Did you know upgrading your garage door has the best resale value of all home improvement projects?
According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your garage door has a 93.8% return on investment. That’s a much higher ROI than other types of home remodeling projects. For example, a bathroom remodel has a 60.1% ROI.
Choosing a new garage door — whether you are replacing an existing garage door or building new — can be quite the undertaking. There are many factors to consider when it comes to garage door sizes.
Here is your complete guide on residential garage door sizes. We will teach you how to measure a garage door and discuss the various garage door heights, widths, and depths. In addition, we will cover garage door types, materials, and maintenance so you can get the most out of your investment.
Some Things to Consider Before Buying New Garage Doors
Are you buying a new garage door for an existing garage or are you building a new garage? If you’re looking for a garage door replacement, your goal is to determine the exact size of door you need. This is where precise garage measuring will come into play — which we will discuss later.
In particular, you must know the amount of space you have in your garage for the “lifts.” Lifts are the tracks installed in your garage that allow the door to open. Your goals for your garage and the amount of space you have will determine which type of lifts to buy.
On the other hand, if you are building a new garage, you need to think about what function you need the garage to serve. How many vehicles do you plan to park in the garage? How big are they? What is the architectural style of your home?
A certain garage size does not mean you have to have a certain garage door size. Two garages of different sizes can have the same size doors. Two same-size garages can have different door sizes.
All of these are factors that play a part in your purchase of new garage doors and determining what size is best for your garage.
A Quick Breakdown of Garage Door Sizes
In this section, we will give some general rule-of-thumb advice on garage door sizes based on the size of vehicles you plan to park. This is meant to be a quick overview. Keep reading for more information to inform your decision.
Single Car Garage
Most Common: 8′ x 7′
For a single-car garage, the door can be between 7 and 10 feet wide. A 7-foot door will be a tight squeeze, an 8-foot door will be a little more comfortable, and 9+ feet makes parking and opening car doors very easy.
Single Truck or Large Vehicle
Most Common: 9′ x 7′
If you have a single-car garage where you plan on parking a larger-size vehicle, opt for the 9-foot or 10-foot door. For mid-and large trucks and SUVs, the 7-foot garage door would likely be cutting it too close.
Two Car Garage
Most Common: 16′ x 7′
Double garage doors are typically 16-feet wide. The widest standard double doors can go up to 20 feet.
RV Garage
Most Common: 12-14′ x 12-16′
RVs come in a wide variety of sizes. Even the largest RVs can likely fit through a 16-foot tall garage door, so this is a safe bet.
Shed or Lawnmower Garage
Most Common: 6′ x 7′
Small garage doors for sheds can go as low as 4-feet wide, but they typically run 6 feet. As far as height goes, they typically run between 6 and 7 feet tall.
Understanding Garage Door Measurements
Garage door measurements describe the dimensions of the door, not the frame. When you measure a garage door, make sure you get the correct door measurements and leave room for the frame so you don’t accidentally order a garage door that’s too big to fit in the frame.
Measuring Garage Doors
There is a lot more to garage door measurements than the height and width of the door. Your measurements must also consider the tracks, garage door opener, and weatherstripping both while the garage is open and closed.
Furthermore, the size of the garage door opening should have an aesthetically pleasing amount of space between the edge of the door and the edge of the garage. Not too much, but not too little.
Measuring: Step 1
Use a tape measure to measure the height and width of the garage door opening, also sometimes referred to as the “rough opening.” The size of the door will be close to this measurement.
Measuring: Step 2
Next, measure the “side room,” or the spaces to the left and right of the garage door opening. This is where the vertical tracks will be installed. Most track systems require at least 3 3/4 inches of space with some systems needing up to 5 1/2 inches per side.
Measuring: Step 3
Measure the distance between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling. This is known as the “headroom.” Most lift systems require 10-12 inches of space in the headroom.
If you want to install a garage door opener, allow an additional 3 inches, or 13 -15 inches of headroom.
Measuring: Step 4
The last step is measuring the “backroom,” or the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of the garage. A rule-of-thumb for a minimum backroom size is the door height plus 18 inches.
Measuring: Consult a Professional
When you’re finished measuring, we advise you to take your measurements and consult with an OGD™ professional to make sure you are correct. They can also advise you on any additional steps you need to take to get the correct dimensions.
What Are the Most Common Garage Door Sizes?
While some garage door sizes are used more often than others, there is no real “standard” garage door size. Garage door use ranges from storage of a riding lawnmower to a luxury class RV.
There are size ranges you can refer to depending on your vehicle storage needs. Keep reading for the most common garage door dimensions based on garage type.
