Source: Unsplash
As home sizes have increased through the decades, so have the garages that accompany them. Not only did the traditional one- and two-car garages grow significantly to accommodate larger vehicles, but garages now have more bays and features to consider than ever before.
As a result, choosing a new garage door can be a big undertaking. Here’s everything you need to consider.
How to Determine Your Garage Door Size
Measuring a residential garage door is about more than simply measuring the door itself. You have to ensure it can accommodate a garage door opener in the open and closed positions.
Here’s how to measure your garage door:
- Use a tape measure to determine the width and height of the door opening in inches, which is the “rough opening.” The size will be approximately the same.
- Measure the side space on the left and right sides of the opening. Most vertical track systems require 3 ¾ inches on each side, but some may need as much as 5 ½ inches on each side.
- Measure the headroom, which is the distance between the top of the door opening (door jamb header) and the garage ceiling. Standard systems require 10 inches of headroom, while others may require 12 inches. Some may need another 3 inches of clearance.
- Measure the backroom, which is the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of the garage. It will need a backroom that equals the door height plus 18 inches. It may be based on the installation of the garage door opener.
Things to Consider
If you’re planning to build a new garage, your builder will likely suggest a standard garage door size with one door for each vehicle you plan to house.
However, if you have a truck or an RV, you may need to adjust your measurements to ensure your garage can fit your vehicle without damaging it or the garage itself.
You also need to consider the types of garage doors you want, which can make a difference in the hardware and measurements you need. Here are some of your options:
- Traditional garage doors
- Farmhouse-style garage doors
- Contemporary garage doors
- Craftsman garage doors
- Carriage garage doors
These garage doors open using different mechanisms, including:
- Horizontal panels that roll at the top of the door opening and give you more overhead space in a small garage.
- Bi-fold garage doors with two horizontal slats that open outward and slide on a track. These conserve space, but the doors are positioned on the side rather than above.
- Automatic garage doors are the most popular option for homes since they quickly open and close. They’re positioned on a track system and slide upwards and inwards.
If your garage door size doesn’t accommodate your vehicles, or you just want more space, you can change the opening size. This can be tricky, however, as you will also need to increase the size of your garage.
You can enlist the help of a garage contractor for your renovation to ensure that everything fits how you want. Sometimes, it may be best to build a new garage.
Common Garage Door Dimensions
Generally, standard garage door sizes are based on the vehicles you’ll be parking in your garage.
Single-Car Garage
Single-car garages have doors that are 8 feet by 7 feet, but the door can be between 7 and 10 feet wide by 10 feet wide. A 7-foot door will be tight, an 8-foot is ideal for most vehicles, and a 9-foot door makes parking and opening doors much easier.
Two-Car Garage
The most common two-car garage size is 16 feet by 7 feet. Double garage doors are usually about 16 feet wide, but the widest standard double doors can be up to 20 feet.
Three-Car Garage
Depending on the home’s structure, three-car garages usually use a double-door option that’s 7 to 8 feet high and 16 or 18 feet wide.
Other garage types:
- RV garage doors: 12 feet x 14 feet or 12 x 16 feet
- Shed or lawnmower garage doors: 6 feet x 7 feet
- Custom garage doors or oversized garage doors: 10 feet high or more
What About Insulated Garage Doors?
Insulated garage doors are available in some standard sizes but are typically thicker than most other options. They can be a quarter-inch to half-inch thicker with basic or foam insulation inside the panels.
These garage doors are pricey, but they come with extra benefits in energy efficiency. You’ll have a stable internal temperature in your garage year-round, offering better protection for your vehicles and belongings.
Garage Door Installation at Austin’s Greater Garage Doors
Choosing or replacing your garage door can be a big hassle as a DIY project. If you want to ensure the job is done right, Austin’s Greater Garage Doors can help. We’ll measure your garage door and complete the planning process to make sure you get the most out of your investment. Contact us today to elevate your garage door setup!
