Learn how to find the best garage door width in Buffalo Grove, IL, to accommodate your vehicles, from compact cars to trucks.
Choosing the correct width for your garage door is crucial to ensuring functionality, accommodating your vehicles, and achieving aesthetic balance for your home’s exterior. With various standard widths and customization options, there’s a garage door width suited to every need, whether a single-car garage, double-car garage, or even a specialized space for larger vehicles like RVs or trucks.
This guide explores everything you need about garage door width, from standard sizes to customization options. You’ll learn how to measure your garage space correctly, determine the ideal width for different vehicle types, and select a garage door style that complements your home’s appearance and functional requirements.
Standard Garage Door Sizes
Garage doors come in various standard sizes, each designed to meet specific vehicle and storage needs. Understanding these sizes can help determine which one will work best for your garage.
- Single-Car Garage Doors: The most common width for single-car garage doors is 8 feet (96 inches). However, 9-foot-wide doors are also widely available, offering additional space for larger cars or SUVs.
- Double-Car Garage Doors: Double-car garages typically use doors that are 16 feet wide (192 inches), although 14-foot widths are also an option for more compact spaces. These doors can accommodate two vehicles side by side and are commonly found in residential homes.
- Oversized Doors for Larger Vehicles: Garages that need to house larger vehicles like RVs, boats, or lifted trucks may need doors 18 feet or more wide. These doors offer ample space for specialized storage needs and are custom-made in most cases.
Choosing a standard width simplifies the process of selecting a door and often reduces costs. However, custom widths may be necessary for unique spaces or specific vehicle types, which we’ll explore later.
How to Select the Ideal Garage Door Width
Selecting the correct width for your garage door involves considering your vehicle’s size, how you use the garage, and future needs.
- Vehicle Size and Type: Measure your vehicle’s width, including side mirrors, and leave an additional 1 to 2 feet on each side for comfortable access. This space allows you to park without the risk of damaging the door or vehicle when entering and exiting.
- Garage Usage: If you use the garage as a workshop, storage area, or home gym, consider additional width to accommodate these functions without crowding the car space. The extra width will provide ease of movement and organization.
- Future Considerations: Homeowners often upgrade vehicles over time. If you plan to buy a larger vehicle, like a truck or SUV, or install racks or accessories, considering garage door repair or opting for a slightly wider door to future-proof your space is wise.
Considering these factors can help you choose a garage door width that will provide comfort, functionality, and flexibility for years to come.
How to Measure Your Garage for the Perfect Fit
Accurate measurements are essential to ensure your new garage door fits seamlessly. Follow these steps to measure the width of your garage door opening properly:
- Measure the Width: Using a measuring tape, measure from one side of the opening to the other at the widest part of the frame. This measurement is the starting point for choosing the door width.
- Measure the Height: Measure from the top of the opening to the floor. Standard garage door heights range from 7 to 8 feet, but taller options are available for larger vehicles.
- Consider Side Room: Side room refers to the space between the door opening and the walls on each side. At least 3.5 inches is recommended for single-car doors and 5.5 inches for double-car doors to allow enough space for the door tracks and hardware.
- Headroom and Ceiling Height: Measure the distance from the top of the door opening to the ceiling. This measurement is especially important if you’re considering a taller or custom door requiring more headroom for the tracks.
- Backroom Space: The backroom, or space behind the door when it’s fully open, should equal the height of the door plus additional space for the door opener.
Taking these measurements helps you select the right garage door width, ensuring the door fits perfectly and operates smoothly.
How Different Garage Door Styles Affect Width
Garage door styles impact not only the aesthetic appeal but also the functional width and accessibility of the door. Each style has unique features that may influence your choice of width.
- Sectional Doors: The most popular style for residential homes, sectional doors consist of horizontal panels that roll up along the ceiling. These doors work well in various widths and are versatile for single and double-car garages.
- Roll-Up Doors: Often used in commercial settings, roll-up doors coil above the door opening, making them ideal for taller or wider garages. This style is particularly suited for garages with limited ceiling space or oversized garages with large widths.
- Tilt-Up Doors: Tilt-up garage doors are one solid piece that tilts outward and then moves upward. Due to their design, they may require more clearance in front of the garage, which can affect the functional width if space is limited.
- Sliding Doors: Sliding or barn-style doors open horizontally along the exterior wall. These doors work well for broader garage openings and create a rustic or traditional look. However, they require additional wall space on each side, affecting placement options.
Choosing a garage door style that complements your home and fits your garage’s space limitations can enhance appearance and usability.
Garage Door Width for Single-Car Garages
Single-car garages are popular for smaller homes or residences with limited garage space. The standard width for a single-car garage door is 8 to 9 feet, providing adequate room for most vehicles while allowing comfortable access.