Standard Garage Door Sizes: Single Garage Door
For most residences, a single-car garage door is 8- or 9 feet wide and 7 or 8 feet high. Most new construction you will see uses 9′ x 7′ garage doors. As vehicle sizes increase, 10-foot single-car garage doors are becoming increasingly popular.
Standard Garage Door Sizes: Double Garage Door
The most popular size garage door for garages accommodating two vehicles is 16 feet but they can go as large as 20 feet. While some double garage doors come in 14 feet, that will be a very tight squeeze for two vehicles. A 14-foot double garage door could work for you if you plan to park a car with a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle.
Two Single Garage Doors or One Double Garage Door?
Before we continue with other standard garage door sizes, those needing to park two vehicles may be wondering if they should choose two single garage doors or one double garage door. The most common choices are between two 8-foot single garage doors or one 16-foot door.
Which is a more inexpensive option? Which is more practical? Which looks better?
Imagine a garage door malfunctions. If you have a second garage door, you still have access to one of the vehicles until you’re able to repair the broken door. On the other hand, if you have a double door and it breaks, both of your vehicles will be stuck in the garage.
Therefore, two single garage doors can be slightly more practical. Price
The cost of a double garage door or two single garage doors is about the same. However, if you plan to install an automatic garage door opener, you will have to pay for two systems for two separate doors. A double garage door only needs one opener, making it a slightly cheaper option. Aesthetics
Choosing between the look of two single doors vs. one double door comes down to a matter of taste.
Two single garage doors will have a central post of column separating them, which could be a stylistic detail that complements certain architectural styles.
One double door may be more visually prominent than two single doors, so homeowners who don’t want their garage to be especially noticeable may choose two single doors. Sometimes those who like the look of carriage-style garage doors favor two single doors for the old-fashioned look.
On the other hand, a double garage door can create a more symmetrical look in the overall architecture of the home.
Double garage doors let in more air than two single doors. Depending on your climate and the time of year, a double garage door could make the temperature in the garage rise or fall more rapidly. Ease of Parking
A double garage door makes it easier to park a large vehicle like a truck or SUV. Single garage doors are more suitable for parking smaller cars. If you drive a full-size vehicle, it’s generally advised to install a double garage door which makes it much easier to drive your vehicle in and out.
Standard Garage Door Sizes: RV Garage Door
Garages designed to store large recreational vehicles come with slightly different garage door sizes. The standard RV garage door size is 8 feet high and 16 feet wide. If this size would not be enough to accommodate your RV, consider ordering a custom garage door.
Standard Garage Door Sizes: Custom Garage Doors
Custom garage doors are typically ordered for exceptionally large vehicles, small vehicles, or garages with unusual dimensions. Whether you need to park extra-large farm equipment or you are building a small garage to park your motorcycle, read on to learn about custom garage door sizes.
Small Custom Garage Doors
If you’re building a garden shed to store your riding lawnmower or a small garage to store a four-wheeler or motorcycle, small custom garage doors are available. These types of custom doors typically come in 4 feet, 5 feet, or 6 feet wide.
10′ x 8′ Garage Doors
We’re referring to this size as custom because it doesn’t often come standard with new construction homes. In reality, this size is the best fit for large trucks and SUVs. This size garage door can also comfortably fit a smaller or mid-size RV.
10′ Tall Garage Doors
Ten-foot custom garage doors are available for those needing to park taller-than-average vehicles. This size garage door opening could be a good fit for those needing to park RVs, utility vehicles, cargo vans, extra-large trucks, or vehicles with storage racks on top.
12-14′ x 14-15′ Garage Doors
These large garage doors are ideal for most RVs. They are extra tall and extra-wide, able to comfortably park just about any RV with room left over. Garages of this size are often detached as they are too large to attach to most houses.
36-40′ x 8′ Garage Doors
The three-car garage door. Custom widths can come in any size, but this is the most popular extra-wide garage door. This size is typically used to park three vehicles together in one unit.
Garage Door Thickness
We’ve discussed garage door height and width in-depth, but what about garage door thickness?
The thickness of residential garage doors depends on how much insulation is in the door. Some garage doors are insulated and some are not. Here are standard garage door thicknesses based on the level of insulation.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel garage doors are the most cost-effective but are not well insulated. The panels in steel garage doors are typically 1/8-inch thick.
Insulated Garage Doors
Garage doors with basic insulation tend to have a quarter-inch to a half-inch of foam insulation inside the steel panels. They provide many of the benefits of insulated garage doors at a lower cost.
Well-Insulated Garage Doors
Very well-insulated garage doors will have two panels with 1-1.5 inches of foam insulation sandwiched between them. These types of garage doors maximize the benefits of shelling out for insulated doors.
