Standard Garage Door Sizes Explained

Ever feel like your car is playing a game of Tetris every time you pull into your garage?  Maybe it’s not your parking skills but your garage door’s size is the problem! 

Choosing the right garage door size is crucial to your home’s functionality and aesthetics. Whether you’re building a new garage, replacing an old door, or simply curious about the options, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about garage door sizes. 

From standard height or width dimensions to custom garage doors, we’ll unlock the secrets to finding the perfect fit for your needs. Let’s get started!

 

Why are most garage doors standard sizes?

Most homes in the US are production homes, meaning a land developer and builder partnered to create a neighborhood. The partners aim to build and profitably sell homes quickly while maintaining specific quality standards. They do that by standardizing openings of building materials like windows, patio doors, front doors, and garage doors. Standardization allows builders to simplify material pricing, framing requirements, and bulk orders to save money. Standard garage door sizes speed up framing, limit mistakes, and save money.

A recent development near our shop in Fort Worth, Texas, comprised about 70 homes. The garage door configurations on homes sitting on corner lots were one 16′ x 7′ double garage door and one 9′ x 7′ single garage door. The remaining homes had either a 16′ x 7′ two-car garage or two 9′ x 7′ one-car garage door openings. All garage doors were ordered white, saving the builders a few dollars per door, and then painted to match the home’s trim.

 

What are the benefits of standard garage door sizes?

A standard garage door height and width simplify pricing and availability. Garage door manufacturers like Amarr and Clopay build steel garage door styles that are roughly the same size. Because sizing isn’t an issue, pricing and replacing your standard garage door is simple. A replacement garage door is the same feet wide and tall as the original.

 

Why build a custom-sized garage door?

Many of our custom-size garage door requests come from property owners in rural North Texas who need custom garage door sizes for their farm or ranch equipment or an RV. It’s common for a barn or shop to have multiple garage doors with different door sizes. There may be one double door for primary access to the barn and two single doors for various equipment stalls. Custom garage doors may be built to house utility vehicles like a Kawasaki Mule or Club Car that don’t need a full 8′ wide garage door but require something narrower. An RV garage door can range from 14′ to 20′ wide and 14′ to 20′ tall.

Garage doors for golf carts also require custom door widths and heights. Depending on the make and model, a golf cart garage door may be as narrow as 5′, which isn’t available from the big garage door manufacturers. For example, Amarr’s single-car garage door sizes start at 8′ wide.

Garage door sizes chart

Choosing the right garage door can be tricky, especially with all the different sizes available. To make it easier, we’ve put together this handy chart outlining the most common dimensions for single and double garage doors:

What are the standard garage door measurements?

Residential garage doors range from 8′ to 20′ wide and 7′ to 14′ high, but some models can be sized down to an actual width and height of 6′.

Single Garage Doors

Single garage doors typically come in two main sizes. The most common size is 8 feet wide by 7 feet high, comfortably fitting most standard cars and SUVs. If you have a larger vehicle,  need extra storage space, or simply prefer more room to maneuver, a 9-foot wide by 7-foot high door is a good option. 

If you’re building a home, we recommend a single-car garage door 9′ wide by 8′ tall. Depending on your garage depth, you can comfortably park a full-size truck or SUV at this size. Even if you don’t drive a larger vehicle, changing the size down the road is nearly impossible.

However, remember that the ideal size for your single garage door will depend on factors like your vehicle’s dimensions, your storage needs, and the headroom required for your specific garage door opener.

Variations for Single Doors

While 8×7 and 9×7 are the most common sizes for single garage doors, there are also specialized sizes for unique needs:

• Golf cart doors: These are much smaller than standard garage doors, typically around 5 feet wide and 6 feet high. They are designed to accommodate golf carts and other small vehicles.
• RV or tractor doors: These doors are significantly larger, often ranging from 10 to 12 feet wide and 10 to 12 feet high. They provide ample space for RVs, tractors, and other large equipment.

It’s important to note that these specialized sizes may require custom framing and construction to ensure proper installation and functionality.

 

Double Garage Doors

Double garage doors are popular for homeowners, offering both practicality and curb appeal. The most common size is 16 feet wide by 7 feet high, providing ample space for two standard vehicles. However, if you have taller vehicles like SUVs or trucks or require extra clearance, consider a 16-foot-wide by 8-foot-high door.

