The Complete Guide To Standard Garage Door Sizes For Homeowners

If you’re building a garage or replacing an old door, size matters, not just for looks, but for functionality, storage, and even property value. In fact, replacing a garage door offers one of the best returns on investment in the home improvement space. According to Remodeling Magazine, the average ROI on a garage door replacement is an impressive 102.7%. Understanding different garage door sizes can help you make an informed decision.

But garage doors aren’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re trying to fit a compact car or a 40-foot RV, you’ve got options and measurements to get right. This expert guide from OGD® will walk you through everything you need to know: sizing standards, measuring tips, insulation, materials, garage door types, and more.

Let’s get started.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Garage Door

Before diving into dimensions, it’s important to assess your situation:

1. Is this a replacement or new construction?

• Replacement: You’ll need precise measurements of your existing garage door and track system.
• New build: You have more flexibility with design, clearance, and materials.

2. What vehicles are you parking?

If you drive a full-size truck or SUV, a standard 8′ x 7′ door might not cut it. Plan for clearance – not just width, but height and depth.

3. What’s your climate like?

Insulated garage doors are ideal for extreme climates or attached garages. In milder zones or for detached garages, you might not need the extra protection.

4. How does it complement your home?

Your garage door can account for up to 30% of your home’s facade. A sleek, modern door can elevate curb appeal, while a poorly sized or dated one can drag it down.

Quick Reference: Common Garage Door Sizes

When choosing a garage door, it’s crucial to consider the various garage door sizes available to ensure a proper fit for your vehicle and garage space.

Here’s a quick breakdown of standard garage door sizes by use:

Garage Type	Common Size (W x H)	Ideal For
Single Car	8′ x 7′ to 10′ x 7′	Sedans, crossovers, small SUVs
One Large Vehicle	9′ x 7′ or 10′ x 7′	Trucks, full-size SUVs
Two Car Garage	16′ x 7′ to 18′ x 7′	Two vehicles side-by-side
RV Garage	12′-14′ wide x 12′-16′ high	Campers, trailers, Class A RVs
Shed/Mower Storage	4′ to 6′ wide x 6′-7′ high	Lawn equipment, bikes, ATVs

These are only guidelines. You can customize widths, heights, and even thicknesses depending on your needs.

How to Measure Your Garage Door Correctly

There is a lot more to garage door measurements than the height and width of the door. Your measurements must also consider the tracks, garage door opener, and weatherstripping both while the garage is open and closed.

Furthermore, the size of the garage door opening should have an aesthetically pleasing amount of space between the edge of the door and the edge of the garage. Not too much, but not too little.

Step 1: Measure the Rough Opening

Use a tape measure to determine the height and width of the framed garage door opening, not the existing door itself. This gives you the base dimensions.

Step 2: Side Room

Measure the space on each side of the opening. Most systems require at least 3¾″ to 5½″ on each side to install vertical tracks.

Step 3: Headroom

This is the space from the top of the opening to the ceiling. Standard lift systems need 10″–12″. Add 3 more inches if you’re installing an opener.

Step 4: Backroom

Measure from the garage door opening to the back wall. Minimum backroom should be door height + 18″ to accommodate the tracks.

Final Step: Talk to a Pro

Once you have measurements, consult with an OGD™ professional and we’ll help ensure you have the right specs for your situation and save you time and stress.

What Are the Most Common Garage Door Sizes?

While some garage door sizes are used more often than others, there is no real “standard” garage door size. Garage door use ranges from storage of a riding lawnmower to a luxury class RV.

There are size ranges you can refer to depending on your vehicle storage needs. Keep reading for the most common garage door dimensions based on garage type.

Single Car Garage Doors (8′ x 7′ to 10′ x 7′)

Perfect for most residential setups, a standard single door is 8 feet wide and 7 feet tall. If you want more wiggle room, especially with a wide SUV or opening your car doors, consider upgrading to 9′ or 10′ wide.

Double Car Garage Doors (16′ x 7′ to 20′ x 8′)

These doors fit two vehicles side-by-side and are typically 16′ wide. If you’re parking two full-size vehicles or need storage space along the sides, go for 18′ or even 20′ widths.

RV Garage Doors (12′-14′ wide x 12′-16′ high)

RVs, trailers, and tall vans need taller doors, and don’t forget to factor in roof-mounted gear like air conditioners and satellite domes.

Custom Garage Doors

Need something special? From mini garage doors for lawn equipment to extra-wide three-car setups, OGD® can design a custom solution. Common requests include:

• 10′ x 8′ doors for lifted trucks
• 14′ x 14′ doors for buses or agricultural equipment
• 36′-40′ wide doors for oversized garages

One Double Door or Two Single Doors?

