If you’re replacing your garage door or even building a new garage, you’re probably wondering about the standard garage door. There have been changes to the standard sizing over the years, as buildings and cars themselves have changed.
Here’s what you need to know about standard garage door sizes before you buy a new door.
Standard Garage Door Sizes
When buying a new garage door, you’ll first need to think about whether you need a single or double garage door. In most cases, you’ll be buying the door style that you already have. If you have a single garage door already, that’s what’s going to fit in that space. Of course, this may change if you’ve made changes to your garage. For example, perhaps you want a single large double garage door, rather than two single garage doors.
Whichever you choose, you’ll need to know the sizing. Typically, a single garage door is 7ft x 7 ft (2,134 mm x 2,134 mm). A double garage door will measure 14ft x 7ft (4,267 mm x 2,134 mm). This is affected by a range of factors though. The style of your garage may necessitate different measurements. Building codes in your area are another factor that you need to take into account. You’ll also need to think about the width of your garage.
If you’re not sure, you’ll need to measure the garage door you already have. If it fits these measurements, then you’ll be able to buy any standard garage door. If they don’t, then you’ll need to have garage doors made to fit your home. You can also adjust the openings to fit a standard door too, depending on your needs.
Opening Space
The size of your garage door doesn’t only take into account the space in the door frame. You also need to consider the opening space, too. There are several different garage door opening styles, and this will mean you’ll differing amounts of space to open your door.
For example, the most common style of garage door is the up and over door. This door opens when you pull it up, so it sits perpendicular to the garage’s ceiling. You’ll need more depth in your garage, so you’ll have the headroom required to get the garage door open. There are also side hinged garage doors that open in the middle and swing-out. You’ll need to work out whether you have the space on your driveway to allow for this.
Ensure you have the space for your preferred type of garage door, so you’ll be able to use it easily every day, getting into and out of your garage.
Your Car
Of course, you need to consider the size of your car too. You’ll need to be able to get the car in and out, allowing for room for you to open the door and get around the car itself. When thinking about this, remember with a double garage door, you’ll need to be able to get both cars out at once, so consider if it’s big enough.
For a standard single garage door, you’ll be able to get regular cars, SUVs, vans, and small trucks through them. You’ll need a double garage door to get larger vehicles or multiple vehicles through. If you’re not sure to measure your car and space your door will be. Will there be enough room?
The style of garage door that you choose matters here, too. For example, a sectional garage door helps you get larger vehicles into your garage as they sit up near the ceiling, creating room for a taller vehicle. You will need to take your car, the garage door size, and the opening style all into account.
Garage Door Material
This is something to consider, as some garage door styles won’t come in certain materials. They’ll also affect the sizing you need for your garage door. The most common material is steel, as it’s so durable and lasts for years. They’re lower maintenance, but often do dent or rust, so you’ll need to watch out for that.
Wood is another popular choice, as it’s such a stylish option. You’ll often see side hinged doors come in this style. They look great, but they do require more upkeep and won’t last as long as other styles. Aluminum doors are considered the best style for double garage doors as they’re the most lightweight. They’ll be able to go up and down every day with minimal problems, as there’s much less weight for your garage door opener to handle.
If you’re not sure which garage door material to get, talk to the company you’re buying from. They can advise you which material is best with the size of the door you’re buying.
Using A Garage Door Opener
Finally, consider if you’re going to get a garage door opener for your door. These are considered essential by many people, as they allow you to open and close the garage door without ever having to get out of the car itself. If you are going to buy one, you’ll need to keep the size of your garage door in mind. If you have a double door, you’ll need an opener able to lift heavier loads, for example.
You’ll also need to think about how you open the door, as there are several options. Will you use a remote control and give one to every person who will need to use the garage door? Or, will you use a keypad to enter with a code? There are benefits to both, so choose the one that works for you.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to think about when sizing up your garage door. You’ll need the door to fit the doorway in your garage of course, but that’s not all there is to it. You’ll also need to consider the size of your car as it goes through the door, the materials used, the opening style, and more. Use this guide to help you pick the right garage door size for your garage.