Discover how wide a single garage door is, what width works best for your vehicle, and tips on selecting the right size for your space.
If you’re constructing a new garage or thinking about upgrading your existing garage door, you might be wondering, “What’s the standard width of a single garage door?” It’s a practical consideration that impacts more than just the style—it also affects how easily you can maneuver your vehicle in and out, especially with today’s larger cars and growing storage demands.
Standard single garage door widths are fairly consistent, but factors such as the type of vehicle you own, the layout of your property, and the amount of extra space you need for movement all contribute to determining the best width. Understanding your options helps you avoid future frustration and makes your garage more functional in the long term.
This guide will answer the key question, “How wide is a single garage door?” and provide clear, expert-backed information on sizing, customization options, and how to choose the right garage door for your specific needs.
Standard Single Garage Door Widths
Residential Garage Door Widths
The most common single garage door widths are:
Each of these sizes typically comes in a standard height of 7 or 8 feet, which suits most residential needs. If you’re trying to decide how wide a single garage door for your home, start with a measurement of your vehicle plus additional room to open the door comfortably.
Custom Widths
For homeowners with oversized vehicles or non-standard garage layouts, custom garage door widths can be a practical and innovative solution. While standard single garage doors typically range from 8 to 10 feet wide, custom options can be made as wide as 12 feet or more, depending on your space and structural allowances.
This added width can be especially beneficial if you drive a large truck, van, or SUV, as it provides more clearance and reduces the risk of scrapes or tight maneuvers. It also creates additional room along the sides of your vehicle, making it easier to open doors, unload cargo, or access built-in storage.
Custom-width doors are also an excellent fit for garages that serve multiple functions—whether you’re storing equipment, using it as a workshop, or simply need more breathing room. Be sure to work with a qualified installer to ensure your garage framing and structure can accommodate the wider opening safely and in accordance with local building codes.
What to Consider When Choosing Garage Door Width
Vehicle Size
One of the main reasons homeowners ask, “How wide is a single garage door?” is due to the increasing size of modern vehicles. Today’s SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans are significantly wider than older models, which can make navigating through a standard 8-foot-wide door a tight squeeze. If you own—or plan to purchase—a larger vehicle, consider opting for a 9-foot or even 10-foot-wide door to allow for easier entry and exit. This extra width provides additional clearance, helping to prevent accidental scrapes and making parking more comfortable.
Garage Layout and Use
Garages aren’t just for parking anymore—they often double as storage areas, workshops, home gyms, or utility rooms. If your garage serves multiple purposes, a wider door can significantly improve accessibility and functionality. A broader opening makes it easier to maneuver around your vehicle, bring in bulky items, or access shelving and tools along the walls. You should also consider the shape and slope of your driveway. If you have a narrow entrance, tight turning radius, or steep incline, a wider garage door can simplify navigation and reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle or property.
Building Codes and Property Lines
Before selecting a door size, it is essential to consult your local building codes and zoning regulations. Some areas have restrictions on the maximum dimensions of garage doors, especially in densely populated neighborhoods or historic districts. Setback requirements, easements, or proximity to property lines may also limit the size of your garage. If you’re building a new garage or planning a major remodel, work with a contractor or contact your city’s planning department to ensure your plans comply with local regulations.
Single Garage Door vs. Double Door Layout
Single Garage Door
Single garage doors—typically ranging from 8 to 10 feet wide each—offer more flexibility and better insulation control. With two separate doors, you can open only one side when needed, which helps minimize heat loss or gain and maintain a more stable temperature inside the garage. This feature is especially valuable in colder climates or when only one vehicle is used regularly. Additionally, single doors can provide a more balanced and symmetrical look to the exterior of your home.
Double Garage Door
A double garage door typically measures 16 to 18 feet wide, providing a single large opening for both vehicles. This can be more convenient when parking larger vehicles or when you need unobstructed space for maneuvering. However, opening a double door exposes the entire garage interior at once, which may lead to greater energy loss and reduced privacy compared to single doors.
Width and Practicality
In terms of total width, two single doors can offer up to 20 feet of combined garage entry space, depending on door size and spacing. This setup preserves individual access to each side while still comfortably accommodating two vehicles.
Signs You Might Need a Wider Garage Door
Are you unsure if your current new garage door is wide enough to accommodate your vehicle? Here are some common signs that it may be time to consider upgrading to a wider single door:
- You recently upgraded to a larger vehicle
If you’ve purchased an SUV, truck, or full-size van, you may find that your existing garage door is no longer a comfortable fit. Larger vehicles need more space to enter and exit safely.
- The current garage door makes entering or exiting difficult
If you find yourself inching your way in and out of the garage or constantly folding in your side mirrors, the door may be too narrow for convenient use.
- You have less than 6 inches of clearance on either side of your car
Minimal clearance increases the risk of scrapes, dings, and accidental damage, not just to your vehicle, but to the garage frame and door itself.
- You plan to use the garage for more than just parking
If your garage also functions as a workshop, storage space, or utility area, having a wider door can make it much easier to move tools, bikes, or large equipment in and out.
If you’re dealing with tight spacing, visibility issues, or general inconvenience, upgrading to a wider single garage door can significantly enhance safety, accessibility, and overall functionality.
FAQs About How Wide Is a Single Garage Door
What is the standard width for a single garage door?
The most common width is 9 feet. However, single garage doors can range from 8 to 10 feet wide, depending on the size of the home and vehicle.
Can I install a wider single garage door?
Yes, custom doors up to 12 feet wide are available. You’ll need to ensure your garage opening and structure support the size.
Is a 10-foot garage door wide enough for a truck?
Yes, 10 feet is usually wide enough for standard trucks. For lifted or extended models, consider extra height and width.
What’s better: two single garage doors or one double door?
Two single doors offer better insulation and flexibility. One large door may be more cost-effective and provide more entry space.
Do garage door widths include the frame?
No. The listed width typically refers to the clear opening. The frame or trim adds a slight amount to the total width.
Conclusion
So, how wide is a single garage door? In most homes, it ranges between 8 and 10 feet. Choosing the correct width ensures ease of access, fits your vehicle comfortably, and enhances the functionality of your garage space. It’s not just about fitting a car—it’s about long-term convenience and efficiency.
Whether you’re installing a new door or upgrading an existing one, knowing how wide a single garage door should be is essential to making the right call. And if you’re unsure, working with a professional garage door installer can help assess your garage size, vehicle dimensions, and lifestyle needs.
When you’re ready to upgrade or need expert guidance, First Responder Garage Doors is here to help. From new installations to custom sizing, we make sure your new garage door fits exactly how it should, with function and form working together.
END NOTE
First Responder Garage Doors in Southlake, TX, believes every home deserves a garage door that’s not only functional but also adds real value to your daily life. Beyond its appearance, the right garage door enhances your home’s security, improves insulation, and provides seamless access in and out of your garage space.
We specialize in new construction garage door installations and full garage door replacements. Whether you’re working on a home in Coppell or Grapevine or planning a commercial garage door installation, our experienced team is ready to deliver custom-fit solutions with precision.
Want to learn more? Visit our About Us page or explore the FAQs and blog for helpful tips. When you’re ready, contact us or message us directly on Facebook. We’ll help you choose the right garage door with speed, clarity, and top-level service.