Our local North Texas builders are shifting from 16′ x 7′ to 18′ x 8′ two-car garage doors. As cars and trucks get broader and taller, you don’t want your garage door to decide what vehicle you buy. 18′ x 8′ is the size of most double garage doors we install today.

When choosing a two-car garage door size, it’s important to consider:

• Vehicle size: Ensure enough space for your vehicles to fit comfortably.
• Storage needs: Account for your garage’s current or future storage requirements.

 

Triple Garage Doors

Ah, we love this question. If you are a car collector or hobbyist, we want you to know that we can design and build a custom garage door for you. Is it standard? No. Is it beautiful and inspiring? Yes. Would we love to build it for you? Yes.

Triple garage doors are perfect for homeowners with multiple vehicles or those wanting extra space for hobbies, workshops, or storage. These doors typically come in the following sizes:

• 24 feet wide x 7 feet high: This is the most common size for a triple garage door, accommodating three standard-sized vehicles comfortably.
• 24 feet wide x 8 feet high: This size provides the necessary headroom if you own taller vehicles, like trucks or SUVs. It also allows for additional clearance and the possibility of overhead storage.

Configurations for Triple Doors

You have several options when configuring your triple garage door:

• Three single doors: This classic setup provides individual access to each parking bay, offering maximum flexibility.
• One double door and one single door: This configuration combines the convenience of a double door with the added benefit of a separate single door for individual access.
• One large triple door: This option creates a grand entrance and provides the widest possible opening for moving large items in and out of your garage.

When deciding on a triple garage door configuration, consider your specific needs and how you intend to use the space. Each option offers unique advantages in terms of accessibility, convenience, and visual appeal.

 

How can Doorvana build a three-car garage door, but the steel garage door manufacturers can’t?

Our wood garage doors are built with Douglas fir frames. DF (Douglas fir) is a strong softwood that allows us to span widths up to 24′ and heights of 7′, 8′, or taller. Our frames are then through-bolted to the DF frames, ensuring a secure connection to the frame that won’t sag over time. We also use best-in-class wood glue and build our doors on a flat surface to ensure maximum wood adhesion. Once cured, these doors can last 15 – 20+ years with proper staining & maintenance.

 

Standard garage door sizes for RV storage

RVs have always been popular for people to get out on the road and explore with loved ones. The question of where and how to store an RV is essential when planning to buy one.

If you keep the RV at home instead of at a storage unit, you can opt for a 3-sided car-port with enough depth to back your RV in to keep it out of the elements. Alternatively, you can add a garage door to keep it completely safe from the elements. Whether you need a 10′ x 12′ or 14′ x 14′ depends on your RV type. Class A motorhomes may require a commercial garage or custom wood door.

 

Garage door combinations

Standard garage door sizes show up in most combination garage door settings. To nail the proportions, most architects will call design the garage opening with a single door at 8′ x 7′ and a double door at 16′ x 7′. The main thing to get right is the height. It would look awkward to have garage doors next to each other that have different heights.

Standard garage door requirements

While standard garage door sizes are common across the US (like the 8×7 ft single door or 16×7 ft double door), some key requirements and considerations vary from state to state and even locally. Here’s a breakdown of the general standards and factors to keep in mind:

Safety Standards

All garage door openers sold in the US must meet federal safety standards for entrapment protection. These standards include sensors that reverse the door if an object or person is detected in the path and a manual release mechanism in emergencies.

Garage doors and openers should comply with UL 325, a safety standard that outlines design, construction, and testing requirements to minimize risks associated with garage doors.

Building Codes and Local Regulations

Different regions have varying wind load requirements depending on the likelihood of high winds, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Coastal areas and those prone to severe weather will have stricter standards for wind resistance.

If your garage is attached to your home, local building codes may require a fire-rated garage door to prevent the spread of fire.

Most areas require permits for garage door installation or replacement. Check with your local building department to understand specific requirements and inspection processes.

