Let’s talk garage doors. I’m not just talking about the thing that goes up and down when you hit the remote, but the size—yes, size matters here. In a city where space is gold, like New York, the size of your garage door could make or break your parking experience. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of standard garage door sizes, the options you have, and why West Point Garage Door Company should be your go-to for anything garage door related.
Why Does Garage Door Size Matter?
First, let’s get this out of the way. Why should you care about the size of your garage door? Well, it’s simple. The wrong size can turn your dream garage into a nightmare. Imagine trying to squeeze a truck through a door made for a sedan. Not happening. Or how about installing a double garage door when a single would do? Now, you’ve just wasted precious wall space, and trust me, in New York, every inch counts.
Standard Garage Door Sizes
Garage doors aren’t one-size-fits-all, and knowing the standard sizes can save you a ton of headaches down the road. The most common sizes fall into three categories: single, double, and RV. Let’s break them down.
Single Garage Doors
Single garage doors are the most common type, and they’re perfect for those who need to park one car or even a motorcycle. Typically, you’ll find them in the following dimensions:
- 8 feet wide by 7 feet high
- 9 feet wide by 7 feet high
- 10 feet wide by 7 feet high
These sizes are ideal for compact spaces. If you’re working with limited square footage, the 8×7 or 9×7 options are your best bet. Need a little more wiggle room? The 10×7 is your guy. These doors are perfect for sedans, small SUVs, and those who want a little extra space for storage.
Double Garage Doors
Got two cars? Or maybe you’re the type who loves their space? Double garage doors are what you’re looking for. They typically come in:
- 12 feet wide by 7 feet high
- 14 feet wide by 7 feet high
- 16 feet wide by 7 feet high
These sizes offer more room, whether you’ve got a couple of vehicles or just want that extra breathing space. They’re also great if you’re thinking of converting your garage into a workshop or some other functional space. Hey, it’s New York—why let good space go to waste?
RV Garage Doors
For the rare few with the luxury of an RV, you’re not left out. RV garage doors are much taller and wider to accommodate these larger vehicles:
- 12 feet wide by 12 feet high
- 14 feet wide by 14 feet high
- 16 feet wide by 16 feet high
These are special, and not every garage door company offers them, but West Point Garage Door Company does. So, whether you’re heading out on a cross-country trip or just need a place to stash that RV during the winter months, we’ve got you covered.
Standard Garage Door Sizes
| Type | Width | Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Garage | 8 ft | 7 ft | Compact cars, motorcycles, tight spaces |
| Single Garage | 9 ft | 7 ft | Small SUVs, extra storage space |
| Single Garage | 10 ft | 7 ft | Large sedans, ample room for storage |
| Double Garage | 12 ft | 7 ft | Two small cars, additional work area |
| Double Garage | 14 ft | 7 ft | Larger vehicles, spacious workshops |
| Double Garage | 16 ft | 7 ft | Full-sized SUVs, trucks, extensive storage |
| RV Garage | 12 ft | 12 ft | RVs, tall vehicles, additional accessories |
| RV Garage | 14 ft | 14 ft | Oversized RVs, tall and wide storage |
| RV Garage | 16 ft | 16 ft | Luxury RVs, significant clearance space |
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Size?
How Much Space Do You Have?
Measure twice, order once. The first thing you need to do is measure your garage. You’d be surprised how many people skip this step and end up with a door that doesn’t fit. Check both the width and height of your garage opening, and consider any obstacles like pipes or storage shelves. Also, think about the space above the garage door for the tracks. You don’t want to deal with a door that can’t fully open.
What’s Your Vehicle Size?
If you’ve got a large vehicle like an SUV or a truck, a standard single garage door might not cut it. You’ll need to look into double garage doors or even custom options. But, if you’re just parking a compact car or motorcycle, a single door will do the trick. Remember, parking should be a breeze, not a squeeze.
Future-Proofing
Think long-term. Are you planning on upgrading your car soon? Maybe you’re thinking of adding a second vehicle to the household. Don’t box yourself into a corner by choosing the smallest option just because it fits right now. A little foresight can save you from a costly upgrade down the line.
Insulation and Material
You’re in New York, where winters can get brutal. An insulated garage door can make a world of difference in keeping your garage—and home—warm. Consider the material too. Steel, wood, aluminum—they all have their pros and cons. Steel doors, for instance, are durable and low-maintenance, making them a popular choice.
Check out this article on insulated garage doors in Vancouver for more on why insulation is crucial.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skimping on Height
One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating the height you need. Even if you drive a sedan now, what if you upgrade to an SUV? Or get a roof rack? Suddenly, that door you thought was perfect is now a daily frustration.
Ignoring Clearance
Don’t forget about the space above and on the sides of your garage door. Tracks, openers, and any ceiling storage all need clearance. Overhead storage can interfere with the tracks, making it difficult to open or close the door fully.
Choosing the Wrong Material
You might be tempted to go for a wooden door because it looks beautiful. But wood requires a lot of upkeep, and in a city where time is money, you might regret it. Steel or aluminum could be better options if you want low maintenance without compromising on looks.
In-Depth Questions
How Can I Tell If My Garage Door Size is Wrong?
One way to know your garage door size is off is if you struggle every time you park. If you find yourself carefully maneuvering just to avoid scratching your car, it’s time to consider a different size. Another sign is difficulty with the opener. If it strains to lift the door, your door may be too heavy for the opener, indicating a size or material mismatch.
What Are the Options for Custom Garage Door Sizes?
Custom garage doors are a fantastic option if standard sizes don’t work for you. Whether your garage has an unconventional shape, or you just want something unique, custom doors offer flexibility. At West Point Garage Door Company, we can design a door that fits your space perfectly, and we’ll handle everything from measurements to installation.
How Much Clearance Do I Need Above My Garage Door?
Clearance is crucial. Ideally, you want at least 12 inches of headroom for a standard garage door opener. If you’re tight on space, a jackshaft opener, which mounts on the wall beside the door, could be a solution. This type of opener needs less headroom and is perfect for garages with low ceilings.
For more detailed advice on clearance and installation, check out our garage door capping service.
How Can I Insulate My Garage Door?
Insulating your garage door is easier than you might think. There are kits available that you can install yourself, or you can opt for a pre-insulated door. The insulation will not only keep your garage warmer in winter but also cooler in summer. This can be especially useful if your garage is attached to your home, as it will help regulate the temperature inside.
Learn more about the importance of insulation in our garage door weather stripping guide.
Conclusion
Choosing the right garage door size might seem trivial, but it’s a decision that impacts your daily life, especially in a city like New York. Whether you’re working with limited space or have a sprawling suburban driveway, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. At West Point Garage Door Company, we offer a wide range of standard and custom garage doors to suit your needs.
Don’t wait until you’re frustrated with parking—take action now. Whether you’re looking for something as simple as programming your LiftMaster remote or as complex as a complete door replacement, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to find out how we can make your garage door experience seamless and stress-free.
