When planning a new garage build, replacement, or remodel, one of the most important questions homeowners ask is: What size do garage doors come in?
Choosing the right size ensures your garage is functional, safe, and visually appealing.
The right garage door size doesn’t just determine how easily you can park your car it also impacts your home’s energy efficiency, security, and curb appeal. A properly sized garage door fits seamlessly into your home’s design and prevents issues like poor sealing, misalignment, or wasted space.
Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about garage door dimensions: standard sizes, size variations for different vehicles, how to measure correctly, and when to consider a custom garage door for your unique space.
Why Garage Door Size Matters
Garage doors are one of the largest moving parts of your home, and the right size ensures they function smoothly. Selecting the right size matters for several reasons:
- Functionality: A correctly sized door ensures easy vehicle entry and exit, preventing clearance issues.
- Energy Efficiency: Proper fitting reduces air gaps, keeping your garage insulated and lowering utility bills.
- Curb Appeal: Proportionate doors enhance your home’s exterior design and increase property value.
Homeowners often assume all garage doors come in standard sizes, but the truth is — garage door dimensions can vary widely depending on the type of garage, number of vehicles, and style of the home. Let’s break down the standard garage door sizes and how to select one that’s perfect for your space.
Standard Garage Door Sizes Overview
When we talk about “standard” garage door sizes, we’re referring to the most common dimensions used for residential garages. These sizes are determined by the number of cars the garage is designed to accommodate and the height and width required for most vehicles.
Most residential garage doors range from 8 to 18 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall. However, the right fit depends on whether it’s a single-car, double-car, or RV-sized garage.
While these are industry standards, homeowners always have the option to customize door sizes to fit older homes, oversized vehicles, or unique architectural designs.
Common Garage Door Sizes by Type
Garage doors are typically categorized by the number of cars they accommodate and their intended use. Below are the most common types with standard measurements and key considerations.
Single-Car Garage Door Sizes
A single-car garage door is designed for one vehicle.
Standard Sizes:
- 8 feet wide x 7 feet high
- 9 feet wide x 7 feet high
- 10 feet wide x 7 feet high
These doors are ideal for compact cars, sedans, and small SUVs. For homeowners who prefer extra space to maneuver, a 9-foot or 10-foot width provides better clearance — especially if you use your garage for storage alongside parking.
Pro Tip: Choose a slightly wider door (9 or 10 feet) if your vehicle is a crossover, SUV, or truck to prevent scraping mirrors or bumpers.
Double-Car Garage Door Sizes
A double-car garage door is large enough to accommodate two vehicles side by side.
Common Sizes:
- 14 feet wide x 7 feet high
- 16 feet wide x 7 feet high
- 18 feet wide x 7 feet high
A 16-foot width is the most common for modern homes and provides enough room for two mid-sized vehicles. Wider doors (18 feet) allow additional space for SUVs, trucks, or storage shelves.
Advantages of Double-Car Doors:
- Fewer components compared to two separate single doors.
- Easier to open and close with one opener.
- Cleaner and more unified appearance.
RV or Oversized Garage Doors
If you own an RV, camper, or oversized truck, you’ll need a taller and wider door for clearance.
Common Sizes:
- 10 feet wide x 8 feet high
- 12 feet wide x 12 feet high
- 14 feet wide x 14 feet high
These doors are typically custom-built or heavy-duty to handle the additional size and weight. The extra height ensures your RV or lifted truck can enter safely without scraping the top or sides.
Tip: Always measure your vehicle’s height (including roof racks or antennas) before finalizing dimensions.
Custom Garage Door Sizes
Not all garages fit standard dimensions — especially in older homes or custom-built properties. In such cases, custom garage doors are the perfect solution.
Custom sizing allows for unique width and height configurations, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
When Custom Sizing Is Needed:
- Older homes with non-standard openings.
- Detached or converted garages.
- Architectural designs requiring specific proportions.
Material Flexibility: Custom doors can be made from wood, steel, aluminum, or composite materials, and can include insulation or window panels for energy efficiency and aesthetics.
Height and Width Considerations
While the standard garage door height is 7 feet, many homeowners now opt for 8 feet or higher, especially for SUVs and trucks.
Here’s why height and width adjustments matter:
- Taller Vehicles: SUVs, vans, and lifted trucks require more clearance.
- Wider Openings: Wider doors improve accessibility and prevent scraping when parking.
