What Are the Standard Garage Door Sizes?

Understanding the standard garage door sizes is crucial when you’re looking to replace an existing door or install one in a new home. 

While the term “standard” varies due to the wide range of sizes available, there are commonly accepted dimensions that most architects, designers, and builders follow in residential construction. 

Here’s a quick guide to these typical sizes:

Single Garage Door Sizes: These doors are designed to accommodate a single vehicle and typically measure between 7 to 8 feet in height and 8 to 10 feet in width.

Double Garage Door Sizes: For garages that house two vehicles, the standard sizes are usually 7 to 8 feet in height and 16 to 18 feet in width.

RV Garage Door Sizes: To fit recreational vehicles or larger equipment, garage doors may range from 10 to 14 feet in both height and width.

These dimensions provide a framework for understanding what’s available and help in planning your garage space effectively.

Review the chart below for more information.

Garage Door Design Options

Selecting the right garage door size is essential and hinges on your garage’s dimensions and layout. 

From compact single-vehicle spaces to expansive areas meant for two or more vehicles, garage plans can greatly differ. 

For those in pre-built homes, the garage door size might already be determined. 

However, during construction or renovation, you are usually presented with options to tailor your choice based on various factors:

Vehicle Requirements: Consider how many vehicles you need to accommodate and their sizes. This choice directly influences the garage door size.

Home Aesthetics: The design of your garage door can significantly impact your home’s exterior look. Choose a style that complements your home’s overall theme.

Functionality and Cost: Weigh the practical aspects, such as the ease of accessing your garage with different door configurations, against the cost implications of installing and maintaining one or multiple doors and their associated opener systems.

We typically take this approach to ensure your garage not only meets your practical needs but also aligns with your personal style and budget considerations.

Single Car Garage Door Dimensions

Designed for the snug fit of a single vehicle, the dimensions of single car garage doors typically range in height from 7 to 8 feet and in width from 8 to 10 feet. 

This versatility ensures accommodation for a variety of vehicles, from a standard car, SUV, truck, or van, to even smaller modes of transportation like golf carts. 

Larger doors can accommodate bigger vehicles like tractors, or even equipment, depending on your specific needs and the norms within your community.

In the realm of new construction, the preference often leans towards 9 x 7 feet garage doors, although a trend towards wider doors of 10 feet is emerging to provide more clearance and ease of access. 

Regardless of whether they are part of an attached or detached garage, these dimensions are seen as the standard for single car garage doors, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal and practical utility.

Two Car Garage Door Dimensions

For households with more than one vehicle, double garage doors are a common solution. 

These doors generally stand at 7 to 8 feet in height and extend 16 to 18 feet in width, perfectly accommodating two vehicles side by side. 

Additionally, this size makes double garage doors a favored option for those looking to allocate part of their garage space for a workshop or additional storage.

The typical dimensions for these double doors are set to efficiently house two cars, with the most standard being 16 feet in width and 7 to 8 feet in height.

 A popular design choice for achieving this layout involves utilizing two single 8-foot wide door bays, often divided by a central column. 

This setup, while not a structural necessity, offers homeowners a unique stylistic preference.

Opting for a single double-width door over two separate doors can also impact the visual appeal of a home’s exterior, making a striking statement. 

When it comes to cost and practicality, both options are relatively comparable. 

However, a singular double door requires only one opener mechanism, potentially reducing initial costs and ongoing maintenance compared to the dual opener setup needed for individual single doors.

RV Garage Door Dimensions

For those with unique requirements, such as accommodating multiple vehicles or a recreational vehicle (RV), oversized garage doors are the solution. 

These doors are significantly larger than standard sizes, usually measuring 10, 12, or 14 feet in both height and width. 

This ample size ensures that even the largest RVs or multiple vehicles can be securely and conveniently stored within a garage. 

These dimensions cater to a range of specialized needs, offering flexibility and peace of mind for RV owners or those with extensive vehicular needs.

It is important to actually measure the height of the highest point on the RV. 

Many customers have made the mistake of using the owner’s manual or a website to find the measurements of their RV. 

However, the listed measurements usually only account for the body of the RV. 

They do not take into account other components like air conditioning units, antennas, and vents located on top of the RV roof. 

Custom Garage Door Dimensions

For those whose needs surpass the standard offerings, custom garage doors provide a tailored solution. 

With the possibility of exceeding heights of 16 feet, these doors are designed to accommodate larger-than-average vehicles, from trucks and recreational vehicles to tractors and other farm equipment. 

Beyond just height, custom doors are adaptable to garages with non-standard dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit where conventional sizes fall short. 

This flexibility makes custom garage doors ideal for unique spaces, guaranteeing that specific requirements are met with precision and style.

In some cases, commercial doors can be used for added strength and flexibility, but they are designed to look very similar to residential doors. 

Combination Garage Doors

Combination garage doors, featuring both single and double doors, serve a dual purpose. 

They optimize space utilization and accommodate diverse vehicle sizes within a single household. 

A designer might incorporate different sized doors into a home plan for several reasons:

Versatility: Different sized doors provide the flexibility to store a range of vehicle sizes, from compact cars to larger SUVs or recreational vehicles, in a manner that maximizes space efficiency.

Aesthetic Appeal: Varied door sizes can enhance the architectural interest of a home’s facade, offering a unique look that sets the property apart.