If you’re building or upgrading a two-car garage, you’ve got two options:

One Double Door

Pros:

• Easier for large vehicles
• Requires only one opener
• Simpler aesthetics

Cons:

• If it breaks, you lose access to both bays
• Less energy efficient due to wide opening

Two Single Doors

Pros:

• If one door malfunctions, the other still works
• Keeps more conditioned air inside
• Offers symmetry for certain home styles

Cons:

• Requires two openers (slightly more cost)
• Not ideal for extra-wide vehicles

There’s no right answer – it depends on your budget, garage layout, and preferences.

Garage Door Thickness and Insulation

Garage doors come in different thickness levels, usually tied to insulation quality:

Type	Thickness	Best For
Non-Insulated Steel	~1/8″	Budget-conscious, detached garages
Insulated with/ Foam Core	¼″-½″	Basic insulation, quieter operation
High-Performance Insulated	1″-1.5″	Temperature-sensitive areas

Do You Need an Insulated Garage Door?

If your garage is attached to your home or you use it as a workshop, gym, or laundry room, yes, insulation makes a big difference in temperature control and energy costs.

Garage Door Types: Know Your Options

Garage doors come in multiple styles. Each has unique benefits depending on space, budget, and aesthetics.

Sectional Doors

The most popular type. Made of panel sections that move vertically on tracks. Compact, reliable, and versatile in size and design.

Roll-Up (Roller) Doors

Common in commercial settings but gaining traction for RV garages. Compact and ideal for tight spaces, rolls into a small coil above the opening.

Side-Hinged Doors

Old-school style, opening like traditional carriage doors. Great for vintage homes or sheds.

Up-and-Over Doors

Simple one-piece design that tilts up and slides along the ceiling. Easy to install but requires more front clearance.

What Are the Most Common Garage Door Materials?

Choosing the right garage door material can be as important as choosing the right garage door size. They can also influence each other. Learn about the four common types of garage door materials so you can determine the best for you based on your garage size, climate, and budget.

Steel

Steel garage doors are a popular choice thanks to their durability, versatility in design, affordability, and suitability for all climates. They come in various sizes, styles, and colors, and are easier to maintain than wood, though more prone to rust and dents. While steel itself isn’t naturally insulating, you can opt for insulated versions at an added cost, making them a flexible option for both aesthetic and functional needs.

Wood

Wood garage doors offer timeless elegance and eco-friendliness thanks to their renewable material, with various wood types and custom carriage house designs available. However, they tend to be more expensive than other options and require regular maintenance to avoid issues like fading, rotting, warping, or chipping, especially in extreme climates, making them better suited for mild weather conditions.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass garage doors are a low-maintenance, cost-effective alternative to wood, offering a similar appearance without the risk of warping or rotting – especially ideal for homeowners in humid climates. While they’re not as commonly used, they can be a smart choice depending on your needs. However, they’re not suitable for windy coastal areas, as high winds can cause damage, and since fiberglass can’t be repaired, a damaged door would need full replacement.

Aluminum & Glass

Full view garage doors, made of aluminum and glass, offer a sleek, modern look that suits contemporary homes and come in a moderate-to-high price range. They’re customizable with a wide selection of glass coating colors and work well in most climates, though extreme heat can affect performance. While aluminum is lighter than steel, making the doors less resistant to strong winds and hail, they still provide visual appeal and require a specialist for repairs.

Garage Door Material Comparison Overview

Material	Pros	Cons
Steel	Strong, affordable, low maintenance	Dents easily, not a natural insulator
Wood	Warm, elegant, and customizable	Expensive, requires upkeep
Fiberglass	Lightweight, won’t warp or rot	Brittle in storms, not repairable
Aluminum & Glass	Sleek, modern look with natural light	Costly, less durable in extreme heat

Not sure what’s best for your area or budget? Contact OGD® and we’ll walk you through every option.

Creative Garage Door Uses Indoors

Garage doors aren’t just for garages anymore.

Aluminum and glass doors are now being used inside homes as interior overhead doors and more, including:

• Retractable patio walls
• Room dividers
• Studio partitions
• Breakfast nook enclosures

These sleek, light-filled doors blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, and they look amazing doing it.

Choosing the Right Garage Door for Your Home

There’s no universal “standard” garage door. Your ideal fit depends on how you use your garage, what you’re parking, where you live, and the look you’re going for.

At OGD®, we offer a massive selection of garage door styles, sizes, and materials, and we custom-build solutions that match your needs exactly.

Whether you’re upgrading for curb appeal, convenience, or capacity, we’re here to help you get it right. Contact OGD® today for expert measuring, custom orders, and professional installation.

📞 CALL (844) 964-0600