Finding the right garage door size goes beyond just picking a door that looks good—it’s about ensuring functionality, safety, and a seamless fit for your vehicles and property. Whether upgrading an existing door or installing one for the first time, accurate measurements are key to avoiding common issues like improper closure or inadequate space.
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on measuring your garage door’s width, height, and other essential dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit for your residential or commercial needs. With insights into standard sizes for single and double garage doors and specialized commercial options like rolling steel and high-speed roll-up doors, you’ll have all the information needed to make an informed choice.
Selecting the right garage door size is crucial for maximizing space, protecting your vehicles, and enhancing your property’s functionality. Keep reading to learn how to measure your garage door correctly and choose the size that best meets your requirements.
How Are Garage Door Sizes Measured?
When it comes to garage doors, precise measurements are crucial. A door that is too small will not close properly, while one that is too large might not fit the opening. This section will guide you through the steps to measure your garage door accurately, ensuring a perfect fit.
Tools Needed
To measure your garage door width, you’ll need:
- Measuring Tape: A long measuring tape, preferably 25 feet or more, is essential for capturing all necessary dimensions.
- Step Ladder: A step ladder is useful if your garage door is tall or you need to reach higher areas.
- Notepad and Pen: Recording your measurements immediately will help avoid mistakes.
- Level: Use a level to check if your garage floor and ceiling are even, as this can affect the final fit of your door.
Step 1: Measure the Garage Door Width
The first and most critical measurement is the width of the garage door opening. Start by measuring the distance from one side of the garage door opening to the other at the widest point. This horizontal measurement should be taken from one side’s inside edge to the opposite side’s inside edge. It’s important to take this measurement at several points along the height of the opening to check for any irregularities in the frame. The widest measurement will be used as the official width of your garage door, ensuring that the door fits snugly without leaving gaps.
Step 2: Measure the Garage Door Height
Once the width is measured, the next step is to determine the height of the garage door opening. Measure from the floor to the top of the opening, taking care to measure at multiple points across the width of the door. This helps identify variations due to an uneven floor or a slanted header. The height measurement is essential for selecting the correct door size and ensuring that it will open and close smoothly without obstruction.
Step 3: Measure the Sideroom
Sideroom is the space on each side of the garage door opening. This area is crucial because it provides the necessary room for the vertical tracks that guide the door as it opens and closes. To measure the side room, measure the distance from the edge of the door opening to the nearest wall or obstruction on both sides. For most standard garage doors, a minimum of 3.5 to 5 inches of side room is required on each side. However, you may need more space if you plan to install a larger door or additional hardware.
Step 4: Measure the Headroom
Headroom refers to the space between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling or any overhead obstruction, such as beams or ducts. This measurement is vital for accommodating the door’s tracks, the garage door opener, and any additional hardware. Standard garage doors typically require about 10-12 inches of headroom, but this can vary depending on the type of door and opener you choose. Low-headroom tracks or wall-mounted openers can accommodate tight spaces if your garage has limited headroom.
Step 5: Measure the Backroom
The backroom is the space from the garage door opening to the back wall of the garage. This measurement is necessary to ensure enough space for the garage door to open and rest horizontally when raised fully. Typically, the backroom should be the height of the door plus an additional 18-24 inches. Accurate measurement of the backroom is particularly important if you plan to install an automatic opener, as the door and opener require sufficient space to operate without hitting the back wall or any stored items.
Residential Garage Door Width Options
Residential garage doors come in various width options, each tailored to different vehicle sizes and needs.
Single Car Garage Door Dimensions
Single-car garage doors typically measure 8 to 10 feet wide. These doors are ideal for accommodating one vehicle, whether a compact car, SUV, or motorcycle. The standard width ensures your vehicle fits comfortably with enough room to open doors and move around.
Double Car Garage Door Dimensions
Double-car garage doors are generally 16 to 18 feet wide. These wider doors are designed to accommodate two vehicles side by side, offering convenience and efficiency. They provide ample space for larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs, making parking and maneuvering within the garage easier.
Commercial Garage Door Width Options
Commercial garage doors require wider dimensions to accommodate larger vehicles and specialized equipment.
Rolling Steel Door Widths
Rolling steel doors are commonly used in commercial settings and are available in various widths, typically 12 to 20 feet or more. They are ideal for industrial spaces where security and durability are essential.
High-Speed Roll-Up Door Widths
High-speed roll-up doors, often found in warehouses and distribution centers, can be custom-sized to match specific width requirements. These doors prioritize efficiency, allowing quick entry and exit for large vehicles while maintaining climate control.
Overhead Sectional Door Widths
Depending on the application, overhead sectional doors in commercial settings can be as wide as 24 feet. These doors are versatile and provide excellent insulation, making them suitable for various commercial uses, from automotive workshops to loading docks.
