When choosing a garage door size, it’s important to consider your current needs and future plans. For example, if you’re planning on upgrading to a larger vehicle in the near future, make sure that your chosen garage door will accommodate the new vehicle.
For a single car garage, the ideal garage door height is 7 feet tall. This will accommodate most vehicles, but isn’t the best option for trucks or cars with roof racks.
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Determine the Size of Your Garage
Whether you’re building your dream garage or looking for a replacement garage door, proper sizing is essential. This involves more than just side-to-side and top-to-bottom measurements. You also need to measure the headroom (the space between the garage door opening and the ceiling) as well as the distance between the door sides and garage walls.
As a general rule, the rough opening for a two-car garage is about 16 feet wide and 7 feet high. The exact measurement depends on how you’ll use your garage.
To determine the perfect garage size for you, make a list of all the items you want to store in it. This includes vehicles, lawnmowers, tools, sports equipment, refrigerators and workbenches. Then figure out how much walking space you need to maneuver around them all when the garage doors are open. A minimum of four feet is recommended. Also consider any plans you have for the future that could necessitate a different sized garage.
Measure Your Garage Opening
To determine which garage door size is right for your home, you first need to measure the width and height of your garage’s opening. For this step, it is recommended to use a 25-foot tape measure so you can get accurate measurements without having to stop, make marks and continue again.
Start by measuring the width of your garage’s rough opening from side to side near the floor. This is a critical measurement because it will help you ensure that your garage door can fit properly when it’s installed.
Next, measure the height of your garage’s rough opening from the top to the bottom to find out how much headroom is available for an electric door opener installation if you need one. Keep in mind that some door styles require more headroom than others. It’s also a good idea to stand on a ladder while measuring to eliminate errors caused by gravity pulling the tape measure down to the ground.
Consider Your Storage Needs
A garage door has a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal, but it also contributes to the functionality of your space. For example, a well-fitting garage door minimizes heat transfer, boosting energy efficiency and climate control.
The size of your vehicle will also influence garage door options. Ideally, your largest vehicle should fit comfortably in the garage and have enough room to open your door without having to remove any accessories such as side mirrors or roof racks.
If you plan to park multiple vehicles in your garage or use it for storage purposes, you may need a larger door to accommodate them. For instance, a standard two-car garage door is typically 8 feet wide and 7 feet tall. However, custom sizes are available for those who need to park extra-large trucks or SUVs, or those with vehicles equipped with rooftop cargo holders or lift kits.
Think About Your Future Needs
Considering the vehicles you’ll be parking in your garage and the types of equipment you intend to store in it is important when choosing a garage door size. Standard garage doors come in three basic sizes: single, double, and RV. Single garage doors are cost-effective, ideal for compact spaces, and limit heat loss. Double garage doors accommodate two cars and offer more flexibility, while RV doors ensure enough headroom for campers, boats, trailers, and more.
Additionally, consider the aesthetics of your home and how a garage door will complement the overall architecture. Adding a garage door that doesn’t align with the current design of your home may look disproportionate or awkward. This is why it’s always a good idea to involve a professional from the start of the planning process. They’ll be able to provide expert advice and produce drawings with different garage door options that you can share with your builders. They’ll also help you choose a door that meets local building and fire codes.