Common Garage Door Sizes in Canada
Clear and helpful chart
| Type | Width | Height | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Garage | 8 ft, 9 ft, or 10 ft | 7 ft or 8 ft | Fits one car, small SUV, or pickup truck |
| Double Garage | 14 ft, 16 ft, or 18 ft | 7 ft or 8 ft | Fits two vehicles side-by-side |
| RV/Boat Garage | 10 ft to 16 ft | 10 ft to 14 ft | For RVs, boats, or extra-tall vehicles |
| Compact Garage | 6 ft to 8 ft | 6 ft to 7 ft | Tight urban spaces, storage, or golf carts |
Explanation:
Width Options:
Single doors usually come in 8 ft or 9 ft widths. A 10 ft option is also common for added clearance.
Double doors are typically 16 ft wide, though 14 ft and 18 ft options exist depending on garage design and driveway size.
Height Options:
Standard height is 7 ft, but 8 ft is increasingly common, especially for modern homes or homes with high ceilings.
Taller openings (10–14 ft) are used for RVs, boats, or in homes with larger utility needs.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Opening (Step-by-Step)
Have a steel tape, pencil, and notepad. Measure to the finished frame (not to drywall/trim). Record in inches.
Width (W): Inside left jamb to inside right jamb at the widest point.
Height (H): Concrete floor to the underside of the header/lintel.
Sideroom (SR): From each jamb edge to the nearest wall/obstruction.
Target: 3.5–5 in per side for standard vertical tracks.
Headroom (HR): From top of finished opening to the ceiling/lowest obstruction.
Target: 12 in minimum for standard torsion spring setup.
Low ceilings may require low-headroom or jackshaft options.
Backroom (BR): From the opening back to the rear wall.
Target: Door height + 18 in (add more if installing an opener).
Floor level: Check for slopes; more than ½ in variance may need leveling or bottom-seal shimming.
Obstructions: Note pipes, lights, garage door openers, outlets, mezzanines, or shelving near the ceiling.
Pro tip: Measure width and height in at least three places (top/middle/bottom for width; left/centre/right for height). Use the smallest number.
Pro Tip
Always measure your garage opening before purchasing a new door. The ‘rough opening’ is usually the same as the door size, but trim and framing can affect fit.
What’s Important to Know Before You Choose
Insulation (R-Value): Higher R-value helps with Ottawa winters and noise.
Material & Gauge: Steel (durable, low maintenance), wood (premium look), aluminum (lightweight), composite (low-maintenance wood look).
Panel Design & Windows: Impacts weight (spring sizing), privacy, and daylight.
Track Type: Standard-lift, high-lift (for tall ceilings), or low-headroom kits.
Opener Compatibility: Torsion shaft clearance, header reinforcement, and outlet location matter.
Weatherseals: Bottom (U-shaped), perimeter, and threshold options improve energy efficiency.
Custom Sizing: Older/renovated homes often need custom widths/heights for a perfect seal.
Permits/HOA: Some communities regulate exterior look, window style, and colours.
Common Mistakes (Avoid These)
Ordering by old door size instead of the finished opening.
Ignoring headroom/backroom and finding the opener won’t fit.
Forgetting sideroom (hinge/track hardware needs space).
Assuming the floor is level—then the door won’t seal on one side.
Skipping strut/reinforcement for wide doors or opener attachment.
Quick Measuring Worksheet (Print or Save)
Fill this out, then send us a photo or scan for a fast recommendation.
- Address / Area: ______________________________
- Width (W): ______ in (top) ______ in (mid) ______ in (bottom) → Use: ______ in
- Height (H): ______ in (L) ______ in (C) ______ in (R) → Use: ______ in
- Sideroom (Left / Right): ______ in / ______ in
- Headroom: ______ in
- Backroom: ______ in
- Ceiling height: ______ in (or ______ ft)
- Obstructions: __________________________________________
- Opener? ☐ Existing ☐ New ☐ None
- Preferred style: ☐ Modern/Flush ☐ Carriage ☐ Traditional Raised
- Windows? ☐ Top ☐ No windows ☐ Frosted/Privacy
- Colour/Finish: __________________________________________
When to Consider Upsizing
Full-size trucks/vans in a single bay → prefer 9–10 ft width.
Roof racks / tall cargo → consider 8 ft height (or more).
Workshop use → wider double (16–18 ft) improves maneuvering.
Future-proofing → if framing now, go larger (within façade balance).
FAQ
What is the most common single door size?
9×7 ft (108×84 in). 8×7 ft is also common in older homes.
Most common double door size?
16×7 ft (192×84 in). For taller SUVs/lifts, 16×8 ft is popular.
Can I convert two singles into one double?
Yes—often requires a new center post removal and structural header. We can assess and quote.
My ceiling is low—can I still get a sectional door?
Usually, yes. We can use a low-headroom track or a side-mounted (jackshaft) opener.
Do you do custom sizes?
Absolutely. We measure, supply, and install to fit non-standard openings.
