Garage door width is a crucial detail that often gets overlooked but plays a significant role in the functionality and appearance of your home. Whether you’re replacing an old door, building a new garage, or simply curious about your options, understanding garage door width can help you make the best decision for your space. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from standard widths to custom options that suit your unique needs.
Most residential garage doors come in standard widths, such as 8 or 9 feet for single doors and 16 to 18 feet for double doors. These measurements provide ample space for most vehicles and storage needs. However, if you have a larger vehicle or require extra room for maneuvering, choosing the right width is essential to avoid inconvenience later on.
Whether you’re considering a custom solution or just exploring what’s available, this guide covers the key factors to consider. Keep reading to ensure you choose the right garage door width that not only fits your home but also enhances its overall functionality and value.
Standard Garage Door Widths: What’s the Norm?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover the basics. Most residential garage doors come in standard widths that accommodate typical vehicle sizes and homeowner preferences.
- Single Garage Doors:
- The most common single garage door widths are 8 feet, 9 feet, and sometimes 10 feet. An 8-foot width is typically adequate for standard cars, sedans, and smaller SUVs. The 9-foot width offers a bit more wiggle room, making it easier to maneuver in and out. For those with larger vehicles or just a desire for more space, the 10-foot width provides even more breathing room.
- The most common single garage door widths are 8 feet, 9 feet, and sometimes 10 feet. An 8-foot width is typically adequate for standard cars, sedans, and smaller SUVs. The 9-foot width offers a bit more wiggle room, making it easier to maneuver in and out. For those with larger vehicles or just a desire for more space, the 10-foot width provides even more breathing room.
- Double Garage Doors:
- Double garage doors usually come in widths of 16 feet, 18 feet, and occasionally 20 feet. These are perfect for accommodating two cars side by side or for larger vehicles like trucks and vans. The added width also allows for easy access around the cars without squeezing through tight spaces.
- Double garage doors usually come in widths of 16 feet, 18 feet, and occasionally 20 feet. These are perfect for accommodating two cars side by side or for larger vehicles like trucks and vans. The added width also allows for easy access around the cars without squeezing through tight spaces.
- RV Garage Doors:
- For those who own RVs or oversized vehicles, garage doors can be customized to widths ranging from 12 feet to 14 feet or more. These extra-wide doors ensure you won’t have to worry about bumping mirrors or sides when parking your beloved motorhome.
- For those who own RVs or oversized vehicles, garage doors can be customized to widths ranging from 12 feet to 14 feet or more. These extra-wide doors ensure you won’t have to worry about bumping mirrors or sides when parking your beloved motorhome.
Tip: If you’re unsure what width to choose, consider your current vehicle and any future upgrades you might make. A little extra space now can save a lot of hassle later.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Garage Door Width
Selecting the correct garage door width is more than just a practical decision—it’s about enhancing the overall experience of using your garage. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Vehicle Size and Number:
- Measure your vehicle’s width, including mirrors and doors, when open. You’ll want at least a foot of clearance on either side for a single-car garage. If you have multiple vehicles, consider whether you prefer one large door or two smaller ones, as each option has benefits.
- Measure your vehicle’s width, including mirrors and doors, when open. You’ll want at least a foot of clearance on either side for a single-car garage. If you have multiple vehicles, consider whether you prefer one large door or two smaller ones, as each option has benefits.
- Garage Functionality:
- Is your garage just for parking, or do you use it for storage, a workshop, or a home gym? If it’s multi-purpose, you may want a broader door to move equipment or materials in and out easily.
- Is your garage just for parking, or do you use it for storage, a workshop, or a home gym? If it’s multi-purpose, you may want a broader door to move equipment or materials in and out easily.
- Aesthetics and Home Design:
- The width of your garage door affects your home’s curb appeal. A too-small door can look out of proportion on a large house, while a too-wide door can overwhelm a smaller facade. Choose a width that complements your home’s architecture.
