Single vs Double Carport What Size Carport Do You Need
Choosing between a single and a double carport sounds simple. One car, one bay. Two cars, two bays. In practice, most people who regret their carport say the same thing: "I wish I'd gone bigger." Doors that won't open fully, a tow bar hanging out in the rain, or a 4WD roof rack that scrapes the beam are all sizing problems. You can avoid all of them before you order.
And remember, a carport doesn't have to be freestanding. Many carports are attached to the house, fixed to the fascia or wall, or built as a flyover over the existing roof line. We'll cover those options below too.
Here's how to work out the right carport size and style for your vehicles, your driveway and the way you actually use the space.
Start with your vehicles, not your driveway
Measure what you'll park underneath, then add room to use it:
- Length: most sedans and SUVs sit comfortably under a carport around 6m long. Longer dual-cab utes, vehicles with tow bars, or a car plus a trailer may need more.
- Width: allow roughly 3m of width per vehicle so you can open the doors and walk around the car without squeezing past a post.
- Height: measure your tallest vehicle including roof racks, pods and aerials. Then leave a margin for clearance under the beam, not just under the roof sheets.
If you're storing a boat, caravan or motorhome, height becomes the critical measurement. Talk to us before ordering so we can make sure the kit is engineered for your size.
Single carport: when it's enough
A single carport is a great fit for narrow side access, single-car households, or covering one vehicle beside a garage. If you want a freestanding single carport, our Carport Specials include two ready-sized kits:
- 6.125m x 2.850m single carport, available in a range of Colorbond colours
- 6.125m x 3.1m single carport, available in Zincalume only
Both are non-cyclonic kits rated up to N2 and available in all states except WA. The extra width on the 3.1m kit makes a real difference when you're getting kids or shopping out of the car. You'll find both in our Carport Specials. These specials are off-the-shelf kits, so they're sold exactly as listed and can't be changed.
Need a different size, colour or roof? Our main range kits are bespoke. You choose the exact size you need, and the kit can be changed any way you like, as long as the engineering is met. For a freestanding carport, choose from our main freestanding range with either V-Line single skin or insulated roofing.
Tip: if you're debating between the two, measure the widest point of your car with the doors fully open. That number usually settles it.
Double carport: the most popular size in Australia
A double carport covers two vehicles side by side. It's also the most flexible option: one car and a boat, a car and an outdoor workspace, or two cars with room to move. Our best-selling freestanding double carport special is 6.125m x 6.150m, close to the classic "6m x 6m carport" people search for. It's a flat (skillion) roof design with 2.45m clearance under the beam at the front and 2.25m at the back.
For cyclonic regions, we also stock a 6.125m x 5.620m double carport engineered up to C2. Like the singles, these double carport specials are off-the-shelf kits sold as listed. If you need a different size, go with a bespoke kit from our main range.
Freestanding isn't your only option
It's easy to assume a carport has to stand on its own four posts, but that's only one way to do it. If your carport will sit beside or in front of the house, attaching it to the house is often neater, needs fewer posts and gives you a covered walk straight to the door.
Every kit in our main product range can be used as a carport. They're bespoke kits: you select the exact size you need, and the design can be changed to suit you, as long as the engineering is met.
- Flyover carports: the roof is raised above your existing gutter line. It's great for extra height under the roof, like 4WDs, roof racks and trailers, or when your eaves are low.
- Fascia-attached carports: the roof fixes straight to your metal or timber fascia for a simple, low-profile connection.
- Wall-attached carports: the roof fixes to a brick, block, concrete or timber wall. It's ideal along a garage wall or a double-storey home.
- Freestanding carports: for when there's nothing suitable to attach to, or the carport sits away from the house.
Each style is available with insulated or V-Line single skin roofing.
Flyover KitsFascia KitsWall Kits
Quick size guide
| What you're covering | Carport type | Kit sizes to look at |
|---|---|---|
| One small or mid-size car | Single (off-the-shelf special) | 6.125m x 2.850m |
| One large SUV or ute | Wide single (off-the-shelf special) | 6.125m x 3.1m (Zincalume) |
| Two cars side by side | Double (off-the-shelf special) | 6.125m x 6.150m |
| Two cars in a cyclonic area | Double, cyclonic (off-the-shelf special) | 6.125m x 5.620m, up to C2 |
| Carport beside or in front of the house | Fascia or wall attached (bespoke) | Select your exact size in Fascia Kits or Wall Kits |
| Low eaves, tall 4WD or trailer | Flyover (bespoke) | Select your exact size in Flyover Kits |
| A size or colour the specials don't offer | Freestanding (bespoke) | Select your exact size in Freestanding Kits |
| Caravan, boat or odd-shaped space | Flyover, attached or freestanding (bespoke) | Select your size in the main range, or ask us for a quote |
Don't fit the car, fit the site
Once you know the minimum size, check the site itself:
- Boundaries and setbacks: your council may limit how close a carport can sit to the boundary or the street. Our council approval guide explains what to check.
- Slab or footings: kits can be ordered with posts into concrete footings or with base plates to fix onto an existing slab.
- Attach or freestand: if your carport runs along the side or front of the house, a fascia, wall or flyover kit may give you a wider, neater result than a freestanding one. See flyover vs freestanding for the pros and cons.
When in doubt, size up
A carport that's 30cm too narrow is annoying every single day. One that's slightly larger than you need rarely is. If you're on the fence between a single and a double, think about the next car you'll buy, not just the one you drive today.
Every Online Patios kit comes with a roof plan, engineering and an installation manual. Measure twice, follow our step-by-step measuring guide, and you'll get the right size first time.