Choosing the correct garage door width is essential for your home’s look and use. A well-sized garage door makes your house look better and gives you enough space to park your car and store things easily. There are many standard options, like single-car and double-car doors, but you can also get custom sizes. Picking the right size will help maximize your space and boost your home’s curb appeal.
If your garage door is hard to open or needs more space, you might need a garage door repair or a new one. Fixing any issues early can prevent more significant problems later and keep your door working smoothly. Don’t wait until the situation worsens—talk to a professional today to find the correct garage door width for your home and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Choosing The Best Garage Door Width Made Easy
When determining the ideal garage door width, several factors come into play. These include:
Vehicle Size
When choosing the right garage door, consider the size of your car. Make sure the door is wide enough to fit your largest vehicle easily. Also, remember to allow extra room on each side to park comfortably without worrying about scratching your car or squeezing through a tight space.
Garage Layout
The layout of your garage, including where the walls, shelves, or storage units are placed, affects the best garage door size for your space. Carefully measure to ensure enough room for the garage door to open without hitting anything. A good fit keeps everything running smoothly and makes the most of your garage space.
Accessibility
Think about how easy it will be to drive your car in and out of the garage. A wider garage door allows smoother entry and exit, especially when moving big items. It also reduces the chances of hitting anything with your vehicle, helping to prevent accidental damage when going in and out.
Aesthetic Appeal
Your garage door is a big part of your house’s appearance. Choosing the right garage door size can improve your home’s overall appearance. Make sure the door you select complements your house’s design and adds to its curb appeal without detracting from its overall appearance.
Choosing The Right Garage Door Size For Your Space
Most residential garage doors range from 8 to 20 feet in standard widths. Here are some joint standard widths and their advantages:
- 8 feet: Ideal for single-car garages or smaller vehicles, this width offers a compact solution while maximizing the available space.
- 9 feet: Slightly wider than the 8-foot option, this width provides additional clearance for larger vehicles or storage needs.
- 16 feet: A popular choice for double-car garages, the 16-foot width accommodates two average-sized vehicles comfortably.
- 18 feet: This width offers ample space for larger vehicles or additional storage and is suitable for oversized double-car garages.
Benefits Of Choosing A Narrow Garage Door
In some cases, a narrow garage door width may be the most suitable option. These narrower doors can offer several benefits:
Space Optimization
A narrow garage door can help you use the area more efficiently if you have a small garage or limited space. By choosing a narrower door, you can maximize the usable space inside the garage, allowing for better storage or extra room to move around comfortably.
Cost Savings
A narrow garage door can save you money because it uses less building material. This makes it more affordable than a wider door for the initial purchase and installation. A narrower option could be ideal if you want to reduce costs while still getting a functional garage door.
Architectural Compatibility
A narrow garage door with a compact or classic design is an excellent fit for homes. It can blend nicely with the house’s overall look, enhancing its charm without detracting from its style. Choosing the right size can make the garage door look more natural with your home’s architecture.
When Do You Need A Wide Garage Door
While standard widths cater to most residential needs, there are situations where a wider garage door is necessary:
Oversized Vehicles
If you own a larger vehicle, such as a pickup truck, SUV, or recreational vehicle (RV), you’ll likely need a wider garage door. This ensures your car has enough clearance to quickly enter and exit the garage without any issues, providing peace of mind when parking your oversized vehicle.
Specialized Equipment
A wider garage door makes a big difference for those who use their garage as a workspace or store large equipment. It allows more effortless movement of bulky machinery or tools, making it more convenient to bring in or take out specialized equipment without struggling with tight spaces.
Garage Conversions
A wider garage door can offer more flexibility if you’re considering converting your garage into a living space or workshop. It provides better accessibility for larger items and makes it easier to remodel or repurpose the space, giving you more options to transform the garage into a functional area.
Why Choose A Custom Garage Door Width
In some cases, standard garage door widths may not meet your specific requirements. Custom garage door widths offer a tailored solution for unique situations:
Unique Architectural Designs
If your home has a unique or custom-built garage, a custom garage door width can ensure it fits perfectly. This helps the garage door blend smoothly with the design of your home, enhancing the overall look while providing a modern, functional garage door that works for your specific space.
Specialized Needs
For homeowners with special needs, such as parking multiple vehicles or housing oversized equipment, a custom garage door width can be designed just for them. This ensures the garage door meets their exact requirements, making it easier to use their garage for whatever purpose they need.
Preservation of Historic Structures
When working on historic or older homes, a custom garage door width can help preserve the building’s original style. It allows you to upgrade to a modern garage door without losing the charm and integrity of the original design, maintaining the home’s history while adding functionality.
How To Measure Your Garage Door For The Perfect Fit
To ensure accurate measurements for your garage door width, follow these steps:
Clear the Area
Before measuring for a garage door, clear the area around the garage opening. Remove any clutter or obstructions to ensure a clear and safe workplace space. This will allow you to take accurate measurements and provide unobstructed access when the garage door is installed.
