This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding different garage door sizes to help you select the ideal fit for your home or business.
Key takeaways:
- Single-car garages: 7-8 ft high, 8-10 ft wide.
- Double-car garages: 16 ft wide, 7-8 ft high.
- RV garage doors: 16 ft wide, 8-10 ft high.
- Consider vehicle size, workshop space, and building codes.
- Measure width, height, headroom, sideroom, and backroom.
Standard Garage Door Width and Height
Single-car garages typically feature doors that are 7 to 8 feet high and 8 to 10 feet wide.
Most double-car garage doors measure 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high.
For homeowners with recreational vehicles, RV garage doors usually have a width of 16 feet with a height ranging from 8 to 10 feet to accommodate taller vehicles.
It’s essential to note that while these dimensions are standard, custom sizes are also available for non-standard openings.
Always verify the size before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
Garage Door Size Considerations
Selecting the right garage door involves more than just aesthetics; it’s essential to consider how you’ll utilize your garage space. If you plan to use your garage for vehicles, ensure the door accommodates their size, including height for larger vehicles such as SUVs or trucks. Consideration for future-proofing is smart—if you might upgrade to a larger vehicle, opt for a wider door now.
For those incorporating a workshop or storage area within the garage, additional clearance may be necessary to navigate around parked cars. This might mean looking into custom size doors that provide the extra width required.
Local building codes might also dictate certain requirements for garage door sizes. It’s important to comply to avoid any legal issues and guarantee safe operation.
Lastly, factor in the space needed for the installation of the opener and other hardware. Clearances are needed to ensure your garage door operates smoothly without any obstructions.
How to Measure Your Garage Door
Before choosing a new garage door, ensuring accurate measurements is crucial. Start by measuring the width of the door opening at its widest point. Next, measure the height from the highest point of the opening to the floor. This accounts for any unevenness in the floor which could affect the fit or operation of the door.
Record the measurements of the headroom, the space between the top of the door opening and the ceiling, and the sideroom, the space available on either side of the door opening. These measurements are essential for the proper functioning of the door, particularly for the installation of the track system.
Lastly, measure the backroom – the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of the garage. This space is necessary for the installation of the garage door opener and the door itself when it’s in an open position.
Be sure to note any obstructions that could interfere with the operation of the door, such as pipes, light fixtures, or support beams. Highlight these observations to the installer or when shopping to ensure a proper fit and function for your new garage door.
Ordering Your New Garage Door
Once measurements are confirmed and needs assessed, move forward with ordering. Here are key points to ensure a smooth acquisition and installation process:
- Choose Material: Select from steel, wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. Each has distinct advantages and durability levels.
- Insulation Options: Decide if you want an insulated door, which can increase energy efficiency in your home.
- Style and Design: Pick designs that complement your home’s aesthetic, including the choice of windows, patterns, and colors.
- Purchase Mechanism: Determine if you need a new garage door opener and if the current one is compatible with the door weight and type.
- Professional Installation: Consider hiring seasoned professionals to avoid complications with the installation process, ensuring warranty conditions are met.
- Lead Time: Acknowledge that custom orders may require a longer lead time before installation can occur.
- Verify Details: Before finalizing the order, double-check measurements, design choices, and the return policy in case of any discrepancies.
Following these steps will help you ensure that you receive the right product with minimal hassle.
Garage Door Costs
Garage door prices vary significantly based on size, material, insulation, and customizations. A standard non-insulated steel door is the most budget-friendly option, often ranging from $400 to $1200. Insulated doors, which improve energy efficiency, can increase costs to between $600 and $2000. For those seeking premium materials like wood or fiberglass, or custom designs and finishes, prices can escalate from $800 to $5000 or more. Adding windows or incorporating smart garage door openers also contribute to a higher price point.
It’s essential to balance aesthetics, functionality, and cost when selecting a garage door to ensure it meets both your needs and your budget. Remember to factor in installation fees, which can vary from $200 to $500, as these are seldom included in the door’s price.
FAQ
Is an 8 foot garage door wide enough?
An 8-foot wide garage door is sufficient for storing a single car, however, for larger vehicles like pickups, a 9-foot or 10-foot door is recommended.
What size garage do I need for 2 SUVs?
For two SUVs, a garage size of a minimum of 20 feet long by 20 feet wide (20×20) is needed, with other suitable sizes including 20×22 and 20×24.
What is the size of a standard garage door frame?
The size of a standard garage door frame for a single door is 7ft (2,134 mm) x 7ft (2,134 mm), while for a double door, it's either 14ft (4,267 mm) x 7ft (2,134 mm) or 16ft (4,877 mm) x 7ft (2,134 mm).
How much clearance does a standard two-car garage require?
A standard two-car garage requires a clearance height of 7 to 8 feet and width of 18 to 20 feet.
Can a pickup truck fit in a single garage?
Yes, a pickup truck can fit in a single garage, but it depends on the size of the truck and the garage dimensions.
What factors should I consider when selecting the size of a garage door?
When selecting the size of a garage door, factors to consider include the size and type of your vehicle, how the garage is used and its ceiling height.