Last Updated on February, 2025
Selecting the right garage door size is a crucial decision for homeowners. Whether you’re replacing an existing door or installing a new one, understanding the dimensions and requirements is essential to ensure functionality and convenience.
The perfect size not only accommodates your vehicles and storage needs but also complements your home’s architectural style.
This article will guide you through the common garage door sizes available, the factors to consider when choosing a garage door, and how to measure accurately to make the best choice for your property.
From single to a double door to custom options and RV doors, everything you need to know to find the perfect fit for your garage will be covered here.
Quick Summary
- Standard garage door sizes vary based on the type, such as single (8-10 feet wide and 7-8 feet high), double (14-20 feet wide and 7-8 feet high), and RV doors (10-14 feet wide and high). Custom options are also available.
- Accurately measuring garage door width and height is crucial for ensuring proper fit and functionality. Measurements should consider headroom and space requirements for the door and track system.
- The ideal garage door size depends on vehicle dimensions, storage needs, and future requirements. Professional advice can help in selecting and installing the correct size.
A Guide to Garage Door Sizes
Understanding standard garage door sizes is crucial when selecting a replacement garage door or installing a new door in your home. Although there are various dimension combinations, certain garage door sizes are more common than others.
Here is a breakdown of the typical garage door sizes based on width and height.
Single Garage Doors
Height: 7-8 feet
Width: 8-10 feet
Double Garage Doors
Height: 7-8 feet
Width: 14-20 feet
RV Garage Doors(Oversized Garage Doors)
Height: 10-14 feet
Width: 10-14 feet
Garage Door Width
Common garage door widths vary based on the type of door:
Single garage Doors
- 8 feet (96 inches)
- 9 feet (108 inches)
- 10 feet (120 inches)
Double Garage Doors
- 16 feet
- 18 feet
When referring to a single or double garage door, this indicates how many cars wide the door is. A single garage door is suitable for one car, while a double garage door is the standard size for two cars.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Width?
To ensure the correct width for your garage door, follow these steps:
Measure the opening width: Measure the width of the opening from one jam board to the other. The jam boards are vertical boards inside the opening, distinct from the door frame.
Consider the door size: The width of the garage door should match the opening. It can be slightly wider if desired but should never be shorter.
By accurately measuring your garage door width, you can select the appropriate size for your garage opening, ensuring a proper fit and optimal functionality.
Garage Door Heights
There are multiple variations of garage door heights. Here’s a quick breakdown:
For residential garage doors, the standard garage door heights are:
- 7 feet high (84 inches): Most common in many markets.
- 8 feet high (96 inches): Found in higher-end homes.
Residential garage doors are typically composed of multiple panels, the heights of which vary to fit different door sizes.
- Common Panel Heights: 18 inches or 21 inches.
- Other Panel Heights: 28 inches or 32 inches.
The overall height of the door opening determines the panel height. Larger panels require a larger radius, which is the curved part of the garage door track. Common radii are 18 inches and 21 inches.
For example:
- A 7-foot garage door typically uses four 21-inch panels.
- An 8-foot garage door may use a combination of panel sizes, such as three 18-inch panels and two 21-inch panels or four 24-inch panels for even distribution.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Height?
To measure the height of your garage door:
Measure from the ground to the top horizontal jam board. This gives the height of your opening. Potential irregularities, such as uneven concrete or sagging headers, which can affect measurements.
If the height measures around 7 feet, minor deviations are acceptable due to installation adjustments.
If the measurement is closer to 6’9” or 6’10”, a shooter door panel configuration might be used.
Ensure there is enough headroom for the garage door to clear the ceiling when it opens. This includes room for the track, drums, and end-bearing plates, if using torsion springs.
Measure headroom from the top of the ceiling opening. At least 15 inches of headroom is generally needed to accommodate a garage door with torsion springs.
Standard Garage Door Sizes
There are multiple garage door sizes available, including single, double, RV, and combination.
Single Garage Doors
A single garage door typically has a height of 7 to 8 feet and a width of 8 to 10 feet.
