If you’re planning a new garage or replacing an old door, a common question is how wide is a two car garage door. A standard two-car garage door needs to accommodate two vehicles side-by-side, requiring a specific minimum opening.
This width is not a random number. It’s based on the average size of modern vehicles and the practical need for space to open car doors comfortably.
Getting this measurement right is crucial for functionality, safety, and your home’s curb appeal. This guide will give you the exact dimensions, explain the factors that influence them, and help you choose the perfect door for your needs.
How Wide Is A Two Car Garage Door
The most common and standard width for a two-car garage door is 16 feet. This measurement refers to the door opening itself, not the total door panel size. A 16-foot wide opening provides a reliable fit for most two-vehicle setups.
You will also find doors available in other standard widths. The next most common size is 18 feet wide, which offers extra clearance. Some older homes or custom builds might have openings that are 14 or 15 feet wide, but these are less common today.
Here are the typical standard widths you will encounter:
- 16 Feet: The industry standard and by far the most popular choice.
- 18 Feet: Offers a wider, more comfortable clearance for larger vehicles or easier access.
- 14 Feet: A narrower option, often found in older homes; it can feel tight for modern SUVs and trucks.
- Double 8-Foot or 9-Foot Doors: Some installations use two separate single doors side-by-side, each typically 8 or 9 feet wide.
Why Standard Width Matters For Installation
Choosing a standard width like 16 or 18 feet simplifies the installation process significantly. Garage door manufacturers produce these sizes in bulk, making them more readily available and often more affordable than custom sizes.
Replacement parts, such as springs, cables, and rollers, are also engineered for these standard dimensions. If you ever need repairs, finding a technician with the right parts will be faster and easier.
Sticking to a standard width ensures compatibility with common garage door openers and hardware kits. This saves you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.
Measuring Your Existing Garage Door Opening
Before you order a new door, you must measure your existing opening accurately. Do not assume it’s a standard size. Follow these steps for a correct measurement.
- Measure the Width: Using a steel tape measure, measure the horizontal distance between the inside surfaces of the left and right door jambs. Take this measurement at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Use the smallest of the three measurements as your door’s width.
- Measure the Height: Measure the vertical distance from the top of the finished floor to the bottom of the header (the horizontal beam across the top). Again, measure on the left, center, and right sides, and use the smallest number.
- Check for Obstructions: Look for any light fixtures, pipes, or opener brackets that might protrude into the space where the door will travel. Note their locations and distances from the opening.
- Record Side Room and Headroom: Measure the space on each side of the opening from the jamb to the nearest wall or obstruction. Also, measure the space from the top of the door opening to the ceiling. These are critical for track installation.
Always write down these measurements clearly. It’s a good idea to have a second person double-check your numbers to avoid costly mistakes.
Common Measuring Mistakes To Avoid
People often measure just the old door panels, which is incorrect. The door panel is smaller than the rough opening. Another common error is not checking for level and plumb; an out-of-square opening can affect the final size you need.
Forgetting to account for weatherstripping and track clearance is another pitfall. Your new door needs space to seal properly and move along its tracks without binding.
Factors That Influence The Ideal Door Width
While 16 feet is standard, your ideal width depends on several factors related to your vehicles and how you use the space.
Vehicle Sizes: Modern vehicles, especially full-size SUVs, trucks, and minivans, are wider than older sedans. A standard midsize SUV is about 6.5 to 7 feet wide. Parking two of them in a 16-foot space leaves only about 2-2.5 feet of total space between them and on the sides.
Need for Extra Clearance: That 2-foot buffer is often not enough to open car doors comfortably. Bumping doors into walls or the other vehicle is frustrating and can cause damage. If you have children or regularly load groceries, the extra space of an 18-foot door can be a worthwhile investment.
Garage Function: Do you use your garage purely for parking, or is it also a workshop, storage area, or gym? Extra width provides valuable floor space for shelves, workbenches, or other items without making parking feel cramped.
Future-Proofing: Consider the vehicles you might own in the next 5-10 years. If you plan to switch to larger models, opting for a wider door now can prevent future issues.
Understanding Door Height And Overall Dimensions
Width is only half the story. The height of your two-car garage door is equally important. The standard height for many years was 7 feet, but this is increasingly inadequate.
Today, the common standard height is 8 feet. This accommodates taller vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans, and provides clearance for roof racks or storage racks installed inside the garage.
For even taller vehicles or maximum clearance, you can opt for doors that are 9, 10, or even 12 feet high. These are popular for homeowners with lifted trucks or who want to install a car lift.
A typical two-car garage door specification is written as width x height. For example, a standard door would be 16′ x 8′. Always confirm both dimensions when shopping.
Types Of Two Car Garage Doors And Their Profiles
The style of door you choose can subtly affect the usable space and installation requirements. The main types are sectional, roll-up, and side-hinged doors.
Sectional Doors: This is the most common type in residential homes. They are made of horizontal panel sections that bend and roll up along tracks into the garage ceiling. They are space-efficient and secure.