Insulated garage doors are more expensive, so consider whether or not you need an insulated garage door.
Do You Need Insulated Garage Doors?
If you can afford it, there are numerous benefits of insulated garage doors. Insulated garage doors are more durable, promote energy efficiency, and increase home value. They also create a more stable internal temperature in the garage year-round and offer better protection for vehicles and other belongings.
On the other hand, non-insulated garage doors are suitable in mild climates and for detached garages.
Types of Garage Doors
Most residential garage doors you see are known as “Sectional Doors.” Did you know there’s a wide range of garage doors to choose from? They differ in materials, styles, functions, and standard sizes.
Here are four of the common garage door types.
Sectional Garage Doors
These types of garage doors are the most popular for residential garages due to their practicality and reliability. Since this type of door doesn’t swing in and out, it maximizes the space available in the garage. Also since the door splits horizontally into panels as it lifts, it provides maximum drive-through height.
Sectional garage doors are available in the widest variety of sizes. The largest residential sectional doors are 10 feet high and 25 feet wide.
The other garage door sizes are better suited for single-car garages.
Roller Shutter Garage Doors
Similar to sectional garage doors, this type of door doesn’t swing out so it provides maximum width and height. Another benefit of this door is that it uses a motorized mechanism, rather than lifts, allowing more room on the sides of the garage. This makes it a great choice for RV garage doors or other large vehicles that need a tight squeeze.
Side Hinged Garage Doors
Side Hinged garage doors open outwards like classic carriage doors. These types of doors are popular in traditional and historic-style homes with single-car garage door openings. They are also a popular choice for smaller storage units.
Since the doors hinge outward, they don’t take up any space inside the garage. They also last longer than other types of garage doors because they have fewer mechanical parts.
Up-and-Over Garage Doors
When it comes to installing garage doors, the up-and-over style has the simplest installation because it is made of a single panel. This garage door uses a canopy mechanism that lifts the door flush with the ceiling, providing maximum drive-through height. The up-and-over style door is best for single-car garage door openings.
Garage Door Materials
Choosing the right garage door material can be as important as choosing the right garage door size. They can also influence each other. Learn about these four common types of garage door materials so you can determine the best for you based on your garage size, climate, and budget.
Steel
Steel is a popular choice for garage doors due to its durability, flexibility, low-to-moderate price, and suitability in all climates. Steel doors are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and colors.
Steel doors do come insulated or not insulated. Steel is not a natural insulator, if you want an insulated steel door, it will cost extra. Steel garage doors are easier to maintain than wood garage doors, but they are more susceptible to rust and dents.
Wood
Wood garage doors are popular for the timeless elegance they give to a home. Wood doors are available in a variety of wood types in carriage house styles and with many customization options. Since wood is a renewable resource, these garage doors are a more eco-friendly option than some of the others.
Wood garage doors come with a moderately high to a very high price tag.
Furthermore, they have more maintenance requirements than other types of garage doors and are better suited to mild climates. Extreme temperatures and improper maintenance can result in wooden garage doors fading, rotting, warping, or chipping.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is used less but could be a wise choice for homeowners. Fiberglass garage doors mimic the look of wood but come with a smaller price tag.
Fiberglass garage doors are a low-maintenance alternative to wood. They will not warp or rot from moisture, making them a great choice for those living in humid climates.
However, they are not recommended in windy, coastal areas because high winds can damage the fiberglass. Fiberglass cannot be repaired, so if the door becomes damaged, it has to be replaced entirely.
Aluminum & Glass
Full View Garage Doors are made of aluminum and glass and offer a stylish look popular for contemporary-style homes. These types of garage doors are moderate-to-high priced and suitable for all climates (though they are sensitive to extreme heat). Aluminum and Glass doors have many customizations including hundreds of available coating colors for the glass.
Aluminum is lighter than steel, meaning these garage doors cannot withstand strong winds and hail as well as aluminum doors. They also require a specialist to fix it.
Interior Overhead Doors
Aluminum and glass doors have become popular for interior overhead doors. In the past, residential overhead doors were only used for entry and exit from the garage. Today, homeowners have discovered unique ways to use garage doors to transform the look and functionality of their homes.
Full-view garage doors for interiors not only look stylish and let in lots of natural light, but they also change the functionality of your home in innovative ways. Homeowners use overhead doors as retractable room dividers, gates, exterior walls, and closet doors. Our overhead doors come in a single panel, sectional, and slide-up styles.
The possibilities are endless.
Garage Doors: Frequently Asked Questions
So far we have covered garage door sizes, types, and materials. Here are some frequently asked questions we receive regarding garage doors that we haven’t touched on yet.
When Do I Know It’s Time to Replace the Garage Door?