- Driveway Angles: If your driveway slopes, extra height ensures the door doesn’t rub against the vehicle roof.
Tip: Measure your vehicle’s height and width, including mirrors, roof racks, or antennas, before finalizing the garage door size.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Opening Accurately
Measuring correctly ensures your new garage door fits perfectly. Even a small miscalculation can lead to installation problems or sealing gaps.
Follow these steps:
- Measure the width — from left to right of the garage door opening.
- Measure the height — from the floor to the top of the opening (header).
- Check the side room — space on each side for track installation (usually 3–4 inches needed).
- Measure headroom — distance between the top of the opening and the ceiling (required for springs and openers).
- Measure backroom — depth from the opening to the back wall (necessary for the door to open fully).
Pro Tip: Always measure twice, and have a professional confirm your dimensions before ordering a door — especially if your home is older or uneven.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Size for Your Home
Choosing the right size goes beyond fitting your car — it’s about aligning functionality, aesthetics, and efficiency.
Consider the Following:
- Vehicle Size: Measure the width and height of all vehicles using the garage.
- Garage Use: If you use your garage for storage or as a workspace, consider extra width.
- Home Aesthetics: The door should complement your home’s proportions and design.
- Building Codes & HOA Rules: Some neighborhoods restrict sizes or styles, so always check before installation.
A properly sized garage door not only enhances functionality but also boosts curb appeal and resale value.
Garage Door Sizes by Material and Style
The material and style of your garage door can influence available size options and design flexibility.
Steel Doors
- Available in most standard and custom sizes.
- Durable, low-maintenance, and affordable.
- Ideal for homeowners seeking longevity and strength.
Wood Doors
- Typically custom-built to fit specific openings.
- Offer unmatched aesthetics but require regular maintenance.
- Heavier than steel or aluminum doors.
Aluminum & Glass Doors
- Perfect for modern or contemporary homes.
- Available in wider panels for clean, open designs.
- Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
Insulated Doors
- Great for energy efficiency and temperature control.
- Available in most standard sizes but slightly thicker due to insulation layers.
- Ideal for attached garages or homes in extreme climates.
Commercial Garage Door Sizes
Commercial buildings and warehouses require larger, more robust garage doors designed for frequent use and larger vehicles.
Typical Commercial Sizes:
- Widths: 12–24 feet
- Heights: 12–16 feet
Differences from Residential Doors:
- Built with heavier materials like steel or aluminum.
- Include high-cycle springs for constant operation.
- Often feature added insulation or sectional designs for temperature control.
When to Choose a Custom Garage Door
Custom garage doors are ideal for homeowners who need non-standard dimensions or want a specific design aesthetic.
Situations That Call for Custom Doors:
- Renovating an older property with unique architecture.
- Replacing a door that doesn’t fit modern dimensions.
- Desiring a personalized design, material, or color scheme.
- Wanting to add insulation, glass panels, or unique hardware.
Benefits of Custom Doors:
- Perfect fit for any opening size.
- Increased property value and visual appeal.
- Enhanced functionality and insulation performance.
Professional installers can measure precisely and design a door that balances form and function perfectly.
Conclusion: Get the Right Fit for Performance and Style
To summarize, garage door sizes generally range as follows:
- Single-car: 8–10 feet wide, 7 feet high
- Double-car: 14–18 feet wide, 7–8 feet high
- RV or oversized: 10–14 feet high, 10–14 feet wide
The right size depends on your vehicles, lifestyle, and garage layout. Accurate measurement and professional guidance are key to ensuring smooth installation and lasting performance.
Contact a local garage door specialist to measure your space and recommend the ideal door size for your home’s design and needs.
FAQ Section
Q1. What is the standard size of a 2-car garage door?
The most common size for a double-car garage door is 16 feet wide by 7 feet high.
Q2. Can I make my garage door taller or wider?
Yes, but it requires structural changes. A professional can modify the frame or header to accommodate a new size.
Q3. Are there different sizes for insulated garage doors?
Insulated doors come in standard sizes but may be slightly thicker due to added insulation panels.
Q4. What size garage door do I need for an SUV or truck?
Opt for a door at least 9–10 feet wide and 8 feet high for sufficient clearance.
Q5. Do garage door sizes vary by brand?
Yes, manufacturers may offer slight variations in width or height, especially for custom or premium models.
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