This easy-to-follow guide will help you learn the exact dimensions of a single garage door and determine what size works best for your garage space and car type.
A single garage door is typically 8 to 9 feet wide. This size is enough for most cars and small SUVs, while a 10-foot wide door gives extra space for larger vehicles. These standard sizes are common and easy to find when choosing a new garage door.
Knowing how wide is a single garage door helps with smart planning. It makes parking easier, improves storage, and supports the overall design of your home. Picking the right size ensures your garage works well for your needs and gives you a better, more functional space daily.
What Is the Standard Width of a Single Garage Door
Knowing the standard width of a single garage door helps homeowners choose the right fit for their space and vehicle. It also makes parking easy and supports better home design and storage planning.
8 Feet Wide
- Best for small cars or compact sedans
- Common in older homes with narrow garage openings
- Space-saving, but tight for wider vehicles
9 Feet Wide
- The most popular size for modern homes
- Ideal for midsize SUVs and small trucks
- Easier entry and exit with less risk of scratches
10 Feet Wide
- Great for wider vehicles or trucks
- Offers extra room for opening car doors
- Useful if you need space on the sides for storage
Standard Height: 7 or 8 Feet
- 7 feet fits most standard vehicles
- 8 feet is better for taller SUVs or future upgrades like car lifts
Ideal for One Vehicle
- These widths fit sedans, SUVs, and small trucks
- For larger vehicles, choose 10 feet wide
- Allows simple parking and supports good garage layout
What Size Do You Need for a Single Garage Door
Knowing the right garage door size helps you avoid fitting issues, protect your vehicle, and make the best use of your garage space. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose:
Comparing Single vs. Double Garage Doors
Choosing the right garage door size helps with parking, home design, and daily use. Here’s a simple comparison of single vs. double garage doors to help you decide what fits best
1. Single Garage Door Width Recap
- Width: 8 to 10 feet
- Height: 7 to 8 feet
- Best for: One car, small trucks, compact SUVs
- Ideal for: Narrow driveways or smaller garages
2. Double Garage Door
- Width: Standard 16 feet
- Height: 7 to 8 feet
- Best for: Two vehicles side by side
- Offers a wide, open look with just one opener
3. When a single is better vs. when to go double
- Single is better for small spaces, fewer vehicles, and lower costs.
- Go double for more room, easier access, and a modern look.
How to Choose Custom Garage Door Sizes
Custom garage door sizes are perfect when standard sizes just don’t fit. They help match unique home designs, fit oversized vehicles, or work with special garage layouts.
1. Why Go Custom
Custom garage doors are ideal for homes with unique garage shapes or special design needs. They’re also helpful for owners of boats, RVs, or wide vehicles that need more space.
2. Typical Custom Widths
Most custom garage doors are 10 to 14 feet wide, but some may be wider based on your needs. These sizes allow for easier entry and more flexibility in design.
3. When to Talk to a Pro
You should talk to a garage door expert if you have a non-standard opening, want a special door style, or are building a custom home. Alachua Garage Door in High Springs can measure and recommend the best fit for your space.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Opening
Measuring your garage door opening the right way helps you choose the perfect door. A proper fit keeps your garage safe, working well, and looking great for years.
1. Step-by-Step Guide
- Measure Width: Measure the inside width from one side of the opening to the other.
- Measure Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the opening.
- Check Side Room: Measure space on both sides for tracks and hardware.
- Check Headroom: Measure space above the opening for springs and opener.
- Check Backroom: Measure the depth from the opening to the back wall.
2. Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring
Don’t guess sizes. Always measure carefully. Only measure the actual opening, not the trim. Check side room, headroom, and backroom. Write down all numbers clearly so you don’t have the wrong garage door.
What to Consider Before Choosing Your Garage Door Size
Choosing the right garage door size depends on the car you drive. These key factors help you pick the best size for your current and future needs.
Vehicle type and number
The size and number of cars you have matters when picking a garage door. Small cars need less room, but big trucks or vans need more space. If you have two vehicles, a double garage door makes parking and getting in easier.
Future vehicle plans
Think about the kind of vehicle you might get in the future. If you plan to buy a larger SUV or RV, it’s smart to choose a bigger door now. This will save you money and avoid needing changes later on.
