If you’re considering an upgrade to your home’s exterior, or you’re in the process of building a new garage, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll face is choosing the right garage door. A 16×8 garage door could be the perfect solution for many homeowners, offering the ideal balance between function, space, and design. The right garage door not only enhances the overall look of your home but also plays a pivotal role in providing security and accessibility.
This comprehensive guide will explore the reasons why a 16×8 garage door might be the best investment you make this year. From its size versatility to its ability to accommodate multiple vehicles, this garage door size is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. We’ll discuss the advantages of the 16×8 size, what factors to consider when choosing the right garage door, and how it compares to other garage door dimensions on the market.
How Tall Is a 16-Wide Garage Door?
A 16×8 garage door means that the door is 16 feet wide and 8 feet tall. While the width is designed to accommodate two vehicles side by side comfortably, the height of 8 feet offers plenty of headroom for most residential needs, including SUVs, trucks, and vehicles with roof racks. In fact, this height is ideal for larger vehicles that may not fit under standard 7-foot garage doors.
Benefits of a 16×8 Garage Door Height
- Accommodates Taller Vehicles: If you own an SUV, pickup truck, or even a vehicle with a roof rack or cargo carrier, an 8-foot tall door gives you the clearance needed without worrying about scraping the roof or antenna.
- Additional Overhead Storage: The added height provides more flexibility if you’re planning to install overhead storage racks inside your garage. The extra space allows you to store bikes, ladders, or other bulky items without interfering with the door operation.
- Improved Ventilation and Natural Light: A taller garage door allows for better ventilation, especially if you like to work inside your garage. It also provides more options for adding windows, which can increase the amount of natural light inside the garage.
When compared to shorter doors, the 8-foot height of the 16×8 garage door stands out as a significant advantage for homeowners with larger vehicles or those looking for more versatile storage options.
Is 8 Feet Wide Enough for a Garage Door?
While 8 feet is a common width for single-car garages, it may not be sufficient for larger vehicles or situations where you need extra space for maneuvering. A 16×8 garage door, on the other hand, is a double-wide door, providing ample room for two cars to park side by side without the need for additional garage doors or tricky parking arrangements.
Why Is a 16-Foot Width Ideal?
- Accommodates Two Cars: A 16×8 garage door is wide enough to fit two vehicles side by side comfortably. This makes parking easier and ensures that both cars have enough room to enter and exit without squeezing between tight spaces.
- Room for Larger Vehicles: In addition to accommodating two cars, a 16-foot-wide door offers enough width to easily park larger trucks, SUVs, or vans without worrying about clearance.
- Convenience: With a single wide door, you avoid the hassle of having to open two separate garage doors, saving you time and offering seamless access to your garage.
The 16-foot width offers an optimal balance between size and function, making it one of the most practical choices for homeowners with multi-vehicle households or larger vehicles.
Is a 16-Foot Garage Door Big Enough for Two Cars?
A 16-foot garage door is the industry standard for double-car garages, and it is more than capable of handling two vehicles parked side by side. In fact, this is one of the most popular sizes for two-car garages because it offers the perfect balance of space and accessibility without requiring additional customization or construction costs.
Key Advantages for Two-Car Garages
- Spacious Entry: With a 16-foot width, there is plenty of room for two vehicles to enter and exit the garage without having to worry about scraping the sides of the door frame. This makes parking faster, easier, and less stressful.
- Reduced Clutter: A single wide garage door creates a more open feel, and it’s easier to manage than having two smaller doors for a double-car garage. You don’t have to worry about syncing two garage door openers or dealing with the inconvenience of one door being stuck while the other works.
- Cost-Efficient: Opting for one 16×8 garage door is often more cost-effective than installing two separate garage doors. Maintenance is also simpler since you only have one door to service and garage door repair.
For most households with two vehicles, a 16×8 garage door is more than adequate and offers a combination of space and convenience that is hard to beat.
What Size Should a Garage Door Be?
The size of your garage door will depend on the size of your garage, the number of vehicles you plan to park inside, and any additional storage needs you may have. For single-car garages, standard widths are typically 8 or 9 feet, while double-car garages often feature 16-foot doors. The height of a garage door typically ranges between 7 and 8 feet, depending on your vehicle and storage needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door Size
- Vehicle Size: The size of your vehicle is the most critical factor in determining the size of your garage door. If you own or plan to own large trucks or SUVs, opting for a larger door like the 16×8 can provide the space needed for easy access.
- Future Needs: Even if you currently only park one vehicle in your garage, you may want to consider future needs. A wider garage door allows for flexibility, whether you decide to upgrade your vehicle or add another one to the family.
- Additional Storage: If you plan to use your garage for more than just parking, such as for tool storage, bikes, or even a workspace, having a larger garage door gives you more space to maneuver items in and out of the garage easily.
For most two-car garages, the 16×8 garage door offers the best blend of space, functionality, and convenience. It allows for multiple vehicles while still leaving room for storage and ease of access.
What Is a Standard Garage Size?
