It is essential to select the correct size garage door in order to have good access to vehicles, secure parking, and a neat garage exterior. You might be replacing an old door or constructing a brand new garage, so one of the initial queries you’d have is: what is the width of the one garage door?
Most single garage doors are approximately 8 to 9 feet wide, but there is a range of widths available depending on the garage design, vehicle size, and available space. The standard dimensions of a garage door can help you select the right door for your home, ensuring it fits correctly and allows for easy use.
In this guide, we’ll briefly discuss common garage door widths and heights, measurements, and what to keep in mind when buying a new garage door.
What is the Standard Width for a Single Garage Door?
A single garage door comes in the most common widths of 8 feet or 9 feet. These dimensions are popular for a home garage and will fit most standard vehicles, such as sedans, cars, and smaller SUVs.
Garage doors can be available in a number of widths, such as:
6 feet wide
7 feet wide
8 feet wide
9 feet wide
10 feet wide
12 feet wide
Picking the right garage door size can help you park more easily, and all combinations of 8 and 9 feet can accommodate a compact or standard-size car.
If you have a large SUV, pickup truck, or other wide vehicle that you drive frequently, a wider door might be more convenient.
Standard Single Garage Door Dimensions?
Width is only one part of a garage door’s size. The height of the door should also be taken into account.
The common size of the garage door is:
Garage Door Width Common Height
8 feet 7–8 feet
9 feet 7–8 feet
10 feet 7–8 feet
12 feet 7–8 feet
Depending on the manufacturer and the garage opening, the size may vary.
A typical garage size for a house is 8′ x 7′ or 9′ x 7′. Larger doors (8 feet tall) can be beneficial for vehicles or garages that are taller.
How to Measure a Single Garage Door?
Proper measurements are crucial before ordering a new Garage Door. It is helpful to measure the existing door opening to prevent ordering the incorrect size of door opening.
1. Measure the Width
Take a measurement from the left side of the garage door to the right. Make a measurement at a number of points, as older openings may not be square.
If the opening is not uniform, record the smallest measurement.
2. Measure the Height
Use the floor of your garage to the top of the door opening as your measuring guide. Measure several times as in the width.
3. Measure the Headroom
The space between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling or closest object is known as the headroom.
This measurement is especially crucial for the installation of the garage door opener or a sectional garage door.
4. Measure the Side Room.
The side room is the space available on each side of the garage door opening. It’s important to leave enough room for the garage door tracks and other hardware components.
5. Check the Backroom
Backroom is the distance from the garage door opening to the back wall of the garage. There should be sufficient room to open the door fully and allow the garage door opener to function.
Does an 8-Foot Garage Door Meet Your Requirements?
The garage door size is 8 feet wide for many homeowners who have a standard passenger vehicle. But the clearance required is dependent upon the vehicle and parking style.
For a narrower vehicle and if you don’t mind parking in a smaller space, 8 feet should suffice.
In contrast, the bigger an SUV or pickup is, the easier it will be to open and close a 9-foot-wide or wider garage door.
Keep in mind that the actual clear opening will be slightly smaller than the advertised door size due to the frame, tracks, seals, and more.
Does a 9 Foot Garage Door Outlast?
A 9-foot garage door is 1 foot wider than an 8-foot door. The extra room can be a major consideration for parking.
A wider door can be particularly helpful if:
- You’re the owner of a large SUV or truck.
- More than one family resides in the garage.
- You frequently load or unload items.
- More mirror and vehicle door clearance is desired.
- Need to store items in the garage or use it for a work area.
A 9′ door is more expensive than a smaller door, but the extra space can make a big difference in convenience for everyday use.
What Width Garage Door Should I Use?
The standard garage door width is the only thing that may not be indicative of the best garage door width. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a garage door.
Vehicle Size
Take measurements to determine the width of your vehicle (mirrors can be included if applicable). There should be ample room both inside and out of the garage for safe maneuvering.
Garage Opening
Limited options may be available based on the existing rough opening. If you need to replace a door, remember to take the correct size measurement of the opening before choosing a new door.
Future Vehicle Needs
If you may purchase a larger vehicle in the future, choosing a slightly wider garage door could be worthwhile.
Available Wall Space
More space is needed for tracks, springs, etc. for a wider door.
Garage Use
In the event that your garage is utilized as a work area, stockroom or access to your house, extra width can be helpful.
Is it Single vs. Double Garage Door Width?
A single garage door will be required for one vehicle; a double garage door will be required for two vehicles.
The standard single-sized garage door is 8 to 9 feet wide, and a double garage door is 16 feet wide, although other sizes are offered.
The decision of which configuration to choose, a single door or a double door, will depend on your garage design, its construction, your parking requirements, as well as your preference.
Two single doors offer greater flexibility; one double door will provide wider access for vehicles and large items.
Have a unique Garage Door size?
Not all garages have regular openings. Older houses, custom-built garages, additions, and converted areas might have odd sizes.
If any of the following apply, a custom garage door might be required:
- Your initial opening is wider or narrower than the standard size.
- The garage has an unusual ceiling height.
- Structural elements restrict the space available.
- You have a specialty vehicle.
- A certain type and arrangement of doors is desired.
- A professional garage door installer can examine the opening and figure out if a standard or custom-sized garage door is right.
What to Take into Account When Deciding on the Width of a Garage Door?
Before purchasing a garage door, keep these tips in mind:
- Carefully measure the opening.
- Take your current car size into account.
- Consider what vehicles the future may hold.
- Look for clearance overhead and across.
- Give adequate room around the vehicle.
- Play a bit with your garage usage.
- If the opening is not normal, consult a professional.
The width of the vehicle may not give sufficient clearance, and a door selection should only be made after assessing the practical clearance. There is a little more space to make parking and everyday use a lot easier.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the width of one garage door? Garage doors come in a number of sizes, but the most popular are 8 and 9 feet wide for homes. This depends on your car, garage door, space, and what you intend to use the garage for.
Carefully measure the opening, height, headroom, side room, and back room before ordering a new door. If you are not sure of the measurements or if you have a garage that is non-standard, consult with a garage door repair company for advice.
A well-sized garage door can not only enhance comfort, but can also help it run smoothly and fit nicely around the garage opening.
FAQs About Single Garage Door Width
1. What’s the width of a regular single garage door?
The typical single garage door width is 8 or 9 feet. Other widths are available depending on the garage design and manufacturer’s options.
2. How many inches wide is an 8-foot garage door?
An 8-foot door might work for some SUVs, but a 9-foot door will give extra room. Measure the width of your car and provide ample clearance on either side.
3. The typical height of a single garage door is 1.9 metres.
The typical garage door height for a home is approximately 7 to 8 feet, but may differ depending on the garage and door company.
4. Do you have a 10′ wide single garage door?
Yes. Garages that need extra vehicle clearance or a bigger opening might have a 10-foot-wide garage door.
5. What is the width of my garage door?
Measure across the opening (from side to side) and then measure the height of the opening (from the floor down to the top). It is also important to measure headroom, side room, and back room before placing a new door order.
6. What is the difference between a 9′ and an 8′ garage door?
No one size fits all. Installing a 9′ door opens up space, and an 8′ door might be enough for smaller vehicles and typical garage designs.
7. Is it possible to make a wider garage door than the hole?
The longer the door, the longer the garage door may need to be. A long garage door may mean that you need to make structural changes to your garage door. Before altering the opening of your garage, you should have the garage assessed by a professional.
8. What is the difference between a single and double garage door?
A single garage door is meant for one vehicle and is typically 8-9 feet wide. A double garage door is 16 feet wide and is used for two cars.
