Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-03-04 Origin: Site
Have you ever tried squeezing your SUV through a too-small garage door? It's frustrating and potentially damaging.
Choosing the right garage door size isn't just about convenience. It impacts your home's functionality, curb appeal, and even its value.
Standard garage door sizes exist for a reason. They're designed to accommodate most vehicles while maintaining structural integrity.
Custom dimensions are available too, but they come with different considerations and costs.
In this guide, you'll learn about common garage door sizes for single, double, and specialty garages. We'll cover standard measurements, proper sizing techniques, and factors that influence your decision.
Standard garage door sizes aren't random. They evolved to fit most vehicles while maximizing space efficiency.
Manufacturers adopted these common dimensions because they work for most homes. They also help reduce production costs.
When builders construct new homes, they typically use these standard measurements. This creates consistency across neighborhoods and simplifies installation.
Standard sizes also ensure compatibility with opener systems and hardware. They make replacement parts more readily available and affordable.
Not all regions use the same standard sizes. Climate and architectural styles influence local preferences.
Regional Size Differences:
Florida often features 10-foot doors on custom homes
Northeast areas typically use 7-foot high doors
Western states commonly have larger 8-foot high doors
New construction in most regions uses 9' x 7' for single doors
These regional differences reflect local building practices and lifestyle needs. They've developed over decades of construction history.
Garage doors have grown alongside our vehicles. Early doors were much smaller than today's standards.
As Americans embraced larger vehicles, door dimensions expanded. The popularity of SUVs and trucks drove this change.
In the 1950s, a typical single garage door measured just 8 feet wide. Today, 9-foot and 10-foot widths are increasingly common.
Double garage doors followed a similar pattern. They expanded from 14 feet to today's standard 16-18 feet width.
When choosing garage door sizes, both width and height matter. Each dimension serves different purposes.
Width Considerations:
Determines if your vehicle fits without scraping sides
Provides space for opening car doors inside
Accommodates larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks
Height Considerations:
Must clear roof racks, antennas, or tall vehicles
Standard 7-foot height works for most cars
8-foot height recommended for larger SUVs or vans
Most homeowners focus on width but overlook height requirements. Both dimensions are equally important for proper function.
The most common residential garage door sizes balance these needs. They provide adequate clearance without excessive material costs.
Single-car garage doors come in several standard dimensions. They typically range from 8 to 10 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall.
The most popular single garage door sizes include:
Width
| Height | Popularity | |
8 feet | 7 feet | Common in older homes |
9 feet | 7 feet | Most popular in new construction |
10 feet | 7 feet | Increasingly common for larger vehicles |
Many newer homes feature 9' x 7' doors as the standard size. This offers a good balance between space and cost.
While 7-foot heights remain the most common, 8-foot doors offer advantages. They provide extra clearance for taller vehicles.
A 7-foot door works well for most sedans and smaller SUVs. It's the traditional height found in most homes.
The 8-foot option gives you breathing room for:
Vehicles with roof racks
Lifted trucks
Cargo carriers
Taller SUVs and vans
These taller doors cost slightly more but prevent clearance headaches later. They're worth considering if you own larger vehicles.
Different door widths accommodate various vehicle sizes:
8' width: Compact cars, small sedans, motorcycles
9' width: Mid-size sedans, standard SUVs, small trucks
10' width: Large SUVs, full-size trucks, vans
Even with the right width, you'll need space to open car doors. A 9-foot door gives most vehicles enough room for comfortable entry and exit.
Your garage door size affects more than just vehicle access. It impacts your entire garage's functionality.
Consider these additional space needs:
Walking space around parked vehicles
Storage for tools and equipment
Room for garbage bins
Space for bicycles or recreational gear
A larger door opening creates more usable space. It allows easier movement of bulky items like furniture or lawn equipment.
