How to Construct a Carport Using PVC Pipe
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Time to read 3 min
Table of contents
You might be surprised to learn that keeping a cover over your car is beneficial in many ways. Whether it's protecting the paint on your car’s sleek exterior or shielding it from acidic bird poo, you'll find there are plenty of reasons for wanting your car to have some extra protection as often as possible!
The truth is, cars that spend half their life under a cover means they look good for about twice as long. Below we’ll take a look at how to build your very own carport using PVC piping.
Materials
- 1” Schedule 40 PVC Pipe – 89 Sticks of 5ft lengths (Adjust depending on vehicle size)
- 1” Snap Tee’s – 16
- 1” 45 Degree Elbows – 8
- 1” PVC Coupler – 6
- Plastic Tarp – 15’ x 15’
- Tarp Tie Downs
Steps for Construction
Step 1: Create the Top
Take 3 of the Sch 40 PVC Pipes and connect them using the 1” Couplers to create a 15ft long pipe.
Repeat this step twice, and set 2 aside.
Step 2: Snap Tees
Take 8 Snap Tees and attach them to one 15ft pipe. Start with 2 on one end and space them about 5ft apart. Add the next 2 and space those about 5ft apart as well. Finally, add the next 2, at the other end add the final 2.
Step 3: Insert Roof Supports
Take 8 of the 5ft lengths and insert them into the socket ends of each snap tee.
Step 4: Add 45 Degree Elbows
On the bottom end of the 5ft roof support lengths, install all of the 45-degree elbows.
Step 5: Add the Support
On the open end of the 45-degree elbows, insert 8 of the 5ft lengths.
Step 6: Add Final Snap Tees
On the 8 vertical pipes, attach the remaining Snap Tees.
Step 7: Connect Snap Tees
On the remaining 15ft lengths of pipe, connect 4 of the snap tees to each 15ft length to align with the snap tees on the top bar.
Step 8: Add the Tarp
Drape the tarp over the top of the frame. Secure the tarp to the frame using tarp tie-downs or zip ties.
You could also add end caps to the open ends of the PVC pipes for extra protection. To ensure your carport is stable, you may need to secure the shelter to the ground. Tent stakes can help with this.
Now you’re all set to protect your car from the elements.
Looking to change up the types of fittings or materials used? Check out all our schedule 40 (white) fittings. We carry a complete line of pvc fittings that can be used for a project like this.
Materials Needed: Uses 1" Schedule 40 PVC pipes, specialty fittings (Snap Tees, 45-degree elbows, couplers), a 15' x 15' plastic tarp, and tie-downs/zip ties.
Frame Assembly: Combines long runs of pipe with couplers, attaches Snap Tees and 45° elbows to form angled roof supports, and connects vertical legs to create a sturdy frame structure.
Covering & Anchoring: Drapes the plastic tarp over the top, secures it to the frame with tie-downs, and recommends using tent stakes to anchor the structure to the ground for stability.
FAQs
What materials and pipe sizes are required for this PVC carport frame?
The build uses 1-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe along with 1-inch snap tees, 1-inch 45-degree elbows, and 1-inch couplers. You will also need a 15' x 15' heavy-duty plastic tarp and tarp tie-downs or zip ties to complete the canopy.
How are the PVC pipes connected to form the roof arch?
Three 5-foot lengths of pipe are connected end-to-end using couplers to build 15-foot support beams. Snap tees are attached along the main ridge pipe to hold the angled roof support pipes, which drop down into 45-degree elbows to form the frame's slope.
Can I adjust the dimensions of the carport for larger or smaller vehicles?
Yes. You can customize the length, width, or height by adjusting the length or quantity of the 5-foot Schedule 40 PVC pipe segments and altering the size of the covering tarp accordingly.
How do I make sure the PVC carport stays stable in high wind or outdoor weather?
Because PVC is lightweight, securing the shelter to the ground using tent stakes or ground anchors is strongly recommended. Additionally, installing end caps on open pipe ends will prevent water buildup inside the frame.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
