FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Carport Framing Plans

Design2Reno | Posted in Construction Techniques on December 29, 2007 10:47am

Hello there,

I am looking for framing plans for a free standing carport roughly 20 x 16?

Thanks

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Jim_Allen | Dec 29, 2007 10:55am | #1

    What pitch roof?

    I'm pretty sure I could whip you out a set by noon tomorrow for $1 per foot.

    Is that going to be cash or charge?

    Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

    1. Piffin | Dec 29, 2007 02:53pm | #2

      Man you are slow. I'll do it for .98/sq ft;) 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. Jim_Allen | Dec 29, 2007 08:30pm | #4

        I'm sure your .98 is a scam. You'll probably hit him up for hundreds of dollars for extras. My buck covers it all as long as there are only four posts and no foundation. No frieze either. And trusses. No section views. I will provide a framing plan though. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

        1. Piffin | Dec 30, 2007 01:11am | #5

          LOL, you're right. I was gonna bill extra for postage, printing, and engineering. You caught me. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. Jim_Allen | Dec 30, 2007 07:25am | #6

            Heres my preliminary plan. The OP didn't come back and offer much insight, so I took it upon myself to let the creative juices flow.I got er done by noon as promised. Err...well it's noon somewhere isn't it? Congrats to the Pats....16 and O! Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          2. Piffin | Dec 30, 2007 07:33am | #7

            Can you insert some Simpson post mounting details there? What's gonna keep it from racking and falling over? I thunk you were gonna include everything?You enjoying the practice with Chief?
             

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          3. Jim_Allen | Dec 30, 2007 08:00am | #8

            Cmon....we are talking $1 per foot here...I can't be engineering it too! Yes, I like Chief. It has some annoying quirks. Some, I think might be bugs that only I get or it needs updating. Others are known bugs that they are trying to work out. I'm using their latest version and I know from Chieftalk that they have a long list of bugs already reported. I actually learned a very important lesson while delivering that plan. I learned how to create separate layers for the floor plan and framing plan. I've been meaning to do a simple drawing and do exactly what I did on that layout to understand the reasoning behind naming new layers....and now I know! My first plan, I created over 80 copies with new names before I realized what was happening. My second plan, I didn't create any copied plans with new names and I couldn't figure out how to create both a floor plan and framing plan. Every time I switched one, the other would switch too! Now I know why. I owe this OP a big favor....Oh....I don't know what's going to keep it from blowing over. Maybe the OP can add a couple of cables and turnbuckles. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          4. Hoohuli | Dec 30, 2007 08:33am | #9

            There's more CP's over here than garages!! Just make two walls, one sloped lean-to roof and attach it to the house. Put one bare light bulb hanging in the center, a picnic table charcoal grill, park the cars outside and talk-story at the end of the day!!!!!Never fear the want of business. A man who qualifies himself well for his calling, never fails of employment.
            Thomas Jefferson
            3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)

          5. Jim_Allen | Dec 30, 2007 08:44am | #10

            Carports are big here in TX too. If I hadn't moved here, I wouldn't have known how to draw them.They don't have so many posts here though. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          6. Piffin | Dec 30, 2007 08:55am | #11

            Heck, you didn't even know what a carport was before you moved south, did you?I am trying to remember, but I think that when i was in Florida, the freestanding carports used steel columns about 3"D with a plate welded top and bottom to bolt it up to the beams and down to the slab 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          7. Jim_Allen | Dec 30, 2007 09:11am | #12

            No.All of us Michiganders were amazed that so many people would have these carports. And they don't have basements! Texas is weird....all their junk gets stored in their house. Storage units are big business around here. I'm gonna figure out how to get basements built.Their carports aren't built that sturdy either. There are a lot of them built just like I drew with no windbracing (shear). Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          8. Piffin | Dec 30, 2007 09:42am | #13

            Those are not carports - they are sacrificial offerings to the tornado gods! Like throwing the bad dog a piece of meat so he'll leave your leg alone. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          9. john7g | Dec 30, 2007 02:21pm | #14

            re: basements

            Here in GA if you don't have one side open to day light odds are there won't be a basement.  I moved here from IL where basements were the norm 20 years ago to realize that a lot of the folks don't mind just leaving stuff on the front porch, like the washer & dryer for instance.  The way I see it depth of footings is the driving factor combined with the lay of the land.  Water table is not an issue here but controlling the moisture & humidity might be.  Can't remember the year but footer drains weren't required until relatively recently (maybe last 10yrs?) (and then no one seems to give them enough attention at the install).  Sqft cost is still low for the sqft you get but it's still an additional cost on the project. 

