Choosing the right garage door size is crucial for both functionality and curb appeal.
Whether you’re fitting a single garage or need a larger option for an RV, understanding the different sizes available is key.
This guide will walk you through how to measure and choose the perfect door for your home—practical and stylish!
What are the standard garage door sizes?
Standard garage door sizes include 8×7 feet, 9×7 feet, 16×7 feet, and 18×7 feet. Custom sizes are available for unique needs, such as taller or wider openings.
Key Takeaways
- Standard garage doors come in a variety of sizes, including single, double, and custom sizes.
- Accurate measurements of the width, height, side room, and headroom are essential for ensuring a proper fit.
- When choosing a garage door, consider the size of your vehicle, the intended use of the space, and the aesthetics of your home.
Why is Garage Door Size Important?
Your garage door is not just an entry point for your vehicle; it’s a major part of the exterior design of your home. Choosing the right size ensures:
Proper Functionality: A correctly sized door allows for smooth operation without any awkward fits.
Convenience: If your garage stores more than just your car, a larger door might be necessary for storing bikes, tools, or even an RV.
Aesthetic Appeal: A garage door that fits well with the proportions of your home can enhance its curb appeal.
Getting the right size garage door also ensures efficiency, especially when it comes to insulation, weatherproofing, and energy costs.
A well-fitting garage door can contribute to better insulation, saving you money in the long run.
Standard Garage Door Sizes
Garage doors come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right size depends on several factors, including the size of your garage, the type of vehicles you own, and how much storage space you need.
Here are the most common new garage door sizes you’ll come across:
1. Single Garage Door Sizes
A single garage door is designed to fit a standard one-car garage. This is the most common garage door size for homeowners with smaller garages or single-car parking spaces.
Standard Width: The typical width for a single garage door is 8 to 9 feet (2.44 to 2.74 meters).
Standard Height: The standard height for a single garage door is 7 feet (2.13 meters). However, taller heights of 8 feet (2.44 meters) are available for taller vehicles, such as SUVs and vans.
For homes with a narrow driveway or limited space, a standard single garage door size should suffice.
However, for homeowners who drive larger vehicles or need additional storage, a larger door might be more appropriate.
2. Double Garage Door Sizes
A double garage door is typically used for a two-car garage or for larger spaces where you might park an RV or need extra storage.
These doors are wider than a single garage door, allowing two vehicles to park side by side.
Standard Width: The typical width for a double garage door is 16 feet (4.88 meters), though some doors are available in 14 feet (4.27 meters) or 18 feet (5.49 meters) wide.
Standard Height: Just like the single garage door, the standard height for a double garage door is 7 feet (2.13 meters), although 8 feet is also an option for those who need more headroom.
Double garage doors are ideal for homes with larger garages or those with multiple vehicles. They offer plenty of space for parking and provide ease of access for larger items.
3. Custom or Oversized Garage Door Sizes
While single and double garage doors are the most common, some homeowners require custom or oversized garage doors, especially for homes with a larger garage or those that store an RV or boat.
Width: Custom doors can range from 18 feet to 22 feet (5.49 to 6.71 meters) or more for double-wide spaces.
Height: If you have larger vehicles or need extra clearance, custom garage doors can be made as high as 10 feet (3.05 meters) or even taller, depending on your needs.
Custom garage doors are often built to order, allowing homeowners to meet specific size requirements for unique spaces or specialty vehicles.
How to Measure for the Right Garage Door Size
Accurately measuring your garage opening is crucial when choosing the right size garage door. Here’s how to measure your garage properly to ensure a perfect fit:
1. Measure the Width
To measure the width of the opening, place the measuring tape at the inside edges of the garage frame.
Measure from wall to wall, and note the measurement in feet and inches. Make sure the door will have ample clearance on both sides to operate properly and avoid any obstructions.
For a single garage door, you’ll need to ensure a width of at least 8 to 9 feet (2.44 to 2.74 meters).
For a double garage door, measure to ensure the width is 16 feet (4.88 meters) for a standard two-car garage.
2. Measure the Height
Next, measure the height of the opening from the floor to the top of the garage frame.
The typical height for most garage doors is 7 feet (2.13 meters), but if you have a taller vehicle or extra storage space, you may need to go higher.
For a single door, the standard height is usually 7 feet (2.13 meters), but 8 feet (2.44 meters) is available if needed.
For a double garage door, you’ll usually find a height of 7 feet (2.13 meters), but higher doors are available for vehicles like SUVs or vans.
3. Check the Headroom
Headroom is the space above the garage door opening that allows for the door mechanism to operate properly.
The amount of headroom required depends on the type of door system (standard or high-lift) and the opener.
Standard headroom: For most garage doors, you’ll need about 12 inches (30.48 cm) of clearance above the opening for the garage door opener.
If you have an overhead storage system or require a high-lift system, you may need more headroom for the door to operate smoothly.
4. Measure the Side Room
Side room is the space on either side of the garage door opening. It’s important to ensure you have enough space for the door’s rollers, tracks, and spring systems to function properly.
For standard doors, you’ll need at least 3-4 inches (7.62–10.16 cm) of space on either side of the opening.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Type of Garage Door Size
While the size of your garage door is important, there are other factors to consider when choosing the best door for your home:
1. Type of Vehicle(s)
The size of the vehicle you drive is one of the most important factors when choosing a garage door.
If you have larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, or vans, you may need a taller and wider door to ensure that your vehicle can fit comfortably inside.
2. Use of Garage Space
Consider what you’ll be storing in your garage. If you need extra storage for items like bikes, tools, or an RV, a double garage door or a custom oversized door may be necessary.
If the garage is primarily used for parking a vehicle, a standard single garage door may suffice.
3. Aesthetics
Your garage door is an essential part of your home’s exterior appearance. Make sure the size of the door complements the overall design and style of your home.
A large garage door may overwhelm a small house, while a small door may look out of place on a larger home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the standard size for a single garage door?
A typical single garage door is 8-9 feet wide and 7 feet high, though taller doors up to 8 feet are available for larger vehicles.
2. Can I get a custom-sized garage door?
Yes, custom garage doors can be made to fit unique openings, including wider or taller doors for larger vehicles like RVs, boats, or multiple vehicles.
3. How do I know if I need a double garage door?
If you have two vehicles or need additional space for storage, a double garage door is usually the best option. Double doors typically measure 16 feet wide and 7 feet tall.
Conclusion
Choosing the right garage door size is crucial for both functionality and the overall look of your home.
Whether you opt for a single garage door for a single vehicle or a double door for multiple vehicles or extra storage, making the right choice can improve your home’s curb appeal and functionality.
By considering factors such as the size of your vehicles, garage space, and your overall home design, you can find the perfect garage door that meets your needs and complements your home.
Take your time, measure carefully, and choose wisely—your garage door is a long-term investment that should be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