8-foot doors work best for:
Older homes with limited space
Storing a compact car
Motorcycle or golf cart storage
Workshops with minimal vehicle access
9-foot doors are ideal for:
Most standard vehicles
New construction homes
Balance of space and cost
Average suburban needs
10-foot doors suit:
Large trucks and SUVs
Families with multiple bicycles or equipment
Homes where vehicles have accessories (mirrors, racks)
Luxury homes with larger vehicles
Choosing the right size depends on your specific needs. The extra foot of width makes a surprising difference in everyday usability.
Two-car garages typically feature wider doors to accommodate multiple vehicles. The most common sizes make parking two cars side-by-side convenient.
Standard double garage door dimensions include:
Width
| Height | Usage | |
16 feet | 7 feet | Most common size in residential homes |
18 feet | 7 feet | Popular for larger vehicles or more space |
20 feet | 7 feet | Less common, used for extra-wide garages |
The 16' x 7' size remains the most popular choice for most homeowners. It provides sufficient space while maintaining structural integrity.
Like single doors, double garage doors come in different heights. The standard 7-foot height works for most situations.
The 8-foot height option offers several advantages:
Extra clearance for taller vehicles
Room for roof-mounted accessories
More vertical space for storage systems
Modern, spacious appearance
This upgraded height typically adds 10-15% to the door cost. Many newer luxury homes now feature these taller doors as standard.
When designing a two-car garage, you have two main options. You can install one large double door or two separate single doors.
One Large Double Door:
✅ Creates a wider opening without center post
✅ Requires only one garage door opener
✅ Generally easier to drive through
❌ If it breaks, both cars are trapped
❌ May require more maintenance on larger mechanisms
Two Single Doors:
✅ Better insulation with smaller door openings
✅ One door can work if the other breaks
✅ More traditional, carriage-house appearance
❌ Requires two opener systems
❌ Center post can make parking trickier
From a price perspective, the options are surprisingly similar:
Option
Door Cost | Opener Cost | Total Investment | |
One 16' door | $$$$ | $ (one unit) | $$$$$ |
Two 8' doors | $$$$ | $$ (two units) | $$$$$$ |
The cost difference mostly comes from needing two opener systems with separate single doors. Long-term maintenance costs may also differ.
Your choice impacts your home's curb appeal:
Double doors create a cleaner, more modern look
Two single doors offer a charming, traditional appearance
Single doors can better match window patterns above
Double doors create a grand, spacious impression
Many homeowners choose based on their home's architectural style. Traditional homes often look better with two single doors.
Daily use highlights important differences:
A double door allows more flexible vehicle positioning
Two single doors create separate, defined parking spaces
A double door lets more air in when open (good or bad, depending on climate)
Single doors provide better energy efficiency when only one car needs access
Your family's parking habits should influence this decision. Two working adults with different schedules might prefer separate doors.
The best option depends on your specific needs, home style, and preferences. Both approaches work well when properly installed.
Three-car garages offer flexibility in how you configure your doors. They provide ample space for vehicles and storage needs.
The most common configurations include:
This traditional approach uses three separate doors, typically 8' or 9' wide each. Each door operates independently.
Benefits include:
Individual access to each bay
Better energy efficiency when using just one space
More wall space between doors for storage
Balanced, symmetrical appearance
This configuration works well for families with multiple drivers. It's popular in higher-end suburban homes.
This hybrid approach combines a 16' double door with an 8' or 9' single door. It offers versatility for different uses.
You might see this setup as:
16' + 9' (total width: 25')
18' + 10' (total width: 28')
This configuration allows for:
A dedicated bay for a daily driver
Flexible space for two cars or a workshop
Different ceiling heights if needed
It's particularly popular when one bay serves a different purpose, like a workshop or storage area.
Some homeowners install one massive door spanning the entire three-car garage. These doors typically measure 30-32' wide.