So, What Garage Door Size Should I Get?
Choosing the right garage door size depends on several important factors and is tailored to both residential and commercial needs. The width of your garage door plays a crucial role in ensuring that it meets your practical requirements, fits your space, and enhances the functionality of your property.
Residential Considerations
For residential properties, the primary considerations are the number of vehicles you own, their size, and how you use your garage space.
- Number of Vehicles: A standard single-car garage door width of 8 to 10 feet should suffice if you have a single vehicle. However, if you have multiple vehicles or plan to add another car, a double-car garage door, typically 16 to 18 feet wide, may be more appropriate. This ensures ample space for parking and maneuvering without the risk of damaging your vehicle or the door.
- Vehicle Size: The type and size of your vehicle also influence the door width. Compact cars, sedans, and small SUVs comfortably fit within the standard single-door width. However, larger vehicles like trucks, vans, or SUVs may require a wider door to accommodate their bulkier frames. If you have an RV or a boat, you’ll need a specialized door with a width and height that provides the necessary clearance.
- Garage Use: Consider how you use your garage beyond parking. If it doubles as a workshop, storage space, or home gym, you might need extra room on either side of your vehicle for easy access. Opting for a wider door or custom dimensions can provide flexibility in such cases.
Commercial Considerations
For commercial properties, the garage door size is influenced by the types of vehicles, equipment, and operations you conduct within the space.
- Vehicle Types: Commercial garages often accommodate larger vehicles like delivery trucks, service vans, or heavy machinery. The width of your garage door must be sufficient to allow these vehicles to enter and exit easily. Standard widths for commercial doors can range from 12 to 24 feet, depending on your business’s specific requirements.
- Operational Needs: If your business involves frequent loading and unloading, or if you operate in an industry that requires quick and efficient access, such as logistics or warehousing, you may need a high-speed roll-up door. These doors provide wide access and open and close quickly, improving workflow and maintaining internal climate control.
- Future Expansion: Consider your business’s long-term needs. If you anticipate expanding your fleet or upgrading to larger vehicles, choosing a wider garage door repair service now can save you the cost and hassle of future modifications. Commercial operations benefit from doors that meet current needs and accommodate future growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size are garage doors in South Africa?
Standard single garage doors in South Africa are typically 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide, while double garage doors are around 5 meters (16.4 feet) wide. These dimensions suit most vehicles, but custom sizes are available to accommodate specific needs, such as wider vehicles or additional storage.
What is a standard door size?
A standard garage door size for a single vehicle is about 2.44 meters (8 feet) wide by 2.13 meters (7 feet) high. The width of a double garage door is generally around 4.88 to 5.5 meters (16 to 18 feet). These sizes are standard in many residential settings.
How big is a garage in meters?
A typical single-car garage in meters is about 3.6 meters (12 feet) wide by 6 meters (20 feet) deep. For a two-car garage, the size often increases to around 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide by 6 meters (20 feet) deep, providing ample space for two vehicles and storage.
Is 18 ft wide enough for a 2-car garage?
An 18-foot (5.5 meters) wide garage door is sufficient for a two-car garage but is on the narrower side. It will fit two standard-sized vehicles, but parking may be tight, especially if the cars are enormous. A width of 20 feet (6 meters) or more is often recommended for added convenience.
How wide is a 3-car garage?
A three-car garage is typically around 9.1 meters (30 feet) wide. This width provides enough space for three vehicles with some room to open doors and store items. The depth remains similar to a two-car garage, usually around 6 meters (20 feet).
Wrapping Up
Choosing the correct garage door width ensures easy use and protection of your vehicles. By carefully measuring and considering the different configurations available, you can select a door that fits perfectly and enhances the functionality of your space. Don’t hesitate to consult with experts to ensure your new garage door installation succeeds.
End Note
At Martin Garage Doors, we know that choosing the right garage door is more than just aesthetics—it’s about ensuring your home or business operates smoothly and safely. Whether you’re looking at Amarr Garage Doors, C.H.I. Overhead Doors, Clopay Garage Doors, or our signature Martin Garage Doors, we’re here to guide you through every step, from precise measurements to seamless installation.
Serving areas like Colorado Springs, Denver, Lakewood, Castle Rock, Aurora, and beyond, our expert team is dedicated to providing top-notch services, including garage door repairs, maintenance, replacements, and more. We also offer a range of reliable openers from Genie and LiftMaster, ensuring your garage door works perfectly every time.
Ready to enhance your home’s functionality? Visit Martin Garage Doors to explore our options, learn more about us, or reach out directly through our contact page. We’re here to help you find the perfect garage door solution tailored to your needs.