Are you wondering how wide a single garage door is? This complete size guide breaks down standard and custom dimensions with tables and expert tips to help you choose the perfect fit for your garage.
Choosing the right garage door size is more than just a design decision—it directly impacts your home’s functionality, curb appeal, and even vehicle storage. Have you ever asked yourself, “How wide is a single garage door?” You’re not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge, especially when building new garages or upgrading outdated doors.
In this guide, CCM Garage Doors will break down standard and custom single garage door widths, provide detailed comparison tables, and help you decide which width works best for your lifestyle, vehicle size, and space. Whether you’re storing a compact car or a lifted truck, this blog will help you confidently choose the ideal single garage door size for your space.
Standard Single Garage Door Widths
Manufacturers produce several standard widths for single garage doors to accommodate different vehicles and needs. These standardized dimensions simplify installation and keep costs reasonable for most homeowners.
North America’s most common single garage door widths range from 8 to 10 feet. Each width serves different purposes and vehicle types:
- 8-foot doors provide enough space for smaller vehicles but offer limited clearance
- 9-foot doors represent the most popular choice for average residential needs
- 10-foot doors allow extra space for larger vehicles and easier entry/exit
The width you choose affects whether your vehicle fits inside and how comfortably you can open car doors, walk around the vehicle, and store additional items.
Who Benefits From Standard Widths?
Standard single garage door widths work well for:
- Sedans and compact cars
- Small to mid-sized SUVs
- Motorcycles and recreational equipment
- Homeowners with limited exterior wall space
- Budget-conscious renovations
Standard Width Comparison Table
| Door Width (Feet) | Width (Inches) | Ideal For | Clearance Notes |
| 8 ft | 96″ | Small cars, motorcycles | Tight fit, limited clearance |
| 9 ft | 108″ | Mid-size sedans, small SUVs | The most common single-door size |
| 10 ft | 120″ | Full-size vehicles, larger SUVs | Extra space for doors to open |
Custom Single Garage Door Sizes
While standard widths serve most homeowners well, custom garage doors provide solutions for specialty vehicles, unique architectural designs, or specific storage needs. Custom width options typically start at 11 feet and can extend to 14 feet or more for single-car applications.
Custom widths become necessary when:
- Storing luxury or oversized vehicles
- Accommodating trucks with extended mirrors
- Housing boats, small RVs, or trailers
- Creating workshop spaces with large equipment
- Retrofitting historic buildings with non-standard openings
However, homeowners should understand that custom-sized doors require additional consideration. Installation costs increase significantly with custom dimensions, as the door, track system, and often the framing require special manufacturing and expertise.
Speaking with a contractor or garage door specialist before committing to custom dimensions saves time and money. These professionals can evaluate your situation and recommend the most practical width that balances your needs with structural limitations.
Custom Width Comparison Table
| Width Range (Feet) | Use Case Examples | Custom Considerations |
| 11 ft | Full-size pickup trucks, tool access | It is more expensive, and requires custom framing |
| 12 ft | RV garages, boats, dual-use spaces | Ideal for specialty vehicle storage |
| 13–14 ft | Heavy-duty applications | It may require structural modifications |
Height Considerations for Single Garage Doors
While this article focuses primarily on width, garage door height is equally vital in ensuring proper clearance and functionality. Standard single garage door heights typically range from 7 to 8 feet, with custom options available for specialized needs.
Standard Height Options
- 7-foot doors: Sufficient for most standard passenger vehicles
- 7.5-foot doors: Provide extra clearance for taller SUVs and some trucks
- 8-foot doors: Accommodate larger vehicles, roof racks, and antenna clearance
The ceiling height inside your garage significantly impacts which door style and opener system will work best. Low-headroom tracks and side-mounted openers offer practical solutions for spaces with limited overhead room.
Door Styles and Height Efficiency
Different door styles utilize vertical space differently:
- Sectional doors (the most common type) require ceiling track space equal to the door height plus 12-18 inches for hardware.
- Roll-up doors need minimal headroom but sacrifice insulation properties.
- Swing-out doors eliminate overhead track requirements but need sufficient exterior space.
