20x20 Metal Carport Kits: Prices, Specs & What Fits
A 20x20 carport is the most-searched carport size in the country and the standard two-car size. It covers 400 square feet, parks two cars or small SUVs side by side, and is one of the most common sizes metal carport builders list. This page covers what a 20x20 costs installed, what actually fits under it, and which options change the price.
| Frame Size | 20' W x 20' L |
|---|---|
| Roof Length | 21' (overhangs the frame) |
| Covered Area | 400 sq ft |
| Leg Height | 7' standard, up to 16' |
| Vehicles | 2 vehicles |
| What Fits | 2 cars or SUVs, or 1 pickup plus a small vehicle |
| Price | From $2,400 installed |
How Big Is A 20x20 Carport?
The first number is the width and the second is the frame length. On most metal carports the roof runs one foot longer than the frame to shed water past the legs, so builders often list the same building as a 20x21. You get 20 feet of clear span side to side with no center posts, and 20 feet of frame front to back under a 21-foot roof.
- Frame footprint: 20' x 20' (400 sq ft)
- Roof: 20' x 21' on regular and boxed-eave roofs; vertical roofs run slightly wider than the frame
- Standard leg height: 6' to 7', with taller legs available in 1-foot steps from most builders
- Framing: 14-gauge steel tubing standard, 12-gauge as an upgrade
- Roof panels: 29-gauge standard, 26-gauge as an upgrade
What Fits Under A 20x20 Carport?
Two standard cars or two midsize SUVs fit comfortably. Most midsize SUVs are a little over 6 feet wide before mirrors, which leaves roughly 2.5 feet at each side and between the vehicles to open doors.
Two full-size pickups are a different story. A half-ton pickup runs close to 7 feet wide before mirrors, so two of them leave about 2 feet per gap, which is tight for opening doors. A crew-cab pickup with a 6.5-foot bed is also just over 20 feet long, so its bumper sits at the edge of the roof. If you park two trucks, step up to a 22- or 24-foot width, and a 25- or 26-foot length if the trucks are long.
| Vehicles | Fit In A 20x20? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Two sedans | Yes | Comfortable door room on both sides |
| Two midsize SUVs | Yes | About 2.5 ft per gap |
| One pickup plus one car | Yes | Park the truck on the outside for door room |
| Two full-size pickups | Tight | Consider 22x20 or 24x20 |
| Long crew-cab pickups | Tight on length | Consider a 25' or 26' length |
| Boat or camper on a trailer | Depends | Check overall trailer length and height |
How Much Does A 20x20 Metal Carport Cost?
In our September 2026 price check, installed 20x20 metal carports were advertised starting around $2,400 for a regular-roof model with 7-foot legs. Popular configurations were listed near $3,900 for a 20x20 with 7-foot legs and about $4,600 for a vertical-roof model. Published installed ranges for 20x20 carports run from about $3,200 up to $12,000 once taller legs, side walls, gable ends and certification are added.
What moves the price:
- Roof style: Regular (rounded) roofs cost the least, boxed-eave roofs sit in the middle, and vertical roofs cost the most but shed snow, rain and debris best.
- Leg height: Every foot of added leg height adds steel and cost. Plan for taller legs if you park a lifted truck, a van or anything with a roof rack.
- Gauge: 12-gauge framing costs more than 14-gauge and is often required for higher wind and snow ratings.
- Certification: Engineered, certified units rated for your local wind and snow loads cost more but are what most building departments want to see.
- Sides and ends: Adding side panels, gable ends or a full enclosure is where the price climbs fastest.
- Your state and site: Delivery zone, installation access, and whether the site is level all change the final quote.
Roof Style Options For A 20x20
A regular roof is the budget choice and works well in mild climates. A boxed-eave roof has the A-frame look of a house roof with panels still running side to side. A vertical roof runs the panels from peak to eave so snow, water and leaves slide straight off, which is why builders recommend it in snowy and high-rainfall areas and for any carport you plan to enclose later.
20x20 Carport With Sides
Many buyers start with an open 20x20 and add protection later. Common options are a single side panel on the weather side, a closed gable end at the back, full side walls, or a fully enclosed building with roll-up doors that works as a two-car metal garage. If you think you will enclose it, say so up front, since enclosed buildings need different bracing and a different certification than open carports.
Concrete Slab And Anchors
Size the slab to the frame, not the roof. A 20x20 carport listed as a 20x21 needs a 20' x 20' pad, since the extra roof foot overhangs the frame. Builders anchor to concrete with concrete anchors, and on dirt or gravel with rebar or mobile home-style ground anchors. Asphalt anchors are available for paved driveways.
Do You Need A Permit For A 20x20 Carport?
Usually, yes. Some local codes exempt small accessory structures up to 120 or 200 square feet, but a 20x20 covers 400 square feet, and many jurisdictions regulate carports separately no matter the size. Call your local building department before you order, and ask your builder for engineered drawings rated for your county's wind and snow loads.
Compare Other Carport Sizes
Not sure 20x20 is right? The single-car 12x20 carport is the step down for one vehicle. See every size, with standard dimensions and prices, in the carport sizes guide, or browse double car carports and double car metal garages.
Get Free 20x20 Carport Quotes
Prices vary by state, roof style and options. Tell us what you need and local metal carport builders will send you free quotes for your site.
20x20 Carport FAQs
How Many Cars Fit In A 20x20 Carport?
Two standard cars or two midsize SUVs fit side by side with room to open doors. Two full-size pickups fit, but the door room is tight, so most truck owners go to 22 or 24 feet wide.
How Much Does A 20x20 Metal Carport Cost?
In September 2026, installed 20x20 metal carports were advertised starting around $2,400 for a regular roof with 7-foot legs. Vertical roofs, taller legs, side walls and certification can push the total to $12,000 or more.
Is A 20x20 Carport Big Enough For Two Trucks?
It fits two trucks, but not comfortably. A half-ton pickup is close to 7 feet wide before mirrors, which leaves about 2 feet per gap. A 24x20 or a 24x25 is the more practical size for two full-size trucks.
What Size Slab Do I Need For A 20x20 Carport?
A 20' x 20' slab. The roof is usually a foot longer than the frame, so a 20x21 listing still sits on a 20x20 pad.
Do I Need A Permit For A 20x20 Carport?
In most places, yes. A 20x20 covers 400 square feet, which is larger than the small-structure exemptions many local codes allow. Check with your local building department before ordering.
Can I Add Sides To A 20x20 Carport Later?
Often, yes, but tell your builder before you order. An enclosed building needs extra bracing and a different certification, and it is cheaper to build that in from the start than to retrofit.