Choosing the right garage door size is like buying shoes: if they don't fit, they won't work. In Canada, most homes use standard sizes that are easy to find and install. This guide explains every size you need, how to measure, and what it costs—so you can pick the perfect door for your home. If you ever need a pro, garage door repair in Vancouver is just a call away.
straightenKey Takeaways
- Standard single sizes: 8x7, 9x7, 9x8, 10x8. Most common is 9x7.
- Standard double sizes: 16x7, 16x8, 18x8. Classic double is 16x7.
- Height: 7 ft for cars, 8 ft for trucks/SUVs. RV doors up to 12 ft.
- Headroom: 10–12 inches minimum. Side room: 3.75 inches per side.
- Backroom: door height + 18 inches. Measure width, height, and clearances.
- Costs: single $900–$2,000, double $1,600–$3,600, RV $2,500+ installed.
The Two Main Door Types
Residential garage doors come in two main styles: sectional doors and roll-up doors. Sectional doors are the most common in Canadian homes. They have panels that slide up on tracks and sit parallel to the ceiling. Roll-up doors are used less often in houses but are popular for commercial buildings. For home use, stick with sectional doors—they're quiet, insulated, and come in all standard sizes. If you need a heavy-duty option, commercial garage door repair experts can help.
Single-Car Garage Door Sizes
A single-car garage door is usually between 8 and 10 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall. The most common sizes in Canada are:
- 8' x 7' (96" x 84" / 2438 x 2134 mm)
- 9' x 7' (108" x 84" / 2743 x 2134 mm)
- 9' x 8' (108" x 96" / 2743 x 2438 mm)
- 10' x 8' (120" x 96" / 3048 x 2438 mm)
An 8' x 7' door fits a small car like a Honda Civic. A 9' x 7' is the most popular single size—it fits most cars and gives a few inches on each side. If you drive a pickup truck, go with 9' x 8' or 10' x 8' for extra height. Always check your vehicle's width plus mirrors before choosing.
Double-Car Garage Door Sizes
Double-car doors are wider to fit two vehicles side by side. Standard sizes are:
- 16' x 7' (192" x 84" / 4877 x 2134 mm)
- 16' x 8' (192" x 96" / 4877 x 2438 mm)
- 18' x 8' (216" x 96" / 5486 x 2438 mm)
The 16' x 7' is the classic double size—it fits two cars with about 1.5 feet of space between them. If you have larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks, choose 16' x 8' or 18' x 8'. An 18' wide door gives extra room for mirrors and is common in newer homes. For more advice, read our buying a new garage door guide.
Door Height: 7-Foot vs 8-Foot
The two standard heights are 7 feet and 8 feet. A 7-foot door is fine for most cars and sedans. But if you have a truck, SUV, or minivan, 8 feet is safer—many modern vehicles are over 6 feet tall. An 8-foot door also allows for a car lift in the future. In Canada, 7-foot doors are more common in older homes, while new builds often use 8-foot. The extra height costs a bit more but adds resale value. Remember: the door height is the clear opening, not including the track.
RV and Oversized Garage Doors
If you own an RV, boat, or large truck, you need an oversized door. Residential doors can go up to 12 feet high and 18 feet wide. Common RV sizes are 10' x 10', 12' x 12', and even 14' x 14'. These doors often use heavy-duty springs and openers. Headroom and side room requirements are larger too—you may need 12–15 inches of headroom. Not all companies make them, so check with a specialist. For repairs, garage door repair in Vancouver handles oversized doors too.
The Space Around the Opening
Your door needs clearance to operate. Here are the key measurements:
- Headroom: At least 10–12 inches between the top of the opening and the ceiling. Add 3 inches if you use a standard opener.
- Side room: 3.75 inches per side for most vertical-track systems. Some need 5.5 inches.
- Backroom: Door height + 18 inches from the opening to the back wall. For a 7-foot door, that's 7 feet 6 inches.
If your garage is tight, you may need low-headroom track kits. Always measure before ordering—a door that doesn't fit is a headache.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Opening
Follow these steps to get accurate measurements:
- Measure the width: Measure the inside of the opening from wall to wall at the widest point. Do this in three places (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest number.
- Measure the height: Measure from the floor to the top of the opening at the left, center, and right. Use the smallest height.
- Check headroom: Measure from the top of the opening to the ceiling. You need at least 10–12 inches.
- Check side room: Measure from each side of the opening to the nearest wall or obstruction. You need at least 3.75 inches per side.
- Check backroom: Measure from the opening straight back to the back wall. It should be at least door height + 18 inches.
Write down all numbers. If anything is off, call a pro. For a full guide, see buying a new garage door.
What Each Size Costs in Canada
Prices vary by brand, insulation, and style. Here are rough installed costs in CAD (2025):
- 8' x 7': $900 – $1,400
- 9' x 7': $1,000 – $1,600
- 9' x 8': $1,100 – $1,800
- 10' x 8': $1,200 – $2,000
- 16' x 7': $1,600 – $2,800
- 16' x 8': $1,800 – $3,200
- 18' x 8': $2,000 – $3,600
- RV sizes: $2,500 – $5,000+
Insulated doors cost more but save energy. Steel doors are cheapest; wood and aluminum are pricier. Always get multiple quotes. If you need repairs, commercial garage door repair services can also help with residential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common garage door size in Canada?
The most common sizes are 9' x 7' for single cars and 16' x 7' for double cars.
Can I install a 9-foot door in an 8-foot opening?
No, the door must match the rough opening size. You would need to widen the opening, which is a major renovation.
Do I need 8-foot height for an SUV?
Many SUVs fit under 7 feet, but 8 feet gives more clearance and is recommended for trucks and vans.
How much headroom do I need for a garage door opener?
Standard openers need about 3 inches above the 10–12 inch headroom, so total 13–15 inches from the top of the opening.
Are oversized RV doors expensive?
Yes, they can cost $2,500 to $5,000 or more installed, depending on size and features.
Not Sure Which Size You Need?
We measure free across Greater Vancouver and tell you the exact door that fits — no call-out fee.
call Call 778-805-4911