- The width of your garage door affects your home’s curb appeal. A too-small door can look out of proportion on a large house, while a too-wide door can overwhelm a smaller facade. Choose a width that complements your home’s architecture.
- Local Building Codes:
- Check local building regulations before making a final decision. Some areas restrict the size of garage doors, especially if the garage is close to the street or property line.
- Check local building regulations before making a final decision. Some areas restrict the size of garage doors, especially if the garage is close to the street or property line.
Tip: Don’t forget to factor in additional elements like gutters, exterior lighting, and any structural limitations that might affect your garage door’s width.
Customizing Garage Door Width: Options and Benefits
While standard sizes suit most homes, custom garage doors can be a game-changer, especially for those with unique needs or tastes. Here’s why you might consider going custom:
- Accommodate Specialty Vehicles:
- Do you own a classic car collection, a boat, or a lifted truck? Custom garage doors can be designed to any width, ensuring your prized possessions have the space they deserve.
- Do you own a classic car collection, a boat, or a lifted truck? Custom garage doors can be designed to any width, ensuring your prized possessions have the space they deserve.
- Unique Architectural Styles:
- Some homes feature unique architectural elements like arches or asymmetrical designs that don’t fit standard garage door widths. A custom door can be tailored to blend seamlessly with your home’s style.
- Some homes feature unique architectural elements like arches or asymmetrical designs that don’t fit standard garage door widths. A custom door can be tailored to blend seamlessly with your home’s style.
- Integrated Designs:
- For those who prefer a sleek, modern look, custom doors can be integrated into the overall design of your home, using materials and styles that match your exterior decor.
- For those who prefer a sleek, modern look, custom doors can be integrated into the overall design of your home, using materials and styles that match your exterior decor.
- Maximize Space:
- If your garage is part of a multi-purpose structure, a custom width can help maximize usable space, making it easier to transition from parking to workspace to living area.
- If your garage is part of a multi-purpose structure, a custom width can help maximize usable space, making it easier to transition from parking to workspace to living area.
Tip: Custom doors aren’t just about size. Consider materials like wood, steel, or composite, and add-ons like windows or unique finishes to personalize your garage’s look and functionality truly.
The Cost Implications of Garage Door Width
The cost is one of the most important considerations when choosing a garage door width. Here’s a breakdown of how different widths can impact your budget:
- Material Costs:
- Larger doors require more material, whether steel, wood, or composite, which naturally increases their cost. For example, a standard 8-foot door made of steel might cost around $700, while a 16-foot door of the same material could run upwards of $1,500.
- Larger doors require more material, whether steel, wood, or composite, which naturally increases their cost. For example, a standard 8-foot door made of steel might cost around $700, while a 16-foot door of the same material could run upwards of $1,500.
- Installation Costs:
- Wider garage doors often require more complex installation processes. Larger doors are heavier and may need additional support or upgraded hardware, which can increase labor costs. Expect to pay an extra $200 to $500 for installing a double door compared to a single door.
- Wider garage doors often require more complex installation processes. Larger doors are heavier and may need additional support or upgraded hardware, which can increase labor costs. Expect to pay an extra $200 to $500 for installing a double door compared to a single door.
- Customization Costs:
- Custom widths and designs add to the overall expense. Depending on the material and complexity, a custom door can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
- Custom widths and designs add to the overall expense. Depending on the material and complexity, a custom door can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
- Maintenance Costs:
- Wider doors, especially those made from heavier materials like wood, may require more frequent maintenance. Under the increased weight, hinges, springs, and tracks can wear out faster, leading to higher long-term costs.
- Wider doors, especially those made from heavier materials like wood, may require more frequent maintenance. Under the increased weight, hinges, springs, and tracks can wear out faster, leading to higher long-term costs.
Tip: Balance your budget with your needs. While it’s tempting to go for the widest, most luxurious option, remember that costs can add up not just in installation but also in ongoing garage door repair and maintenance over the life of the door.