Common sizes (Height x Width) :
- 8’ x 7’
- 8’ x 8’
- 9’ x 7’
- 9’ x 8’
Less common heights for a single door range from 9 to 12 feet. Though less common, these sizes are available and gaining popularity.
Double Garage Doors
A double garage door generally varies in height from 7 to 8 feet and in width from 12 to 20 feet.
The common size for double-door garages is 16’ x 7’
Custom double garage doors can be made to fit specific measurements if standard sizes do not meet your needs.
Triple Garage Doors
Triple garage doors typically come with multiple doors. Configurations for triple-car garage doors include three single-car garage doors or one single-car garage door and one double-car garage door.
Currently, there is no standard size for a single large garage door for a residential three-car garage. Custom garages are needed for these larger configurations.
RV Garage Doors
These garages are designed with enough door height and width to suit recreational vehicles and larger vehicles that require larger doors.
The common size is 10-14 feet high and 10-14 feet wide.
Standard Garage Door Requirements
When planning for a new garage door, several key requirements must be considered to ensure a seamless and functional installation.
Garage Door Opening
Ensure your garage door has at least 6 inches of headroom. If you use roof racks or cargo holders or have a larger vehicle, more space may be necessary.
Headroom Considerations
When installing a garage door, ensure there is sufficient headroom for the door to operate without obstruction.
Measure from the top of the opening to the ceiling. At least 15 inches of headroom is generally required to accommodate the door and opener, especially for standard systems using torsion springs.
Ceiling Clearance
Leave 14 to 18 inches between the top of the garage door and the ceiling to accommodate the garage door opener.
Vehicle Parking
Maintain at least 2 feet between each vehicle parking space in the garbage. For additional storage of items like lawn and garden tools or sports equipment or activities, allocate extra space.
Building Codes And HOA Requirements
Most homeowners associations (HOAs) have fixed rules for such matters.
Check local building codes and homeowners association rules for specific garage door sizes, restrictions and any limitations on colours and designs.
Seek Professional Assistance
Involve a garage door professional early in your planning process to ensure the best outcome.
By considering these standard requirements, you can ensure your garage door installation is both functional and compliant with local regulations.
Standard Costs for a Garage Door
When planning for a new garage door, consider the cost implications of different standard sizes and the potential for increased expenses with custom sizes.
While a large single garage door may be more cost-effective than two separate single-car doors, custom dimensions, and designs will typically lead to high costs.
Assess your garage’s architecture and specific needs to make the most economical choice.
Determining the Right Size for Your Garage Door
To choose the perfect garage door size, consider the following factors:
Vehicle Size:
Measurements: Measure the width and height of your vehicles, including accessories, like roof racks or lift kits.
Clearance: Ensure the garage door size provides sufficient clearance for comfortable entry and exit of your vehicles.
Storage Needs
Additional Space: If you need extra space for storage, workshops, or other purposes, factor this into your garage door size decision.
Versatility: A larger door might provide more room and be more versatile for various storage needs.
Future Needs
Larger vehicles: If you plan to purchase larger vehicles in the future, it’s wise to opt for a larger garage door size now to accommodate potential changes.
Expanded Storage: Consider any potential expansions in your storage requirements
Consult Professionals
Expert Advice: Consulting with a professional can provide valuable insights into the standard garage door size that is best for your specific situation.
Installation Considerations: Professionals can help you understand any architectural changes needed for different door sizes, especially in older homes, and ensure proper installation.
Relevant guides:
Conclusion
Selecting the correct garage door size is more than just a practical consideration; it’s about enhancing the functionality, aesthetic, and overall value of your home.
By understanding standard sizes for single, double, and RV garage doors, as well as the benefits of custom options, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs.
Consider your vehicle dimensions, storage requirements, and future plans to ensure your garage door provides ample space and convenience.
Consulting professionals from garage door companies can further help you make the best choice, ensuring your new garage door fits perfectly and operates smoothly.
With the right size and proper installation, your garage door will serve you well for years to come.