Turn a carport into a stylish patio
Whether you renovate an existing carport into a patio or decide to have a basic carport erected, the simple design of a carport allows you to set up an easy patio area in a small or large garden. And with a few design elements you can transform a carport into a comfortable and unique patio or entertainment area.
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This project shows how you can use PAR pine and a few accessories to turn a carport frame into a designer patio area. By cladding one side - preferably a side that offers your patio privacy from neighbours - and the ceiling space with PAR pine slats, you can create a stylish new patio area at a fraction of what a brand-new structure would cost.
YOU WILL NEED:
20mm thick PAR pine for cladding steel supports and slats
69 x 69mm PAR pine for additional upright supports
32 x 69mm PAR pine for cladding steel roof supports
Steel braces and concrete nails
4 x 50mm cut screws
Expansion bolts
TOOLS:
Drill / Driver plus assorted bits
Saw - if cutting own wood to length
*You will find a variety of lengths and widths for PAR pine at your local Builders Warehouse or timber merchant.
HERE'S HOW:
Measure the area in advance in order to know the length and quantity of PAR pine required for the project.
1. As most carports have steel supports you will need to measure these in order to cut PAR pine to length as cladding for the steel supports. This will allow you to fasten slats or supports onto the existing frame. Use expansion bolts for mounting wood onto the steel supports.
You can repeat the process for the steel roof supports, adding pine cladding to the sides of the beams to allow for easy mounting of the ceiling slats.
2. Mark the position for any additional support posts by pushing a length of pine planking against posts and then marking positions equally spaced between existing wood-clad metal posts. Ideally the gap between posts should be no more than 900mm.
3. Use steel braces to mount additional support posts to the concrete slab.
4. Cut PAR pine support beams to the required height, allowing notches at the top for fitting into the existing frame.
5. With the support and cladding in place you can start adding slats onto these. The horizontal slats are screwed in place. Use a spacer block for accurate gaps between the slats and check regularly with a spirit level.
6. Repeat this process for the wood slat ceiling. The gaps between the slats don't need to be as close together, as the ceiling is more for effect.
