Garage doors can make or break your home and equally important is the size. This contributes to functionality and overall style. Below we’ve rounded up a few pointers on garage door sizes and what might be best for your particular situation.  


    The Most Common Garage Door Sizes

    When selecting a garage door size, it’s important to look at both the current need and future needs of your property. Important considerations include the desired function, vehicle quantity, and capacity in regards to the size. With that being said, there are a few garage door sizes that are considered universal or standard. 

    For those with one vehicle, a single, rather than a double garage door, will provide sufficient space for any homeowner. For the single garage doors, the size typically ranges between 8 feet and10 feet wide. Height-wise, expect a measurement between 7 feet to 8 feet. 

    These “standard models are readily available in 8 by 7 feet, 9 by 7 feet, and 10 by 7 feet, with the biggest variant coming in the width of the garage space. If a homeowner should require a door with an increased height, 8 feet doors are typically readily available as well. 

    Families with two cars require a wider garage and thus they have the option for one double garage or two single-car garages. If one garage is selected to house two cars, the size will need to be between 12 and 18 feet wide with a similar height to the single, or typical sized garage at 7 feet. 

    Should You Choose a Double Door or Two Single Doors? 

    As long as there is enough room for both vehicles in the garage space, the choice of a double door or two singles is a flexible one, but one determined by dimensions first and formest. When it comes down to it, the garage door style and size will need to be based on the home’s garage door allocation. An expert will need to look at your home and determine what that allocation is to ensure an oversized or ill-fitting door is not chosen for the preexisting garage space. 

    When purchasing a garage door, it is always best to overestimate rather than underestimate the size you might need. With an oversized garage, you can always trim down an oversized garage but there is little to no remedy for the issue aside from purchasing a new door. 

    Are There Small Garage Doors?

    Garage doors smaller than the standard are available. Whether you need to park a golf cart or want gardening shed with an automated door, you have options. Small garage doors range in size from 4-6 feet in width and 6-feet or so in height, perfect for smaller needs when your large garage is occupied. When it comes to the types of materials you can get for these doors, you will generally need to stick to traditional given the small space. Adding things like arches and windows add a layer of complexity to the project, but are not impossible. 


    Custom Garage Door Sizes: What You Should Know

    If you have a garage door size, whether height or width, that varies from the standard, you may find yourself having to shop around for a custom garage door. Reasons for needing a custom garage door size can include heavy-duty trucks, tall vehicles, RVs, or boats. 

    What Size Custom Garage Doors Are Available?

    For single garage doors, the standard range is from 8-9 feet in width and 7 feet tall. For a double garage door, the standard is 16 feet for width and 8 feet tall. If you have a vehicle or vessel that requires a larger-sized garage door, we’ve rounded up a few common sizes for you.

    For a larger vehicle, a garage measuring 10-feet wide and 8-feet tall should be sufficient. With more space both length and width-wise, slightly larger vehicles should be able to fit in the garage with plenty of extra space for storage. 

    If you have a taller vehicle that requires a higher clearance, such as utility trucks, cargo vans, heavy-duty trucks, or vehicles with storage or utility racks on top, a 10’ door is ideal.

    This garage door is ideal for RVs as it is both extra tall and wide, perfectly accustomed to fit an RV. You will often find that these garage doors are built as separate units from the home, or detached because a standard house could not house such a large vehicle.

    When it comes to the width of the garage, there are plenty of options, but perhaps the most practical are these 36-40 inches wide doors in which you can park three vehicles together in one unite. 

    What Size Custom Garage Door Do You Need?

    To determine what garage door size you need, you’ll need a few quick measurements, or depending on the complexity, an expert to help you make the best decision. Though it might be helpful, a professional is not necessary for measurements to narrow down your garage door options. 


    How to Measure Your Garage Door

    To measure your garage door accurately, you will need to calculate the measurements of the door itself, but also ensure that the garage door has room to slide across the ceiling of the garage space. 

