Garages play an essential role in protecting vehicles, providing storage, and adding value to your property. When designing or renovating a garage, choosing the right door size and overall garage dimensions is crucial. This guide will explore the different sizes of 16×8 garage doors, 16×7 garage doors, and how they fit into the design of a 2 car garage. It will also explain why selecting the right 2 car garage door is key to functionality and aesthetics.

16×8 Garage Door: A Spacious and Tall Solution

A 16×8 garage door is one of the larger options available and is ideal for homeowners who need extra vertical clearance and width. This type of garage door offers more height than standard garage doors, making it perfect for taller vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or vans. It’s also a popular choice for homeowners who want added convenience when moving items in and out of the garage.

Benefits of a 16×8 Garage Door:

• Increased Height: The 8-foot height provides extra clearance, which is essential for larger vehicles or those with roof racks, bike carriers, or cargo boxes.
• Wider Access: The 16-foot width offers a spacious opening, making it easier to park two vehicles side by side or maneuver in and out without worrying about scratching your car.
• Enhanced Curb Appeal: A 16×8 garage door can significantly impact the overall appearance of your home’s exterior, especially if you choose a modern, stylish design.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Large Vehicles: Perfect for families with large SUVs, trucks, or vans that need more vertical and horizontal space.
• Multiple Vehicles: If you have two cars and require ample room for both, this garage door ensures enough space for easy parking.
• Additional Storage: The extra height is beneficial for those who use the garage for more than just vehicle storage. It allows for overhead shelving or hanging storage racks.

Considerations:

While the extra height and width of a 16×8 garage door are advantageous, it is important to note that not all garages are designed to accommodate an 8-foot-tall door. Homeowners may need to adjust the ceiling height or modify the structure to install this size.

16×7 Garage Door: A Standard Option with Ample Width

The 16×7 garage door is slightly shorter than the 16×8 garage door, but it’s still a very popular choice for 2 car garages. With a standard height of 7 feet, this garage door is sufficient for most passenger vehicles and offers enough width to comfortably park two cars side by side.

Benefits of a 16×7 Garage Door:

• Standard Height: The 7-foot height is standard for most garages and is suitable for sedans, hatchbacks, and standard-sized SUVs.
• Space for Two Cars: The 16-foot width allows for two cars to fit comfortably within the garage, with enough room for both vehicles to park and exit without hassle.
• Affordability: Since 16×7 garage doors are more common and don’t require structural adjustments for extra height, they are generally more affordable to install and maintain.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Standard-Sized Vehicles: This door is perfect for families or individuals with average-sized cars, SUVs, or crossovers.
• Residential Homes: It’s a good fit for most residential homes that don’t require extra height for taller vehicles or additional storage.

Considerations:

A 16×7 garage door might not provide enough clearance if you have a taller vehicle or plan to install overhead storage. If your vehicle has roof racks or you regularly transport large equipment, the 16×8 option may be more suitable.

2 Car Garage: Finding the Right Dimensions

When designing or purchasing a 2 car garage, the dimensions you choose play a crucial role in its functionality and overall use. A 2 car garage typically has enough space for two vehicles, but there are several factors to consider when determining the right dimensions for your needs.

Standard 2 Car Garage Dimensions:

• Width: The typical width of a 2 car garage is 18 to 24 feet. This range allows enough space to comfortably park two cars side by side with additional room for doors to open and close.
• Length: The length of a standard 2 car garage is 20 to 24 feet. This provides adequate space for most vehicles while leaving room for storage or a small workbench at the back of the garage.
• Height: Most 2 car garages have a height of 7 to 8 feet. However, this can be adjusted depending on whether you want to install overhead storage or accommodate larger vehicles.

Benefits of a 2 Car Garage:

• Ample Parking Space: The ability to park two vehicles in the garage helps protect them from the elements and offers security.
• Versatile Use: Aside from parking, a 2 car garage can be used for storage, as a workshop, or even for recreational purposes.
• Property Value: A well-designed 2 car garage can increase the value of your home and appeal to future buyers.

Customizing Your 2 Car Garage:

Depending on your needs, you can customize your garage to include extra storage, windows, insulation, or even a loft area. It’s also essential to consider the size and type of garage door that will best suit your garage’s design and your lifestyle.

2 Car Garage Door: Choosing the Right Size

A 2 car garage door is designed to accommodate two vehicles and can range in size depending on your specific requirements. The most common options are 16×7 and 16×8 garage doors, but there are other sizes available for custom garages.

Standard 2 Car Garage Door Sizes:

• 16×7 Garage Door: This size is ideal for most residential garages. It offers enough width for two cars to park comfortably while still being affordable and easy to install.
• 16×8 Garage Door: If you need additional height for taller vehicles or overhead storage, the 16×8 garage door is a great option. The extra foot of height can make a big difference in how you use the space.

Benefits of a 2 Car Garage Door:

• Ease of Access: A single wide garage door makes it easier to enter and exit the garage, compared to having two separate doors.
• Better Aesthetics: A large, single garage door can create a clean, modern look for your home’s exterior.
• Functional and Convenient: A well-sized 2 car garage door ensures that both vehicles can enter and exit the garage without hassle, even if one vehicle is larger than the other.

Choosing the Right Material:

When selecting a garage door, you’ll also want to consider the material. Options include steel, wood, aluminum, and composite materials. Steel is durable and low-maintenance, while wood offers a classic, elegant appearance. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, making it a popular choice for coastal areas.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Garage

Whether you are considering a 16×8 garage door, a 16×7 garage door, or designing a 2 car garage, it’s important to carefully assess your needs, vehicle sizes, and long-term plans.

• 16×8 Garage Doors offer extra height for larger vehicles and additional storage.
• 16×7 Garage Doors are ideal for standard vehicles and are more affordable.
• 2 Car Garages provide versatility and convenience for families with multiple vehicles, while the 2 car garage door options ensure ease of access and aesthetic appeal.

By selecting the right combination of dimensions and materials, you can create a functional, stylish, and valuable addition to your home that meets both current and future needs.