            Johnbe liking my own basement

          10. Jim_Allen | Dec 31, 2007 10:09am | #15

            Here in TX, they'll spend 25k filling in a walkout site and when they are done, they'll have 50' of ugly foundation wall, some as high as 10'!!!! That's in the nice upscale subs that have rolling hillsides and views! It's the craziest thing I've ever seen. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          11. Design2Reno | Dec 31, 2007 10:39am | #16

            Hey there,
            Never thought my simple request would generate so much activity. I can probably build a carport from scratch but always like to take a look at what other people have done. I also have a background in the Chief and 10 years as a network admin so the computer stuff is second nature. Doing renovations now and luv it, also I've lost 30 lbs. When I started looking for carport plans, not garage plans (there is a difference) I was surprised at how few are really out there. And I can usually find anything or anyone using the internet. So I was looking for a free standing (not attached to the house) carport (16' x 12') but had a really hard time finding this so I decided to drive around the area with my digital camera and have attached pictures of the one I think I'm going to build. I still question how it stands up if the posts are not cemented into the ground (my preference). I think there could be a demand for carport design, something modular, flexible in design, can be closed in if possible, diy can build it, and solid when finished. Any ideas, just curious....Edited 12/31/2007 12:24 pm ET by interflex

            Edited 12/31/2007 12:24 pm ET by interflex

          12. theslateman | Dec 31, 2007 01:42pm | #17

            You're gonna get some grumbling about the size of your pictures.

            You should resize them so all folks can view them.

          13. User avater
            IMERC | Dec 31, 2007 01:43pm | #18

            six of them at that size...

            why bother even grumbling??? 

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          14. theslateman | Dec 31, 2007 01:47pm | #19

            Rez will soon awaken from his slumber and most kindly resize them!

          15. User avater
            IMERC | Dec 31, 2007 01:49pm | #20

            rez be the man....

              

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          16. wrudiger | Dec 31, 2007 08:44pm | #31

            In case you haven't gotten it already - welcome to breaktime!  Please fill out your profile so folks know what region you live in - local building techniques, materials, codes vary widely and you'll get much better response if we can be location-specific.

            Posting pics - please keep them below ~150K.  There people here who live out in the (technical) wilderness & all they can get is dial-up.  Lots of ways to size down; Infranview is a popular freeware program.  Just make sure when you shrink it we can still see it (keep the image reasonably big, just lose a bunch of bits).

            OK, so judging by the pics you live somewhere kinda damp (love the moss roof look!) that isn't too bothered by earthquakes or hurricane-strenght winds (not a whole lot of bracing on that thing).  Looks like they just used pier blocks & toenailed the base.  You can get away with that in a lot of places; I prefer using a post base anchored in a few cu ft of concrete.  Keeps the post away from the dirt and is still super strong.

            I'd prefer to also use diagonal bracing from the posts to the top plates.  Helps when you have a couple of intoxicated friends leaning on the posts; or when DW taps it with the car :-) 

            You will want to frame it in pressure-treated wood.  Be sure to use the correct fastners!  Simpson Z-Max for any steel ties, post bases, etc.  Hot-dipped galv or  stainless nails/screws.

            Note some of the detailing (or lack therof) in the pictures.  Good shot of water damage on the underside of the roof sheathing due to lack of drip edge or gutter on the right side.  Funky plywood gusset at the peak in front looks like c##p and will start to delaminate fairly quickly judging by how damp it is there.

            Fun project - pretty straightforward and quick results.  Post the results!

          17. Piffin | Jan 01, 2008 03:11pm | #36

            Sorry to have made too much humour at your expense. Your OP gave the impression that you needed the sort of framing plan that showed every detail of how to build it. A framing course for free. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          18. john7g | Dec 31, 2007 02:46pm | #21

            Now I understand your confusion. Seems to me that $25k is ample budget to build a basement and then some. 

          19. User avater
            CapnMac | Dec 31, 2007 08:01pm | #27

            I'm gonna figure out how to get basements built.

            That can be tough, over there in Travis or Williamson Counties.  Hitting that solid rock makes for tough sledding for building a basement.

            Why there are almost none in my county still confuses me--first "bearing" strata is about 300' down.  Anybody with a backhoe could build a basement (though, finding a water-proofer could be tough).

            Now, if you get out on the Edwards Plateau, basements are not that uncommon--they're just not under the house (carrying labels like cellar, storm shelter, what have you).

            Shoot, a crawlspace would have to be simpler in a lot of the Austin area over pouring slabs that can be 4-5' deep on one end.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

          20. Design2Reno | Dec 31, 2007 08:28pm | #28

            Ok, I've resized my attachments for you guys with dial-up connections ;-)P.S. We don't have hurricanes here.

