how wide is a garage door

Understanding how wide a garage door is can make planning far easier whether you are building a new garage, replacing an existing door, converting part of your home, or trying to work out if a modern car or van will fit comfortably through the opening. Garage door widths vary widely across the UK and the right choice depends on the building type, age, local planning expectations, and how you intend to use the space. This guide explains standard garage door widths, typical frame sizes, clear opening measurements, planning and building considerations, costs, and practical advice for choosing the correct width for your home.

If you are unsure what size your garage door should be this guide breaks down the options in a homeowner friendly way. You will learn what sizes are considered standard, what counts as a double garage door, how much clearance your vehicle needs, how much space you lose to frames and tracks, and how door type affects usable width. You will also see examples based on common UK garage types from new build properties to older prefabricated concrete garages.

By the end you will know exactly how wide a garage door typically is in the UK and how to make the right choice for your property.

What determines garage door width

The width of a garage door is determined by several factors:

• The age of the property
• The structural opening created by the builder
• The type of door installed
• The way the garage is used
• Planning rules that influence external alterations
• Vehicle size and turning space

Older UK garages were often much narrower than modern designs because cars were smaller at the time. Today many homeowners find that their 1970s or 1980s garage door is too tight for wider vehicles such as SUVs and electric cars.

Door width is also influenced by the mechanism. Roller doors and sectional doors usually provide better clear openings compared with older up and over doors because they do not require large frames or internal swing space.

Standard single garage door widths in the UK

Most UK single garage doors fall into a small range of widths. The following measurements are widely used by manufacturers.

7 feet wide (2134 mm)

This is the most traditional single garage door width used for many years on older properties. It is still available today although it is now considered tight for larger vehicles. Many buyers fit these doors when replacing like for like because widening the structural opening adds cost.

7 feet 6 inches wide (2286 mm)

This is a more comfortable single width for modern cars. Many homeowners upgrade to this size when possible because it provides easier access for wider vehicles and reduces the risk of clipping mirrors.

8 feet wide (2438 mm)

This is becoming a popular modern width for new build homes. It offers more practical space for SUVs, electric cars, and large hatchbacks. It is often recommended if you are building a new garage.

Metric standard widths

Many sectional and roller door manufacturers now supply 2000 mm, 2250 mm, and 2500 mm options. Metric sizing provides a slightly more flexible range if the opening is not built to traditional imperial dimensions.

These measurements refer to the door itself. The clear drive through width is usually slightly narrower depending on the frame type.

How the door type affects usable width

Different door mechanisms reduce the clear opening to varying degrees. Understanding this ensures you choose a door that gives you the widest possible access.

Up and over doors

These sit in a steel frame that reduces the clear width at both sides. The reduction is usually between 40 mm and 70 mm each side. A 7 foot wide door might therefore only give around 1980 mm of usable space.

Sectional doors

These fit behind the structural opening. This means the full width of the opening is usually usable. If the opening measures 2286 mm you will often have almost that width available to drive through.

Roller doors

Roller doors also fit behind the opening with guides mounted to the inside face. They typically reduce width by around 50 mm each side although slimline guides can reduce this to around 25 mm.

Side hinged doors

These sit within a frame which reduces the clear opening similar to up and over doors. The reduction depends on the frame thickness.

If you want maximum width a sectional or roller door often provides the best results.

How wide is a double garage door in the UK

Many UK homes have double garages either side by side or with one large opening. Standard double door sizes include:

14 feet wide (4267 mm)

A traditional double width. Suitable for two average cars although space is tight when both doors need to be open simultaneously.

15 feet wide (4572 mm)

Provides more comfort and easier access. This is a good balance between cost and practicality.

16 feet wide (4877 mm)

Common in larger homes and ideal for modern vehicles. This width is more forgiving and makes parking simpler.

Metric equivalents include 4000 mm, 4500 mm, and 5000 mm widths depending on manufacturer.

Like single doors the type of mechanism affects usable width. Sectional and roller designs provide almost full width while framed up and over doors reduce it slightly.

Real world UK examples

Older 1960s and 1970s garages

These often have single doors between 6 feet 6 inches and 7 feet wide. Many homeowners find these too narrow for modern cars especially SUVs. Widening the opening is often possible but requires structural work and planning consideration.

1980s and 1990s properties

These commonly have 7 foot or 7 foot 6 inch doors. Many can be upgraded to 7 foot 6 inches or 8 feet without rebuilding the lintel if the structural opening allows it.

New build homes

Most developers install 8 foot single sectional doors or 16 foot double sectional doors because these meet modern expectations for vehicle access.

Prefabricated concrete garages

These usually use 7 foot or 7 foot 6 inch up and over doors. Upgrading to a wider roller door is common because it maximises the usable opening.