Innovative Uses for Garage Door Width
Your garage door width doesn’t just determine what kind of car you can park. It also affects how you use your garage space and even the atmosphere of your home.
- Drive-Through Garages:
- If you have a large property, consider installing garage doors at the front and back. This creates a drive-through garage that is perfect for storing multiple vehicles or accessing a backyard workshop.
- If you have a large property, consider installing garage doors at the front and back. This creates a drive-through garage that is perfect for storing multiple vehicles or accessing a backyard workshop.
- Outdoor Living Spaces:
- Wider garage doors can open an indoor space to the outdoors, creating a seamless transition between your garage and a patio or garden. This is especially popular for entertaining, allowing you to expand your usable space during gatherings.
- Wider garage doors can open an indoor space to the outdoors, creating a seamless transition between your garage and a patio or garden. This is especially popular for entertaining, allowing you to expand your usable space during gatherings.
- Workshop and Hobby Spaces:
- If you use your garage for woodworking, crafting, or other hobbies, a wide door can make bringing in large materials or equipment easier. It can also improve ventilation and natural lighting, making your workspace more pleasant.
- If you use your garage for woodworking, crafting, or other hobbies, a wide door can make bringing in large materials or equipment easier. It can also improve ventilation and natural lighting, making your workspace more pleasant.
- Commercial and Multi-Use Buildings:
- Wide garage doors can accommodate delivery trucks, forklifts, and other equipment in commercial settings. For homeowners with large properties, a wide garage door can turn part of the home into a functional workshop, studio, or small business space.
- Wide garage doors can accommodate delivery trucks, forklifts, and other equipment in commercial settings. For homeowners with large properties, a wide garage door can turn part of the home into a functional workshop, studio, or small business space.
Tip: Consider using sectional or bi-fold doors for extra-wide openings. These doors allow you to partially open them when you don’t need the full width, offering flexibility and control.
The Impact of Garage Door Width on Home Value
Believe it or not, the width of your garage door can significantly impact your home’s value. Here’s how:
- Curb Appeal:
- A well-proportioned garage door enhances your home’s exterior, making it more attractive to potential buyers. This is especially true if your garage faces the street, as it’s one of the first things people notice.
- A well-proportioned garage door enhances your home’s exterior, making it more attractive to potential buyers. This is especially true if your garage faces the street, as it’s one of the first things people notice.
- Functionality:
- A wider garage door offers more functionality, a big selling point. Whether it’s the ability to park two cars side-by-side or the option to use the garage as a flexible space, the practical benefits can add perceived value to your home.
- A wider garage door offers more functionality, a big selling point. Whether it’s the ability to park two cars side-by-side or the option to use the garage as a flexible space, the practical benefits can add perceived value to your home.
- Energy Efficiency:
- Wide doors can be better insulated, reducing energy loss and lowering utility bills. This is particularly appealing in climates with extreme temperatures, where heating and cooling costs can add up.
- Wide doors can be better insulated, reducing energy loss and lowering utility bills. This is particularly appealing in climates with extreme temperatures, where heating and cooling costs can add up.
- Future-Proofing:
- Installing a wider garage door now can save future owners the hassle and expense of upgrading later. This foresight can make your home more attractive in the real estate market.
- Installing a wider garage door now can save future owners the hassle and expense of upgrading later. This foresight can make your home more attractive in the real estate market.
Tip: If you’re planning to sell your home soon, consult a real estate agent to see if investing in a wider or more stylish garage door could yield a good return on investment.
Quirky Facts About Garage Door Width
Just when you thought you knew everything about garage doors, here are some fun and quirky facts that might surprise you:
- Historical Trends:
- The typical garage door width has increased over the decades. In the 1940s and 50s, a 7-foot-wide door was considered standard, reflecting the smaller cars of the time. Today, an 8- or 9-foot width is more common as vehicles have grown in size.
