We know garage doors like the back of our hand. If you have any questions or want to talk it through with a real person, please give us a call at (844) 643-3667. We’re happy to chat about all the different sizes, styles, and features you might want in your next garage door. Let’s dive in and explore what makes a garage door “standard,” how these measurements came to be, and why it even matters.
In this article, we’ll talk about standard garage door sizes used for both residential and commercial buildings. We’ll walk you through the typical widths and heights you can find in the market, explore the difference between single and double doors, and help you better understand what might work best for your specific needs. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp of the common garage door dimensions available and be able to make a more informed decision for your home or business.
Why Do Garage Door Sizes Matter?
Garage door sizes matter because they help ensure your vehicles, belongings, or business equipment can fit through without any issues. If your garage door is too small, getting items in and out can be a pain
- Vehicle Accommodation: Ensuring your car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicles can pass through easily.
- Curb Appeal: A garage door that matches your home’s size and style can improve how your property looks.
Cost: Going bigger than standard might cost more. Sticking to standard sizes can save you money.
A Brief History of Standardization
Over the years, garage door manufacturers recognized that there were only so many ways you can build a door that can fit most homes or businesses. They standardized certain widths and heights to make everything simpler. Custom sizes are still possible, of course, but standard sizes help keep things cost-friendly, easier to install, and simpler to repair or replace parts.
Common Residential Garage Door Sizes
Residential garage doors come in several shapes and sizes, but a few typical measurements pop up time and time again. The exact size you’ll need depends on factors like the size of your garage, the type of vehicle you drive, and your personal preferences. But if you’re looking for something that’s widely available and won’t break the bank, here are the common dimensions you might come across.
Single-Car Garage Doors
Most single-car garage doors are around 8 feet wide by 7 feet tall. The height may vary too. Sometimes you’ll see an 8-foot-tall door if your garage has higher ceilings.
- 8 x 7 feet (Width x Height)
- 8 x 8 feet
These sizes work well for regular cars, small SUVs, and compact trucks. If you’re driving something oversized, you might want a taller garage door or even a little extra width.
Standard 2-Car Garage Door Size
A 2-car garage door usually spans from about 16 feet wide to 18 feet wide, with a height of 7 or 8 feet. When we talk about a “standard 2 car garage door size,” many folks settle for a 16 x 7 feet or 18 x 7 feet door. If you have the vertical space, you might decide to go for 16 x 8 feet or 18 x 8 feet, especially if you have tall vehicles or just want that extra headroom.
- 16 x 7 feet
- 18 x 7 feet
- 16 x 8 feet
- 18 x 8 feet
This is the sweet spot for most family homes with two regular vehicles. If you have bigger trucks or trailers, you can consider a wider or taller option.
Double vs. Two Single Doors
Some homeowners wonder whether they should have one big door for their 2-car garage or two single doors. The choice often boils down to personal preference and curb appeal. One big door can be easier to operate, but two smaller doors might give you flexibility if you only need to open one side occasionally.
Extra Tall or Oversized Doors
If you need extra height, oversized residential garage doors are often available in heights of 9 feet or even 10 feet. These come in handy for:
- Larger SUVs
- Trucks with lifts
- RVs and campers
- Boats on trailers
Remember, though, that if your garage’s ceiling isn’t tall enough, you’ll have to look into raising the roof or adjusting the opening.
Typical Commercial Garage Door Sizes
Commercial garage doors come in a broader range of sizes because businesses can have vastly different needs. From small service bays to giant warehouse doors, the diversity is huge. Still, many commercial doors can be found in some standard measurements.
Roll-Up Commercial Doors
For commercial buildings like warehouses, storage facilities, or auto shops, roll-up doors are a popular choice. Standard sizes might range from about 8 x 8 feet to much larger dimensions, like 14 x 14 feet or even bigger.
- 8 x 8 feet: Great for smaller commercial spaces or storage units.
- 10 x 10 feet: Common for light industrial spaces.
- 12 x 12 feet or 14 x 14 feet: Often found in warehouses, factories, or truck bays.
Sectional Commercial Doors
Sectional doors, which look like large versions of residential garage doors, are also standard in many businesses. Widths can go from 8 feet all the way up to 24 feet or more, depending on the building. Heights vary from 8 to 16 feet, or even taller, to accommodate large trucks or equipment.