When your garage door isn’t functioning properly, it’s not only an inconvenience — it’s a safety hazard. We recommend having a professional assess your garage door rather than fixing it yourself. Sometimes purchasing a new garage door is cheaper than trying to repair an old one.
How Much Do Garage Doors Cost?
Garage door prices vary based on the size, materials, and design. A standard double garage door ranges from $800 to $1500. Automatic garage door openers usually cost about $200 to $500.
How Long Do Garage Doors Last?
Most garage doors last between 15 and 30 years. Factors that influence the lifespan of garage doors are the quality of the door, the material the door is made of, climate and environment, door maintenance, and amount of usage.
How Long Do Garage Door Openers Last?
Most garage door openers last for 10 to 20 years. Well-maintained garage door openers can last up to 25 years. If your garage door opener breaks, consider the age to determine if it’s time to replace it or if it just needs to be fixed.
What Type of Garage Door Opener Should I Buy?
Three common types of garage door openers are Belt Drive, Chain Drive, and Jackshaft Drive. Chain Drive garage door openers are strong and reliable, but they can be noisy.
Jackshaft garage door openers are also sometimes called wall-mount garage door openers. These are not recommended for all garages but are great for some with certain conditions. They work for garage doors with low headroom, garages with large windows above the door, and garages with cathedral ceilings.
OGD™ recommends Belt Drive Garage Door openers because they are strong, reliable, quiet, and require less maintenance.
Should I Buy a Lock for My Garage Door?
If you have an automatic garage door opener with a keypad system outside your garage, an additional lock won’t be necessary. If you do not have a garage door opener and your garage door can be lifted manually, then it’d be a good idea to get a lock.
What Are Standard Commercial Garage Door Sizes?
Like residential garage doors, commercial garage doors come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. The most common commercial garage doors are 24-feet tall and 32-feet wide. These garage door sizes usually depend on the size of the commercial trucks that will be driving into the garage.
What’s the Difference Between a Torsion and an Extension Spring?
Extension springs expand and contract whereas torsion springs turn. Torsion springs are sturdier and last longer — typically between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles. Extension springs last about 10,000 cycles.
What Cycle of Torsion Springs Should I Buy?
Torsion springs are the type of spring most often used in garage doors. The standard rating is 10,000 cycles, but they are available in higher cycle models. The right spring for you will depend on how often you use your garage door.
Let’s say you open and close your garage door 4 times per day. Multiply this number by 250 days.
250 x 4 = 1000
Next, multiply the product by 10 years — the average lifespan of a garage door.
1000 x 10 = 10,000
The final number is the cycle of a torsion spring you need. In this example, you would be fine with the standard 10,000 torsion spring.
My Garage Door Is Noisy. What Does This Mean? Should I Be Worried?
There are a number of reasons a garage door could be noisy, but the most common cause is the rubbing of old spring coils against one another. This is not necessarily a cause for concern, but if you want to get rid of the noise you can apply a spray-on lubricant or motor oil from the top to the bottom of each spring.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Garage Door?
Wear and tear over time is the greatest threat to garage doors. Improper use can significantly reduce the life of your garage door. Improper use includes:
- Exposing the springs to the elements by leaving the garage open
- Overusing the garage door
- Using corrosive cleaning products on garage door springs
- Not doing any proper maintenance to the door components
- Using a garage door material that isn’t conducive to your climate
All of these will wear down your torsion springs and reduce the overall life cycle of your garage door.
What’s the Proper Maintenance for a Garage Door?
The most common problem people notice with their garage doors is that they are harder to open and close over time. In order to extend the life of your garage door, do regular visual inspections to check that the mechanics and moving parts are working properly.
If you notice that your garage door is having a hard time moving and you have an automatic garage door opener, try disconnecting the opener and seeing if the door moves easily when you open it manually.
If there is too much resistance (a little bit is normal), try lubing up the springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks with a spray-on lubricant or motor oil.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Garage Door
When it comes to garage door sizes, there is no “standard size.” You can purchase any size garage door to fit your unique needs. Your garaging needs can influence the size of the garage door you need as well as the type of garage door, materials used, and the amount you choose to invest.
Replacing an old garage door not only increases your home value but can also improve your curb appeal significantly and bring more convenience into your life. When building a new home, selecting the right garage doors from the beginning will add ease and convenience to your life while prolonging the life of your investment.
We hope this complete guide to garage door sizes for homeowners has helped you decide which garage door size best suits your needs.
At OGD®, we carry thousands of garage doors and can customize any door to fit your needs.
If you want more guidance, the professionals at OGD® are here to help you with your garage door measuring, selection, and installation. Contact us to learn more.