Other Considerations:

• Energy Efficiency: In some areas, energy-efficient garage doors might be required or incentivized to meet building codes or sustainability goals.
• Impact Resistance: Regions prone to hurricanes or strong storms may require or recommend impact-resistant garage doors that can withstand impacts from flying debris.
• Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules: If you live in a community with an HOA, your garage door’s style, color, or design may be restricted.

Headroom Clearance

Adequate headroom is crucial for smooth garage door operation and properly installing the garage door opener mechanism. Without enough space, the door may not open fully or could bind and become damaged.

Minimum Recommendations

• 12 inches: This is generally the recommended minimum headroom clearance for most standard garage doors and openers.
• 15 inches: For doors with a larger radius track or specific opener systems, 15 inches of headroom may be necessary.

Measuring Headroom

To determine your garage’s headroom, measure the distance from the top of the garage door opening to the ceiling.

Side Room Clearance

Sufficient side room, also known as side clearance, is essential for the proper operation and longevity of your garage door. This refers to the space required on both sides of the garage door opening to allow for the tracks and other hardware to function correctly.

Minimum Requirements

• 4 inches: A minimum of 4 inches of clear space on each side of the garage door is typically recommended for proper functionality and to accommodate the tracks and springs.
• Specific Hardware: Some garage door systems with specialized hardware, such as high-lift tracks or extended shafts, may require additional side room.

Measuring Side Room

To determine your garage’s side room, measure the horizontal distance from the edge of the door opening to the nearest obstruction on each side.

Factors influencing garage door size

Choosing the right garage door size involves considering various factors to ensure proper fit, functionality, and convenience. Here are the key elements that influence garage door dimensions:

1. Garage opening size

This is the most fundamental factor. Measure the width and height of the existing opening to determine the maximum size of the door that can be installed.

2. Vehicle type and size

• Number of Vehicles: How many vehicles do you need to accommodate?
• Vehicle Dimensions: Measure the height and width of your largest vehicle, including any roof racks or accessories, to ensure sufficient clearance.
• Future Vehicles: Consider any potential future vehicle purchases requiring a larger door.

3. Garage usage

Do you plan to store items in your garage besides vehicles? If so, you might need a larger door or a higher ceiling to accommodate storage needs.

A larger door can provide easier access to equipment and materials if you use your garage as a workshop or for hobbies.

4. Home style and aesthetics

The garage door should complement the overall style of your home. Consider the size and proportions of the door to the house.

A larger door can enhance curb appeal, but choosing a size that is proportionate to the garage and the home is important.

5. Local building codes and regulations

Building codes may dictate specific wind resistance ratings for garage doors, influencing size and construction in areas with high winds or hurricanes.

If the garage is attached to the home, fire-rated doors may be required, affecting the available sizes and materials.

6. Budget

• Standard vs. Custom Sizes: Standard garage door sizes are generally more affordable than custom sizes.
• Material and Features: The cost of the garage door will vary depending on the material, style, and features chosen.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a garage door size that meets your functional needs, enhances your home’s aesthetics, and complies with all safety and building regulations.

Measuring your garage door opening

Accurately measuring your garage door opening is crucial for ensuring a proper fit when installing a new garage door or replacing an existing one. If you’re ready to start a new garage door upgrade, we’ve written a helpful article outlining how to measure your garage door.

Tools you’ll need

• Tape measure: It is ideal to have a standard tape measure with both imperial (feet and inches) and metric measurements.
• Pencil and paper: To record your measurements.

Tips for accurate measurement

• Measure Twice: Always measure twice to double-check your numbers and avoid costly mistakes.
• Account for Trim: If there is any existing trim or molding around the door opening, consider it when measuring. You may need to remove it for accurate measurements of the raw opening.
• Measure the Old Door: If you’re replacing an existing door, measure the door itself for comparison. This can help confirm your measurements and ensure consistency.
• Consider Obstructions: Note any potential obstructions, such as lights, pipes, or ductwork, that might interfere with the installation of the new door or opener.

Following these steps and tips, you can confidently measure your garage door opening and provide accurate information when ordering a new door or consulting a garage door professional.

Non-standard garage door sizes

While standard garage door sizes are common and readily available, some situations call for non-standard dimensions. This could be due to unique architectural designs, older homes with unusual openings, or specific functional needs.

