How Wide is a Garage Door? (And Why It’s Not as Boring as It Sounds)
Let’s be real—garage doors aren’t exactly the stars of home improvement conversations. But here’s the thing: if your car won’t fit, your DIY project becomes a very expensive driveway ornament. We’ve all seen that neighbor awkwardly angle their SUV into a garage that’s clearly too small (spoiler: it’s hilarious until it’s your SUV). So, let’s talk garage door widths: the good, the bad, and the “why did I never measure this before?!”
At Kald Gart Garage Doors here in Calgary, we’ve spent years rescuing folks from garage door disasters. Whether it’s a broken spring mid-winter or a noisy garage door that sounds like a T-rex learning tap dance, we’ve got stories. But today, let’s start with the basics: how wide is that door, anyway?
Standard Garage Door Sizes: The Usual Suspects
Most residential garage doors follow a “one-size-fits-most” approach. Think of it like jeans: there’s a standard range, but you might need a “tailored” fit if your garage is quirky. Here’s the breakdown:
- Single-car doors: Typically 8 to 10 feet wide. Perfect for compact cars or those of us who use our garages as glorified storage units (no judgment).
- Double-car doors: Usually 16 to 18 feet wide. Fits two average-sized cars, assuming you don’t also stash your kayak collection in there.
- RV or oversize doors: Up to 20+ feet wide. For the weekend warriors with a camper or a serious case of “go big or go home.”
But wait—there’s a catch. Older homes (looking at you, 1970s bungalows) often have narrower doors. Ever tried parking a modern truck in a 14-foot-wide space? It’s like playing Tetris with a 2-ton block.
“But My Garage is Weird!” Custom Sizes & Quirky Solutions
Got a garage that defies logic? Maybe it’s narrower than a hallway or has a support beam awkwardly placed where your driver’s side door should be. That’s where custom garage door installation comes in. At Kald Gart, we’ve tackled everything from heritage homes in Okotoks to modern builds in Strathmore. Pro tip: measure twice, install once.
FYI: Custom doors can cost more upfront, but they save you from:
- Scraping your mirrors every time you park.
- Explaining to your spouse why the garage now has a “racing stripe” (a.k.a. paint damage).
- Hiring a garage door contractor later to fix alignment issues.
Why Width Matters (Beyond Not Crashing Your Car)
Sure, fitting your vehicle is priority one, but garage door width affects:
- Automatic garage door opener installation: Wider doors need heavier-duty openers.
- Garage door track alignment: A misaligned track on a wide door is like a treadmill set to “sprint” — things go sideways fast.
- Energy efficiency: Gaps from ill-fitting doors let in Calgary’s winter chill (and let’s face it, nobody wants to heat their driveway).
And hey, if you’re dealing with a noisy garage door or a broken spring, width can impact repair complexity. A double-door system with dual springs? That’s a job for pros who know their torsion springs from their extension springs.
Common Garage Door Issues Linked to Size
“Help! My Garage Door Sounds Like a Horror Movie”
A noisy garage door is often due to poor track alignment or worn rollers. Wider doors put more strain on these parts, especially if they’re hauling heavy materials.
Quick fix: Lubricate the tracks and rollers. Not-so-quick fix: Call us for garage door track repair before the neighbors file a noise complaint.
Springs: The Unsung Heroes (Until They Snap)
Garage door torsion spring replacement isn’t a DIY project unless you enjoy physics lessons gone wrong. Wider doors need heavier springs, and miscalculating the tension is how garage doors end up in orbit.
Our advice: Leave garage door spring adjustment to the experts. We’ve seen enough “hold my beer” moments to last a lifetime.
Garage Door Widths: A Handy Cheat Sheet
| Door Type | Typical Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Car | 8–10 feet | Compact cars, storage, tiny homes |
| Double-Car | 16–18 feet | Two cars, SUVs, “I need space” folks |
| Oversized/RV | 20+ feet | RVs, boats, epic man caves |
FAQs: Because We Know You’re Curious
1. “What’s the standard garage door width in Calgary?”
Most newer homes have 16-foot double doors. But older neighborhoods? Expect narrower doors (and maybe a few surprises behind drywall).
2. “How do I measure my existing door?”
Measure the opening’s width between the inner edges of the frame. Pro tip: Check for obstructions like light switches or shelves.
3. “Can I install a wider door myself?”
IMO, leave garage door installation to the pros. One wrong move and you’re Googling “how to reattach a garage door panel” at 2 a.m.
4. “What’s the cost for a new garage door?”
Prices vary, but standard doors start around $1,000. Custom designs or commercial garage door repair? Let’s chat.
When to Call Kald Gart Garage Doors (Hint: Now)
Whether you’re in Calgary, Okotoks, or Strathmore, we’re your go-to for:
- Garage door repair that doesn’t break the bank (or your door).
- Automatic garage door opener installation so you never have to leave your car in -30°C again.
- Emergency fixes for broken springs, snapped cables, or doors stuck mid-air.
Why us? We’re local, we’re passionate, and we’ve seen it all—from rogue hockey pucks denting doors to squirrels turning tracks into condos.
Final Thought
Garage door width might seem trivial… until you’re backing into your trash cans daily. Whether you need a quick garage door track alignment or a full garage door replacement, remember: the right size (and the right team) makes all the difference.
Ready to stop playing parking-lot Tetris? Give Kald Gart Garage Doors a shout. We’ll measure, fix, or install—and maybe even share a story or two about the time a client’s cat became very interested in garage door cable repair. 😸
[Your friendly Calgary garage door nerds at Kald Gart Garage Doors. Call us, eh?]