Measure at Multiple Points
When measuring the garage opening, it is essential to take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom. This helps account for any differences in the width of the opening, as the garage may not be perfectly uniform. Accurate measurements ensure the garage door fits appropriately.
Consider Framing
Measure the distance between the interior framing of your garage opening. This will give you the maximum width for your new garage door. Understanding the dimensions of the framing ensures you choose a door that fits within the garage’s structure.
Allow for clearance
Leave a few extra inches of clearance on each garage door side. This space is essential to allow the door to operate smoothly without rubbing or getting stuck. A little extra room ensures the garage door works properly and avoids any potential damage.
Avoid These Mistakes When Selecting Your Garage Door Width
When choosing a garage door width, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to issues down the line:
Underestimating Vehicle Size
One common mistake is not properly accounting for the size of your vehicle, including any extra features like roof racks or side mirrors. This can lead to choosing a garage door that’s too narrow, making it difficult or impossible to park your vehicle comfortably without risking damage.
Overlooking Obstructions
Forgetting to consider obstructions like shelving units, wall protrusions, or other items in your garage can interfere with the garage door’s operation. It’s important to measure carefully and ensure enough space for the door to open and close smoothly without hitting anything.
Disregarding Future Plans
If you plan on upgrading to a larger vehicle or changing your garage, choosing a garage door width can accommodate future needs is wise. Thinking ahead will save you the hassle of replacing the door later.
Ignoring Clearance Requirements
Leaving enough clearance on the sides or top of the garage door can prevent problems during operation. Without adequate space, the door may rub against the sides or hit your vehicle, leading to damage. Make sure to account for proper clearance to ensure smooth, damage-free use.
What To Know About Garage Door Width Before Installation
Once you’ve selected the appropriate garage door width, there are several installation considerations to keep in mind:
Structural Reinforcement
When widening an existing garage opening or installing a wider door, it’s essential to reinforce the surrounding structure. This added support ensures the garage can handle the weight and stress of the larger door, providing long-term stability and preventing potential damage to the structure over time.
Electrical and Opener Compatibility
Before installing a wider garage door, check if your current garage door opener and electrical system can handle the new size. Some adjustments or upgrades may be needed to ensure the door operates smoothly and safely. Planning can prevent compatibility issues and costly fixes.
Weatherproofing
Proper weatherproofing is essential when installing a new garage door. This includes adding sealing and insulation to maintain energy efficiency and protect your garage from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. These steps help keep the interior comfortable and reduce energy costs.
Professional Installation
While some may try a DIY garage door repair or installation, hiring a professional is usually the best choice. A skilled garage door installer ensures the door is aligned correctly, operates smoothly, and is installed with all safety measures, giving you peace of mind and preventing future issues.
FAQs About Garage Door Width: Everything You Need To Know
How wide should a single garage be?
A single garage should be about 12 feet wide, which gives enough room for a car to open the doors quickly. Some garages can be as narrow as 10 feet, but this might feel too tight, especially if you have a larger vehicle or need extra storage space.
What size is a single garage door?
The typical size for a single garage door is 8 feet wide and 7 feet tall. Some people choose a slightly wider garage door, about 9 feet, especially if they have a larger vehicle like an SUV or truck, to make parking more comfortable.
What is the minimum width between garage doors?
The minimum width between two garage doors should be 1 to 2 feet. This space is essential to ensure that both doors can open and close smoothly without interfering with each other and to provide the necessary structural support for the garage.
What is the width of a double garage door?
A double garage door is usually 16 feet wide, allowing two cars to be parked side by side. Some double garage doors can be smaller, around 14 feet wide, but the 16-foot width is more common because it provides more room for parking and easy access.
What is the universal size of a garage door?
There is no universal size for a garage door, but the most common sizes are 8 feet wide by 7 feet tall for a single garage door and 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall for a double garage door. These sizes fit most modern homes and vehicles.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct garage door width ensures your garage works well and looks great. If your door is hard to open or doesn’t provide enough space, a quick garage door repair can often fix the issue. Regular repairs and maintenance help your door work smoothly and ensure you have enough space for parking and storage.
If repairs aren’t enough, you might need a new garage door. A well-sized door improves how your garage functions and adds to your home’s appearance. Choosing the correct width will make daily tasks easier and increase your home’s curb appeal while getting the most out of your garage space.
At Protech Garage Doors, our skilled garage door contractors are ready to help with any repairs or new installations. Whether you need advice on the perfect garage door width or expert assistance with your garage door, we’re here to help. Contact us today to keep your garage door running smoothly and fitting your needs perfectly.
End Note
Protech Garage Repair is here to help if you need reliable garage door services! Whether you’re looking for garage door openers in Noblesville, garage door repairs in Westfield, or a new garage door installation, we’ve got the expertise to get it done. Our team is dedicated to providing fast, high-quality service to keep your garage door running smoothly.
To know more about us, visit our About Us page to discover our story and values. You can also explore our gallery to see completed projects and visit our blog for helpful tips and insights on garage door maintenance, repairs, and more.
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes content. To start your project, visit our website or contact us today for a free estimate. We’re here to make your garage door experience smooth and hassle-free!
