Garage Door Sizes: How to Choose the Right One?
Looking for the right garage door isn’t just about the look or the material; it’s about finding something that fits your home like a glove, matches your daily needs, and squeezes into the space you have without a fuss. With the sheer amount of choices out there, trying to wrap your head around the idea of garage door sizes—from those you see on every house on the block to ones that have to be specially made—can feel a bit daunting. But, trust me, nailing this part is crucial.
It means your garage door will look smashing work smoothly and meet all your expectations. We’ve whipped up this guide to make the whole concept of garage door sizes as clear as day, covering the standard measurements and how to figure out if you might need a custom job. Whether you’re piecing together your dream house, sprucing up your garage, or just in the market for a new door, I’m here to guide you through the essentials so you can land the perfect-sized garage door for your pad. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of garage door sizes, share some pro tips, and help you make a choice you’ll be happy with.
Choosing the perfect garage door for your home is all about getting the size right. When your garage door fits like it was made for it, not only does it boost your home’s street appeal, but it also guarantees the door operates smoothly and keeps your home secure. In this guide, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about garage door sizes. From the standard sizes, most homes will use to the custom options for those unique spaces, we’re here to help you pick the one that’s just right for your home.
Understanding Standard Garage Door Sizes
Standard garage door sizes are determined by standard garage door dimensions and the types of vehicles that must be accommodated. Here are the most standard garage door dimensions:
- Single Garage Door Sizes: Standard single garage doors are usually between 8 and 10 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall, making them a perfect fit for a single car, SUV, or pickup truck. These dimensions are pretty much spot-on for the majority of standard vehicles, providing ample space both in terms of width and height.
- Double Garage Door Sizes: For households with bigger garages designed to fit two cars, the standard double garage doors come in at 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall. This size ensures there’s enough space for two vehicles to get in and out comfortably, without worrying about scratches or dents.
- RV and Commercial Garage Door Sizes: And then, for those who have an RV or need a door for commercial purposes, garage door sizes begin at 16 feet wide and 8 feet tall and can extend beyond 20 feet in width, with varying heights to fit taller vehicles. These dimensions cater to the specific needs of larger or commercial vehicles, ensuring they can be housed safely and securely.
Understanding these standard garage door dimensions is the first step in choosing a garage door that fits your garage space and meets your needs.
Custom Garage Door Sizes
Although standard garage door sizes do the trick for a lot of homes, there are times when a garage demands a tailor-made solution. Whether it’s because your home boasts one-of-a-kind architectural quirks, your garage isn’t quite the usual size, or you have a specific look in mind, custom garage door sizes might be what you need. If you’re thinking about going custom, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Architectural Integration: You can get doors made just for your home that either match or highlight your home’s design, making sure everything looks like it belongs together perfectly.
- Non-Standard Garage Sizes: If your garage isn’t the usual size, you can have a garage door made to measure so it fits like a glove, making sure you don’t lose any space and that the door works like a dream.
- Specialty Vehicles: For those who have something a bit different like a boat or a big RV, you might need a garage door that’s made just for the size and shape of your vehicle.
Measuring for Your Garage Door
Whether you’re opting for a standard or custom garage door, accurate measurements are crucial. Here’s a quick guide on what to measure:
- Width and Height: First off, grab your tape measure and check the width and height of the garage door opening, jotting it down in feet and inches. That’s the size door you’re going to need.
- Side Room: Next, don’t forget to measure the width of the space on both sides of that opening. You’ll need this room for putting in the vertical tracks.
- Headroom: Then, you’ll want to measure how much space there is from the top of the opening to your garage ceiling. This bit is important because it’s where the overhead track system will go.
- Backroom: Lastly, measure how far it is from the opening of your garage door to the back wall of your garage. This distance is crucial because your door will need this space to slide back and tuck away when you open it.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Size
Choosing the right garage door size involves balancing aesthetic preferences with practical considerations. Consider the following:
- Vehicle Size: First up, you’ll want to double-check that the door size is a good fit for your car or cars. Make sure there’s enough wiggle room so you won’t end up with scratches and can move around easily.
- Future Needs: Also, give some thought to what you might need down the line, like if you’re planning on getting a new vehicle or if you’ll use your garage differently. Opting for a door that’s a bit bigger than what you need right now could save you a headache later.
- Professional Advice: If you’re scratching your head over this, it’s a smart move to talk to someone who knows their stuff. Garage door pros can give you the lowdown on what size and style of door would be best for your house.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect garage door can spruce up your home’s look, make it safer, and make life easier. It’s all about knowing the basics of how garage door sizes work, from the standard sizes to the custom-made ones, to choose wisely. But remember, finding the best garage door isn’t only about getting the measurements right; it’s about choosing one that fits your lifestyle and makes your home look its best.
