What Is a Standard Garage Door Size?

Bigger is always better, especially when it comes to Calgary garage doors. The idea of a double garage door has been growing more and more in recent times, so if you are considering getting one erected, here is all the information you need. We will cover everything from the standard double garage door size and factors to consider when making your choice to the main alternative.

How big is a double garage door?

In Calgary, there are 8 standard double garage door size options for residential doors, 16×7, 16×8, 18×7, and 18×8 these are the most common sizes, with 18 feet option being a little outdated.

Factors to consider when choosing a double garage door

Investing in a double garage door is a big point of pride for garage owners. You want to find something that will definitely be worth your money in every way from aesthetics and functionality to durability. In the sections below, we have compiled a list of key factors to consider when choosing a standard double garage door size so that you make the best possible choice for your home.

1. The height and width of your cars

Double garage door size matters a lot as it determines whether or not your vehicle will fit. If you have lower models from 4 to 5 inches in height, the 7-foot-tall double garage door should be good enough. For higher cars like pick-up trucks, SUVs, or even vans, consider going with the 8-foot double doors.

If you intend on having two vehicles in the garage at the same time, their width is also worth considering as it determines the best double garage door to go with. The last thing you want is to struggle to get in or out of the cramped garage. Here, you can never really go wrong with the 16-feet or 18-feet options.

2. The amount of space in the garage

You also need to consider your garage size and the size of the opening in particular when choosing a double door for your garage. For this, it is best to just take the measurements of the opening where the doors will be installed and make your decision with that in mind.

You could also have the space altered to fit a larger or smaller door depending on your personal preference and your budget.

3. Door material

Double garage doors can be very heavy. In this case, size could either make work easier or somewhat more complicated. The type of material used also has a huge role to play in this. It doesn’t really matter whether it is a mechanical or automatic opening mechanism.

Synthetic polycarbonate materials are the best in terms of being a lightweight yet strong and durable solution. Wood and metal may look cool and last long but they are often very heavy.

4. Energy-saving capabilities

Double garage doors offer more exposure to the outdoors. With Calgary’s bitter cold winters and hot summers, this could be very difficult to handle. It also drives up the costs of energy systems, whether it is the AC or the heaters. In these cases, it is best to go with smaller double garage doors. Those few feet shaved off to make all the difference.

If you decide to go with the larger doors, it is best to consider insulated options to spare yourself the trouble and extra costs.

5. Manual vs. automatic control mechanisms

If you decide to go with the larger doors, it is best to consider insulated options to spare yourself the trouble and extra costs.

Two Single garage doors vs single-unit double door

It is very common among homeowners in Calgary to get confused between the double garage door and the two-unit single garage doors. Both of them are designed for garages that hold two or more vehicles but they have their unique pros and cons depending on your specific needs. Here is a quick comparison of the two.

Two Single Garage Doors

This setup features two, independent single garage doors. They are often between 8 and 10 feet in width and 7 to 8 feet in height. The setup may feature a dividing wall or they may be set up next to each other in which case the total amount of space should not be less than 22 to 24 feet wide.

This setup allows for each door to be operated individually. It is ideal in cases where you want the flexibility to use the garage space for things like storage while guaranteeing privacy.

Pros

It is easier to operate.
If one door fails you still have the other.
It offers privacy for storage space.
They are more energy-efficient.

Cons

Require more space for installation.
Often more expensive to purchase and maintain.

Single-unit double door

As already stated, the double garage door size ranges from 12 to 18 feet in width. This is the most popular aesthetically in Calgary homes. It also creates the illusion of more space both inside and outside. Finally, it allows quick and easy access especially if used for one vehicle.