Custom Garage Doors

Custom garage doors offer a solution if your garage opening doesn’t conform to standard sizes. They are made-to-order to fit your specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal functionality.

Custom doors can be designed to match specific architectural styles or incorporate unique features, such as arched tops, special window configurations, or integrated entry doors.

Custom garage doors typically have a higher price tag than standard sizes. Installation may also be more complex and require specialized expertise.

Historic Homes or Buildings

• Challenges in matching sizes: Older homes or historic buildings often have unique garage door openings that don’t conform to modern standards. Finding a door that fits perfectly can be challenging.
• Potential need for restoration or custom work: Sometimes, you may need to consider restoring an existing historic door or commissioning a custom-made door that replicates the original design and maintains the building’s historical integrity.
• Preservation of architectural heritage: Choosing a non-standard door that complements the building’s historical style is essential for preserving its architectural heritage and aesthetic value.

Important Considerations for Non-Standard Doors:

• Lead time: Custom or specialized doors may have longer lead times than standard sizes, so plan accordingly.
• Cost: Because of the customization and specialized manufacturing involved, expect to pay potentially higher costs associated with non-standard doors.
• Professional installation: Hiring experienced professionals to install non-standard doors is crucial to ensure proper fit and functionality.

By carefully considering your needs and options, you can find the perfect non-standard garage door to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your unique garage opening, whether it’s for a modern architectural masterpiece or a historic gem.

 

Find your perfect fit with Doorvana

Ready to upgrade your garage with the perfect door? Explore our comprehensive guide on garage door sizes at Doorvana. Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, we have the insights and options to ensure you make the best choice. Visit Doorvana today to discover your ideal garage door solution and elevate the look and functionality of your home! If you’ve measured your door or not, call us at 817-500-5988 or contact us to discuss your garage door project. Whether you’re looking for a colonial bead board garage design or a chevron pattern wood garage door, we can help.

 

Conclusion

Ultimately, selecting the right garage door size balances practicality, aesthetics, and adherence to safety standards. By carefully considering your vehicle’s dimensions, storage needs, local building codes, and desired style, you can confidently choose a garage door that complements your home’s appearance and functions seamlessly for years to come. Whether you opt for a standard size or venture into the realm of custom creations, remember that a well-chosen garage door enhances your home’s curb appeal and provides security and convenience for your everyday life. Don’t hesitate to consult with professionals who can guide you through the selection process and ensure a perfect fit for your unique needs.

 

FAQs about garage door sizes

What are the standard garage door sizes? 

Standard garage door sizes typically include single-car doors that range from 8 feet wide by 7 feet high to 10 feet wide by 7 feet high. Two-car garage doors commonly measure 16 feet wide by 7 to 8 feet high. Additionally, there are custom sizes available for unique requirements such as RVs or oversized vehicles​

Can I get a custom-sized garage door?

Yes, custom-sized garage doors are available and can be tailored to fit specific needs like accommodating large trucks, RVs, or unusual architectural styles. These doors ensure that the garage matches your home’s aesthetic and meets any special storage requirements you might have​.

How do I measure my garage for a new door?

To measure your garage for a new door, start by measuring the width and height of the garage opening at the widest and highest points, respectively. Also, check the sideroom (space on each side of the door), headroom (space above the door), and backroom (space needed when the door is fully open). Accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring that the new door fits properly.

Can you convert a two-car garage door into two single-car garage doors?

Sure, you could do this. If your existing garage door is 18′ to 20′ wide, you likely have room to insert two to three studs to frame the new openings. You’ll end up with two single garage doors. Check with your architect and framer to see if the new separate doors require a custom size or a standard garage door size.

Adding a second garage door means you will need two openers, two sets of torsion springs, two torsion bars, and four garage door sensors.

Are there small garage doors available for non-standard needs? 

Yes, there are smaller garage doors available that can be used for purposes such as parking golf carts or for storage sheds. These doors typically range from 4 to 6 feet in width and about 6 feet in height, suitable for smaller applications where a full-sized garage door isn’t necessary​.

Can you change your garage door size?

That’s a tricky question. The short answer is probably not without a significant renovation project. Three sides of your garage are fixed, so expanding them to accommodate a larger garage door isn’t likely.