What Is The Height Of A Standard Garage Door

What Is The Height Of A Standard Garage Door?

When building a garage, one of the important considerations is the height of the garage door. The standard height of a garage door varies depending on the type of garage and the vehicles that will be stored inside. In this article, we will explore the different standard heights for garage doors and the factors that influence the choice of height.

Residential Garage Doors

For residential garages, the standard height of a garage door is typically 7 feet (2.13 meters). This height is sufficient for most passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and minivans. However, if you plan to store taller vehicles, such as trucks or RVs, you may need a garage door with a higher height.

Commercial Garage Doors

Commercial garages typically have higher garage doors to accommodate larger vehicles, such as delivery trucks, buses, and emergency vehicles. The standard height for commercial garage doors ranges from 10 feet (3.05 meters) to 14 feet (4.27 meters) or even higher. The specific height required will depend on the size and type of vehicles that will be using the garage.

Factors Influencing Garage Door Height

Several factors can influence the choice of garage door height, including:

Vehicle Height: The height of the vehicles that will be stored in the garage is the primary factor that determines the garage door height. Measure the height of your vehicles, including any roof racks or other accessories, to ensure that they will fit comfortably under the garage door.

Garage Ceiling Height: The height of the garage ceiling will also impact the garage door height. The garage door should be able to fully open without hitting the ceiling or any obstructions.

Headroom Clearance: Headroom clearance is the space between the top of the garage door opening and the ceiling. Typically, a minimum of 12 inches (30 centimeters) of headroom clearance is recommended to allow for the garage door opener and any necessary maintenance.

Local Building Codes: Building codes in some areas may specify minimum garage door heights. It is important to check the local building codes before determining the height of your garage door.

Custom Garage Door Heights

In some cases, you may need a garage door with a custom height that is not one of the standard sizes. Custom garage doors can be manufactured to meet specific requirements, such as accommodating extremely tall vehicles or providing additional headroom clearance. However, custom garage doors may be more expensive than standard-sized doors.

Conclusion

The height of a garage door is an important consideration when building a garage. By understanding the standard heights for residential and commercial garage doors and considering factors such as vehicle height, garage ceiling height, headroom clearance, and local building codes, you can choose the appropriate garage door height for your needs.