- The typical garage door width has increased over the decades. In the 1940s and 50s, a 7-foot-wide door was considered standard, reflecting the smaller cars of the time. Today, an 8- or 9-foot width is more common as vehicles have grown in size.
- Celebrity Garages:
- Some celebrity garages are almost as famous as the stars themselves. Jay Leno’s massive car collection requires garage doors that are not just wide but also equipped with high-security features and climate control systems.
- Some celebrity garages are almost as famous as the stars themselves. Jay Leno’s massive car collection requires garage doors that are not just wide but also equipped with high-security features and climate control systems.
- World Records:
- The world’s widest garage door is located in Switzerland, measuring 456 feet wide. It’s part of a unique private garage designed to house an extensive collection of rare cars.
- The world’s widest garage door is located in Switzerland, measuring 456 feet wide. It’s part of a unique private garage designed to house an extensive collection of rare cars.
- Movie Star Garages:
- In Hollywood, garage doors are sometimes used as secret entrances to hidden rooms or tunnels. Some of these ‘garages’ don’t even house cars but serve as elaborate wine cellars, theaters, or recording studios.
- In Hollywood, garage doors are sometimes used as secret entrances to hidden rooms or tunnels. Some of these ‘garages’ don’t even house cars but serve as elaborate wine cellars, theaters, or recording studios.
Tip: While your garage might not be record-breaking, investing in a quality, aesthetically pleasing door can make your home feel like a superstar’s.
FAQs on Garage Door Width
What is the normal size of a garage in meters?
A normal garage size in meters is around 2.4 to 3 meters wide for a single-car garage and approximately 4.8 to 5.5 meters wide for a two-car garage. These dimensions provide enough space for most vehicles and some storage.
What is the average width of a garage?
The average width of a garage varies based on the number of cars. A single-car garage is typically 12 feet wide, while a two-car garage averages around 24 feet. For additional storage or larger vehicles, garages may be wider.
What is the size of a parking garage?
A typical parking garage space is about 9 to 10 feet wide and 18 to 20 feet long. These dimensions allow for easy parking and maneuvering of most vehicles, though sizes can vary based on location and parking garage design.
How do I choose a garage size?
Choosing a garage size depends on the number of vehicles you own and the additional storage space you need. A single-car garage is usually 12×20 feet, while a two-car garage is around 24×24 feet. Consider future needs and extra room for tools or equipment.
What is the smallest parking garage size?
The smallest practical parking garage size is around 10 feet wide and 18 feet deep. This size can accommodate a single standard vehicle, though maneuverability may be limited. Compact cars may fit more easily in these smaller spaces.
Conclusion
Choosing the right garage door width is about more than just fitting your car inside—it’s about enhancing your home’s functionality, aesthetics, and value. Whether you’re opting for a standard size or customizing a door to fit your unique needs, taking the time to consider all factors will ensure you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
So next time you pull into your driveway, take a moment to appreciate the humble new garage door. It’s more than just an entryway; it’s a key feature that can transform your home’s appearance and usability. Make the right choice, and your garage door will serve you well, whether you’re parking your car, storing your gear, or just enjoying a beautiful addition to your home’s exterior.
End Note
Understanding the ideal garage door width for your home is crucial for maximizing space and convenience. At Platinum Garage Doors, we offer expert guidance and a range of garage door models to help you make the best choice. Whether you need a standard installation or a custom solution, our installation services are designed to meet your unique needs. And if your existing door isn’t functioning properly, our repair services will get everything back in shape.
Looking to add a touch of elegance? Consider incorporating garage windows to enhance the look and feel of your garage. Check out our gallery to see some of our recent projects and get inspired! For personalized advice or to book a service, reach out to us through our contact page. We’re here to help you find the perfect width and style that suits your home. Discover more at Platinum Garage Doors and let us turn your vision into reality!