Triple-width doors are less common because:
They require significant structural support
They're more expensive to manufacture
When they break, all vehicles are inaccessible
They may look disproportionate on home facades
Your door configuration affects how efficiently you can use your garage space:
Configuration
| Usable Wall Space | Parking Flexibility | Storage Potential | |
Three singles | High (two posts) | Limited | Excellent |
Double + single | Medium (one post) | Good | Good |
Triple-width | Low (no posts) | Excellent | Limited |
Posts between doors provide valuable wall space for cabinets, hooks, and tool storage. Without them, you'll need other storage solutions.
However, posts can make parking more challenging. They require careful positioning of vehicles to avoid door dings.
Wider garage door openings demand stronger structural support. This affects both construction and renovation costs.
For standard single doors (8'-9' wide):
Regular headers typically suffice
Standard framing techniques work well
Less risk of sagging over time
For double doors (16'-18' wide):
Larger, reinforced headers required
Additional support structures often needed
More complex installation process
For triple-width doors (30'-32' wide):
Specialized engineered headers necessary
Significant structural reinforcement required
Professional engineering assessment recommended
May need steel support beams
These structural requirements add to the overall project cost. They're especially important in regions with heavy snow loads.
The price differences between configurations can be substantial:
Configuration
| Door Cost | Opener Cost | Structural Cost | Total Relative Cost | |
Three singles | $$$ | $$$ (3 units) | $ | $$$$$ |
Double + single | $$$ | $$ (2 units) | $$ | $$$$$ |
Triple-width | $$$$ | $ (1 unit) | $$$ | $$$$$ |
Triple-width doors cost more per door but require only one opener. However, their structural requirements often offset these savings.
Three single doors might seem more expensive initially. Yet they often prove more economical when considering maintenance and replacement costs.
Your best option depends on your specific needs, budget, and how you plan to use your three-car garage. Each configuration offers unique advantages worth considering.
Not all garage doors fit standard dimensions. Special needs often require custom solutions. Let's explore specialty sizes for different applications.
Recreational vehicles and large trucks need significantly taller and wider doorways. Standard doors simply won't accommodate their size.
RV garage doors typically feature these dimensions:
Height
| Width | Best For | |
12 feet | 10-12 feet | Class B motorhomes, smaller RVs |
14 feet | 12-14 feet | Class A motorhomes, larger RVs |
16 feet | 14+ feet | Luxury coaches, vehicles with roof accessories |
Most RV owners find that a 14' x 14' door accommodates their needs perfectly. It provides ample clearance without excessive costs.
When planning for tall vehicles, remember to account for:
Total vehicle height (including air conditioners and antennas)
Door track hardware that hangs below ceiling level
Garage door opener mechanisms and rails
Interior lighting fixtures
Adequate ventilation space
We recommend adding at least 1-2 feet above your tallest vehicle's height. This extra space prevents accidental damage during entry and exit.
RV garage doors require special installation elements:
Heavy-duty springs to support the larger door weight
Enhanced structural support around the opening
Commercial-grade tracks and rollers
More powerful opener motors (typically 1 HP or greater)
Additional weatherstripping to seal larger openings
These doors often need professional installation. They incorporate commercial door technology adapted for residential use.
Not every garage door needs to accommodate full-sized vehicles. Smaller doors serve specific purposes in various settings.
Golf cart and small vehicle storage typically requires:
Width: 6 feet
Height: 7 feet
These compact doors provide sufficient space for:
Golf carts
ATVs
Lawn tractors
Motorcycles
Snowmobiles
You'll often see these doors in retirement communities. They're perfect for properties where residents use golf carts as primary transportation.
Even smaller doors serve accessory structures:
Width options: 4', 5', or 6'
Height options: 6' to 7'
These doors work well for:
Garden sheds
Pool equipment rooms
Small workshops
Storage outbuildings
They're typically simpler in construction. Many use a single panel rather than sectional design.
Narrow doors offer practical benefits in certain situations:
They use less wall space, leaving more for shelving
They're more energy efficient, with smaller openings
They cost less to purchase and maintain
They require less powerful opener mechanisms
These space-saving options work well in urban environments. They're perfect for townhomes with limited frontage.
