A new garage door can change the appearance of a home, but selecting the right one involves more than simply picking a design. How large is a double garage? What are the usual garage door height and width? What are standard garage door sizes? These are questions that homeowners need answered. You need your garage door to be functional, secure, and affordable. You can save time, money, and hassle on garage door installation by being aware of the different garage door sizes available.

This guide will walk you through all you need to know about garage door sizes, from the specifications of single- and double-car garage doors to when a customised option will work for your home.

Why Garage Door Size is Non-Negotiable

You need correct garage door sizes for a proper garage door installation. No matter what type of door you choose, the opening needs to be measured for accuracy because every garage is different. Some of the other benefits include:

• Cost-Effectiveness: You can get accurate quotes, and then you can compare quotes and know exactly what you are spending your money on.
• Function and Security: Correct garage door sizes keep dust and pests out, create a tight seal against the weather, and provide years of trouble-free operation.
• Kerb Appeal and Property Value: The door will appear better and increase the value of your property if it fits the garage door frame properly. 

• Safety and Convenience: A poorly sized garage door can make it difficult to park cars comfortably, let dust, rainwater, or pets in, or result in excessive use of electricity.

Standard Garage Door Sizes for Australian Homes

Let us have a look at the different garage door sizes available that you can go for:

Single Garage Door Sizes

A regular garage door size is around 2100 mm high and 2400 mm wide, which parks an average-sized car. This size is suitable for a standard mid-size car or SUV, with enough space to open the doors and walk around the vehicle.

However, older homes may have smaller openings. Older garages usually have entrances as narrow as 2100 or 2200 mm. When planning a single garage door installation, it matters to determine the roller door dimensions or panel door measurements.

Double Garage Door Sizes

The double garage is appropriate for parking two cars side by side or accommodating bigger cars. The width of your cars and the design of your garage will determine whether you get two single doors or one large door. Two single doors require two automatic openers, making them more expensive to install than one large double door.

The standard double garage door size in Australia, which is also the typical size of a two-car garage door, is around 2100 mm tall by 4800 mm wide.

However, a 5200 mm wide door is a popular choice for adding extra space. This extra 400 mm provides easier access and more storage space along the sides. It prevents mirror clashes and makes getting children out of car seats much easier.

Roller, Sectional, or Tilt: Which Door Fits Your Garage?

The type of door you select will also affect the required dimensions, particularly the headroom and side room.

Roller Garage Doors

Roller doors roll up into a roll right above the garage door opening, leaving the inside of your garage clean and tidy. Roller doors can be motorised for remote control operation or manually operated with a centre lift key lock.

• Door Size: The standard roller door sizes can fit openings up to 3000 mm high and 5500 mm wide (3 m high x 5.5 m wide).
• Headroom: Roller doors typically require a minimum of 450 mm of headroom to accommodate the roll.

Sectional or Panel Doors

Sectional garage doors are made up of multiple horizontal panels hinged together. The best thing about these garage doors is that they operate in a track system. When you open the door, it moves vertically before sliding back along ceiling tracks. This makes them highly practical and space-saving. They offer a clean, modern look that complements any kind of building and provide sufficient insulation.

• Door Size: Sectional doors can be made to fit openings up to 3400 mm high and 6500 mm wide (3.4 m and 6.5 m).

• Headroom: Sectional doors generally require less headroom than roller doors, typically around 350 mm.

Tilt Garage Doors

The tilt garage door is a one-piece overhead door with a spring balance hinge that opens outward and upward. When you have a limited height in your garage, the tilt garage door is the most suitable choice because it requires the least amount of headroom of any garage door on the market. You can choose from a wider range of materials to match the style of your house.

• Door Size: Tilt garage doors can be made to fit openings up to 2500 mm high and 5500 mm wide (2.5 m high x 5.5 m wide).
• Headroom: Tilt doors require less headroom than roller doors, often 75 mm to 100 mm.

Custom Garage Doors

If the standard garage door sizes are not available in the regular range, you can have a custom-sized garage door made to your requirements. Custom garage doors are designed to provide extra height and width to accommodate bigger vehicles such as vans or trucks.

