Garage Door Size

[shocksystems]

I am having a garage built and need to make a decision about the garage door size. The builder says that 9' is the standard size. I have an existing garage underneath my split level house and the doors are just under 9', I think they are too narrow.

The garage will be 20 feet wide, 37 feet long and have 16 foot high walls (for a lift).

What garage door size do people recommend?

Thanks!

Jim

 

[Charles (in GA)]

For a single door, 10 ft minimum. For a building of this size, I'd go 12 ft wide and 12 ft high (or more). You never know what you might want to put in there. I have a 12w x 14h door and love it. I also have a 10x10 roll up, and it is functional but I wouldn't want it as the only door.

Charles

 

[timc]

Go with the biggest door you can afford - you won't regret it down the road. I built a garage last year and the difference in price between a 10' wide door and 12' wide door was about $120 so I put in the 12' doors.

With that high of a ceiling I would go with a 12' or 14' high door if you ever plan on bringing in anything other then a passenger vehicle.

 

[CJseven]

I would have to agree with the others, Go as big as you can. I have a 12Hx14w and a 10X10 next to each other and I like the big door a lot better. the only thing is you will need a commercial opener if you go automatic but they really aren't that bad on price for the quality. Or at least they weren't when I checked last.

 

[NHCharger]

I've been building houses since 1984. Back then 8' was standard. Now 9' is standard, but as you noted by the time you trim it out it is a little less than 9'.
What side of the garage is your door going on?
For a work shop area a bigger door is always better. When i bought my 18' flatbed trailer I wanted to seal the wood deck ( it was March and I needed heat). I didn't have my shop built yet so I had to back it into the attached garage with the 9' doors. I had less than 2" clearance on each side.