Be honest: do your cars live outside while your garage is full of everything but cars?
Most homeowners we talk to are juggling:
- A couple of vehicles
- Mowers, tools, bikes, random boxes
- And nowhere decent to put any of it
That’s usually when the idea of a two car carport comes up. It’s a simple structure, but it can make a huge difference. You get a roof over your vehicles, some extra storage, and you don’t have to spend garage-level money to make it happen.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what we’ve learned from people in exactly that situation: what size actually works, what affects the price, and how to customize a 2 car carport so it suits your life, not just the brochure.
What We Mean by “Two Car Carport”
When we say two car carport, we’re talking about a metal structure that’s:
- Wide enough to park two vehicles side by side
- Roofed with steel panels
- Usually open on the sides (though you can add walls later)
Some people keep it simple and open. Others turn one end into storage, or eventually close it in and add doors. The good part is: you don’t have to decide everything on day one. It can evolve with you.
Why People End Up Buying a Two Car Carport
We’ve noticed there’s a pattern. Most customers don’t wake up thinking “I want a metal building.” They hit a pain point first.
1. You’re Out of Room Inside
The garage is stacked. The shed is full. There’s nowhere for the second car, truck, or SUV. A double carport instantly gives you:
- Two proper, defined parking spaces
- A dry, shaded spot for tools, bins, and outdoor gear
- A way to move some clutter out of the house without leaving it exposed
It’s like adding an extra outdoor room where the roof does all the hard work.
2. You Don’t Want a Long Construction Project
Traditional wood builds take time: framing, roofing, multiple trades, and surprises.
With a steel carport, most of the work is done at the factory. The frames and panels show up ready to assemble. Once the site is level and accessible, the actual install is usually quick and clean compared with a stick-built structure.
No months of tarps and sawdust. Just a crew doing what they do every day.
3. Steel Handles Weather Better Than You Think
If you grew up around wooden sheds and barns, steel can feel like a big change. Here’s why many people stick with it once they’ve had one:
- Steel framing is designed to flex a little under wind and snow instead of cracking.
- It doesn’t rot, twist, or invite termites for a feast.
- With proper engineering for your area, it holds up to the kind of weather that destroys cheap structures.
In plain language: done properly, it’s not a “temporary shelter.” It’s a small, serious building.
4. Two Vehicles, One Roof
A lot of families have a mix: maybe a car and an SUV, or car and truck, or two trucks. Parking one under a tree and one in the driveway isn’t a long-term plan.
A two car metal carport:
- Keeps both vehicles under cover
- Reduces UV damage, clear coat fade, and interior cracking
- Helps avoid hail dents and tree debris
- Gives you a consistent, dry place to load kids, groceries, or tools
If you’ve ever run out in a storm to cover a vehicle with a tarp, you already know why this matters.
5. A Step Up From Basic Wood Shelters
There are some very cheap wooden carports out there. They look okay on day one, but:
- Moisture, insects, and time start working on the structure
- Roofs can sag if they’re not engineered for real loads
- Maintenance creeps up on you
A metal carport, on the other hand, is built with galvanized steel and a calculated load path. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s meant to handle real weather, not just a sunny day.
6. It’s Not Just Parking
Once people get their carport installed, they usually start using it for more than they expected:
- Weekend projects or DIY work
- A shaded spot for kids to play
- An outdoor area for BBQs or small gatherings
- Storage for ATVs, bikes, or small trailers
Add a wall here, a storage room there… and suddenly that “just a carport” is doing a lot of jobs.
7. Naturally Resistant to the Usual Problems
Because the structure is mainly galvanized steel, you’re automatically ahead of the game on:
- Rot and warping
- Termites and carpenter ants
- Mold and mildew on framing
- Fire risk compared with dry lumber
You still want to keep the building clean and inspect it now and then, but you’re not fighting the same battles you do with wood.
8. Maintenance Is Mostly Common Sense
Most 2 car metal carports don’t need fancy care. A realistic checklist looks like this:
- Rinse off the roof and sides now and then
- Check that anchors and fasteners are snug and in good shape
- Touch up any scratched or chipped areas in the finish
No staining. No swapping shingles every few years. Just keeping an eye on it like you would any big investment.
So… What Size Should a Two Car Carport Be?
This is where most people start to overthink things. Let’s keep it simple.
A Good Baseline
For two normal vehicles (cars, small SUVs), a good starting point is:
- Width: 20 ft
- Length: 20–24 ft
- Height: 7–9 ft
At 20′ wide, you can usually:
- Park side by side
- Open doors without bumping into posts
- Walk between and around vehicles
If you drive full-size trucks or just want breathing room, going wider makes a big difference.