          21. Jim_Allen | Dec 31, 2007 08:44pm | #30

            Hey! Someone built my plans without my permission! Can I sue someone? Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          22. Jim_Allen | Dec 31, 2007 08:42pm | #29

            "Shoot, a crawlspace would have to be simpler in a lot of the Austin area over pouring slabs that can be 4-5' deep on one end."That's what I think too! I saw a perfect walkout site over then in Westlake Hills getting one of those 10 high foundation fill-ins. It's crazy. The house was huge and all they had to do is site it ten feet back further and they could have had a 3/4 (or 1/2) basement for less money! Even if you didn't finish it (which would be crazy thought) it would still have been much cheaper and much better looking. At $350 per foot for finished area, that 1500sf finished basement would have been worth whopping $525k more on paper!At those prices, I'd be willing to carve a little bit more of the sloping rock out and use it for fill on the low ends! Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          23. User avater
            CapnMac | Dec 31, 2007 08:56pm | #32

            it would still have been much cheaper and much better looking

            Yeah, well, the question I have, for the tract builders doing that sort of work is, where do you get the budget for the 12-15 extra yards of concrete? 

            There's a huge "design" problem for me in that they get their plans approved "flat" and stick them on non-flat sites.  I've a cure, but it's not going to make it through TBLR.  (It may, though, through the Attorney General's office, backwards and unintended.)Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

          24. Jim_Allen | Dec 31, 2007 11:40pm | #33

            The house that I was looking at wouldn't be described as a tract home. Luxury upscale would be a better description even if the workmanship is tract style. The builder certainly had enough money in the actual construction costs to add at least 1000 sf of walk out basement, free, if he didn't finish it at all. That alone would be worth the effort. I just think that no one puts basements in because no one knows how. Back in MI, no one knows how to pour slabs for residential and here no one knows how to build basements. Another thing they don't know how to do is put in brickledges so their brick can go down to grade. Every house in every sub has a foot or so of ugly concrete before the brick starts. It is so simple to add a basic frame box to the forms before you pour to lower the brickledge but obviously the illegals haven't taken that class! Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

          25. User avater
            CapnMac | Dec 31, 2007 11:59pm | #34

            they don't know how to do is put in brickledges

            Only in custom home design (where you might actually see a wall section in the plan set).  I never understood it, either, let in a 2x6 right around the perimeter, and you get a ledge, no sweat.

            It's just more "flat" thinking, even though we are in a 3d business.

            I don't "get" why even upscale buyers tolerate this sort of flat/tract thinking--if I did, I'd probably get rich fixing it.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

          26. john7g | Jan 01, 2008 01:13am | #35

            >I don't "get" why even upscale buyers tolerate this sort of flat/tract thinking--<

            They don't know the difference or the options available to them. 

          27. RalphWicklund | Dec 31, 2007 04:32pm | #22

            Things have changed since you were here last.

            A carport now is just a (usually) free standing aluminum screen room - without the screens.

          28. catfish | Dec 31, 2007 04:37pm | #23

            Here in Pensacola we pick them up in Alabama ( only 40 miles) after hurricanes and sell them for scrap.

          29. john7g | Dec 31, 2007 04:43pm | #24

            so do the hurricanes deliver them to you or do actaully have to seek them out?

          30. catfish | Dec 31, 2007 05:05pm | #25

            depends on location of hurricane.  east of hurricane-look north   west of hurricane-look south  north edge-look west 

          31. User avater
            CapnMac | Dec 31, 2007 07:56pm | #26

            Carports are big here in TX too

            Yeah, and you put a roof on.

            Most are just welded up from whatever pipe is available, and V-drip roof panels tack-welded to the frame.

            Some even pitch the roof panels!

            My fave "farm-built" was made up of salvage yard pickups of "grapevine" columns.  The "purlins" were over-lapped 8-footers, the posts 8-footers set into brick bases.  Kind of funny how you could tel they built first, then measured.

            My fave "redneck" carport was a stripped-down single-wide roof balanced (by gravity) on some posts driven into the dirt.  Bungee cords to prevent uplift, too.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

  2. Framer | Dec 29, 2007 06:11pm | #3

    http://www.buildeazy.com/carport_imp.html

    Joe Carola

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fast, Accurate Wall Framing

A rear addition provides a small-scale example of how to frame efficiently.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Smarter Stop Block
  • Square Walls Solo
  • Deck-Board Pry Bar
  • Insulation Scrap Dispenser

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data