Storage space needs
A wider or taller garage door can be very helpful if your garage is also used for storage, tools, or bikes. It gives you more room to move around and ensures stored items don’t block your way when opening or closing the door.
Door style (swinging, sectional, roll-up)
Each garage door style takes up space differently. Swinging doors need more room on the sides, while roll-up and sectional doors need more room above. Ensure the door style fits your garage’s layout and gives you enough space to operate.
Garage Door Materials and Their Impact on Size
Choosing the right garage door material can affect more than just the look of your home. It also impacts size, weight, and installation needs. Here’s how each material plays a role.
Steel
Steel garage doors are durable, low-maintenance, and built to last. They work well with most garage sizes. But if the door is heavy, it might need stronger springs and better tracks to help it open and close safely and smoothly.
Wood
Wood garage doors look warm and classic and help with insulation. Since wood is heavy, you may need stronger tracks, more support, and a powerful opener to ensure the door works well and doesn’t wear out parts too quickly.
Aluminum
Aluminum doors are light and don’t rust, making them easy to install and maintain. They fit most standard garage sizes without needing extra support, and because they’re lightweight, they also put less stress on your garage door opener and parts.
Composite
Composite garage doors are built using wood mixed with tough, durable materials. They look like wood but are lighter. They fit standard sizes and usually don’t need extra support, making them a smart choice if you want both style and ease of use.
Expert Tips to Make the Right Size Choice
Picking the right garage door size can save you time, money, and stress. With a few smart steps, you can ensure your door fits well and works for years.
Always measure twice
Double-check the width, height, and side room before choosing your garage door. Even a small sizing error can cause added expenses or slow down the installation process. Double-checking your measurements ensures your new garage door fits properly from the start.
Plan for future use
Think ahead before buying your garage door. If you might get a bigger vehicle, like an SUV, truck, or RV, it’s smart to choose a door with more width or height now. This will save you money and hassle later if you need extra space.
Don’t forget insulation or hardware clearance
Leave room for insulation, tracks, and your garage door opener. These parts need space to work properly. If upgrading to an insulated or energy-efficient door, ensuring enough clearance is key for a smooth and safe installation.
FAQs: How Wide Is a Single Garage Door
What is the standard width of a single garage door?
The standard width of a single garage door is usually 8 to 9 feet, which is enough for most cars. Knowing this helps when picking a door and ensures your vehicle fits just right.
Can I fit an SUV through a single garage door?
Yes, you can fit an SUV through a single garage door if it’s at least 9 feet wide. SUVs need more room than small cars, so the standard width of a single garage door is often good for everyday parking without feeling too tight.
What is the minimum size for a garage door?
A single garage door typically starts 8 feet wide and 7 feet high. This size works well for most compact and midsize vehicles. When considering the standard width of a single garage door, check your car’s size to make sure it fits well.
Is 8 feet wide enough for a single garage door?
A garage door 8 feet wide can hold most cars, though it might feel a bit narrow for larger vehicles. If you have a wider car or SUV, think about going bigger than the standard width of a single garage door to make parking easier and safer.
Can I install a 10-foot wide single garage door?
Yes, a 10-foot-wide single garage door gives more space for larger vehicles and easier movement. It’s wider than standard sizes. Call an expert garage door installation service for a proper fit and smooth use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right garage door size helps your garage work better every day. Knowing how wide is a single garage door makes parking easier, gives more room for storage, and helps your garage look neat. It also makes your daily routine smoother and stress-free.
Single garage doors are usually between 8 and 10 feet wide. This size fits regular cars and even some bigger vehicles. Picking the right width means fewer problems later and a garage that works well for your space. It’s a smart and simple way to improve your home.
For friendly service and easy garage door upgrades, go with Alachua Garage Door. We’ll help you choose the right size and handle everything from start to finish. Call us today at 386-418-0100 to get started with a door that fits your home just right.
End Note
Alachua Door Company offers dependable garage door services you can trust. From emergency repairs to garage door repair in Cross City, FL, we’re always ready to help when your door has issues. Visit alachuadoorcompany.com and discover how we keep homes safe and secure.
We provide custom garage door design, reliable insect protection, and strong Amarr doors. Our full product selection fits different styles and needs. Learn more about us and see real results in our photo gallery. We provide quality service and craftsmanship every day.
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