Detached workshop garage door size advice

[Court_in_Dallas]

Hello,

I am building a 20x20 workshop in my back yard. It will have a single entry door access as well as a large garage door.

The question that I am trying to resolve (this is my first workshop, and I don't have much shop experience otherwise), is whether I should go with an 8-10ftx7, or a 16x7?

The wider door is enticing but I am not certain that I need it. It will sacrifice internal storage/work space on the downside, and on the upside it will give greater access if I have large projects or just want to enjoy nice weather with the door up. I've toyed with the idea of building a wooden boat but that would be the largest project I think I would ever have going.

The smaller door, on the other hand, frees up space inside, and is cheaper. I don't think I will be need the extra width for anything that I will be bringing in or out of the shop. But, conventional thinking is it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. But, is that true here?

The shop will be primarily a woodworking space, small engine maintenance and repair area, tool restoration and general man cave hang-out spot. I do plan to climate control the shop so the larger door would equate to less efficiency as well, and I live in Texas so weather is always a factor impacting enjoyment.

With that said, I don't know what I don't know and would hate to put a smaller door in only to regret not having the larger capacity. Of course, that may be an unnecessary concern. I'm hoping some your experiences will be good guidance on making the decision.

Thank you.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would go 10x8 if you have the head room . what height are you building?

 

[Court_in_Dallas]

The wall will be 10'1 3/4". The roof ridge will be 15' 1 3/4".

 

[BoostAddiction]

If you are parking cars in it, go for the bigger door. If it's just a workshop, most anything you build in it can be moved through the smaller door. And the smaller door is cheaper, and will leak less air than the larger door, all other things equal.

Make sure to get a door that is actually well insulated, and well sealed. In your climate, it will make a difference, especially if the door faces West.

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

Option three is to put in a single door, to one side, but frame in the opening for the second door as you build the space. If in the future you decide to add a second door it will be easy.
Be certain you get a really good door. Insulated three layer thermally broken. You might squirm a bit when you see the price but in your application it will be a very good investment.

 

[straps57]

I would go 10x8 if you have the head room . what height are you building?

Yup. Taller the better.

 

[kbs2244]

I put an 10w x 8h in my 20 x 24 shop
I put the header at the top of the wall, with the fill-in wall dropping down, in case I ever want to go to a taller opening.

I can drive in if I need to, but still have room on the 20 foot wall inside.

 

[vision8]

Depending on your usage ? I put in 10 ft x 10 ft OHD and paid extra for a 4ft x 7 ft mandoor so I can ride my mc in without opening the OHD keeping the heat in or cooler air in , depending on the season . Good Luck .

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Remember you need space from the ends of the wall and between the doors... so figure 7' or 8' max width on each. Functionally a single 16' would be better and likely cheaper. However aesthetics is something to consider.

 

[Adk Mike]

My 20 by 25. Sounds like the same shop. I used a 9 by 8. I can get big stuff in that small shop. Never been a problem. I built it 15 years ago.

 

[Skiff Builder]

Hey Court,
I'll come at this from your possible boat build side of things. If you build a boat and enjoy the process, chances are good, you'll do it again. Builds #2,3 etc usually are bigger than #1. The most important thing in a boat shop is not to have too many fixed things occupying the space (unless you have a lot of sq ft). The shop layout can evolve several times during one build.
In a square footprint like yours I would opt for 8'x10' or 8x10 or wider. Your hull will be fixed in place on the jig for a time- good to be able to move things in and out ,around it. You may find it best with boat placed diagonally also.
Just because you go wider on the door doesn't mean you lose use of that space. Rolling storage/tool units (everything in a boat shop should roll) can be stored in front of the door or parts of it until you need access.

Here is something else to consider. Think about another garage door on wall opposite of your main. Again, you can place things in front of it if needed. It is wonderful to have both ends open on a good weather day when cutting wood/ sanding or mixing and applying epoxy resin/glass on your hull.
I have 3 boat building spaces, 2 of them have front/rear doors.Allows you to temp expand out when building that 30 footer too.
Pic 1 - 18x27x8 with 15' ridge height. Wood floor. Front door 9w x 8h. Rear door 8x8 so bow of 30 footer can stick out. I since have added a ramp and pull my pickup in also.
Pic 2 - a too small a space with 9w x 6'7"h, conc floor, but got a good build done in there.
Pic 3- 32 x34x10, 8x12 and 8x8 front, 8x8 rear. Wood floor.

questions for you,
planned door on eave or gable side?
Man door same side or different?
What material for floor?

Best of luck with the new shop space.
Skiff Builder

 

[Skiff Builder]

Court,
Just another pic for reference. Start of build of an 18' x 4.5' dory in a garage space 11x22. You'll be gluing up large blanks, storing materials, have a jig in your space. It gets small fast, even on a small boat.
Make everything roll that you can and be able to flex the shop for all your tasks.

What boat you interested in building??

 

[Court_in_Dallas]

Court,
Just another pic for reference. Start of build of an 18' x 4.5' dory in a garage space 11x22. You'll be gluing up large blanks, storing materials, have a jig in your space. It gets small fast, even on a small boat.
Make everything roll that you can and be able to flex the shop for all your tasks.

What boat you interested in building??

Skiff Builder - thanks for the valuable experience. I have looked at a number of the Glen-L Boat plans, as well as Spira. I think I would probably start with a utility boat of some kind, nothing too large at first. I have a newer 9.9 HP motor so that would be the biggest limiter for the first boat.

Thanks for the photos, and that advice.

 

[Court_in_Dallas]

Thank you for all of the responses. This is a lot of really good information that helps me feel more informed about the decision.

Court