Homeowners with high ceilings might consider carriage-style doors for aesthetic appeal, while those with limited overhead space prefer compact track systems explicitly designed for low-clearance applications.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Space
Selecting the perfect garage door width requires evaluating several factors beyond measuring your vehicle’s dimensions.
Essential Measurements Checklist
✓ Vehicle width (including mirrors)
✓ Door swing radius when vehicle doors are fully open
✓ Wall clearance needed for shelving or storage
✓ Space required for walking around the parked vehicle
✓ Turning radius needed to park comfortably
For new construction, homeowners can more flexibly design the ideal garage size. However, retrofitting existing structures requires careful consideration of structural limitations. Sometimes, widening a garage door opening involves significant construction work, including header modifications and potential electrical or plumbing rerouting.
Width Priority Guidelines
When deciding between width options, consider these principles:
- Prioritize width over aesthetics when vehicle clearance is tight
- Choose standard sizes whenever possible to minimize costs
- Measure all vehicles that will use the garage, not just your current one
- Consider future needs like different vehicles or changing storage requirements
- Allow for a minimum of 3 feet between vehicle sides and walls for comfortable access
Remember that garage door replacement offers an excellent opportunity to upgrade your entire garage system, not just change dimensions. Modern doors provide improved insulation, security features, and smart home integration options.
Tips to Maximize Space in a Single-Car Garage
Even with the perfect garage door width, optimizing the interior space helps homeowners get the most from their garage. These practical solutions enhance functionality without requiring structural modifications:
Vertical Storage Solutions
- Install wall-mounted shelving and hooks to store items off the floor
- Utilize ceiling-mounted racks for seasonal items and rarely-used equipment
- Consider overhead storage platforms for long-term storage needs
- Mount bicycles and sports equipment on walls or ceilings when not in use
Energy-Efficient Door Options
Modern insulated new garage doors improve energy efficiency and feature slimmer profiles than older models. This space-saving design maintains interior clearance while enhancing thermal performance.
High-quality insulation materials like polyurethane foam create rigid yet compact door panels that resist denting and provide excellent temperature control. This benefits homeowners who use their garage as a workshop or exercise space.
Space-Saving Hardware Upgrade
Several hardware innovations help maximize usable space:
- Low-headroom track systems reduce ceiling space requirements
- Side-mounted garage door openers eliminate overhead motor placement
- Wall-mounted control panels replace hanging remotes and switches
- Smart garage systems allow remote monitoring without physical access panels
These upgrades save space and improve the garage’s overall functionality and convenience.
FAQs
What is the most common width for a single garage door?
The most common width for a single garage door is typically 9 feet (approximately 2.7 meters). While 8-foot (around 2.4 meters) wide doors exist, especially in older constructions, the 9-foot width offers more comfortable clearance for most vehicles.
Can I fit an SUV through a standard single garage door?
Most standard-sized SUVs can fit through a 9-foot wide single garage door. However, larger SUVs or those with wide side mirrors might require careful maneuvering to avoid scraping the sides.
Is 8 feet wide enough for a garage door?
An 8-foot wide garage door can accommodate many smaller cars, but it might feel narrow and make parking more challenging, especially for less experienced drivers. A 9-foot or wider door is generally preferred for larger vehicles or added convenience.
How wide should a garage door be for a full-size truck?
It’s generally recommended that a full-size truck have a wider garage door, ideally at least 10 feet (approximately 3 meters) wide. This provides ample clearance for the truck’s width, making entering and exiting the garage much easier.
Can I customize my garage door size without rebuilding my garage?
While you can’t drastically change the garage door size without modifying the existing opening, you might have some limited customization options. You could install a slightly wider or taller door if there’s enough headroom and side room within the current frame. Still, significant size changes would likely require structural modifications to the garage itself.
End Note
If you’re ready to upgrade or install a new garage door that perfectly fits your space, CCM Garage Doors is here to help. Their team offers expert guidance and installation for all garage door sizes—from standard to fully custom. With years of industry experience, CCM ensures your garage is safe, functional, and perfectly tailored to your vehicle and lifestyle.
Before deciding how wide a single garage door you need, consider scheduling a professional consultation. Our experts will measure your space, discuss your requirements, and recommend the ideal width for your unique situation.
Visit our website to learn more about our garage door installation and repair services. Let CCM Garage Doors help you find the right fit hassle-free.
