aggregate has been added, followed by a 10 cm (4 inches) layer of bedding gravel, on top of which grass protection grids have been installed. Once both sides are in place, I plan to attach six horizontal squared timbers (5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches)) and then install the roof panels on top (a total of 15 OSB boards).
Of course, I’ve already been to the hardware store and recorded the prices, and with everything included, the total cost comes to about 350€.
My question to you is: Do you see any concerns with my described approach? Are the beams perhaps too thin, etc.? I’ve set aside one week for the construction with two people, and we plan to start on Monday.
I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Hello!
It would be easier to give advice if you had specified the beam thickness or the material (KVH?) or provided some information about the wall, which is supposed to carry the load.
Calling 5x5 cm (2x2 inches) battens squared timber is as daring as using the proposed construction to walk on or to expose it to snow load.
The carport we planned (though somewhat larger) is estimated to cost €12,000. A neighbor, who built something similar by themselves, spent €2,500 just on the wood.
What kind of result do you expect for €350?
Best regards,
TomTom1
It would be easier to give advice if you had specified the beam thickness or the material (KVH?) or provided some information about the wall, which is supposed to carry the load.
Calling 5x5 cm (2x2 inches) battens squared timber is as daring as using the proposed construction to walk on or to expose it to snow load.
The carport we planned (though somewhat larger) is estimated to cost €12,000. A neighbor, who built something similar by themselves, spent €2,500 just on the wood.
What kind of result do you expect for €350?
Best regards,
TomTom1
Hi Tom Tom,
the posts are 7 x 7 centimeters (about 3 x 3 inches). Over a length of 5 meters (16 feet), I have three posts as support, plus the joist shoes on both sides. The roof beams are 5 x 5 centimeters (about 2 x 2 inches), and on top of them come the OSB boards, 15 millimeters (5/8 inch) thick, and doubled. When I’m finished, I’ll upload a photo here. But I agree with you about the 350€, I’m already at 550€. Oh, and the wall is 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick and is a shed extension to the house. You can build cheaply right now because timber is not expensive at the moment, after all, who builds a carport in winter?
Best regards, Mirko
the posts are 7 x 7 centimeters (about 3 x 3 inches). Over a length of 5 meters (16 feet), I have three posts as support, plus the joist shoes on both sides. The roof beams are 5 x 5 centimeters (about 2 x 2 inches), and on top of them come the OSB boards, 15 millimeters (5/8 inch) thick, and doubled. When I’m finished, I’ll upload a photo here. But I agree with you about the 350€, I’m already at 550€. Oh, and the wall is 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick and is a shed extension to the house. You can build cheaply right now because timber is not expensive at the moment, after all, who builds a carport in winter?
Best regards, Mirko
Hello!
I’ve never noticed that timber at the home improvement store is cheaper in winter.
It was less about the wall thickness and more about its construction—just leave out the joist hanger and the issue is resolved.
I can’t really see the benefit of doubling up the OSB panels, but I do find 5x5 cm (2x2 inch) battens a bit small.
Posts measuring 7x7 cm (3x3 inch) may look flimsy but are probably structurally sufficient.
Are you working without a building permit / planning permission and a structural engineer’s approval?
Best regards, TomTom1.
I’ve never noticed that timber at the home improvement store is cheaper in winter.
It was less about the wall thickness and more about its construction—just leave out the joist hanger and the issue is resolved.
I can’t really see the benefit of doubling up the OSB panels, but I do find 5x5 cm (2x2 inch) battens a bit small.
Posts measuring 7x7 cm (3x3 inch) may look flimsy but are probably structurally sufficient.
Are you working without a building permit / planning permission and a structural engineer’s approval?
Best regards, TomTom1.
No permit was needed because I’m not affecting my neighbors or blocking the street. Of course, I took care of everything in advance to avoid any trouble. I have a structural engineer in the neighborhood who gave me some advice. Regarding the roof, the beams are spaced 0.40 meters (16 inches) apart, so nothing can collapse. Therefore, I don’t have to worry about safety. Tomorrow we plan to finish the roof (just the beams) and, if the weather allows, paint it. Hopefully, it will be as nice as in spring.
Best regards, Mirko
In other countries, a simple building notification is sufficient, and in some federal states it is even allowed to build a carport without any permit. It should be clear that the effort required to obtain a building permit for a carport varies significantly across the 16 federal states. However, even in regions where no formal carport permit is required, building regulations must still be followed. This means, for example, that if the carport is built close to the neighboring property, a detailed building permit may still be necessary before constructing an attached carport.
Best regards, Mirko
In other countries, a simple building notification is sufficient, and in some federal states it is even allowed to build a carport without any permit. It should be clear that the effort required to obtain a building permit for a carport varies significantly across the 16 federal states. However, even in regions where no formal carport permit is required, building regulations must still be followed. This means, for example, that if the carport is built close to the neighboring property, a detailed building permit may still be necessary before constructing an attached carport.
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