Understanding Standard Garage Door Sizes

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If you’re like most homeowners, chances are you’ve never given much thought to the size of your garage door. If it’s big enough for your car and not too hard to open and close, that’s usually good enough! But did you know that there are actually standard garage door sizes?

Understanding these standards can help make sure you get the ideal size door for your home—whether single, double doors, or combination garage doors. Read on to learn more about typical garage door dimensions, tips on finding the right garage door, and how to measure your garage door opening.

As always, if you have any questions, you can always contact a garage door repairman to have all your questions answered.

Let’s get started!

Garage Door Sizes

Standard garage door sizes vary greatly, depending on the type of garage and intended purpose. Single-car garages typically have a width of 8 to 9 feet while double-car garages usually measure between 16 to 18 feet wide. Both types of doors are usually 7 to 8 feet high.

For those looking for extra space, three-car garages are available. These larger garages typically measure between 20 to 24 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high. With this extra room, you’ll be able to store more than just two cars comfortably. Whether it’s a larger vehicle or a workbench and tools, three-car garages are ideal if you require more space.

Standard Garage Door Width

Knowing the standard width is a great place to start when it comes to finding the right size garage door for your needs.

Standard residential garage door widths come in a range of sizes from 8 feet to 20 feet, with 10, 12, and 16-foot wide doors being the most common. When it comes to non-standard sizes, you can refer to a garage door specialist or consult your local home improvement store to find out about recommended manufacturers.

Keep in mind, it’s important to remember that leaving enough room on either side of the door will make getting in and out of your car easier. 2 to 3 feet is a good recommendation.

Standard Garage Door Height

The standard garage door height is perhaps one of the less considered aspects of garage design, yet it is essential to take it into account when building or making repairs. Generally speaking, the standard door height for single-car and double-car garages ranges from 7 to 9 feet. 

If you are buying a custom door or building one yourself, you may want to go a bit bigger; 9 feet is a popular option among those buying custom-built models. Remember, though, if you are going with large doors double-check local codes and laws first.

Selecting the proper height is a key factor in ensuring an easy in and out for your taller vehicles and makes it less likely you’ll have trouble finding the appropriate repair options, if necessary.

Standard Garage Door Size Chart

One-CarTwo-CarThree-Car
Width8-9 Feet16-18 Feet24-27 Feet
Height7-8 Feet7-8 Feet7-8 Feet
Single-car garage door looking towards the back wall
A single-car garage door looking towards the back wall – Image source

Standard Garage Sizes Canada

In Canada, standard single or double garage door sizes are typically 8 feet in width and 7 feet in height. However, these dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the type of door chosen.

For instance, standard-size single garage doors can range from approximately 8 to 9 feet wide and 6’6” to 8 feet tall. The average double door can range between 16 and 18 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall. Some double garage doors may be as large as 20 feet wide, while others can be as small as 14 feet.

When selecting the size of your garage door, it is important to consider several factors such as the height of existing walls, the amount of clearance space needed for opening and closing the door, as well as the types of vehicles that will need access through it.

What is equally important is to keep in mind that some garages may have higher ceilings than others due to their age or the construction materials used, which could require larger sizes when selecting a new garage door. Also, keep in mind that certain types of overhead garage doors may require additional headroom for optimal operation.

For those who prefer to customize their home’s entranceway more extensively, there are also special non-standard sizes available on the market that can accommodate taller ceilings, commercial spaces, and/or a wider door opening.

A taller sectional roll-up overhead door conforming to standard door dimensions
A taller sectional roll-up overhead door – Image source

Such larger door designs can include sectional roll-up doors with larger panels than typical standard models; carriage style doors; specialty wood doors; custom fiberglass units; insulated aluminum designs; and full-view glass panel designs with multiple panes.

Ultimately, when selecting a new garage door for your home, it is important to select a size that best fits your needs while taking into account all relevant factors such as clearance requirements and existing structure dimensions. A professional installer should be consulted for more detailed advice about what size may be most appropriate for your particular situation.

Standard Garage Door Sizes Rough Opening

When investing in a new garage door for your house, it’s important to make sure you get one that fits your existing garage opening. Not all standard garage doors have the same size rough opening, which is why it’s so important to know yours before investing in your new garage door.

A garage door rough opening is the framing of a garage door before it has been installed. This opening is typically measured in terms of width by height and usually consists of two vertical jambs and a header which are constructed from either wood or steel. The rough opening should be slightly larger (1/8-1/4 inch) than the actual size of the door itself to allow for proper installation and for fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.

