Garage Door Sizes: Standard, Custom, and How to Measure

Garage Door Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right garage door size is essential for creating a functional, secure, and visually appealing garage entrance. With various sizes available, from standard single-car doors to custom doors for RVs and golf carts, homeowners have options that cater to a range of needs. In this guide, we’ll explore common garage door sizes, custom dimensions, and how the type of garage door can impact size requirements. Plus, we’ll cover everything you need to know about measuring your garage for the perfect fit.

Standard Garage Door Sizes

Garage doors come in several standard sizes that cater to the most common garage configurations and vehicle types. Choosing a standard size can be cost-effective, as they are widely available and often require less customization. Here’s a look at the most popular standard sizes:

• Single-Car Garage Doors: The typical size for a single-car garage door is 8 to 9 feet wide by 7 to 8 feet tall. Doors measuring 8×7 feet are often used for smaller vehicles or compact garages, while 9×8 feet doors offer extra clearance, ideal for SUVs or larger vehicles.

• Double-Car Garage Doors: For homeowners with a two-car garage, double-car garage doors typically measure 16 feet wide by 7 or 8 feet tall. The 16×7 feet configuration is most common, but choosing a slightly taller door (16×8 feet) provides additional headroom for taller vehicles like vans.

• Triple-Car Garage Doors: Larger homes may include three-car garages, which are generally around 24 feet wide by 7 to 8 feet tall. Some triple garages may use three single doors or a combination of single and double doors to accommodate multiple vehicles or storage needs.

Opting for a standard-sized garage door is often easier to source and install, and it typically comes at a lower cost than custom options. However, certain home designs or needs may call for a unique door size, in which case custom dimensions become essential.

Custom Garage Door Sizes

In addition to standard sizes, custom garage door dimensions are available to meet specific needs, especially when dealing with unique vehicles or storage requirements. Here are a few common custom garage door sizes:

• Golf Cart Garage Doors: Smaller vehicles, such as golf carts, require narrower doors, which are often around 5 to 6 feet wide and 7 feet tall. These custom doors are especially popular in communities where golf carts are frequently used for local transportation.
• RV Garage Doors: RV garage doors are designed to accommodate the larger height and width of recreational vehicles. They are typically 10 to 14 feet wide and 12 to 16 feet tall, depending on the RV size. RV garage doors are also useful for storing boats or oversized equipment.
• Oversized Garage Doors: Some garages are designed for oversized vehicles, trailers, or workshop space. Custom sizes in widths from 12 to 20 feet and heights up to 14 feet can be built to provide extra clearance and access for these larger setups.

Custom garage doors allow homeowners to address unique needs and design preferences. However, they can come with higher costs due to custom materials and specialized installation requirements.

Find Garage Door Pros

How Garage Door Type Affects Size

The type of garage door you choose may impact the size requirements and dimensions of your door. Here’s how each type can influence garage door sizes:

• Sectional Doors: Sectional doors consist of panels that roll up along tracks on the ceiling. This design allows for a range of standard sizes, but sectional doors typically require at least 10 inches of headroom to accommodate the tracks and opener. Sectional doors are widely used in single-car, double-car, and even triple-car garages.
• Roll-Up Doors: Made of narrow horizontal slats that coil into a compact roll, roll-up doors are ideal for garages with limited ceiling space. They usually have height limitations and are commonly used in standard sizes but may require customization for larger openings.
• Slide-to-the-Side Doors: These doors move horizontally along a track on the garage wall and are a great option for garages with limited ceiling height. However, slide-to-the-side doors require ample wall space equal to the width of the door, so it’s essential to consider this when measuring.
• Side-Hinged Doors: Side-hinged doors swing open like traditional doors and are typically made from wood or metal. They work best in custom sizes, as they require extra space in front of the garage to swing open fully. Side-hinged doors are popular for vintage or carriage-house-style garages.

Choosing the right door type can depend on ceiling height, wall space, and driveway layout, as each type of door may have unique requirements for installation and operation.

How to Measure for a New Garage Door

Accurate measurements are key to choosing the right garage door size and ensuring a seamless installation. Here are steps to measure your garage for a new door:

• Width: Measure the distance between the left and right sides of the garage opening at its widest point. This measurement will be the width of your door.
• Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the garage opening to determine the height.
• Side Room: Measure the space from the edge of the opening to the walls on both sides. For a standard track system, you’ll typically need around 3.75 inches on each side.
• Headroom: Measure the space from the top of the garage opening to the ceiling. Most sectional and roll-up doors need 10 to 12 inches of headroom for the tracks and opener.
• Backroom: Measure the distance from the garage opening to the back of the garage. This measurement should be the door height plus about 18 inches for proper installation and opener space.

Additional Tips

• Ensure the garage floor is level and the opening is square to prevent installation issues.
• If your garage has structural quirks, such as angled ceilings or uneven walls, consulting a professional can ensure that measurements are accurate.

Other Considerations for Garage Door Sizes

When selecting a garage door size, it’s helpful to keep additional factors in mind to ensure it meets your practical and aesthetic needs:

• Local Building Codes: Some areas have specific regulations for garage door sizes, so check with your local building department if you’re planning to install a new or custom-sized door.
• Insulation Needs: If you’re using your garage for more than just vehicle storage, consider an insulated door. Insulated doors help maintain temperature, reduce noise, and improve energy efficiency, particularly in attached garages.
• Door Material: The material of your garage door may also affect available sizes. Steel and aluminum doors are typically available in a wide range of standard sizes, while wood and fiberglass options may require custom sizing.
• Curb Appeal: Selecting a garage door that complements your home’s architectural style can enhance its curb appeal. Modern homes may benefit from sleek, full-view glass or aluminum doors, while traditional homes may suit carriage-style or wood-paneled doors.

By taking these factors into account, you can choose a garage door size that not only suits your needs but also adds to the overall functionality and appeal of your home.

Find Garage Door Pros