    • Step 1. In inches, measure the width and height of the garage door opening. These dimensions will provide a rough guideline for the garage door needed. 
    • Step 2. Step into the garage and measure the space between the right angle of the adjoining wall and the garage door opening. This size can vary from inches to a foot, but the goal here is to find the measurements to place the tracking system for the rollers. You will want to be sure the entire tracking system can fit around the garage opening interior and function properly. 
    • Step 3. Measure the distance from the ceiling to the top of the garage door opening. This space is also known as the “headroom” and generally garage doors require a foot of headroom to open, though it can vary by a few inches. Your opener size can also impact the amount of headroom required, so be sure to gather accurate measurements to get the right size door for your space!
    • Step 4. Lastly, you will want to measure the entire ceiling length from the opening, or where your door will be fitted in the closed position, all the way to the furthest wall parallel to the opening. This step is crucial for ensuring the garage door has enough room to open fully along with the ceiling of the garage space. 

    Is Garage Door Height Important? 

    Garage door height DOES matter! There are sizes considered “standard” that is available for most homes, but custom doors must have enough clearance to open and close seamlessly. When considering garage door height, you must consider the clearance along with the ceiling for the garage to open and be sure it is a size your garage’s structure can support. 

    A standard garage’s height is 7-feet tall. This is the size you will find in most homes and it is best for the average-sized car, not utility trucks, vehicles with roof racks, and of course, not for RVs. 

    If you have one of those additions on your vehicles, you will need a taller garage, and, most likely, one that is wider. You can extend garage doors vertically by multiple feet, with the custom size ranging from 8-12 feet and beyond! Below we’ve broken down the different sizes you might need for your particular situation. 


    Garage Door Height Options

    Garage Door Size for RVs

    Motorhomes vary in size, and for the most accurate results, you will need to measure the height of yours from the ground to the roof, or rooftop features if applicable. 

    In general, 

    • The largest RVs are 10-feet height-wise and vary in length from 20-40 feet or more in length. When calculating a size, expect a garage for these types of homes to be 14-feet in height and 45-50 feet in length.
    • Camper vans are usually 8-feet height-wise and vary in length from 16-20 feet or more in length. When calculating a size, expect a garage for these types of homes to be 12-feet in height and 25-feet or more in length. 
    • The most modest of all, an over-cab bunk is typically 10-feet height-wise and can vary from 20-35 feet in length. When calculating a size, expect a garage for these types of homes to be 14-feet in height and 40-45 feet in length. 
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    The general rule is to add one-two feet around the perimeter of the vehicle for ample storage space and comfortability. If your vehicle’s doors swing out, which is almost always the case, you have any roof-top fixtures that extend, or there are any slide-out portions – be sure to account for these when measuring your garage size needs.

    Garage Door Size for Trucks & SUVs

    You will need to measure your truck for the most accurate measurement and your respective needs, but the general guidelines recommend is a 24-foot garage. This measurement would allow most full-sized vehicles to have at least a two-foot clearance on each side. 

    Garage Door Size for Boat

    Modest boats, such as water sport or shallow fishing vessels can be parked in your garage, meaning no need for a dock! These boats (ones that can be trailered to and from the home) are generally 10-feet or more in height, 8-feet or more in width and have a length of over 25-feet. Adding a foot to two feet around the perimeter of the boat for hitching and maneuvering around the garage, you will only need a slightly extended garage.


    Garage Door Thickness

    Something that may not come to mind, but is equally important when considering garage door size, is thickness. The thickness of your garage door is directly related to insulation and thus helps determine the cost and materials needed.

    Depending on your needs, you may not need much in the way of insulation. For example, the standard garage, one with a metal door used to park cars, will not need much insulation and therefore only provide less than an inch of insulating, rendering it the most cost-effective. The most insulated doors, ones ideal for garage workshops or converted living spaces, can have insulation ranging in thickness from ¼ inch to 1½ inches. When choosing your garage door insulation needs, and thus materials and cost, consider your individual needs first and foremost. 


    So, What’s Best for You?

    You have plenty of options for a garage door, regardless of your needs. Whether you have a boat, an RV, or an ATV, know that there is a garage door for you. When considering a custom garage door, it’s always best to perform accurate measurements first and foremost to see what sizes you’ll need, and from there you can consider the fun things like materials, insulation, and colors. Happy Garage Door Hunting!

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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