How Wide Are Garage Doors

Let me guess—you’re staring at your garage right now, wondering if that new SUV you’ve been eyeing will actually fit through the door. Or maybe you’re knee-deep in a DIY renovation and suddenly realized, “Wait, how wide should a garage door even BE?” Been there, my friend. I once spent an entire weekend helping my brother-in-law install a “standard” 8-foot door, only to discover his beloved fishing boat trailer needed at least 10 feet of clearance. Cue the frustrated sighing and a very awkward family BBQ.

Garage doors might seem like straightforward slabs of metal or wood, but their width is a big deal (pun intended). Get it wrong, and you’re either stuck with a door that’s comically oversized or one that turns parking into a game of Operation. Let’s break it down—no jargon, no fluff, just real talk about how wide garage doors should be, why it matters, and how to avoid becoming the main character in a DIY horror story.

The Basics: What’s “Standard” Anyway?

First things first: garage doors aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re more like jeans—you’ve got your “standard” sizes, but sometimes you need to go custom to avoid a bad fit. Let’s start with the usual suspects.

Single-Car Garage Doors: The Solo Act

Most single-car garage doors range between 8 to 10 feet wide. This works great for compact sedans, hatchbacks, or that dusty treadmill you swear you’ll use someday. But here’s the kicker: modern cars are wider than they used to be. A 2023 Honda CR-V, for example, is roughly 6.5 feet wide. Add in side mirrors and your margarita-induced parking skills, and suddenly that 8-foot door feels very cozy.

Pro Tip: If you’re parking a mid-size SUV or truck, aim for a 9-foot door. It’s the Goldilocks zone—enough space to avoid scraping your mirrors without turning your garage into a aircraft hangar.

Double-Car Garage Doors: Twice the Fun (or Headaches)

Double doors typically span 16 to 18 feet wide, designed to fit two average-sized cars side by side. But here’s where things get sneaky: not all double garages are created equal. Some older homes have two separate 8-foot doors instead of one wide opening. That might look charming, but try backing out of a 16-foot space with two doors in your way. It’s like playing real-life Frogger.

FYI: A single 16-foot door is way more practical for most families. You can park two cars easily, and it’s a lifesaver when hauling bulky items like furniture or kayaks.

When “Standard” Just Won’t Cut It

Okay, let’s talk exceptions. Because life isn’t always simple, and neither are garage doors.

RV and Oversized Vehicle Doors: Go Big or Go Home

If you’re storing an RV, boat, or a pickup truck that’s seen more off-road action than pavement, you’ll need a door that’s 12 to 14 feet wide. These beasts require serious clearance—not just for width, but height too (but that’s a rant for another day).

Personal Anecdote Time: My neighbor learned this the hard way when he tried squeezing his 12-foot-wide camper into a 10-foot opening. Let’s just say the resulting scratch marks became a permanent “feature” on both the camper and the door.

Custom Widths: Because Sometimes You Are Special

Non-standard sizes exist, but they come with caveats. Custom doors can range from 6 feet (for compact urban garages) to 20 feet or more (for commercial spaces). The downside? They cost about 20-30% more than standard sizes and may require longer lead times.

The Nitty-Gritty: Technical Details You Can’t Ignore

Alright, let’s geek out for a sec. Garage door width isn’t just about the opening—it’s about the entire system. Here’s what most people overlook:

1. Track Systems and Side Room

The tracks on either side of your door need 3-6 inches of clearance per side. So if your door is 16 feet wide, the total space required is closer to 17 feet. Forget this, and your door might not open smoothly (or at all).

2. Material Matters

• Steel doors: Thinner frames mean slightly more clearance.
• Wood doors: Beautiful but bulky—they eat up more side room.
• Aluminum/Glass: Sleek and modern, but often require reinforced tracks.

3. Insulation and Thickness

Insulated doors are thicker (usually 2-3 inches), which affects how much interior space they occupy when open. This won’t change the width, but it’s critical for headroom (more on that later).

4. Headroom Requirements

While we’re focusing on width, let’s not ignore height. Most doors need 12-15 inches of headroom above the opening for tracks and hardware. Low headroom? You’ll need a special track system, which can limit door size options.

How to Measure Your Garage Door (Without Botching It)

Before you grab that tape measure, a word of caution: measure twice, order once. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Width: Measure the distance between the inner edges of the door frame.
2. Height: Measure from the floor to the bottom of the header (the horizontal beam above the door).
3. Side Room: Note the space between the frame and any walls or obstacles.
4. Headroom: Check the space above the door frame to the ceiling.

Pro Tip: Subtract ½ inch from your width and height measurements to account for clearance. Trust me, you don’t want a door that fits too perfectly.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Let’s save you some pain with lessons learned from my own facepalm moments:

• Assuming “Double Door” Means 16 Feet: Some builders use two 9-foot doors instead of one 16-footer. Always check the total width.
• Ignoring Future Needs: Buying a door that barely fits your current car? Bad idea. Future-you might own a wider vehicle or need storage space.
• Forgetting About Landscaping: That gorgeous shrub next to your garage? It’ll love getting sideswiped by your car door. Leave at least 18 inches of clearance on both sides.

The Cost Factor: Width vs. Wallet

Wider doors cost more—no way around it. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Why the jump in price? Wider doors need heavier-duty springs, thicker materials, and sometimes reinforced tracks. Skimp here, and you’ll pay for it in repairs (or a door that crumples like a soda can).

Final Thoughts: Size Smart, Not Just Big

At the end of the day, garage door width is all about balancing practicality with your lifestyle. Sure, a 20-foot door sounds epic, but do you really need that much space? Or are you just compensating for something? (Kidding… mostly).

If you take away one thing from this, let it be this: measure everything, plan for the future, and when in doubt, go a foot wider. Your future self—and your car’s paint job—will thank you.

Now, go forth and conquer that garage project. And if you end up with a door so wide you could park a spaceship in there, send pics. I’ll bring the popcorn.