How to measure a garage door to understand width

If you are assessing your own garage you need three main measurements.

Structural opening width

Measure between the brickwork or concrete piers. This tells you the maximum possible width for a new door. This is the most important measurement.

Frame width

If the current door has a steel frame measure the internal width inside the frame legs. This tells you the clear opening you currently have.

Drive through width

Measure the narrowest point with the door fully opened. For up and over doors this can be tighter at the top due to arm mechanisms.

Having these measurements makes it easier to decide whether you need a door replacement or a wider structural change.

Why garage door width matters

Vehicle size

Modern vehicles are wider than older models. A typical family SUV can be around 1850 mm wide without mirrors. With mirrors extended many exceed 2050 mm. You need a door wide enough to enter comfortably without folding the mirrors each time.

Storage requirements

If you use the garage for bikes, tools, or freezers the door needs to be wide enough to manoeuvre items without scraping the sides.

Accessibility needs

If anyone in the household uses mobility aids a wider opening is valuable.

Home value

A wider, modern door increases practical value and improves kerb appeal which helps when selling.

Planning and legal considerations

Although replacing a garage door is normally permitted development there are situations where door width changes may need approval.

Enlarging the opening

Widening a structural opening may require planning permission if it significantly alters the external appearance of the building particularly on front elevations.

Listed buildings

Any alteration to external doors requires listed building consent.

Conservation areas

Local authorities may restrict changes to front elevations including garage doors.

Building regulations

If widening the opening affects structural supports you may need building control approval. This includes replacing or resizing lintels.

If the garage is integral to the home you must maintain fire separation standards and ensure the structure remains compliant.

Cost of different garage door widths

Costs vary depending on material, size, and door type.

Single doors

• Up and over 7 feet wide: £450 to £900 installed
• Up and over 8 feet wide: £600 to £1100 installed
• Sectional 7 to 8 feet wide: £1200 to £2500 installed
• Roller door 7 to 8 feet wide: £900 to £1800 installed

Double doors

• Up and over double width: £900 to £1500
• Sectional double width: £1800 to £3500
• Roller double width: £1600 to £2800

Widening the structural opening ranges from £800 to £3000 depending on brickwork and lintel requirements.

Alternatives if your current door is too narrow

If widening is not possible you can still make practical improvements.

Switch to a roller door

Roller doors fit behind the opening which gives you the full structural width. If you currently have an up and over door you can gain around 70 to 120 mm of extra usable width.

Change to a sectional door

These also mount behind the opening and remove the need for large frame legs.

Fit slimline frames

Some modern frames have thinner profiles which increase the drive through width slightly.

Reconfigure driveway layout

Sometimes adjusting kerb edges or parking angles makes accessing a narrow garage easier without altering the building.

How to choose the right width for a new build or extension

If you are building a new garage aim for widths that suit modern and future vehicles.

Recommended single door width

At least 8 feet (2438 mm) or 2500 mm if using metric sizing. This gives comfortable clearance for almost all modern cars.

Recommended double door width

At least 16 feet (4877 mm) or 5000 mm metric. This avoids tight parking gaps and future proofs the space.

Consider extra width if using the garage as a workshop

A 9 foot wide single door or an 18 foot wide double door may be appropriate for hobby use.

Practical tips when deciding on door width

• Always measure your vehicle including mirror width
• Check how much width you lose with current frames and mechanisms
• Consider future vehicle upgrades
• Look at the driveway turning angle
• Choose a door type that maximises usable opening
• If widening the opening check the lintel size and structural stability
• Make sure the chosen width fits your budget and planning requirements

Real world example calculations

Example 1: Standard 7 foot up and over door

Door width: 2134 mm
Frame reduction both sides: 60 mm total 120 mm
Usable width: 2014 mm

Most medium cars fit but large SUVs are tight.

Example 2: Replacing with a roller door using the full structural opening

Structural opening: 2300 mm
Roller door guide reduction: 100 mm
Usable width: 2200 mm

A considerable improvement without widening brickwork.

Example 3: Widening opening to 2500 mm and fitting a sectional door

Structural opening after works: 2500 mm
Sectional door fitted behind opening
Usable width: around 2480 mm

Ideal for modern vehicles and mobility needs.

Conclusion

Answering the question how wide is a garage door requires understanding the difference between traditional sizes, modern standards, and the effect of door mechanisms on usable space. Most UK single garage doors range between 7 feet and 8 feet wide while double doors typically fall between 14 and 16 feet. The best width for your home depends on vehicle size, driveway layout, building structure, and any planning or building constraints. Whether you are replacing an existing door or planning a new build choosing the right width ensures easier access, a safer approach, and long term practicality.