Mastering the Dimensions: A Guide to Garage Door Sizes

Garage doors are a substantial component of both residential and commercial properties, serving as a security measure and contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal. When it comes to selecting a garage door, the size is a paramount consideration—it needs to harmonize with the garage opening's dimensions, the available internal space, and the property's overall scale. Typically, standard garage door heights are 7 to 8 feet to accommodate various vehicles, including single, double, or larger ones such as RVs. However, with vehicles' sizes becoming increasingly diverse and homeowners' needs continually evolving, many manufacturers are now offering custom sizing options to meet specific requirements. Understanding the array of garage door sizes, including the standard heights and custom dimensions available, is crucial. It enables property owners to make informed decisions, ensuring the selected door not only fits perfectly but also blends seamlessly with the property’s overall structure and design, enhancing both its functionality and visual appeal.

Standard garage door sizes can vary, but here are the typical sizes for residential garage doors in the United States:

Single Garage Doors:

These are suitable for a single vehicle and typically measure:

• Width: 8 to 10 feet

• Height: 7 to 8 feet

Double Garage Doors:

These are suitable for two vehicles and typically measure:

• Width: 12 to 16 feet (16 feet is more common)

• Height: 7 to 8 feet

RV Garage Doors:

These are designed to accommodate recreational vehicles (RVs) or other large vehicles and typically measure:

• Width: 16 feet

• Height: 9 to 12 feet or more

Commercial Garage Doors:

Commercial garage doors can vary widely in size depending on the application but are generally much larger, with widths up to 32 feet or more.

Custom Sizes:

Additionally, custom sizes are also available to accommodate non-standard vehicle sizes or architectural designs.

When considering standard garage door sizes, it’s also important to measure the clearance around the door opening, including the headroom, sideroom, and backroom, to ensure there is enough space for the door and its operating components.

Garage Door Designs

Garage door designs have evolved significantly, offering a wide range of styles, materials, and features to complement various architectural aesthetics. When considering size options for garage door designs, there are standard sizes available, mainly categorized by the type of garage – single, double, or RV – and they are typically suited to the garage's intended use. Additionally, many manufacturers offer custom sizes to accommodate non-standard openings and specific design preferences.

When planning garage dimensions, it’s crucial to consider not only the garage door size but also the internal dimensions, which should accommodate vehicles, allow room for movement around the vehicles, and provide space for storage or other items. Here are the generally accepted dimensions for single car, double car, and RV garages, including those with combination doors.

Single Car Garage:

• Door Size: Typically 8 to 10 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high.

• Internal Dimensions: Minimum recommended internal dimensions are about 12 feet by 22 feet, allowing space for a car and minimal storage or working area.

Two Car Garage:

• Door Size: Typically 12 to 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high for a double door, or two doors each 8 to 9 feet wide.

• Internal Dimensions: Minimum recommended internal dimensions are about 20 feet by 22 feet, though 24 by 24 feet provides more comfort and storage space.

RV Garage:

• Door Size: At least 16 feet wide and 9 to 12 feet high or more, depending on the RV size.

• Internal Dimensions: Minimum recommended internal dimensions are about 16 feet by 40 feet, but the height and length might need to be increased depending on the specific RV size.

Combination Garage Doors:

• Combination doors can be a mix of single, double, and RV doors depending on the need.

• Internal Dimensions: Vary significantly based on the number and types of vehicles to be stored and whether additional workspace or storage is needed.

Additional Considerations:

• Storage Space: Consider additional width or depth to accommodate storage, workbenches, or additional vehicles like bikes or motorcycles.

• Vehicle Size: The dimensions of the vehicles being stored will impact the required garage size.

• Access and Movement: Allow sufficient space around vehicles for easy access and movement.

• Building Codes: Local building codes may have specific requirements for garage dimensions, so it’s important to check these when planning.

• Customization: Custom dimensions can be developed based on specific needs and constraints.

Remember, these dimensions are general recommendations, and depending on your specific needs and local building regulations, you may need to adjust them. For optimal results and to ensure compliance with local building codes, consider consulting with an architect or a construction professional when planning your garage.

Hiring a professional garage door company can be invaluable in assisting you in choosing the right size garage door for your property. A garage door is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the right size is pivotal for the functionality and aesthetics of your home. A professional company has the expertise to evaluate the dimensions of your garage opening, the internal space available, and any specific requirements you may have, ensuring that the garage door is a perfect fit for your needs and preferences.

By leveraging the knowledge and experience of a garage door company, you can avoid common pitfalls associated with selecting an inappropriate door size, such as operational issues, compromised security, and incongruent aesthetics. These professionals can provide insights into the standard sizes available for single, double, and RV garages and guide you through customization options if standard sizes are not suitable. They can also help you understand the implications of different door sizes in terms of cost, installation complexity, and maintenance requirements. In essence, a professional garage door company acts as a comprehensive resource, helping you navigate the myriad of options available, thereby enabling you to make informed and confident decisions in your garage door selection.