How Wide Is a Garage Door

When planning a new garage, replacing an existing door, or upgrading to an electric model, one of the most important factors to consider is size. The width of a garage door not only determines what can fit inside but also affects the appearance, practicality, and functionality of your garage. Whether you are parking a single car, housing a large SUV, or creating a workshop space, knowing how wide a garage door should be helps you make the right choice and avoid costly mistakes.

In the UK, garage door sizes are fairly standardised, although variations exist based on the type of door, manufacturer, and purpose of the garage. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about garage door widths, including typical dimensions for single and double doors, how to measure correctly, and when a custom size might be the better option.

Why Garage Door Width Matters
Garage door width plays a crucial role in how easily you can access your garage and how comfortable it is to use. A door that is too narrow can make parking awkward, especially with modern vehicles that tend to be wider than older models. Squeezing through tight openings can lead to scratches, dents, and frustration every time you park.

A well-sized door, on the other hand, provides plenty of clearance for vehicles and makes the space more versatile. It also improves ventilation and makes it easier to move items in and out of the garage. Whether you use the garage purely for parking or as an additional workspace, having the right width ensures safety, comfort, and convenience.

Standard Garage Door Widths in the UK
In the UK, the most common garage door widths are determined by the number of vehicles the garage is designed to accommodate. Single garage doors, suitable for one car, are typically between 7 feet (2134 mm) and 8 feet (2438 mm) wide. Double garage doors, which can fit two vehicles side by side, are usually around 14 feet (4267 mm) to 16 feet (4877 mm) wide.

For single doors, a width of 7 feet is often sufficient for smaller cars, but with the increasing size of modern vehicles, many homeowners now prefer 8-foot doors for extra space. Double doors offer the convenience of a wider opening without the need for two separate doors or additional framework.

Some garages, particularly older ones built in the 1970s and 1980s, may have narrower openings around 6 feet 6 inches (1981 mm). While these were adequate for vehicles of the time, they can be too tight for today’s SUVs, vans, or family cars. In these cases, homeowners often choose to widen the opening or install a new door with a larger frame to make access easier.

Height Considerations Alongside Width
While this article focuses on width, it’s also important to consider height. Standard single garage doors in the UK are typically 6 feet 6 inches (1981 mm) or 7 feet (2134 mm) high. However, if you own a 4x4, pickup, or van, you might need extra clearance. Taller doors measuring 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) or 8 feet (2438 mm) are available and can be combined with wider openings for maximum versatility.

The relationship between width and height is crucial when choosing your door type, especially if you are considering automated models that require additional headroom for the motor and tracks.

Different Types of Garage Doors and Their Widths
The type of garage door you choose influences the available width and how much usable space remains once installed.

Up and over doors, one of the most traditional designs in the UK, require some side clearance for the lifting arms. This can slightly reduce the effective opening width compared to the frame size. Typical up and over single doors measure 7 feet wide, while double versions range from 14 to 16 feet.

Sectional garage doors are made up of horizontal panels that open vertically, making them ideal for garages with limited driveway space. These doors are available in similar widths to up and over models but often offer slightly more usable opening width because they do not swing outward.

Roller doors consist of interlocking slats that roll up neatly into a box above the opening. Because they have no outward swing and minimal internal track requirements, they maximise the available opening. Roller doors are available in almost any width, from small single sizes to large custom-built openings over 16 feet wide.

Side-hinged doors usually come as a pair of opening panels and are more common in traditional or period properties. These are available in standard single widths of around 7 feet, but because each side needs space to swing open, sufficient driveway clearance is important.

Measuring a Garage Door Opening
If you are replacing an existing door, measuring the opening accurately ensures you order the correct size. Use a tape measure to record the width between the inner edges of the brickwork opening at the widest point. Then measure the height from the floor to the underside of the lintel. Always take three measurements across the width (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest figure as your reference.

If you are fitting a new frame, remember that the door size refers to the opening, not the frame itself. The overall installation width, including frame and fittings, will be slightly larger. For roller doors, measure the space above the lintel (the headroom) and to the sides (side room), as these are needed for the roll housing and guides.

Custom Garage Door Widths
Not every garage conforms to standard dimensions. Many older properties or converted outbuildings feature non-standard openings, meaning an off-the-shelf door will not fit correctly. In these cases, a custom-sized garage door is the best solution.

