So when we deal with homeowners in relation to their renovation projects or new constructions, there’s a question which pops up quite frequently. It’s not always related to color and material, although these factors do matter. The question has to do with size, and specifically how wide a garage door should be in relation to a homeowner’s car.
Selecting the correct garage size is important because it is not merely an area for parking one’s vehicle. It is often the main entrance of many homes, an area for hobbyists to do their work, and storage space for various articles ranging from bicycles to Christmas decorations. If it is too narrow, one may end up scratching their side mirrors with each garage entrance. However, if it is too wide, one may forfeit precious wall space or even jeopardize the integrity of the garage opening itself.
Knowing the standard garage door width and the various garage door widths available is the starting point that one should consider, as understanding the average garage door width can help you make an informed decision. Allow this guide from Top Service Garage Door Repair to help!
Standard Widths of Single and Double Doors
Residential garage doors come in two broad types: single-car garage doors and double-car garage doors. The sizes have been standardized in such a way as to fit all types of cars in use today, which is why understanding the width of a garage door is essential.
When it comes to a single-car garage, the typical width is 8 feet. While an 8-foot wide garage is usually enough for a sedan car or a small SUV, we recommend a 9-foot wide garage or a 10-foot wide garage for larger vehicles.
The difference between an 8-foot wide garage and a 9-foot or 10-foot wide garage is substantial when it comes to parking a large truck or simply getting the kids out of the car without bumping the door frame. A foot or two is a big difference in these situations.
The common starting width of a double-car garage door is 16 feet. Not to worry; this is what you will commonly see in suburban developments. The door will allow two average cars to fit side by side with enough room to open their doors. For those who have bigger cars or simply want to have some extra room to breathe, an 18-foot door will make an excellent upgrade.
Factors You Should Consider Before Choosing
Choosing the proper width involves more than simply choosing a width in numbers. Consider your usage patterns in your space. Your current vehicles are the first thing you must consider. Are you driving a heavy-duty pickup truck with extended mirrors? Then you will find an 8-foot single door to be uncomfortably tight. You want to be able to drive in and out without holding your breath.
Storage needs are another aspect where the garage door makes a huge difference. For example, if your intention is to store lawn mowers, workbenches, or any recreational items against the side walls of the garage, it is essential to consider this aspect. For instance, if the door is wider, it may require a wider opening, thus limiting the wall space on either side. However, if the door is standard in a wide garage, there is ample room to create shelving units.
Additionally, we advise customers to consider the method used to get to the garage. If you have a short or curved driveway that forces you to pull up at an angle, a wider door is much more forgiving. This is because a straight driveway makes it easy to line up perfectly so that you can have a narrower entry if you want.
When Custom Widths Are Necessary
For some, you simply cannot use standardized sizes. This is where custom garage doors come into play, especially if you are dealing with unique designs or needs, or if you require garage door repair near Broward County, FL. For example, if you are dealing with an older home, you may have smaller openings that are intended for Model T cars, not minivans. This is where we may have to build a door that is intended for an unusual size.
You may have the need for oversized doors when one is building a luxurious home and workshop. The garage for an RV would require more height and width than the standard 18 feet. Although custom garage doors offer endless possibilities when it comes to customization, there is also a price to pay and time involved when manufacturing these garage doors.
Locating the Ideal Fit for Your Home
The process of determining the appropriate size of the garage door involves weighing the size of your vehicle and the constraints of your space. Although 8 feet and 16 feet are the standard sizes of garage doors, your case may be different. As such, we are always in favor of taking precise measurements of your vehicle and space before arriving at a decision. Be sure to talk to our friendly team at Top Service Garage Door Repair for tailored advice!
Raised in Plantation, Florida, Steve earned a bachelor’s degree from Troy State University. He is an experienced entrepreneur with ventures in oil, real estate, and the garage door industry, known for being adaptable, reliable, and innovative.
Steve is married with two children who have successful careers in South Florida. The Gorey family is proud of its deep roots in the region and its connection to the local community.