Sometimes standard sizes just don't fit your needs. Custom dimensions solve unique challenges.
You might need custom garage door sizes when:
Your home has an irregular opening size
You have specialty vehicles that don't fit standard doors
You're renovating an older structure with non-standard framing
You want to maximize your available space
Architectural design requires unique proportions
Custom doors allow precise fitting to your specific requirements. They create seamless integration with your existing structure.
While technically "custom," some non-standard sizes appear frequently:
Dimension
| Common Application | |
10' × 8' | Larger SUVs or trucks in single bays |
12' × 10' | Tall work vehicles (sprinter vans) |
20' × 8' | Extra-wide double garages |
9' × 10' | Vehicles with roof accessories |
These dimensions often serve specific vehicles or storage needs. They bridge the gap between standard and fully custom options.
Custom sizing affects your budget in several ways:
20-50% higher initial door cost
Possible additional framing expenses
Longer lead times for manufacturing
Higher installation complexity
More expensive replacement parts
Despite these costs, custom doors offer value through perfect fit and functionality. They eliminate compromises required with standard sizes.
Specialty doors might cost more upfront, but they provide exact solutions for unique situations. The investment pays off in convenience and functionality.
Accurate measurements are crucial when ordering a new garage door. Even small errors can lead to costly mistakes. Let's walk through the measurement process step by step.
Grab your tape measure and follow these steps. You'll need to take several different measurements beyond just width and height.
Start with measuring the width of your garage door opening:
Measure from the inside edge of one jamb to the other
Take measurements at both the top and bottom of the opening
Use the wider measurement to ensure proper coverage
Add 1 inch (½ inch on each side) for proper fit
Remember that the door should be slightly wider than the opening. This ensures proper sealing against the elements.
Next, measure the height of your opening:
Measure from the floor to the top of the opening (header)
Take measurements on both sides and in the middle
Use the shortest height measurement for your door
Note any unevenness in the floor or sagging in the header
Height measurements can vary if your concrete floor isn't level. This is perfectly normal in most garages.
Side room refers to the space on each side of your door opening:
Measure from the edge of the opening to the nearest wall
You'll need at least 3¾ inches on each side for most systems
Some track systems require up to 5½ inches per side
This space accommodates the vertical tracks and torsion springs
Without adequate side room, your door can't operate properly. This is a measurement many homeowners overlook.
Headroom is the space between the top of the opening and the ceiling:
Measure from the top of the opening to the ceiling
Standard systems need 10-12 inches of headroom
Add an extra 3 inches if installing a garage door opener
Low-headroom options exist if your space is limited
This space is needed for tracks, springs, and the door itself when it's in the open position.
Backroom is the distance from your door opening to the back wall:
Measure from the garage door opening to the back wall
You need space equal to your door height plus 18 inches
Add more if you're installing an automatic opener
This ensures your door can fully open without hitting anything
The door needs this space to slide up and back when open. Make sure nothing obstructs this path.
Even careful homeowners make these common measuring errors:
Consequence | Mistake | How to Avoid |
Measuring frame instead of opening | Door too small | Measure inside the opening |
Ignoring floor slope | Door won't seal properly | Note slope and adjust accordingly |
Forgetting headroom for opener | Opener won't fit | Add 3 extra inches for opener clearance |
Assuming opening is square | Door alignment problems | Measure at multiple points |
Neglecting side room | Track installation issues | Include track space in planning |
Taking multiple measurements at different points helps identify irregularities. They're more common than you might think.
Some situations call for professional measuring expertise:
Your garage has unusual dimensions or architectural features
You're replacing a custom-sized door
Your opening is significantly out of square
You're unsure about headroom or track requirements
You plan to add windows or design elements to your door
Professional measurements typically cost little or nothing. Many dealers include this service with your purchase.
Proper measurements save you time, money, and frustration. They ensure your new garage door fits perfectly from day one.
