When most homeowners think about garage doors, they picture the standard sizes found in residential neighborhoods. But once you step into the world of commercial overhead doors, size, performance, and purpose change dramatically. Understanding these differences is essential whether you’re planning a new garage, running a business, expanding a workspace, or upgrading an existing door.
Aluminum glass commercial garage door with full-view panels
At Overhead Door Company of Central Jersey, we work with both residential and commercial customers every day. One of the most common questions we hear is, “How big does my door really need to be?” The answer depends on far more than just the opening, it’s about how the space is used now and how it may be used in the future.
Standard Garage Door Sizes for Homes
Residential garage doors are designed around typical vehicles and standard home construction. Most homes fall into a few well-known size ranges, making replacements fairly straightforward.
Single-car garage doors are usually 8 feet wide by 7 feet tall or 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall, providing enough clearance for sedans, small SUVs, and light trucks. Double-car garage doors commonly measure 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall, allowing two vehicles to park side by side.
In recent years, taller garage doors, ranging from 8 to 10 feet high, have become more popular. These are ideal for homeowners with larger SUVs, pickup trucks, or roof-mounted cargo systems. While custom sizes are available, most residential installations stick close to these standards to maintain energy efficiency, curb appeal, and cost control.
How Commercial Overhead Door Sizes Differ
Commercial overhead doors are built for heavier use, larger vehicles, and more demanding environments. You’ll find them in warehouses, loading docks, auto repair shops, fire stations, agricultural buildings, and manufacturing facilities throughout Central Jersey.
Unlike residential doors, commercial and industrial garage door sizes vary widely. Typical widths range from 12 to 32 feet, while heights often fall between 12 and 24 feet. Many of these doors are custom-sized to accommodate specific equipment, trucks, or operational workflows.
These doors are also engineered for durability. Commercial overhead doors are designed to open and close dozens, or even hundreds, of times per day. Stronger materials, reinforced tracks, advanced safety systems, and insulation options are common features, especially for businesses focused on security and energy efficiency.
Commercial Overhead Doors by Application
Different industries require different door sizes and features. In warehouses and distribution centers, extra-wide and tall doors are necessary for semi-trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts. These openings often start around 24 feet wide and 14 feet tall.
Automotive repair shops typically use 12-by-12-foot commercial garage doors, balancing easy vehicle access with fast operation and insulation. Fire sta
tions need high-speed overhead doors that can reach 18 to 20 feet high to accommodate large emergency vehicles without delay.
Agricultural buildings often require some of the largest overhead doors available. Farm equipment, trailers, and livestock access demand doors that range from 16 to 30 feet wide and up to 24 feet tall, often with reinforced steel construction and weather-resistant seals.
What Homeowners Can Learn from Commercial Door Sizes
Even if you’re not running a business, commercial overhead door concepts can be surprisingly useful. Homeowners building workshops, storing boats or RVs, or planning multi-use garages often benefit from larger-than-standard garage doors.
Thinking ahead is key. A slightly taller or wider door can make room for future vehicles, vehicle lifts, overhead storage, or hobby equipment. Larger openings also improve airflow and functionality in workspaces, especially when paired with insulated commercial-style garage doors that help manage energy costs year-round.
Before selecting a door, it’s important to ask the right questions. What types of vehicles will use the space? Is the door for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes? How often will it open and close each day? Do you need added insulation, visibility panels, or enhanced security?
Accurate measurements are critical, but so is professional guidance. Choosing the wrong size can limit functionality, increase wear and tear, and lead to higher long-term costs.
Your Local Experts in Central Jersey
At Overhead Door Company of Central Jersey, we specialize in residential garage doors, commercial overhead doors, and custom door solutions designed to match your exact needs. From standard garage door replacements to large commercial or industrial overhead door installations, our experienced team provides precise measurements, honest recommendations, and dependable service.
If you’re planning a new build, upgrading an existing space, or simply exploring your options, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about garage door sizes, commercial overhead door options, and professional installation throughout Central Jersey. The right door doesn’t just fit, it works harder for you.
Call us at 908-722-5785 or send us an email at sales@overheaddoorco.com.