When planning for a garage, it’s essential to choose the right size based on your needs, particularly the number of vehicles you plan to park inside and any additional storage or workspace you may require. Garage sizes can vary, but standard dimensions have been developed over time to accommodate most cars and common uses efficiently. Understanding the standard sizes for single-car and double-car garages can help ensure that your garage is practical, functional, and meets your requirements.
Standard Garage Sizes at a Glance
- Single-Car Garage:
- A typical single-car garage measures approximately 12 feet wide by 20 feet deep (3.66 by 6.1 meters). This size is designed to comfortably fit one vehicle with enough room to open the doors, as well as to allow for easy entry and exit.
- The garage door for a single-car garage is generally 8 or 9 feet wide (2.44 to 2.74 meters) and 7 to 8 feet tall (2.13 to 2.44 meters). The extra width of a 9-foot door can be especially useful if you have a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or a truck, as it provides additional clearance for parking and maneuvering.
- A typical single-car garage measures approximately 12 feet wide by 20 feet deep (3.66 by 6.1 meters). This size is designed to comfortably fit one vehicle with enough room to open the doors, as well as to allow for easy entry and exit.
- Double-Car Garage:
- For a double-car garage, the standard size is typically 24 feet wide by 24 feet deep (7.32 by 7.32 meters). This provides ample space for two vehicles to park side by side while leaving some room around the cars for storage, tool benches, or walking paths.
- The garage door for a double-car garage is usually 16 feet wide (4.88 meters) and 7 to 8 feet tall (2.13 to 2.44 meters). This width allows two vehicles to enter and exit the garage simultaneously, making it an ideal solution for households with multiple cars.
- For a double-car garage, the standard size is typically 24 feet wide by 24 feet deep (7.32 by 7.32 meters). This provides ample space for two vehicles to park side by side while leaving some room around the cars for storage, tool benches, or walking paths.
- Custom Garages:
- If your needs go beyond the standard sizes, such as if you own larger vehicles, boats, or recreational vehicles (RVs), you may want to consider custom garage dimensions. Custom garages are built to order and can be tailored to suit specific requirements.
- For example, a custom garage designed to accommodate large vehicles might have doors that are 18 to 20 feet wide (5.49 to 6.1 meters) and up to 12 feet tall (3.66 meters), providing extra clearance for taller vehicles and giving you more flexibility for storing items such as bicycles, lawn equipment, or other tools.
- Custom garages also give you the opportunity to include additional features like storage lofts, workbenches, or dedicated space for hobbies, making the garage a more versatile area of your home.
- If your needs go beyond the standard sizes, such as if you own larger vehicles, boats, or recreational vehicles (RVs), you may want to consider custom garage dimensions. Custom garages are built to order and can be tailored to suit specific requirements.
Common FAQs About 16×8 Garage Door
1. What is a standard 2-car garage size?
A standard 2-car garage typically measures around 20 to 24 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet deep. This size provides sufficient space for two standard vehicles, as well as some extra room for storage or other uses. The depth allows enough space for most vehicles while also providing room to walk around or store items along the walls.
2. What size door is the normal size for a two-car garage?
The standard door size for a two-car garage is usually 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall. This width allows enough room for two vehicles to enter and exit the garage comfortably. Some homeowners may opt for slightly taller doors, up to 8 feet, especially if they drive taller vehicles like SUVs or trucks.
3. How much space do you need on either side of a garage door?
Typically, you should allow at least 12 inches (1 foot) of space on either side of a garage door for framing and clearance. This ensures that there is enough room for the garage door tracks and any additional components required for the smooth operation of the door. In some cases, if you’re installing larger or custom doors, the clearance may need to be increased slightly.
4. What size is an oversized 2-car garage door?
An oversized 2-car garage door can range from 18 to 20 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall. These larger doors provide extra width for larger vehicles or give more space between two parked cars. Oversized doors are especially useful for accommodating trucks, vans, or SUVs that require additional space compared to standard-sized vehicles.
5. What size is a 3-car garage?
A 3-car garage typically measures around 30 to 36 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet deep. This size provides enough room to comfortably park three vehicles side by side, with additional space for storage or movement around the vehicles. Depending on the design, a 3-car garage can have one large door or a combination of two smaller doors and one larger door.
Conclusion
Choosing a 16×8 new garage door can significantly enhance the functionality and appearance of your home. Its ample width and height offer easy access for two vehicles, larger trucks, or SUVs, and provide additional clearance for storage and maneuvering. Whether you’re building a new garage or upgrading an existing one, the 16×8 new garage door is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a balance between space, convenience, and design.
If you’re ready to make this decision and upgrade your garage door, Trusty Garage Doors can help. Our expert team offers high-quality garage door installation and maintenance services to ensure your new door functions perfectly for years to come.
End Note
Trusty Garage Doors is your reliable and professional source for all your garage door repair and installation needs in Texas. We specialize in long-lasting, affordable garage door repairs and services for residential customers. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a 16×8 garage door or need assistance with an existing door, we’re here to help. Visit our website to learn more, or contact us for personalized advice.
Check out our About Us page, read customer reviews, and explore our garage door blog for more tips and insights. For more information, browse our FAQs or see if we service your area by checking our service areas. We also provide expert garage door repairs in McKinney and garage door spring replacements to keep your garage door functioning smoothly.