When shopping for garage doors, size isn't the only dimension that matters. Thickness plays a crucial role in durability and energy efficiency. Let's explore how thick different garage doors are and what it means for your home.
Garage door thickness varies by material. Each type has its standard measurements and structural properties.
Steel Doors: Most steel garage doors feature panels approximately 1/8 inch thick. They're durable yet relatively lightweight.
Wood Doors: Solid wood doors typically range from 1 to 2 inches thick. These substantial doors offer natural insulation properties.
Aluminum Doors: Aluminum panels are usually thinner, around 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. They require less weight for operation.
Fiberglass Doors: These doors generally have a thickness similar to steel, at approximately 1/8 inch for the outer shell.
The material thickness affects how sturdy your door feels. It also impacts how well it withstands impacts from balls, bikes, or weather.
Beyond panel thickness, insulation adds another dimension to consider. It significantly affects comfort and energy costs.
The most basic garage doors offer no insulation. These include:
Single-layer steel doors (just 1/8" thick)
Non-insulated aluminum doors
Some basic wood doors
They provide security and coverage but little temperature control. You'll feel outdoor temperatures almost immediately inside your garage.
Entry-level insulated doors include:
Steel doors with 1/4" to 1/2" foam backing
Polystyrene-insulated doors (similar to styrofoam)
Doors with partial insulation coverage
These provide moderate temperature regulation. They help maintain garage temperatures about 10-15 degrees closer to comfortable levels.
Premium insulated doors feature:
Two steel panels with 1" to 1.5" of foam between them
Polyurethane foam (expanding foam that fills all spaces)
True thermal breaks between sections
These thick sandwich-style doors offer maximum insulation. They can keep your garage substantially warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
R-value measures insulation effectiveness. Higher numbers mean better insulation. Climate determines what R-value you need.
Climate Type | Recommended R-Value | Insulation Thickness |
Mild (40-70°F) | R-6 to R-9 | 1/4" to 1/2" |
Moderate (20-90°F) | R-10 to R-13 | 1/2" to 1" |
Extreme (below 20°F or above 90°F) | R-14+ | 1" to 1.5"+ |
In southern states, even basic insulation often suffices. Northern homeowners benefit most from thicker, well-insulated doors.
Attached garages need better insulation than detached ones. They directly impact your home's temperature and energy usage.
Thicker, better-insulated doors offer numerous advantages:
Lower energy bills: Insulated doors reduce heat transfer between your garage and home
More comfortable living spaces: Rooms adjacent to the garage stay warmer in winter
Extended equipment life: Better temperature control protects stored items and vehicles
Quieter operation: Thicker doors dampen outside noise
Stronger structure: Sandwich construction creates more rigid, dent-resistant doors
For every $100 you spend heating and cooling your home, up to $20 might be wasted through an uninsulated garage door. Thicker doors help minimize this loss.
The right thickness and insulation level depend on how you use your garage. A workshop or living space conversion demands better insulation than a basic storage area.
Choosing the right garage door size involves more than just measuring your current vehicles. You need to think about several factors that affect functionality and value.
Think about what vehicles you own now and might purchase later. SUVs and trucks require wider and taller doors than compact cars.
Measure your tallest vehicle with any roof accessories attached. Add at least 6 inches of clearance to avoid close calls.
Consider whether your family might add vehicles in coming years. A growing family might need more garage space than you currently use.
Many homeowners use garages for multiple purposes:
Home gym equipment
Workshop space
Storage for seasonal items
Laundry area
Hobby activities
These additional uses might require more space around vehicles. Plan for how you'll actually use the garage, not just what fits.
Local building codes often specify minimum dimensions for garage doors. They ensure safety and accessibility standards.
Homeowners Associations may have aesthetic guidelines that limit:
Maximum door sizes
Door styles
Color options
Material choices
Check these restrictions before ordering. HOA approval might be required for any exterior changes.
Larger doors create bigger openings that affect temperature control. They allow more heat exchange with the outdoors.
