On Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 11:28:07 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Wed, 29 Apr 2015 23:25:47 +0000 (UTC), Mike
wrote:

I'm interested in build a carport as practice for building two
porches. The home owner states that the carport is to be about 22'
wide and 26' long. Big enough for a Toyota Rav4 and a Chevy Express
2500 van.

I understand putting posts in the ground to support the structure
at the corners. Because of the lengths of the respective sides, do
I also needs posts in the middle of each side to support 2"x8"
lumber? That would make eight posts in all of 4"x4" pressure treated
lumber. If I do add a post in the middle of each side, how do I
join (or do I) the joists at the center post?

I plan to make a simple gable with 1"x4" purloins for corrugated
roofing. All the lumber where possible should be pressure treated.

There will be no electricity or other grid services in this carport.
Just a place to put a car out of the weather.

Other than my massive inexperience with this, what else should I
consider and research?

TIA

Mike

22 foot span definitely will need center posts, unle3ss you buy trusses
made to support a 22 foot span. And try to buy 22 foor 2x8s. Most
places only sell up to 16', but a real lumber yard may have up to 20'
and will be costly. 22' is really pushing the limit. You'll need 12'
joined in the center. (cut to 11').

A building that size should have 6x6 posts, not 4x4s.

I suggest you get some pre-made plans and follow them, since you seem to
not know how to build something like that.

Personally, if you're gonna build something that big, I'd make it a
garage. Carports still drift full of snow in winter, and most
"carports" are just small roofed, open sided sheds big enough for one
vehicle. And why 26' long? Most cars and pickup trucks are not over 16'
long.

or buy a steel carport kit and assemble it......

a friend had 2 vehicles in his carport when we had a bad snow.

that resulted in a scrapper coming to tow away the 2 totaled vehicles, and the failed carport/