A carport is a simple structure that protects a vehicle from the weather and is often quicker to build than a garage. But it also changes how a property looks.
A carport sits in full view, often at the front or side of a home, which means it does not go unnoticed. If the size, materials, or position are not right, a carport can feel out of place.
In this article, we look at how to design a carport that suits your home, including style, size, materials, and planning considerations.
A carport’s design should be based on the existing house. This helps the structure sit comfortably within its setting and look the right size for your property.
You do not need to replicate the house. A few matching features are usually enough to make it feel connected. The roof is often the most important element. Look at your home’s roof shape, size, and overall style, and try to match it where possible.
Carport styles range from more traditional timber designs with pitched roofs and exposed features to simpler, more modern ones. The right option depends on your property and how visible the carport will be.
In most cases, a bespoke carport usually works best. You can adjust the size, roof, and details to suit your home and how you plan to use it.
Timber is one of the most flexible materials for carport design. It can be adapted to suit a wide range of properties in both town and country settings.
Wood works particularly well because it is easy to adjust. The size, roof form, and detailing can be tailored so the structure suits the plot and feels in proportion to the property.
Timber also tends to sit more naturally in its surroundings. It is softer in appearance than steel or concrete, so the carport does not stand out as much.
A well-built timber carport is durable and suitable for year-round use. It offers reliable cover without the bulk of a fully enclosed garage.
Size is one of the main factors that affect how a carport looks and works. It needs to be large enough to use comfortably, but not so big that it overwhelms the house.
Start with the basics. How many vehicles need to fit under it? Will you need space to store items such as bikes or firewood? These factors will affect the width, depth, and overall layout. Remember to allow enough room to open doors and move around easily.
Height is just as important. A carport that is too tall can feel out of place, especially next to a lower house. Keeping it slightly lower than the main building usually helps it fit in better.
Where the carport sits on your plot will affect both how it looks and how easy it is to use.
In most cases, it works best when it sits close to the house. This keeps access simple and helps the structure feel connected to the main building.
Consider access and movement early on. There needs to be enough space to approach, park, and leave without tight turns or awkward manoeuvres. On smaller plots, this can be an issue.
It is also worth thinking about how visible the carport will be. At the front of the property, it will stand out more, so the position needs more thought. Less visible areas are usually more flexible.
Finally, boundaries can influence placement. Leaving some space around the carport can make maintenance easier and help the structure sit more comfortably within the plot, even where building close to a boundary is possible.
In many cases, a carport can be built under permitted development, which means you may not need full planning permission.
Whether permission is required depends on a few key factors, including size, height, and location, particularly how close it is to boundaries and whether it sits in front of the house.
As a rule of thumb, a carport is more likely to fall under permitted development if it is single-storey, no higher than 2.5m when close to a boundary, kept to a reasonable size, and placed to the side or rear, rather than at the front of the house.
Small changes in size or position can mean planning permission is required, and properties in designated areas, such as Conservation Areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, often have stricter rules. It is always best to check with your local planning authority.
Building near a boundary is sometimes allowed, but height limits usually apply.
If it’s within 2 metres of a boundary, the height is usually limited to 2.5 metres. If it’s further away, it can be taller, around 3 metres for a flat roof or 4 metres for a pitched roof.
At Chart Garages, our timber carports are made to order, so you can tailor the size, layout, and detailing to your property.
Whether you need a simple single bay or a larger structure, each plan can be adjusted to suit how you plan to use the space. Designs can include walls between bays and partial enclosure on one or two sides.
We offer a range of roofing options, including Tapco slate, Onduline and Onduvilla sheets, and cedar shingles, helping the carport sit comfortably alongside the main building.
Get in touch if you’d like help designing a carport that fits your property.
A carport is an open structure, usually with a roof supported by posts, while a detached garage is fully enclosed with walls and a door.
Carports are generally quicker to build, more cost-effective, and have a lighter visual impact. Garages offer more security and storage but tend to be larger and more prominent.
The size depends on how many vehicles you need to cover and how much space you want around them.
As a guide, a single carport is typically around 3m wide and 5.4 or 6.1m deep. A double carport is usually around 6.1m wide, with options up to 9.1m available. Allow extra space for opening doors and moving around comfortably.
It is possible, but adding a door starts to change how the structure is classified. At that point, it may be considered more like a garage, which can affect planning requirements and design.
They can, especially in areas where parking is limited. A well-designed carport can make a property more practical and appealing to buyers.
