A lean-to could be a perfect addition to your property. If you would like some extra sheltered space but you don’t have room for another building elsewhere on your land, a lean-to may be right for you! Explore how to design and build a lean-to to get started on this exciting project.
American Carports, Inc. has a variety of steel lean-tos that are affordable, durable, and fully customizable. Use our Build & Price Tool to explore the many possibilities for your new structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote!
What is a Lean-To?
A lean-to is a structure that is added onto the side of an existing building to create a covered area. Lean-tos can be attached to the existing structure, or they can be designed to fit next to the current building with the slope of the roof leading away. While some lean-to structures are made from wood, going with metal will keep the cost of the project down while requiring minimal maintenance.
Start with a Big Picture Plan
Before you get into the details of planning your new lean-to, you need to take a step back and think about what you hope to accomplish with this project. There are a couple of common goals for lean-to projects, such as adding parking or gaining a covered area outside of an entrance. Determining what your lean-to will be used for from the start is essential if you’re going to get the design just right.
Planning for Parking
If you decide to use your new lean-to for covered parking, here are a few important factors to take into consideration:
- Access route. You’ll need to be able to drive under the lean-to without any trouble. Plan to set up your lean-to in a spot where getting in and out with your vehicle won’t be a challenge.
- Knowing the rules. Depending on where you live, you might need to consider zoning and building restrictions that could limit your options on this project.
- Take measurements. Even if it looks like you’ll have enough space for this addition, be sure to measure just to confirm. Remember to account for more than just the width of the vehicle—there also needs to be enough room for you and your passengers to get in and out, as well.
Using a lean-to for covered parking is an excellent way to get your vehicle out of the rain and snow without the expense of a full garage.
Consider the Ground
You may not need a formal foundation in place for your lean-to, but you’ll have to make sure the ground is suitable for this new structure. Select a site that is reasonably level to start with so that any site prep work that you have to do will be minimal. Also, don’t choose a low spot if possible, since that area will be prone to collecting water and might reduce the usefulness of this building.
Allow Room to Grow
If you design your new lean-to with dimensions just large enough for your current needs, you may come to regret that choice in the future. Remember, metal lean-tos are buildings that can last for many years. You can plan on a long life span for this structure as long as it is designed with the future in mind.
A perfect example of this situation is buying a lean-to that perfectly fits your current vehicle, only to find that you want to buy a bigger vehicle in the future. Don’t restrict yourself to the dimensions of your current car or truck when a larger lean-to would only be marginally more expensive. Get the space you need now with a little room for expansion so you don’t have to shop for a new lean-to again in the near future.
Build Your Lean-To with American Carports, Inc.
Now that you know how to design and build a lean-to, consider purchasing one from American Carports, Inc.! Whether you’re looking for a covered structure to park your car or use for additional storage, we have a building that fits any of your needs. Get started with our Build & Price tool discover what’s possible for your new building, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instate quote! If you need help along the way or have any questions, contact us for assistance. We look forward to serving you!
