Choosing the right garage door height might seem straightforward, but it can significantly impact your home. Imagine pulling into your driveway with a new SUV realizing your garage door is too short to fit comfortably. Whether building a new garage or replacing an old door, ensuring you get the right size is essential for functionality and convenience.
This blog covers everything you need to know about garage door sizes—from standard options for single-car and double-car garages to custom sizes for larger vehicles. We’ll also guide you through key considerations, like when to repair or replace your door and how to measure accurately to get the perfect fit.
Getting the garage door size just right is crucial if you’re looking to boost your home’s curb appeal, increase energy efficiency, or improve security. Keep reading to learn more and make an informed decision for your home.
Common Garage Door Sizes: What Are the Options?
Garage doors come in several standard sizes to accommodate various types of vehicles, from compact cars to oversized trucks and RVs. Whether building a new garage or replacing an old door, understanding the available options is crucial to making the right choice. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sizes and what they’re best suited for:
1. Sizes for Single-Car Garages
Single-car garages are typically designed to fit one vehicle, and the most common size for a single-car garage door is 8 feet wide by 7 feet high. This size is usually sufficient for most cars, sedans, and small SUVs.
Other popular sizes include:
- 9 feet wide by 7 feet high
- 8 feet wide by 8 feet high
These slightly larger doors provide extra clearance for wider vehicles, taller cars like minivans, or situations where additional storage space is needed around the car. An 8-foot-high door is ideal if you have a vehicle with a roof rack or simply want more vertical space for loading and unloading.
2. Double-Car Garage Door Dimensions
For homes with two-car garages, a double garage door is required. The standard dimensions for a double-car garage door are 16 feet wide by 7 feet high, which provides ample room for two cars parked side by side.
Another typical size is:
- 16 feet wide by 8 feet high
The extra height is helpful if you drive taller vehicles like SUVs or have equipment mounted on the roof. A double-car garage door lets you easily enter and exit without worrying about squeezing through a narrow opening. It also provides extra space for storage or workspace if needed.
3. Garage Doors for RVs and Larger Vehicles
If you own an RV, boat, or an oversized vehicle like a large pickup truck, a standard garage door likely won’t be tall enough. You’ll need a garage door with extra clearance for these larger vehicles. Typical sizes for RV or specialty garages are:
- 10 to 12 feet wide by 10 to 12 feet high
These garage doors provide enough vertical space for tall vehicles to pass through safely. Depending on the size of your RV or large vehicle, you might opt for broader and taller options to ensure a smooth fit without damaging your car or the door.
4. Custom Garage Door Sizes
While standard garage door sizes fit the needs of most homeowners, some garages have unique dimensions or special requirements. In such cases, custom garage doors are a great solution. You can have a door made to your specifications, whether wider, taller, or uniquely shaped to fit your space.
Custom garage doors are often more expensive due to the specialized materials and construction required. However, they can be an excellent investment if you need something tailored to your garage opening or if you have design preferences that fall outside the typical options. Custom doors also offer more flexibility in terms of materials, design, and finishes, allowing you to create a garage door that enhances the aesthetic of your home.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Garage Door?
If your garage door is outdated or malfunctioning, you may wonder whether to garage door repair or replace it. Here are some guidelines to help you decide.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door
- Frequent Breakdowns: If your garage door regularly needs repairs, replacing it might be more cost-effective.
- Aesthetic Upgrades: If your garage door looks worn or doesn’t match your home’s style, upgrading to a new one can enhance curb appeal.
- Safety Risks: If your garage door is no longer closing securely or becomes unsafe, it’s time for a replacement.
When Repairs Are Enough
- Minor Damage: Small dents, paint issues, or scratches can often be fixed without replacing the entire door.
- Isolated Functional Problems: Fixing a broken spring or misaligned track might suffice to get your door working again.
Generally, if repair costs are near 50% of the price of a new door, replacing the door is the better option.
Why Garage Door Size Matters: The Key Considerations
Choosing the right garage door size isn’t just about fitting vehicles—it affects how your home functions and looks. Here’s why the size of your garage door is so important:
1. Space for Your Vehicle
Your garage door needs to comfortably accommodate your vehicle. A door that’s too small can make parking inside difficult or impossible.
2. Energy Efficiency
A suitably sized door helps maintain energy efficiency by reducing drafts. If the door doesn’t fit well, it can cause energy loss, driving up heating and cooling bills.