If you heat or cool your garage, consider:
Insulation options for your door size
Weather-stripping needs for larger perimeters
Air infiltration through bigger openings
Properly sealed doors of any size work better than poorly installed ones.
Your garage door can occupy up to 30% of your home's visible facade. Its size dramatically affects curb appeal.
Consider how different sizes affect overall balance:
Wider doors create horizontal emphasis
Taller doors enhance vertical lines
Multiple smaller doors may complement traditional architecture
Single large doors often suit contemporary designs
The right size complements your home's proportions rather than overwhelming them.
Larger doors cost more to purchase and install. However, they may offer better resale value in certain markets.
Door Type | Relative Cost | ROI Potential |
Standard sizes | $ | Good |
Slightly oversized | $$ | Very good |
Custom/specialty | $$$ | Varies |
The optimal size balances your immediate needs with long-term value. Sometimes spending more upfront makes financial sense.
Different materials work better for certain garage door sizes. Each has unique properties affecting availability and performance.
Steel doors offer the widest range of standard sizes. They're available in virtually every common dimension.
Advantages for various sizes:
Single doors: Available in 8', 9', and 10' widths
Double doors: Standard 16' and 18' widths readily available
Custom sizes: Can be manufactured to precise specifications
Steel doors maintain their strength even in larger sizes. They resist warping and provide consistent operation.
Wood doors have more size limitations due to their natural properties. They're heavier and more prone to warping.
Typical wood door constraints:
Maximum recommended width: 18' for double doors
Custom sizes available but at premium prices
Heavier weight requires stronger opening mechanisms
May require additional bracing for wider applications
Despite these limitations, wood doors offer unmatched beauty. They work exceptionally well in standard and slightly oversized applications.
Modern aluminum-framed glass doors offer sleek aesthetics. They work well in various sizes with some considerations.
Common size options:
Standard single sizes: 8', 9', 10' widths
Double door applications: Up to 18' wide
Custom dimensions: Available for architectural applications
Height options: 7' and 8' standard, custom heights available
These lightweight doors function well in larger sizes. Their reduced weight puts less strain on opening mechanisms.
Fiberglass doors combine durability with lightweight construction. They're available in most standard sizes.
Size considerations for fiberglass:
Standard widths: 8' to 16'
Height options: Typically 7' or 8'
Custom sizing: More limited than steel
Panel limitations: Larger panels may flex more than other materials
These doors resist corrosion, making them ideal for coastal areas regardless of size.
Door material significantly affects weight. Heavier doors require stronger openers and hardware.
Material | Weight (16'×7' door) | Opener Requirement |
Steel | 150-250 lbs | 1/2 HP |
Wood | 250-500 lbs | 3/4 HP or higher |
Aluminum/Glass | 150-200 lbs | 1/2 HP |
Fiberglass | 150-225 lbs | 1/2 HP |
Larger doors of any material need more powerful openers. They should be paired with commercial-grade hardware for reliability.
Installing garage doors properly becomes more critical as size increases. Let's look at what impacts successful installation.
Wider garage doors need more substantial structural support. The header above the door carries significant weight.
Requirements increase with door width:
Single doors (up to 10'): Standard 2×10 or 2×12 headers usually sufficient
Double doors (up to 18'): Engineered lumber or doubled headers recommended
Extra-wide doors (over 18'): Steel headers or engineered beams often necessary
Inadequate support can lead to sagging and door operation problems. Don't cut corners on structural elements.
Different door sizes require specific track configurations. The tracks guide your door during operation.
Track considerations include:
Track thickness: Heavier doors need thicker gauge steel tracks
Radius options: Larger doors typically need larger radius curves
Reinforcement: Wider doors may need additional bracing
Mounting points: More attachment points for larger installations
Professional installers select appropriate track systems based on door dimensions and weight.
Garage door springs counterbalance the door's weight. Proper sizing is crucial for safety and longevity.
