Best Metal Carport Size for 2 Cars: Dimensions & Size Guide

You’ve decided a metal carport is the right move. Now comes the question that trips up most buyers: how big does it actually need to be for two cars?

What Is the Best Metal Carport Size for 2 Cars?

The best metal carport size for 2 cars is typically 22×22 feet for standard vehicles and 24×24 feet for trucks or SUVs. If you want extra storage space or more comfortable clearance, a 24×26 carport is the ideal upgrade.

These carport dimensions give you enough space for door clearance, easy parking, and flexibility if your vehicles change in the future.

What Is a Good Size for a 2 Car Carport?

The most common metal carport sizes for two vehicles are 20×20, 22×22, and 24×24. Each serves a different need, and the usability difference is bigger than the numbers suggest.

Standard Carport Sizes Comparison

Size	Best For	Door Clearance	Storage Room
20×20	Two compact cars or sedans	Tight, workable with care	Minimal
22×22	Two standard sedans or crossovers	Comfortable for daily use	Light storage
24×24	Trucks, SUVs, or mixed vehicles	Easy entry and exit	Moderate
24×26	Two large vehicles + storage	Generous clearance	Workspace or shelving

The most popular size California All Steel installs is 24×24. It offers comfortable spacing, easier movement, and future-proofs your setup if you upgrade vehicles.

Is a 20×20 Carport Big Enough for Two Cars?

A 20×20 carport can fit two vehicles, but there’s a big difference between fitting and actually being comfortable.

At 20 feet wide, you get about 10 feet of space per vehicle. That’s workable for two compact sedans, especially if both drivers are careful when opening doors. But once you introduce a crossover, SUV, or truck, that limited width starts to feel restrictive very quickly.

Length is another common issue. While 20 feet is enough for most standard cars, many trucks, vans, and larger SUVs can reach 18 to 20 feet long. That leaves little to no buffer, often exposing bumpers to sun, rain, or debris.

A 20×20 carport works for smaller vehicles and careful parking. For most homeowners, a 22×22 or larger carport size provides better clearance, protection, and everyday usability, especially in California where sun exposure and coastal conditions can take a toll on your vehicle.

Is 20 Ft Wide Enough for a 2 Car Carport?

It’s workable, but only under the right conditions. If you want a deeper breakdown of how width affects usability, check out our guide on how wide a carport needs to be.

Here’s the math: the average car is about 6 feet wide. Two cars side by side need at least 12 feet just for the vehicles themselves, leaving 8 feet of clearance to split across both sides and the gap between them.

That sounds like plenty, but real-world door swings change the picture. You need roughly 2 to 3 feet of side clearance to open a car door without contorting. Less than that and you’re doing the sideways shuffle every time you get out.

Bottom line on 20-foot width: Fine for compact cars. Tight for standard vehicles. Too narrow for trucks or SUVs if you value easy entry and exit.

Is 24 Ft Wide Enough for a 2 Car Carport?

Yes. Twenty-four feet is the width where two cars genuinely feel comfortable, not just technically covered. It gives you room for both vehicles with standard door clearance on each side, a comfortable gap between vehicles so neither driver is squeezing through, and enough width to accommodate a full-size truck or large SUV on one side.

For West Coast homeowners protecting trucks, larger SUVs, or vehicles with tow mirrors, 24 feet is the minimum we recommend. It’s also the right starting point if you think your next vehicle might be larger than your current one, which it statistically will be.

Best Carport Sizes by Vehicle Type (Quick Reference)

Your vehicle dimensions should always be the starting point when choosing the right carport size. The more accurately you match your carport dimensions to your vehicles, the more comfortable and functional your setup will be.

Use this quick guide to find the best fit:

• Two compact cars (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla): 20×20 minimum, 22×22 recommended for better door clearance
• Two standard sedans or crossovers (Camry, RAV4): 22×22 minimum, 22×26 if you want extra room or light storage
• One standard vehicle + one truck or full-size SUV (F-150, Tahoe): 24×22 minimum, 24×24 recommended for easier daily use
• Two full-size trucks or SUVs: 24×24 minimum, 24×26 ideal for comfort and flexibility
• Vehicles with roof racks, cargo boxes, or tow mirrors: Add 1 to 2 feet to your width and choose at least 8-foot leg height for proper clearance

Pro tip:

If you’re between sizes, it’s almost always worth going slightly larger. A few extra feet in your carport dimensions can make a big difference in day-to-day convenience and long-term usability.

Don’t Forget: Leg Height Is Part of the Size Decision

When choosing carport dimensions, most people focus on width and length. But leg height plays a major role in how usable your carport actually feels, especially for taller vehicles and everyday convenience.

Standard metal carport heights typically range from 6 to 8 feet, and each option serves a different purpose.

6-Foot Leg Height

Best suited for standard passenger cars. While it gets the job done, it can feel restrictive and leaves little room for taller vehicles or working underneath.

7-Foot Leg Height

A better option for SUVs and light trucks. It provides additional headroom for loading roof racks, cargo, or simply moving around more comfortably.