Garage Door Sizes: What Factors to Consider

When planning for a new garage door, you must go through this checklist:

Garage Door Width

The average car in Australia is about 1900 mm wide, so a standard single garage door is about 2400 mm wide for small to medium-sized cars. The extra space on either side is necessary for convenience.

A double garage door is normally 4800 mm wide, with enough floor space for two cars or one larger vehicle.

Standard Garage Door Height

The typical height of garage doors, both single and double, is 2100 mm. However, if you drive a bigger car or plan to install overhead storage, you may require a taller door.

Garage Door Depth

The thickness of a garage door can range from 30 mm to 51 mm, according to the style of door and whether it is insulated. Insulated doors tend to be thicker and offer better energy saving.

Headroom

Headroom, or the space between the garage opening and the ceiling, accommodates the garage door and its parts. A roller door, for example, normally requires 350 mm to 450 mm of headroom space.

Driveway Slope

Check how steep your driveway is. A steep driveway can require a higher opening that keeps cars from scraping the bottom of the door.

Building Codes

Building codes restrict the size of garage doors. Be aware of any estate covenants or municipal building rules that can limit the sizes or types of doors.

Ceiling Slope

If your garage ceiling is sloped, you may need special tracks that follow the angle of the roof.

Size of Vehicle

The size of the car you now own and whether you plan to purchase a bigger car in the future.

Number of Cars to Park

How many cars do you need to park in your garage? Do you need to park one or two cars side-by-side

Usage of Garage Space

Will parking be the only purpose for the garage? If you need overhead storage racks or a workshop, you may want a larger door or a specific track system.

Common Problems in Garage Door Sizing

The size of a new garage door is determined by the current opening in your home. It will be quite expensive to go through structural work to change this size. This is a typical problem in older homes with low ceilings. In these cases, a tilt door may be the best option for increasing drive-through height. Check your garage for any obstructions that may prevent the door from opening.

You need to watch out for the following factors:

• Structural beams and posts
• Plumbing and water pipes
• Electrical wiring
• Shelving units

How to Measure Your Garage for a New Door

We strongly recommend a professional measurement for garage door sizes before your garage door installation, but you can take initial rough measurements to get an idea of cost and availability. Follow the simple guide to measuring your garage opening:

1. Width: Use a tape measure to measure the top, middle, and bottom of your garage opening, then use the widest figure. This will allow you to assess whether the opening is the same width at the top and bottom.
2. Height: Find the height of your garage door by measuring from the floor to the header. Always remember that the garage door and its components (whether a roller door or a sectional door) will require space to operate. 
3. Headroom: Determine the distance from the top of the opening to the ceiling (or the lowest obstruction, such as a beam). Take note of any obstructions on the garage ceiling, such as storage racks or lights, as well.
4. Side Room: Take measurements on both sides of the opening. Some sectional doors only need a minimum of 125 mm of side room for standard installations, while low-headroom models may need 150 mm. Roller doors require much more clearance, especially on the side where the motor is mounted.

Why Professional Garage Door Installation is a Must

A professional garage door installation means that the door is balanced, the springs are properly tensioned, and the safety features work. If it is not installed correctly for its size and weight, it will strain the springs, tracks, and opener. This strain is the leading cause of breakdowns and the need for emergency garage door repairs. Proper garage door installation is also required for safety, security, and long-term use. So always get the size and installation right from the beginning to prevent problems later on.

The Right Size, The Right Door, The Right Team

It is very useful for properties to have garage door sizes that fit well. Once your new garage door has been installed, don’t forget about safety and ease of use.

Once you work with Coastwide Garage Doors, we can provide the following solutions:

• Professional Installation:  Our expert technicians have over 25 years of experience to provide high-quality installations.
• Advanced Security: Modern garage door remotes have features like rolling code technology to avoid hacking, and you can regularly sync multiple remotes and keypads for the entire family. We can connect your new door to advanced garage door remotes for easy and secure access.
• Garage Door Repairs: Our team is available for garage door repairs 24/7, whether they have a broken spring or a damaged motor.
• Emergency Service: Garage door problems may not usually occur during office hours. That is why we offer emergency garage door repair services across the Gold Coast.

Contact Coastwide Garage Doors today for a free, on-site measure and quote. Let our experts help you find the right garage door sizes for your properties.