Factors affecting spring selection:
Door weight (determined by size and material)
Lifting height
Cycle life requirements
Available headroom
Larger doors require stronger springs or multiple spring systems. This is never a DIY calculation—trust professionals to get it right.
Opener horsepower needs increase with door size and weight. Undersized openers fail prematurely.
Door Size | Recommended Opener |
Standard single | 1/2 HP |
Larger single/small double | 3/4 HP |
Standard double | 3/4 HP to 1 HP |
Oversized/heavy | 1+ HP or commercial grade |
For larger doors, consider jackshaft openers instead of traditional chain drives. They save headroom and operate more efficiently.
As door size increases, so does installation complexity. Consider your skill level carefully.
DIY-friendly installations:
Standard single doors in existing openings
Basic replacement projects with no structural changes
Simple door styles without complex features
Professional installation recommended for:
All double and oversized doors
Any door requiring structural modifications
Custom sizes requiring precise measurements
High-end door materials requiring special handling
Larger doors bring greater safety risks if improperly installed. The investment in professional installation usually pays off.
Want a bigger garage door? It's possible, but requires careful planning. Here's what you need to know.
Expanding your garage door opening is feasible in many situations. The complexity depends on several factors.
Generally possible when:
There's adequate space on either side of current opening
The wall isn't load-bearing for second stories
Foundation allows for modification
Roof structure permits header changes
Most ranch-style homes can accommodate wider doors. Two-story homes with bedrooms above the garage present more challenges.
The header above your door supports significant weight. Widening the opening requires modifying this crucial structural element.
Common header modifications include:
Installing longer, stronger headers
Adding support columns or jack studs
Reinforcing adjacent framing
Temporary support during construction
A structural engineer should evaluate your specific situation. Their assessment ensures safety and building code compliance.
Expanding your garage door opening costs significantly more than a simple replacement. Multiple trades may be involved.
Typical expenses include:
Structural engineering consultation: $300-$500
Header and framing modifications: $1,500-$3,000
Electrical relocations: $200-$500
Drywall, siding, and finish work: $500-$1,500
New door and opener: $1,000-$3,000+
These costs vary widely by location and project complexity. Get multiple detailed estimates before proceeding.
Most municipalities require permits for structural modifications. These ensure work meets safety standards.
Common permit requirements:
Detailed plans showing existing and proposed openings
Structural calculations for new header
Electrical modifications documentation
Final inspection of completed work
Working without required permits can lead to fines and complications when selling your home. Don't skip this important step.
Increasing your garage door size isn't a weekend project. Plan for an extended timeline.
Typical project phases:
Planning and permitting: 2-4 weeks
Structural modifications: 2-5 days
Electrical and utility adjustments: 1-2 days
Door installation: 1 day
Finishing work (drywall, painting, trim): 3-7 days
Weather and contractor availability affect this timeline. Plan for at least one month from start to finish.
DERCHI offers diverse garage door options to fit various applications. Their product line includes standard and custom solutions.
DERCHI manufactures several garage door types for residential and commercial use. They provide options for most common applications.
Their main product categories include:
Sectional garage doors
Aluminum garage doors
High-speed doors
Industrial doors
Each category features multiple models with various size options. They offer both standard and custom dimensions for most applications.
DERCHI's sectional doors come in various styles including steel, stainless steel, and European designs.
Standard size options include:
Single door widths: 8', 9', and 10'
Double door widths: 16' and 18'
Heights: 7' and 8' standard
They offer custom sizing for unique openings. The doors feature safety enhancements like anti-pinch design and reinforced panel connections.
DERCHI's aluminum doors feature high-density aluminum profiles with powder-coated finishes. They come in various colors.
Available dimensions include:
Standard widths from 8' to 20'
Heights from 7' to 10'
Custom sizes for special applications
These doors can include vision windows for enhanced lighting. Side-sliding options save overhead space in applications with limited headroom.