- 8-Foot Width: This size accommodates most compact cars and sedans. It’s a common choice for standard single-car garages, offering just enough room to park and access the vehicle.
- 9-Foot Width: For those with larger vehicles, such as SUVs or mid-sized trucks, a 9-foot width provides extra space and reduces the risk of accidental damage when parking or opening doors.
Opting for a slightly wider door can increase convenience without requiring significant alterations, especially if you have a larger vehicle or need additional storage.
Garage Door Width for Double-Car Garages
Double-car garages provide more storage and parking options, with standard widths that accommodate two side-by-side vehicles.
- 14-Foot Width: This width is suitable for more compact parking needs. It can accommodate two smaller vehicles but may feel cramped with larger models.
- 16-Foot Width: The most popular choice for double-car garages, a 16-foot width offers ample space for two vehicles of average size. It also provides enough room for additional storage along the edges without crowding the parking area.
For households with two vehicles, choosing a double-door width that provides easy access and room to maneuver can enhance the garage’s functionality.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Width for Large Vehicles
For owners of larger vehicles like trucks, RVs, or vans, a standard garage door width may not suffice. Here’s how to determine the right width for these specific needs:
- Trucks and SUVs: For trucks with additional accessories or large SUVs, opt for a door at least 9 feet wide to allow for clearance. An 18-foot double door may also be appropriate for larger garages.
- Recreational Vehicles (RVs): RVs require extra width and height. Custom doors ranging from 10 to 12 feet in width and 12 to 14 feet in height are common for RV storage.
- Boats and Trailers: Measure the widest part for boat and trailer storage, including any trailers or additional features. A door width of at least 10 feet is recommended, with custom sizes available based on your storage needs.
Selecting a door with the appropriate width ensures that your larger vehicles are accommodated safely without risking damage to the door or vehicle.
How to Customize Your Garage Door Width
Sometimes, a standard door width won’t work for your specific needs. Custom garage doors offer flexibility in width, height, and design, allowing you to achieve a perfect fit.
- Consult a Garage Door Specialist: A specialist can assess your garage dimensions, vehicle sizes, and usage to recommend an ideal custom door width.
- Consider Unique Design Elements: Custom doors allow you to integrate specific design elements, such as multiple smaller doors for unique layouts or custom paneling to match the home’s architecture.
- Materials and Insulation Options: Custom doors often offer a wider range of material choices, including wood, steel, and composite. Insulation can be added to enhance energy efficiency based on your climate needs.
Customizing your garage door width offers the benefit of a precise fit that meets both aesthetic and practical requirements, especially for non-standard garage sizes or specific vehicle storage needs.
FAQs on Garage Door Width
Do garage doors come in 12 wide?
Yes, garage doors do come in a 12-foot width, though it is less common than standard sizes. This width is typically used for garages needing extra clearance or accommodating larger vehicles or equipment.
What is the width of a standard garage?
The width of a standard single garage door is 8 to 9 feet, while a double garage door is typically 16 feet. These widths offer ample space for vehicles and are the most common configurations in residential garages.
What is the size of a garage door in meters?
Standard single garage doors are about 2.4 to 2.7 meters wide, while double doors are approximately 4.9 meters wide. This translates to the typical 8 to 9-foot and 16-foot options in the U.S., fitting most vehicle sizes.
What is the recommended size for a garage?
A one-car garage should be 10 to 12 feet wide and at least 7 feet high. A double door around 16 feet wide provides sufficient access and space for two cars.
How to measure garage door size?
To measure your garage door size, measure the width and height of the opening from edge to edge. Record these measurements to ensure you choose the correct size, and also measure the side room and headroom for any installation requirements.
Summing It All Up
Choosing the right garage door width is essential for ensuring functionality, safety, and aesthetic harmony with your home. From standard widths to custom options, there’s a garage door size to fit every need. By considering vehicle size, usage, and future plans, you can select a width that accommodates your lifestyle and enhances your garage’s usability.
Whether you’re installing a new garage door or replacing an existing one, accurate measurements and understanding of your unique requirements will help you make an informed choice. With the right garage door width, you’ll enjoy convenient access, added storage flexibility, and an improved look for your home.
End Note
Choosing the right garage door width is essential for practicality and aesthetic appeal. At MF Solutions, Inc., we’re committed to helping you make informed decisions that enhance your home’s functionality and style. Our team offers a range of garage door widths, from standard options to custom sizes that fit your unique needs. With years of experience, we provide installations and replacements tailored to improve access and security while maintaining a seamless look with your home’s design.
Our comprehensive services include garage door repair, panel and cable repair, and emergency services throughout Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re seeking a new door or routine maintenance, we’re ready to assist. Visit our home page to learn more, discover who we are on our about us page, or check out our gallery to see our quality work. Contact us for personalized advice, and visit our blog for valuable garage door insights.
