It is not just about the space that needs to be allocated for parking your cars when it comes to the determination of the right garage door size for your needs.
If you are looking forward to building a garage from scratch or renovating an existing one, it is essential that you understand the difference between a single garage door and a double garage door.
In the article, we will take you through all that you need to know about the 2 car garage door size and how it compares with the single car garage door so that you can make the right choice for your needs.
Learning Garage Door Configurations
Single vs. Double Garage Doors
Homeowners usually have the following options when it comes to designing a garage space:
- Two Single Garage Doors: This configuration provides homeowners with the advantage of having complete control and flexibility by opening only one door at a time. This is particularly useful in terms of energy and security efficiency. This configuration is also useful for protecting the doors from damage due to the fact that the doors open independently from each other.
- One Double Garage Door: This configuration provides homeowners with the advantage of having a wide and open space for parking their cars. This configuration also provides a sleek and contemporary look for the house. This configuration is also useful for homeowners on a tight budget since it requires only a single door to be maintained and serviced.
Why Size Matters?
The importance of the size of the garage door can be understood by the fact that it affects many other important aspects of your life and your home, such as:
- Ease of parking: The proper size of the garage door ensures that you do not need to make special efforts for parking your vehicle.
- Clearance of larger vehicles: The proper height and width of the garage door ensure that your larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, are parked safely in your garage without the risk of damaging the vehicles.
- Ease of storage accessibility: The proper fitting of the garage door in terms of size allows for easy accessibility to your storage facilities.
- Overall curb appeal: The proper fitting of the garage door in terms of size allows your home to look classy and attractive.
If you are not careful in choosing the correct garage door size, you may end up with a door that fits very badly, and you may be forced to make alterations to your garage door, which may be very expensive.
Single Garage Door Size
What is a Single Garage Door Size?
A single garage door is best suited for standard-sized cars. Therefore, it is the best choice for most cars and compact-sized SUVs. The space provided by a single garage door is sufficient for normal use. In fact, the most common sizes provide a good compromise between usability and convenience.
For people with larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks, a larger door provides a convenient parking space. However, the door size depends upon the type of vehicle and the requirement for convenience.
| Single Garage Door Size | Width | Height | Vehicles |
| Standard Single Garage Door Size | 8-10 feet | 7-8 feet | Sedans and Compact SUVs |
| Common and Minimum Single Garage Door Size | 9 feet | 7 feet | Sedans and Compact SUVs |
| Largest Single Garage Door Size | 10 feet | 8 feet | Larger SUVs, Pick-up Trucks, and Vehicles with Roof Racks |
2 Car Garage Door Size
What Is a Double Garage Door Size?
A double garage door is designed for parking two cars side by side. This makes it the best choice for a family with more than one car. This door is best for parking two sedans but can also park compact SUVs depending on the space between the cars.
Wider doors offer a more comfortable parking space and convenience for parking larger cars such as SUVs and pickup trucks.
Oversized doors are best for larger cars and for those who need extra space for convenience and accessibility.
| Double Garage Door Size | Width | Height | Vehicles |
| Standard Double Garage Door Size | 16-18 feet | 7-8 feet | Two sedans, compact cars, or small SUVs |
| Common Double Garage Door Size | 16 feet | 7 feet | Two sedans, compact SUVs, or one SUV and one smaller vehicle |
| Oversized Double Garage Door Size | 18 feet | 8 feet | Larger SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, or vehicles with roof racks, and added storage |
For 2 Cars Garage Door Rough Opening
What Is a Rough Opening?
A garage door rough opening for 2 cars is an opening in a wall where a garage door will be installed.
Standard Dimensions of a Rough Opening
The standard dimensions for a garage door rough opening for a garage door measuring 16 x 7 ft would be:
Width: 16 feet
Height: 7 feet
Additionally, you will need:
Headroom: 12 to 15 inches
Side room: 3 to 5 inches on both sides
Backroom: The height of the door + 18 inches
Why Proper Framing Is Important
If a garage door rough opening is wrongly framed, it may result in problems such as:
- Installation problems
- Problems in the alignment of the garage door
- The garage door system may have a shorter lifespan
Single vs. Double Garage Doors: Pros and Cons
While deciding between single garage doors and double garage doors, you should think about what is most important to you: convenience, costs, looks, or energy efficiency.
Single garage doors offer you more convenience, while double garage doors offer you a wider entrance and a modern look.
Knowing the pros and cons of single garage doors and double garage doors is a great help in deciding which one is best for you.
| Category | Single Garage Doors | Double Garage Doors |
Advantages | Better energy efficiency as there is less air leakage | Clean and modern looking |
| Independently operable, e.g., can be left open on one side only | Easier for wide entry of vehicles | |
| Lower repair costs as there are fewer doors to be repaired | Often cheaper to install than two separate doors | |
| Disadvantages | Requires more wall space to accommodate the door | If it breaks down, both parking spaces are affected |
| Higher cost to install two separate doors | Larger door may compromise strength | |
| Less modern in appearance | Less energy efficient |
For a full breakdown of standard single-door dimensions and height variations, see our dimensions reference guide.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Size
Consider Your Vehicles
Consider the following:
- The width of your cars
- The height of your cars, especially if you have SUVs or trucks
- Future upgrades to larger vehicles
Think About Storage Needs
If you plan to store:
- Bikes
- Tools
- Lawn equipment
You may need a wider or taller door.
Evaluate Your Driveway Space
If your driveway space is narrow, a double garage door size may be more suitable, as it has a larger opening. However, if you need guidance, you can contact a professional garage door service.
Design and Aesthetic Considerations
Matching Your Home Style
A garage door can be instrumental in creating curb appeal for your house by matching and complementing other key design aspects of your house:
- Exterior Color: You may choose the color of your garage door with great care so that you can match it perfectly with the color of your house’s exterior. This will provide you with a great look and feel. Reading articles will provide you guidance on how you can choose the best color for your garage door. You can also use articles to find a variety of colors based on painting schemes that match your house’s design perfectly.
- Architecture: You may choose the style and design of your garage door with great care so that you can match it perfectly with your house’s architectural style, such as modern, traditional, contemporary, etc. You may also use the article “Gorgeous and Efficient Garage Door Designs” as a reference.
- Window Placement: You may choose the window of your garage door with great care so that you can match it perfectly with your house’s window placement.
Single vs. Double Visual Impact
- Two Single Doors: Traditional, symmetrical look
- One Double Door: Clean, contemporary look
Cost Considerations
Installation Costs
- One door: Less expensive per door but more expensive for two doors
- Double door: More expensive per door but less expensive in total
Maintenance Costs
- One door: Fewer parts to replace, but larger maintenance effect
- Double doors: More parts to replace, but isolated maintenance
Practical Tips Before You Decide
Measure Twice, Install Once
Before you start, always make sure to confirm:
- Width and height of the opening
- Ceiling clearance
- Space for tracks and opener
Plan for the Future
You may be driving a small car today, but you don’t know what the future holds. Why don’t you get a bigger door to have more options in the future?
Work with Professionals
A professional garage door installer will be able to give you a door that is appropriately sized and framed.
Conclusion
The choice between single and double depends on your space, cars, and lifestyle. While the standard size for a 2-car garage door is 16 x 7 feet, you may consider bigger sizes for your comfort and convenience.
If you want to be flexible and save money from your energy bills, it is highly recommended that you choose a double single garage door. If you want to be comfortable and are looking for something modern, then it is highly recommended that you choose a double garage door.
The choice between a single and a double garage door depends on your needs and future needs.