Manufacturers can produce bespoke widths tailored to your exact opening, often with just a small additional cost. Custom widths are especially useful for oversized vehicles, motorhomes, or garages used as workshops. For example, a 9-foot (2743 mm) wide single door provides ample room for larger cars or vans without the bulk of a full double door.

Customisation also allows you to maintain symmetry and visual balance, particularly on properties where architectural features such as brick arches or decorative lintels need to be preserved.

Double vs Twin Single Doors
When designing or upgrading a double garage, you have two main options: one large double-width door or two separate single doors. Each configuration has its benefits.

A single double-width door provides a seamless look and makes it easier to park vehicles side by side. It also requires only one motor if automated, which can be more cost-effective. However, it does mean that if the opener fails, both sides of the garage become inaccessible at once.

Two single doors offer greater flexibility and security. You can open one side independently, which helps retain heat and reduce energy loss in colder months. They also provide redundancy, as one side remains usable if the other malfunctions. The downside is that installing two separate doors and motors can increase the overall cost.

Converting a Single Garage into a Double
If your home currently has a single garage but you are planning to convert it into a double, widening the opening is a major structural project that requires careful planning. You will need to remove the central pillar (known as a pier) and install a supporting lintel or steel beam to carry the load above the new wider opening.

Building regulations apply to this kind of work, so it is essential to consult a structural engineer and obtain approval before starting. Once the structure is reinforced, you can install a double-width door, typically between 14 and 16 feet wide, depending on the available space and your vehicle requirements.

Space and Clearance Requirements
When choosing your garage door width, think about how much space you need to manoeuvre comfortably. A standard car is around 6 feet (1830 mm) wide, excluding mirrors, while SUVs and vans can measure up to 6 feet 6 inches (1980 mm). Allowing at least 12 inches (300 mm) of clearance on each side provides enough room for safe entry and exit.

If your garage doubles as storage space, consider how shelving or equipment along the side walls might reduce the usable width. A slightly wider door can make everyday use more practical, especially if you often load or unload items directly from your car.

Electric Garage Doors and Automation
When fitting an electric garage door, width is not just about vehicle access but also about accommodating the motor and track system. Most electric openers fit neatly above the door frame, but larger double-width doors may require a stronger motor with a higher torque rating.

It’s also important to ensure your chosen width works with the automation system’s maximum lifting capacity. A motor designed for a 7-foot door may struggle with a 16-foot double door, so always check the specifications before installation.

Insulation and Weatherproofing Considerations
Wider doors often mean more exposure to external weather conditions, so insulation becomes even more important. Many sectional and roller doors include insulated panels or foam-filled slats that improve thermal efficiency and reduce noise.

Proper sealing around the edges of a wide door prevents drafts, dust, and water ingress. A well-fitted bottom seal also keeps out leaves, debris, and pests. These features are especially beneficial if your garage is attached to your home or used for storage.

Garage Door Widths for Commercial and Special Use
For commercial properties, agricultural buildings, or workshops, garage doors can be much wider than residential models. Industrial roller shutter doors, for example, can be built up to 30 feet (9144 mm) wide or more to accommodate large vehicles and machinery.

Even for residential properties, some homeowners opt for extra-wide doors to fit motorhomes, boats, or trailers. These typically range between 9 and 12 feet (2743 to 3657 mm) for single openings and 18 to 20 feet (5486 to 6096 mm) for double configurations.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Garage Door Width
One of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make is choosing a door that is too narrow for modern vehicles. Always measure the width of your car with the mirrors extended to ensure it fits comfortably. Another mistake is neglecting to allow space for internal tracks, frame thickness, and side clearances, which can reduce the actual opening size.

It’s also important not to assume that all garage door manufacturers use identical sizing standards. Always check the finished opening size (the clear drive-through width) rather than relying solely on the frame dimensions.

Conclusion
The width of a garage door may seem like a simple detail, but it has a major impact on how practical and comfortable your garage is to use. In the UK, standard single doors typically measure between 7 and 8 feet wide, while double doors range from 14 to 16 feet. However, custom options are available to suit larger vehicles or unique architectural styles.

When choosing a door width, consider your current and future vehicle needs, the type of door mechanism, and any plans for automation or insulation. Measure carefully and allow for clearance on all sides to avoid difficulties later.

A correctly sized garage door enhances your home’s usability, security, and appearance, turning a functional space into a feature that works seamlessly for years to come. Whether you choose a traditional up and over door, a sleek sectional model, or a modern roller door, getting the width right ensures smooth access, durability, and long-term satisfaction.