8-Foot Leg Height

Ideal for full-size trucks, cargo vans, lifted vehicles, or cars with camper shells. It also gives you the flexibility to use your carport as a workspace without feeling cramped.

Which Height Should You Choose?

If you’re unsure, go with 8-foot leg height. The added clearance improves everyday usability and future-proofs your carport for larger vehicles, with only a minimal increase in cost.

Choosing Your Roof Style

In California, roof style is more than just a design choice. It directly impacts how well your metal carport performs over time, especially with sun exposure, coastal moisture, and seasonal debris.

California All Steel offers three main roof styles, each suited for different conditions:

Regular Roof

Features a rounded design and is the most budget-friendly option. Best for areas with mild weather and minimal rain or falling debris.

Boxed Eave Roof

Designed with an A-frame look similar to traditional roofing. It offers improved water runoff and a more polished, residential appearance.

Vertical Roof

Built with panels that run vertically, allowing water, leaves, and debris to slide off easily instead of collecting on the surface. This makes it the most durable and low-maintenance option.

When a Vertical Roof Makes the Most Sense

A vertical roof is the best choice for:

• Coastal areas with moisture and salt exposure
• Properties with heavy tree cover
• Locations with frequent rain

It’s also engineered to a higher structural standard, which helps meet California’s building codes and certification requirements.

Recommendation:

For most California homeowners, a vertical roof carport offers the best long-term performance, durability, and protection.

A Note on California Permits and Carport Size

In California, most carports larger than 120 square feet require a building permit. Since even a standard 20×20 carport equals 400 square feet, it will almost always need approval.

Permit requirements can vary by county and city, so the exact process depends on your location. Local rules may cover setbacks, wind loads, and structural specifications.

Why a C-51 Licensed Contractor Matters

This is where working with a C-51 licensed contractor makes a real difference.

A California C-51 Structural Steel license means your contractor is qualified to:

• Design and install code-compliant steel structures
• Meet California’s seismic and wind load requirements
• Ensure proper engineering and safety standards

It’s not just a credential. It’s protection for your investment and peace of mind that your carport is built correctly from the start.

Permitting Made Simple

California All Steel handles:

• Permitting documentation
• Engineering plans and submissions
• Coordination with local building departments

You don’t have to deal with the paperwork or navigate county offices yourself. We manage the entire process, backed by over 20 years of experience across California.

How to Measure for Your Carport (3 Simple Steps)

Before you get a quote, take 10 minutes to gather these numbers.

Step 1: Measure your vehicles. Get the length, width, and height for each car. Don’t forget to include mirrors, which add 6 to 12 inches per side, and anything mounted on the roof.

Step 2: Add your clearance. Add at least 2 feet to your total vehicle width for comfortable door swing, plus another 12 to 18 inches on each end for walkability. Add 2 to 4 feet to your total vehicle length if you want front-to-back clearance.

Step 3: Consider your site. Check your available footprint, note any slope, and confirm your property’s setback requirements with your local building department before ordering.

Bring those numbers to us and we’ll help you dial in the exact dimensions, including roof style, leg height, and any customization, before anything gets ordered.

Ready to Build the Right Size?

Choosing the right metal carport size is a decision you’ll live with for decades. Getting it right means comfortable parking every day, real protection for both vehicles, and a structure that meets California’s standards from day one.

California All Steel is the West Coast’s leading steel building manufacturer. We’re C-51 licensed, family-owned, and we handle every step from custom sizing and engineering to delivery and installation. Our structures are built from American-made materials and backed by a 20-year rust-through warranty.

Get your free, no-pressure estimate today. We’ll help you find the exact size and configuration for your property, hassle-free from start to finish.

FAQ: Metal Carport Sizes for 2 Cars

What is a good size for a 2 car carport?

A good size for a 2 car carport is typically 22×22 feet for standard vehicles and 24×24 feet for trucks or SUVs. These carport dimensions provide enough space for comfortable parking and door clearance.

Is a 20×20 carport big enough for two cars?

A 20×20 carport can fit two compact cars, but it will feel tight. For better usability and protection, most homeowners choose 22×22 or larger.

Is 20 ft wide enough for a 2 car carport?

20 feet wide is workable for smaller vehicles, but it leaves limited room for opening doors. For everyday comfort, 22 to 24 feet wide is recommended.

Is 24 ft wide enough for a 2 car carport?

Yes, 24 feet is ideal. It provides enough space for two vehicles, comfortable door clearance, and easier movement between cars.

What size carport do I need for two trucks or SUVs?

For two trucks or large SUVs, a 24×24 carport is the minimum, while 24×26 offers more comfort and space for daily use.

What height should a 2 car metal carport be?

Most 2 car metal carports should have at least 7 to 8 feet of leg height. An 8-foot height is best for trucks, SUVs, and vehicles with roof accessories.

Can I add storage space to a 2 car carport?

Yes. If you want storage or workspace, consider sizing up to 24×26 or larger. This gives you extra room for tools, shelving, or equipment without crowding your vehicles.