For commercial applications, DERCHI offers larger door options:
Industrial doors:
Widths up to 30'
Heights up to 24'
Fire-rated options available
Vertical lift configurations
High-speed doors:
Designed for frequent use environments
Fast operation for climate control
Available in multiple colors
Special sizes for loading docks and warehouse entrances
These doors prioritize durability and operational efficiency. They're ideal for manufacturing and logistics facilities.
DERCHI can customize doors for unique applications. Their manufacturing process accommodates special requirements.
Customization options include:
Non-standard dimensions for unusual openings
Special panel configurations
Window placement variations
Color matching to architectural specifications
Hardware upgrades for high-use situations
Their design team works with architects and builders to develop solutions for challenging installations. Lead times for custom doors typically run 4-6 weeks.
Choosing the right garage door size depends on your specific needs. Consider both current and future vehicle dimensions.
Standard single doors typically range from 8' to 10' wide. Double doors are commonly 16' to 18' wide.
Measure your opening carefully before ordering. Don't forget to account for headroom and side clearance.
Professional installation is recommended for larger doors. Your perfect size balances functionality, aesthetics, and budget constraints.
The most common size for single-car garage doors is 9' x 7'. This dimension works well for most standard vehicles.
In older homes, you might find 8' x 7' doors. Newer construction often features the slightly wider 9' opening.
Larger SUVs and trucks might benefit from a 10' x 7' door. This gives extra space for mirrors and movement.
Sedans typically fit comfortably through 8' or 9' wide doors. They're narrower and shorter than most SUVs.
SUVs, trucks, and vans generally need at least a 9' wide door. A 10' width provides even more comfortable clearance.
Consider not just vehicle width but also side mirrors. They add 1-2 feet to your total width needs.
You need at least 3¾ inches of space on both sides of the door. This accommodates the vertical tracks.
Headroom requirements typically range from 10-12 inches. Add another 3 inches if you're installing an opener.
For backroom (depth), plan for your door height plus 18 inches. This allows the door to fully open.
Many older homes have non-standard garage openings. They were built before vehicle sizes standardized.
You might need custom-sized doors to fit these unique openings. Alternatively, you could modify the opening.
A professional can assess if standard sizes will work. Sometimes minor adjustments can accommodate standard doors.
Custom garage doors typically cost 20-50% more than standard sizes. The exact premium varies by manufacturer.
Additional expenses include special ordering, longer lead times, and potentially more complex installation.
The price difference becomes less significant for high-end door models. Their baseline cost is already higher.
Properly sized garage doors positively impact resale value. They enhance curb appeal and functionality.
Undersized doors can deter buyers with larger vehicles. This limits your potential buyer pool.
According to industry reports, garage door replacement offers a 93.8% return on investment. Size is a factor in this value.
Standard steel garage door panels measure about 1/8 inch thick. This applies to non-insulated models.
Insulated doors increase in thickness based on insulation type:
Basic insulation: ¼" to ½" foam backing
Premium insulation: 1" to 1.5" sandwiched foam
Thickness affects durability, insulation value, and noise reduction. Thicker doors generally perform better.
Standard garage doors require 10-12 inches of headroom. This space accommodates tracks and hardware.
Low-headroom track systems need less space. They can work with as little as 6-9 inches.
If you're installing an opener, add an additional 3 inches. Different opener types have varying space requirements.
Enlarging a garage door opening usually requires significant structural work. The header must be replaced with a longer, stronger one.
This involves temporary wall support, framing changes, and potentially foundation modifications. It's not a simple DIY project.
The cost and complexity increase dramatically compared to standard replacements. Most expansions require building permits.
The standard minimum for a two-car garage door is 16' wide by 7' tall. This accommodates two average vehicles.
For more comfortable access, consider an 18' wide door. It provides additional space between vehicles.
The absolute minimum functional width is 14', but this would be very tight. Most homeowners find it impractical.
These common questions highlight important considerations for your garage door project. Taking time to understand size requirements pays off in long-term satisfaction.