3. Security Concerns
An improperly fitted garage door may leave gaps, making it easier for intruders to enter. A well-fitted door provides better security for your home.
4. Appearance and Curb Appeal
Your garage door is a prominent part of your home’s exterior. A properly sized, well-installed door enhances curb appeal, while a poorly fitted one can look awkward.
Getting the right size ensures your garage door is functional, secure, energy-efficient, and visually appealing.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Correctly
Measuring your garage door opening is crucial to ensure the door fits perfectly and operates smoothly. Follow these steps to measure your garage door accurately.
Step 1: Measure the Width
Start by measuring the width of the garage door opening. Use a tape measure to go from one side of the door opening to the other. Record this measurement in feet and inches.
- Pro Tip: Measure twice to confirm accuracy.
Step 2: Measure the Height
Next, measure the height of the door opening. Place your tape measure on the floor and extend it straight up to the top of the opening. Be sure to measure from the tallest point for accuracy.
- Pro Tip: Measure at multiple points to ensure consistent height across the opening.
Step 3: Measure the Side Room and Headroom
In addition to width and height, you’ll need to measure the side room and headroom:
- Side Room: Measure from the edge of the door opening to the garage wall on both sides. Standard side room clearance is 3.5 to 5 inches, but more space may be needed for larger doors or added insulation.
- Headroom: Measure from the top of the door opening to the ceiling. Standard headroom is 12 to 18 inches, enough for the tracks and opener. If you plan to add extra features, you may need more headroom.
Extra Considerations When Measuring
Backroom Measurement
The backroom is the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of your garage. Make sure there is enough space for the door to open fully. As a rule, you’ll need the height of your door plus 18 to 24 inches for the tracks and opener.
Check for Level Surfaces
Ensure your garage floor is level. An uneven floor can cause your door to close improperly, creating gaps that reduce security and efficiency.
Measuring for Insulated Doors
Insulated doors are thicker than non-insulated ones. Check that your side room, headroom, and backroom can accommodate the extra thickness.
Once you’ve completed your measurements, compare them with the specifications of the doors you’re considering. If your measurements are outside the standard sizes, a custom door may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the standard height of a garage door?
The standard height for a garage door is typically 7 feet, but 8 feet is also common, especially for larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs. Custom heights are available for homes with unique requirements or taller vehicles.
Is a 7-foot garage door tall enough?
A 7-foot garage door is sufficient for most standard vehicles, including sedans and SUVs. However, if you own a larger vehicle or plan to store tall items, consider an 8-foot door for extra clearance.
What is the ideal height of a garage?
The ideal height for a garage typically ranges from 7 to 8 feet. However, if you have larger vehicles or need additional overhead storage, a taller door of 9 or 10 feet may be more suitable.
What is the standard garage door height in Australia?
The standard garage door height in Australia is typically 2.1 meters (about 7 feet). Larger garage doors are available, with heights up to 2.4 meters (about 8 feet) for those requiring more clearance.
What is a standard-size garage?
A standard garage is typically around 20 feet wide and 22 feet deep, accommodating two vehicles with some additional space for storage or work areas. Single-car garages are usually about half this size.
Conclusion
The right garage door height and size are crucial for functionality and aesthetics. Whether you’re looking to install a new garage door or replace an old one, understanding the standard sizes, knowing when to repair or replace, and measuring accurately will ensure you choose the best door for your needs.
With the right door, you’ll enhance your home’s curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, and increase security. Measuring correctly and considering all factors ensures a perfect fit, no matter your garage’s configuration.
End Note
At Superior Door, we take pride in providing top-notch garage door services that meet every need—whether you’re upgrading your garage door height for larger vehicles or enhancing your home’s security. With our vast selection of doors from brands like Hörmann, Amarr, and Clopay, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect fit for your home. Plus, we offer 24-hour emergency repairs, garage door opener installation, tune-ups, and broken spring replacements to keep your garage running smoothly.
Want to see our work? Check out our gallery for inspiration or learn more about our residential and commercial services. For over-the-phone or online scheduling, visit our booking page.
From custom garage doors to premium openers like LiftMaster and Genie, we’ve got it all! Learn more about our company on our about page, or dive into our blog for expert tips and insights. For all your garage door needs, trust Superior Door—we’ve got you covered!
