Use your welding skills to build a metal carport.
A metal carport is a lightweight structure that provides protection from rain and snow. While it does not provide waterproof or air conditioned space, there are many benefits. You don't have to remove snow or ice from your vehicle, and you'll be protected from heavy rain while you try to unlock and enter your car. It's also inexpensive and easy to build, making the carport an ideal solution for many automobile storage needs.
Instructions
Build the Frames
1. Build the framework. Depending on length, you'll need four to six frame sections connected by metal supports. For each frame section, cut pieces of 2-inch-by-2-inch tube steel in the following lengths: two pieces 8 feet long and two pieces 9 feet long. The 8-foot pieces will be the sides of the carport, while the 9-foot pieces will be the sloped roof supports. You'll need a total of eight pieces that are 8 feet long and eight pieces that are 9 feet long for the minimum four frames.
2. Lay out the frame pieces so the two side pieces are approximately 16 feet apart. Lay out the roof supports at the top of the side pieces so the roof supports meet at the middle. Weld all the pieces together to form one of the frames.
3. Weld three more frames in a similar fashion.
Connect the Frames
4. Cut support pieces from the 2-inch-by-2-inch steel tube. You'll need a total of 27 pieces that are 6 feet long.
5. Weld the support pieces between the frames. The support pieces should connect to the frames at the bottom and top of each side piece, as well as at the center point of the side pieces. There should also be support pieces attached at the top connection of the two roof support frame sections and the center of each roof support section. Weld all connections completely around the two pieces to ensure adequate connection strength.
6. Weld support pieces between the remaining frames. When this step is finished, the structural frame is complete.
Finish the Carport
7. Attach the carport securely to the ground or driveway. Drill holes in the driveway or concrete foundation and insert expansion anchors into the holes. These devices expand as a bolt is threaded into them, securing the bolt to the driveway surface. The holes should be 4 inches apart at 4-foot intervals along the bottom rail of the side support framing.
8. Use a U-bolt to attach the frame to the driveway. This type of bolt wraps around the bottom rail and attaches on both sides into the expansion anchors, securing the frame.
9. Attach metal siding material to the framework using self-tapping sheet metal screws. Almost any durable material can be used, but metal siding is cost effective and will withstand years of abuse.
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