How much bigger should a garage door be than the opening?

Author: Mrs. Delia Strosin  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

To answer the question posed earlier, a garage door can't be wider than the opening. In fact, your garage door should be the same size as the opening, or maybe even a hair smaller. Also, the rough opening should be a few inches wider than the door to accommodate the frame to ensure a tight fit with a seal.

How big of an opening for a 9x7 garage door?

For example, a 9x7 garage door rough opening should be 9 feet 9 inches wide and 7 feet 3 inches tall. The finished frame opening should be 8 feet 9 inches wide and 6 feet 11 inches tall.

Is a 16 ft garage door big enough for two cars?

Common 2 car garage dimensions

The single 16-foot-wide (4.9-meter-wide) garage door is large enough to allow two vehicles to rest comfortably within it. It is also a good idea to have a 3-foot-wide door to the exterior on the side of the garage.

Are garage doors supposed to have a gap?

The quick answer: Yes. On first glance, it may not seem that important to see small openings around the door. But the fact is that air infiltration can cause significant problems in your garage or shop. To put it another way — It's time for you to Stop The Snirt!

How big should my garage door be?

The standard garage door width and height can vary by where you live, but is usually: 8 feet wide by 7 feet tall, or 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall for a single car garage door.

Common Garage Door Sizes

Should a garage door be wider than the opening?

To answer the question posed earlier, a garage door can't be wider than the opening. In fact, your garage door should be the same size as the opening, or maybe even a hair smaller. Also, the rough opening should be a few inches wider than the door to accommodate the frame to ensure a tight fit with a seal.

What size door is the normal size for a two car garage?

Many homeowners have two cars and need garage space to shelter them both. The standard size for double garage doors is 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high. Many of these size garage doors are designed with a pair of single 8-foot garage door bays. These bays can be separated by a central post or column.

What is the acceptable door gap?

the gap between the underside of the door and unfinished floor should be between 10mm and 22mm, with the ventilation requirements for the building taken into account when determining the gap beneath internal doors.

How much space do you need on either side of a garage door?

Determine Side Room Space

For the door to be properly secured and for the track to have enough space to be installed, there needs to be at least 3 ¾ inches of room on either side. For double door garages, the middle post between openings needs to be at least 10 inches wide.

How do I know if my garage door is misaligned?

Your Door is Misaligned

If you notice that your garage door appears loose or uneven while opening or closing it, this could be a sign that it has come out of alignment. Misalignment can result from broken springs or frayed cables on one side of the door and requires immediate repair.

Is 18 ft wide enough for 2 car garage?

How wide is a two-car garage? A standard two-car garage is usually between 18′ and 24′ feet wide.

How wide should the opening be for a 16 foot garage door?

The rough opening for a 16-foot-wide garage door should be larger than the door itself. The rough opening is typically about 16 feet 3 inches wide and between 7 and 8 feet high.

How much does a garage door replacement cost?

The average new garage door or garage door replacement cost is $2,743 but can range from $750 to $6,325.

Is an 8 foot garage door wide enough?

For Small and Compact Cars:

An 8-foot garage door offers enough clearance for parking. Compact cars generally measure between 5.5 and 6 feet in width, leaving ample room to park and exit without any issues.

Does Home Depot sell garage doors?

The Home Depot offers Clopay garage doors and openers that are available for installation in a wide range of designs with options and upgrades to achieve the perfect look.

What is the rough opening size for a garage door?

The rough opening should be the same size as the door. Common garage door widths include 8′, 9′, 10′ and 16′. Common heights include 7′ and 8′. Measure headroom as the distance between the top of the door and the ceiling (or first obstruction, e.g., light fixture).

How much clearance does a garage door need?

You'll want a minimum of 15 inches of overhead clearance for a standard garage door with an electric opener.

Should there be a gap on sides of garage door?

Garage door gaps can compromise the security and energy efficiency of your garage, leading to increased energy bills and possible break-ins. The causes of garage door gaps include wear and tear, improper installation, and weather changes.

Why two garage doors instead of one?

The biggest benefit of having a double garage door is the large opening for easy access and flexibility to store larger items in your garage. It can also be a desirable feature for potential buyers if you're thinking of selling your home. Double doors are generally more expensive than single doors.

What is the ideal door gap?

A gap of around 1/8th of an inch is recommended for standard doors to keep the elements out, protect the paint on the trim, and ensure that the door closes and opens smoothly. The right amount of space is equal to the thickness of your door with a little extra room for clearance while opening or closing.

How big should the door gap be?

One critical aspect to emphasize is the gap between the door and the floor, which should be between a half-inch and three-quarters of an inch for optimal functionality.

What is the gap under a door code?

NFPA 80 (the code standard for fire doors) states that fire doors must be inspected on an annual basis. Maximum allowable perimeter gap is 1/8" for wood doors, 1/8" +/- 1/16" for metal doors. Maximum allowable door bottom gap is 3/4".

What is the most popular garage door size?

Common Single Garage Door Sizes: The most common sizes for single garage doors are 8′ x 7′, 8′ x 8′, 9′ x 7′, and 9′ x 8′.

Is a 16 ft garage door big enough for 2 cars?

If you're looking to park two cars in the garage, 16 feet is our best choice. You could go with 14, but then you'd risk having to squeeze in and out or park at an angle to fit.

How much does it cost to build a 24x24 garage?

Site-Built 24×24 Garage Cost: Around $25,000

However, $25,000 is a good entry point for a custom, site-built garage. It is also important to note that while only a site-built garage can make use of the convenience of a concrete floor, that is not included in the $25,000 average price point.

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