Factors to Consider When Picking a Size
Knowing the standard garage door sizes is just the first step. You should also think about a few other factors before you make your final decision.
- Vehicle Size and Quantity: Will you be parking one or two cars? Are they small or large? Do you need extra height?
- Garage Usage: Do you want space for storing tools, lawn equipment, or even a small workshop?
- Property Layout: Is your driveway short? If so, you’ll need to ensure you have enough room to pull a car out without blocking the street.
- Future Needs: Do you plan on getting a bigger car soon? Are you considering a boat, RV, or trailer?
- Budget: Standard sizes are usually cheaper than custom ones.
Custom Sizing
Of course, not everyone’s building or home will fit the mold of these standard sizes. If you need something unique—maybe an extra-wide commercial door or a taller-than-average residential door—custom orders are always an option. Keep in mind, custom sizing can be more expensive, and you might have a longer wait time for production and delivery.
Insulation and Other Features
While dimensions are crucial, don’t forget about insulation, material, and design when choosing a garage door.
- Insulation: Helps keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which can be handy if your garage is attached to your home or if you’ll be spending time in there.
- Material: Common choices include steel, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each has its own look and set of pros and cons.
- Design and Style: From classic to modern, there are tons of styles to choose from.
Windows: Add natural light but can also affect insulation.
Mistakes People Make When Choosing Garage Door Sizes
- Not Measuring Properly: If you don’t measure your space carefully, you could end up with a door that doesn’t fit.
- Ignoring Future Needs: Families grow, vehicles change, and storage demands shift. Planning ahead is always smart.
- Skipping Professional Advice: Talking to an expert can save you time, stress, and money. If you’re unsure, give us a ring.
When selecting your garage door size, it’s helpful to speak to professionals who install and repair doors every day. They can point out issues you might not notice. For example, you might not realize your garage ceiling is too low for a door taller than 7 feet—or maybe you have
Making The Right Choice With OHD Bellingham
Whether you’re building a new home, replacing an old door, or equipping a commercial property, we have plenty of options to fit all your needs. From standard 2 car garage door sizes to oversized commercial roll-up doors, our team can guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to make sure you get the right fit, the right look, and the right performance.
- Experience: We’ve been around the block and know what works.
- Quality Products: We only work with quality manufacturers.
- Professional Installation: Our installers are trained to do the job safely and correctly.
- Customer Service: We pride ourselves on being friendly, knowledgeable, and quick to help.
If you need help picking out a standard garage door size—or if you have questions about custom measurements—just reach out. We’re here to make the process as easy as possible. Give us a call at (844)643-3667, and let’s get you squared away.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it—a detailed look at standard garage door sizes for both residential and commercial purposes. We’ve covered everything from single and double doors to larger industrial roll-up doors. Whether you’re simply looking for a standard 2 car garage door size or something more customized, understanding these measurements can save you a lot of trouble.
Remember, a garage door isn’t just a piece of metal (or wood, or aluminum). It’s an investment in your home or business, and picking the right size is a huge part of that. If you’re not sure where to start or just want some friendly advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to overhead door of puget sound of Bellingham at (844)643-3667. We’d love to help you find the perfect door for your space.
Can I install a standard garage door myself?
While it might be tempting to try installing a garage door on your own, we usually recommend professional installation. Garage doors are heavy, and the torsion springs can be dangerous to handle if you’re not trained.
Can I install a standard How do I measure for a new garage door?
You’ll need to measure:
- The width of your door opening (left to right).
- The height of your door opening (floor to top).
- The headroom (space between the top of the door opening and the ceiling).
- The side room (space on either side of the door opening).
- The depth (distance from the garage door opening back into the garage).
Still feeling unsure? Contact us here at overhead door of puget sound of Bellingham, and we’ll be happy to walk you through it, or even do the measuring for you.
What if my garage isn’t a standard size?
Don’t worry. Many manufacturers offer custom-sized doors. You might pay a bit more and wait a bit longer, but it’s usually worth it to get the perfect fit.
Is a single large door or two smaller doors better for a two-car garage?
It’s a personal choice. Some people like one big door for simplicity. Others like two smaller doors for aesthetics and the ability to open them one at a time. Either way, the total size you’ll need to work with will be roughly the same.