Functionality: A combination of door sizes allows for tailored usage of garage space, such as dedicating one area for vehicles and another for storage or a workshop, without compromising on accessibility.

This option requires multiple openers and systems, but the payoff in convenience and customized access to the garage space can be significant for homeowners looking for a bespoke solution.

See the chart below for Garage Door Sizing Chart.

Standard Garage Door Thickness and Insulation

The standard thickness of garage door panels is about 1/8 inch, but the need for insulation can vary based on how you use your garage. 

If your garage doubles as a workspace or if you spend considerable time there, insulation is worth considering. 

Proper insulation can make a significant difference, potentially keeping your garage up to 12 degrees warmer in winter and 25 degrees cooler in summer, leading to more comfortable working conditions and lower energy costs.

Insulation Considerations: Not every garage requires insulation. The decision should balance the cost against your intended use of the space.

Material Matters: Standard steel garage doors are typically 1/8 inches thick, offering minimal insulation and representing a cost-effective choice for those who prioritize budget over climate control.

Enhanced Insulation Options: For better thermal efficiency, insulated doors feature 1/4 to 1/2 inches of foam insulation within the steel panels. The most effective insulated doors boast a dual-panel design, with 1 to 1 1/2 inches of foam insulation sandwiched between, providing superior temperature regulation.

Selecting the right door thickness and insulation level is crucial for maximizing your garage’s energy efficiency and ensuring it meets your specific needs, whether for storage, as a workshop, or for vehicle protection.

How to Measure Your Garage Door for a Perfect Fit

Accurately measuring your garage door ensures not only the right size door but also that your garage can accommodate an opener for both its opening and closing cycles. Follow these steps for a comprehensive measurement:

Start with the Opening: Use a tape measure to capture the width and height of your garage door’s opening in inches. This dimension is what’s often referred to as the “rough opening” and will guide the size of the door you need.

Check the Side Room: Identify the available space on both sides of the door opening. This “side room” is critical for the door’s vertical track system. Typically, you’ll need at least 3 3/4 inches of clearance on each side, though some systems may require up to 5 1/2 inches.

Measure the Headroom: The headroom is the distance from the top of the door opening to the garage’s ceiling. Standard setups demand 10 inches of headroom, but some may need up to 12 inches. Additionally, consider the garage door opener, which often requires an extra three inches of clearance.

Assess the Backroom: Finally, measure the backroom—the distance from the door opening to the back wall of the garage. This space should equal the height of the door plus an additional 18 inches, depending on the specific garage door opener you plan to install.

Following these steps will help ensure you select a garage door that fits well and operates smoothly, considering both size and the necessary hardware accommodations.

Other Garage Door Sizing Considerations

When determining the ideal garage door size, several additional factors should be considered to ensure optimal functionality and compliance:

Garage Door Opening

Ceiling Clearance: To properly install and operate a garage door opener, ensure there’s a clearance of 14 to 18 inches between the garage door’s top and the ceiling. This space is crucial for the mechanics of the opener system.

Vehicle Parking: Maintain a minimum spacing of 2 feet between each vehicle parked in the garage to prevent scratches and allow easy movement. 

For garages also serving as storage or activity spaces, additional room will be necessary for safely storing items like lawn equipment and sports gear.

Compliance with Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local building codes and homeowners association (HOA) guidelines. 

These regulations may dictate specific sizes, colors, and designs for garage doors in your area, ensuring aesthetic uniformity and safety standards across communities.

Cost Garage Door with Different Sizes

Standard vs. Custom Sizes

Choosing a single, larger door for a two-car garage often results in lower costs compared to installing two separate single-car doors. 

However, this can vary based on the existing garage structure and architectural design.

Custom Garage Door Expenses

Opting for custom-sized garage doors will inevitably increase costs, factoring in the door, tracks, springs, and other necessary components. 

Custom dimensions cater to unique requirements but require a higher investment for the specialized design and materials involved.

Taking these considerations into account will help in making informed decisions about garage door sizes, ensuring they meet personal needs, follow legal guidelines, and fit budgetary constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the standard garage door sizes?

The commonly accepted dimensions for garage doors include single car doors (7 to 8 feet in height and 8 to 10 feet in width). In addition, they include double car doors (7 to 8 feet in height and 16 to 18 feet in width), and RV doors (10 to 14 feet in both height and width).

2. How do I choose the right garage door size?

Consider the number and size of vehicles you need to accommodate, as well as your home’s aesthetics. In addition, think about functionality and cost of different door configurations to select the best size for your garage.

3. Are there customizable options for garage doors?

Yes, custom garage doors are available for larger-than-average vehicles or non-standard garage dimensions. This offers tailored solutions to meet specific requirements.

4. What should I consider for RV garage doors?

Measure the highest point on your RV, including any additional components like air conditioning units or antennas. This will ensure the garage door can accommodate the entire height.

5. How do I measure my garage door for a perfect fit?

First, measure the width and height of the door opening. Next, measure the space on both sides (side room), and the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling (headroom). Finally, measure the distance from the door opening to the back wall of the garage (backroom). This will ensure a proper fit and smooth operation.

6. What additional factors should I consider when sizing a garage door?

Consider ceiling clearance for door opener installation, and spacing between parked vehicles. In addition, consider compliance with local building codes or homeowners association guidelines. Also, think about the cost implications of standard versus custom sizes.