Real-World Size Examples
Here’s how we normally guide people:
| Situation | Suggested Size (W × L) | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Two small cars | 20′ × 20′ | Bare minimum, simple coverage |
| Two sedans / small SUVs | 20′ × 24′ | Extra door and walking space |
| Two full-size trucks / large SUVs | 22’–24′ × 25’–30′ | Feels less cramped, easier to live with |
| Parking + storage or small workshop combo | 24′ × 30′ or larger | Room for shelves, tools, or a workbench |
Quick trick: measure your longest vehicle, then add around 3–4 feet front and back. Measure the widest point (including mirrors) and add at least 2–3 feet on each side.
If you’re debating between two sizes, nine times out of ten people are happier they went bigger.
What Actually Drives the Price of a Two Car Carport?
Instead of chasing an average number, it’s easier to understand the main levers that move the price up or down.
1. Size
No way around it: more steel = more cost.
- Width, length, and height all matter
- Bigger buildings use more framing, more panels, more fasteners
A simple open 20′ × 20′ will cost less than a 24′ × 30′ with partial walls.
2. Design Choices
A basic open carport is the starting point. From there, you can choose:
- Roof style (regular, boxed-eave, vertical)
- Open, half-enclosed, or fully enclosed sides
- Gables, lean-tos, trim upgrades, wainscoting
- Doors and windows for storage areas
Every layer you add increases both the usefulness and the price. The key is to match it to how you’ll really use the building.
3. Strength & Engineering
Standard builds often use:
- 14-gauge steel framing
- 29-gauge panels
If you’re in a high-wind, heavy snow, or coastal zone, you may want or need:
- 12-gauge framing
- More anchors and bracing
- Certification for specific wind or snow ratings
Those upgrades add cost but also help protect your investment and keep you in line with local requirements.
4. Where You Live & Who You Buy From
Prices can shift based on:
- Region (codes, typical loads, labor rates)
- Distance for delivery
- The manufacturer’s own costs and options
That’s why we always recommend a proper quote instead of guessing off someone else’s numbers from a different state.
5. Site Prep & Installation
Most companies (including us) include standard installation on a level, accessible site. Extras can pop up if:
- The ground is uneven and needs grading
- You’re pouring a concrete pad
- Access is tight or tricky and special equipment is needed
If you’re not sure if your site is straightforward or not, it’s worth sending photos or having someone look before install day.
Ways to Customize Your Two Car Carport
Here’s where you turn “generic double carport” into “this actually works for my life.”
Structure & Layout
- Adjust dimensions to fit your property and vehicles
- Add a lean-to for extra covered space
- Enclose part of the structure for a storage room or hobby area
- Plan for future walls or doors so you can upgrade later
Walls, Doors, and Windows
- Close one or more sides for better weather protection
- Add roll-up or walk-in doors to enclosed sections
- Use windows for light and ventilation in storage or workshop zones
It’s common for people to start open, then close in one end or side later when they see how they use it.
Colors & Style
- Match roof/wall/trim colors to your house or shop
- Use different colors on the bottom panels (wainscoting) to dress it up
- Choose a roof style that looks right with your other buildings
This isn’t just about looks—it’s about making the carport feel like it belongs there, not like an afterthought.
Functional Add-Ons
- Gutters and downspouts to manage rainwater
- Insulation in enclosed areas (great for workshops or storage)
- Extra anchors and bracing in windy areas
- Concrete or asphalt pads for a cleaner, more solid floor
You don’t have to add everything at once, but it’s smart to think about these options while you’re designing.
Financing and Rent-to-Own
A lot of people assume a metal building means a big cash payment. It doesn’t have to.
That’s why AA Metal Buildings offers:
- Financing options with monthly payments
- Rent-to-own programs for customers who prefer that route
The idea is simple: you get the covered space and protection now, and spread out the cost in a way that fits your budget.
Why We Like Two Car Carports (And Why You Might Too)
At AA Metal Buildings, we’ve seen two car carports solve problems for all kinds of people:
- Families who just want both vehicles under cover
- Homeowners turning part of the carport into a mini workshop
- Folks who are tired of watching hail forecasts every spring
We back that up with:
- A wide range of two car carports, metal buildings, and combo units
- Custom options so you’re not stuck with a cookie-cutter model
- Free delivery and installation in our service areas
- Financing and rent-to-own for flexible budgets
- Building specialists who help you avoid expensive sizing or design mistakes
If you’re thinking about adding a double carport to your property, we’re happy to talk it through.
→ Give us a call and we’ll help you design a two car carport that matches your vehicles, your space, and your budget.
Quick FAQ About Two Car Carports
What size works for most two-vehicle households?
For two average cars or small SUVs, 20′ × 24′ is a solid starting point. If you’ve got two big trucks or want storage, go 22’–24′ wide and at least 25’–30′ long.
Will I need a permit?
In many areas, yes. It depends on local rules. Check with your city or county, and our team can help with the building details they usually ask for.
Can I enclose the carport later?
In a lot of cases, yes. Many customers start open and add panels, doors, or a storage room later as their needs change. If you think you’ll want to do this, let us know during the design phase so we can plan for it.
