Single or double carport: how to measure your driveway
For most vehicles, a single carport of about 3 m wide and 5 m long is enough. For two cars side by side, a double carport needs to be at least 5 m by 5 m, and we usually recommend 6 m by 6 m so both cars have comfortable room. Measure the space you have first, then compare it with the sizes of each carport in the tables below.
Our rule of thumb
- Single carport: about 3 ร 5 m suits most cars, utes and 4WDs. Go longer if you have a tow bar, a trailer or a long vehicle.
- Double carport: 5 ร 5 m is the minimum. We usually recommend 6 ร 6 m.
- Doors and posts: there is a wide gap between the posts, so you can still open your car doors with posts along the side.
- Height: check the eaves height against your vehicle, including a roof rack or roof box.
Step 1: measure the space you have
- Width. Measure the narrowest point between fences, walls, garden beds or the house. Posts need to sit on solid, level ground, so don’t count space you can’t build on.
- Length. Measure from where the carport would start to where it would end, and check it doesn’t block a gate, path, meter box or side access.
- Height. Look up. Note eaves, gutters, overhanging trees and windows the roof would pass.
- Slope. Every kit in our range needs a flat, level, solid base. Some need concrete footings. If your driveway slopes, plan the base first.
Write the numbers down and take a photo of the area. It makes it much easier to compare kits, and we can help you check the fit if you send it to us.
Step 2: check your vehicles
- Length, including a tow bar or bike rack. This tells you whether a standard length is enough or you need a longer carport.
- Height, including a roof rack, roof box or anything you carry on top.
- How many cars, and how they park. Two cars side by side need a double. Two cars one behind the other can use a long single.
- The next car. If you plan to buy a bigger car, a ute or a 4WD, size the carport for that one.
Step 3: compare with the inside sizes
Each product page lists the outside size and the inside size. The outside size tells you whether the carport fits the space. The inside size is the covered area under the roof. Eaves height is the lowest point of the roof edge, so check it against your car’s height, and against the height of your garage door opening or a caravan if you park one there.
Single carport kits in our range
Prices are Black Friday sale prices at the time of writing. The sale runs until 1 December 2026, after which normal prices apply.
| Model | Outside (W ร L) | Inside width | Eaves height | Posts | Price at time of writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas 5000 | 287.5 ร 494.5 cm | 277 cm | 200 cm inside height | 4 | $2,829 |
| Arcadia (4300) | 359 ร 430 cm | 325 cm | 194 cm | 6 | $2,849 |
| Vitoria 5000 | 291 ร 501 cm | 277 cm | 199 cm | 4 | $3,049 |
| Arizona Wave 5000 (cantilever) | 289 ร 495 cm | 278 cm | 200 cm | 2 | $4,839 |
| Sydney Wave cantilever | 286 ร 586.5 cm | 269 cm | 211 cm | 2 | $6,059 |
| Colorado (4.3 ร 4.3 m) | 422 ร 422 cm | 358.2 cm | 207.5 cm | 4 | $6,059 |
The Arcadia also comes in longer sizes up to 10.72 m (just under 11 m), from $2,849 to $8,509 at the time of writing, so it can cover a long driveway or a car and a trailer one behind the other. The Colorado comes in three lengths, from about 4.2 m to just over 6 m, priced from $6,059 to $8,579 at the time of writing. At just over 4 m wide, it is a very roomy single.
Double carport kits in our range
| Model | Outside (W ร L) | Inside width | Eaves height | Posts | Price at time of writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Wave 5000 Double Wings | 578 ร 495 cm | 543 cm | 200 cm | 2 | $8,379 |
| Sydney Wave double (Apex or Wings) | 572 ร 586.5 cm | 538 cm | 211 cm | 4, joined in the centre | $12,109 |
| Custom design double carport (steel) | Your size | Your size | Your choice | Engineered for your design | From $6,650 |
The Sydney Wave double, at just under 6 m by 6 m, is the closest to the 6 ร 6 m size we usually recommend. The Arizona Wave 5000 Double Wings is just under 6 m wide and about 5 m long, so it meets the 5 ร 5 m minimum. If you want a full 6 ร 6 m or larger, a custom design double can be made to that size. Both Canopia doubles keep posts out of the way of the car doors. The Arizona Wave 5000 Double Wings stands on two posts and is rated to 120 km/h winds and 75 kg/mยฒ of snow. The Sydney Wave double has four posts that join in the centre, so both cars get an open side, and is rated to 120 km/h and 65 kg/mยฒ. It needs concrete footings.
When your space doesn’t suit a standard size
If your driveway is an odd width, very long or you need extra height, a custom design carport may suit better. Our custom design carports are steel, with Colorbond or similar roof panels, manufactured in Australia from Australian-made steel and supplied with an engineering design for the size and site you choose. You set the width, length and height in our online carport designer. They are best built by a local builder or an experienced DIYer. The custom single carport starts from $4,750 and the double from $6,650 at the time of writing.
For a caravan, RV or lifted 4WD, look at the Alpine. It is a taller version of the Arcadia, up to about 3.5 m high overall.
Single or double: a quick guide
- One car, best price: the Atlas 5000, Arcadia or Vitoria 5000, all close to the 3 ร 5 m single size.
- One car, no posts on one side: a cantilever single such as the Arizona Wave 5000 or Sydney Wave.
- One large car or a lot of space: a wider single such as the Arcadia or Colorado.
- Two cars side by side: the Sydney Wave double, the Arizona Wave 5000 Double Wings, or a custom double at 6 ร 6 m.
- Two cars one behind the other: a long single, such as a longer Arcadia.
Before you order
Check your council’s rules for your address before you buy, as they differ by state and council. You can request the engineering certificate and calculations for your state on each Canopia product page. During our Black Friday sale, delivery is free Australia-wide. Outside sales, we offer free delivery to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane metro, and we deliver Australia-wide. Finance available with Handypay.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a double carport?
A double carport needs to be at least 5 m by 5 m, and we usually recommend 6 m by 6 m. Our Sydney Wave double is just under 6 m by 6 m, the Arizona Wave 5000 Double Wings is just under 6 m wide and about 5 m long, and a custom design double can be made to the size you need.
What size single carport do I need?
For most vehicles, about 3 m wide and 5 m long is enough. Choose a longer carport if your vehicle is long or you tow a trailer.
Can I open my car doors with posts beside the car?
Yes. There is a wide gap between the posts, so you can open your doors between them. If you want no posts at all on one side, choose a cantilever carport.
Will my 4WD fit under a standard carport?
Check the eaves height on the product page against your vehicle’s height, including any roof rack. Most of our single kits have about 2 m at the eaves. For taller vehicles, the Alpine or a custom design carport gives more height.
Do I need council approval?
It depends on your state, council and the size and position of the carport. Read our guide to council approval for carports and check with your local council.
Find the right size
Compare every design, size and price in our carport kits range. If you’re not sure which size suits your driveway, send us your measurements and a photo, and we’ll help you choose.