Roll-Up Doors: Often used in commercial settings, these doors coil tightly into a box above the opening. They require less headroom than sectional doors but may have a different visual appeal.
Side-Hinged Doors: These swing open like barn doors. They do not require overhead tracks, freeing up ceiling space, but they need significant side clearance to swing outward without obstruction.
The material (steel, wood, aluminum, fiberglass) and panel design (flush, raised, carriage-house) are primarily aesthetic choices but can influence maintenance and insulation properties.
Installation Considerations And Rough Opening Size
The “rough opening” is the framed hole in your garage wall before the door is installed. It must be larger than the finished door size to accommodate the tracks, headers, and jambs.
For a standard 16′ x 8′ finished door, the rough opening is typically 16′ 2″ wide and 8′ 1″ high. This extra space allows for shimming and levelling during installation to ensure smooth operation.
Your installer will also need adequate “side room,” which is the space between the door jambs and the nearest wall on the interior. This is necessary for mounting vertical tracks. Sufficient “headroom” above the opening is also critical for the horizontal tracks and the door opener mechanism.
If you are building a new garage, communicate the exact finished door size to your contractor so they can frame the correct rough opening. If you are replacing a door, a professional can assess whether your existing rough opening is suitable for a new standard or custom size.
Cost Implications Of Different Widths And Styles
The width of your door directly impacts its cost. A wider door requires more material, heavier springs, and a more powerful opener, all of which increase the price.
As a general rule, an 18-foot wide door will cost more than a comparable 16-foot door from the same product line. Custom sizes that fall between standard widths can also carry a premium due to special manufacturing.
Beyond size, costs are influenced by:
- Material: Insulated steel doors are common and mid-range, while wood doors are typically more expensive.
- Insulation: Doors with higher R-values for better temperature control cost more.
- Windows and Hardware: Adding decorative windows or custom handles increases the price.
- Opener: The motor, horsepower, and features like battery backup or Wi-Fi connectivity affect the total project cost.
Always get multiple quotes that include the door, all hardware, and professional installation. The cheapest option is not always the best value in the long run.
Step By Step Guide To Choosing Your Door
Selecting the right two-car garage door involves a series of logical steps. Following this process will help you make a confident decision.
- Assess Your Needs: List the vehicles you park now and might park in the future. Consider how you use the garage beyond parking.
- Accurately Measure: Follow the measuring guide above to determine your current opening size and clearances.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to invest, factoring in the door, opener, and installation.
- Research Standard Sizes: Based on your needs and measurements, decide if a standard 16′ or 18′ width (and 8′ or higher height) is suitable.
- Choose a Style and Material: Select a door type and design that complements your home’s architecture and meets your maintenance preferences.
- Get Professional Quotes: Contact at least three reputable garage door companies for in-person assessments and written estimates.
- Review and Decide: Compare the quotes, warranties, and company reputations before making your final choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is The Minimum Width For A Two Car Garage?
The absolute minimum width for a two-car garage is typically 20 feet for the interior space. This allows for a 16-foot door and 2 feet of side wall on each side. For comfortable use, a 22-foot or 24-foot wide garage is much better, allowing for storage or work space along the walls.
Can I Fit Two Trucks In A 16 Foot Garage Door?
You can physically fit two full-size trucks through a 16-foot opening, but it will be very tight. Most full-size trucks are over 6.5 feet wide without mirrors. Parking them side-by-side leaves almost no room to open the doors without hitting each other or the walls. An 18-foot door is highly recommended for two trucks.
How Much Space Should Be Between Two Cars In A Garage?
For comfortable entry and exit, you should aim for at least 3 feet of space between the two vehicles. This allows doors to open to a reasonable angle. In a 16-foot wide opening with two 6-foot wide cars, you only have 4 feet of total leftover space, making a 2-foot gap likely. This is why many people prefer wider doors or garages.
What Is The Standard Size Of A Double Garage Door In Feet?
The standard size for a double garage door is 16 feet wide by 7 or 8 feet high. The 16-foot width is the most common, while the height has shifted from 7 feet to 8 feet as the new standard to accommodate modern, taller vehicles.
Are All Two Car Garage Doors The Same Width?
No, they are not. While 16 feet is the predominant standard, 18-foot wide doors are increasingly common. You may also find older homes with 14-foot doors or custom builds with unique dimensions. It is essential to measure your specific opening rather than assume a size.
Choosing the correct width for your two-car garage door is a practical decision with long-term implications. While 16 feet is the common answer to how wide is a two car garage door, your specific situation may call for a different solution. Carefully consider your vehicles, your lifestyle, and your budget. Accurate measurement is the most critical first step. When in doubt, consulting with a professional garage door installer can provide clarity and ensure you get a door that functions perfectly for your home for years to come. Taking the time to plan correctly will save you from the frustration of a door that is to narrow or a garage that feels cramped every day.