Knowing not only the length and width of your rough opening but also its height is the key to purchasing the perfect door for your needs. Measure twice and purchase once – this will ensure that you not only get a properly functioning door but one that looks great too!

How to Measure a Garage Door?

A diagram showing garage door spacing considerations
A diagram showing garage door spacing considerations – Image Source

Measuring your garage door is an important step in ensuring the size of the door you choose is appropriate for your space. Before getting out your measuring tape, it’s important to understand the different types of doors available and the standard sizes each type comes in.

Roll-up garage doors are one of the most common types of doors. These come in standard measurements ranging from 8 to 18 feet in width to 7 to 9 feet in height.

To measure a roll-up door, you’ll need to measure its width (the side running horizontally) first, then its height (the side running vertically). Measure accurately since a few inches can be the difference between a tight fit and a gap on either side.

Sectional garage doors are also popular among homeowners, although they tend to cost more than roll-up doors. They’re made up of several panels that fold up together when opened. Standard sizes for sectional doors range from 8×7 feet to 20×14 feet.

A sectional garage door – Image Source

Measuring this type of door is much the same as measuring a roll-up door, however, depending on the style, some panels may be of different heights.

To get an accurate measurement for this type of door, carefully take measurements for both height and width—including any windows or trim pieces that may affect how large your door needs to be—and make sure not to forget about headroom space above it as well if you’re planning on opening it manually instead of with an automated system!

Regardless of which type of garage door you choose, always double-check your measurements before placing an order to ensure accuracy and avoid costly mistakes!

What is the most common single-car garage door size?

For a single garage with only one vehicle, the most common standard garage door size is either 8 feet wide by 7 feet tall, or 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall, depending on where you live. These types of garage doors are usually found throughout townhouse complexes, where smaller garage spaces are more common. Increasingly, 10-foot widths are being constructed.

Single doors will comfortably fit a mid-sized family vehicle while also leaving enough space to accommodate other storage needs, such as lawn equipment, tools, and sports gear.

Additionally, single doors offer enough headroom and side room to install an opener, if desired. Depending on the region and company you purchase from, you may also have the option of selecting either a solid panel or a raised panel style door.

Whether you are working with a new door or an existing door, speak to a professional today to learn about what options are available.

What is the most common double-car garage door size?

Choosing the right double garage door size can be tricky, as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Two of the more common sizes measure either 14×8 or 16×7 feet, leaving plenty of room to store one car or two side by side.

Many double-car garage doors are designed with a two-bay design. These bays usually measure 8 feet each, and they are separated by a post or column that runs down the center. While this feature is not always necessary for structural reinforcement, it can provide homeowners with an attractive aesthetic choice that can enhance curb appeal and give the entrance to their home a more dynamic look.

A double-car garage with a two-bay design – Image Source

It’s important to factor in any additional headroom or special double door configurations you want when choosing which double door size you need. Consider speaking to a professional when deciding on a new door for your garage.

Not All Garage Doors are Made Equal: Tips on How to Choose

When it comes to garage doors, there are an array of options that homeowners can choose from. Having one large door is an option and is typically used as a “roll-up” style that can be operated manually or with a motorized opener.

These types of doors are generally made of steel or aluminum paneled sections and come in several sizes and styles to match the look of the home. A single garage door such as this may require additional reinforcement if the garage door size is larger than average.

Two single doors or multiple single doors are another popular choice for garages, especially if they are used primarily as storage units instead of a vehicle bay. For this type of arrangement, each garage door would need to be on its own track system in order to open independently and not interfere with one another when operating.

The last option when it comes to selecting a garage door is choosing different heights for either one large or two separate doors. This could help create an interesting aesthetic look for the exterior design of the home while still providing sufficient space between the walls and top beams of the structure for adequate vehicular clearance.

A diagram of a house with a three-car garage and how wide the doors would be.
A diagram of a 3-car garage configuration along with width and height measurements – Image source

The higher option would typically provide more overhead storage space within the garage itself due to its increased length, although this will depend on how much support is available from the joists and shelves inside the unit itself.

Homeowners should consider all these options when selecting their ideal garage door based on their needs and budget as well as taking into account local building codes before installation begins. Each type has its own appeal, so it’s important to weigh all factors including appearance, ease of use, security, durability, and cost before making a final decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right garage door doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding standard garage door sizes, you can narrow down your options and choose a door that will best fit your needs. If you need help with finding the right garage doors in Victoria, our expert staff would be happy to help! Give us a call today – (250) 590-9798!

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