The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Single-Car Garage Door

A garage door says a lot about your home. It's not just a cover for a parking spot; it's a big part of your curb appeal and how comfortable and secure your garage is. Here's what to know before choosing a single-car garage door.

How Big Is a Single-Car Garage?

A standard one-car garage is about 10 to 12 feet wide (3 to 3.7 m) and 20 to 24 feet deep (6.1 to 7.3 m). That fits one car plus some storage, and a deeper garage leaves room for a workbench, bikes or a small home gym. Some homeowners turn theirs into a hobby space or studio, and choose a door with windows for natural light.

Standard Single Garage Door Sizes

• 8 × 7 feet: the most common single door
• 9 × 7 feet: easier for wider vehicles
• 9 × 8 feet or 10 × 8 feet: for trucks, vans and SUVs with roof racks

Custom sizes are available for older or unusual openings.

What to Measure

• Width and height of the opening
• Headroom: the space between the top of the opening and the ceiling (needed for the tracks and opener)
• Side room: the wall space on each side of the opening (for the tracks)
• Backroom: the depth from the door into the garage (for the horizontal tracks and opener)

These decide which doors and openers will fit. We measure everything for you at a free consultation.

Features to Look For

• Durability: steel stands up to everyday knocks and our wet weather.
• Insulation: important if the garage is attached, heated or used as a workshop.
• Looks: from sleek modern designs to classic wood-look carriage-house doors.

Our Top Picks

• Steel: our default recommendation. Low-maintenance, durable, available in many styles and easy to insulate.
• Wood: beautiful for classic and rustic homes, but it needs regular refinishing. Amarr offers real wood designs through its By Design collection.
• Fibreglass and composite: the look of wood with much less maintenance; light and well insulated.

Installation and Maintenance

A qualified installer matters: a poorly installed door wears faster and can be less secure. After installation, a yearly tune-up, with lubrication and an alignment check, keeps it running well for years.

What Does a New Single Garage Door Cost?

Most single-car doors cost about $1,350 to $5,000 installed, depending on the material, insulation and style. An insulated 8 × 7 steel door starts at about $1,650 installed. Save $100 on any new door purchase and installation.

Why the Right Door Matters

• Property value: better curb appeal can help when you sell.
• Energy efficiency: an insulated door keeps an attached garage warmer and cuts heat loss.
• Security: a solid, well-installed door protects your car and belongings.
• Personal style: colours, windows and designs to match your home.
• Convenience: quiet, smooth operation and smart opener control.

Get Personal Advice

Call 604.398.4009 for a free consultation on your single-car garage door.