Before you fall in love with a specific design or color, you need to know one number: the size. And in California, “Standard” isn’t always as standard as you think.
Whether you own a post-war bungalow in Lakewood with a tight single-car garage, or a new construction home in Roseville with space for three cars, getting the measurements wrong is the most expensive mistake you can make.
At CaliforniaGarageDoors.us, we see this often: a homeowner buys a “Standard Single” door (usually 9×7) only to realize their 1960s home was framed for an 8×7 door. This guide will help you measure correctly and understand the standard dimensions used across the state.
Table of Contents
Single Car Garage Door Sizes
In California, single-car garage doors generally fall into two categories depending on the age of your home.
1. The “Modern” Standard: 9′ Wide x 7′ High
If your home was built after 1990—typical of the housing booms in the Inland Empire and Central Valley—your single-car door is likely 9 feet wide. This extra foot of width makes a massive difference when parking modern, wider SUVs and trucks.
2. The “Vintage” Standard: 8′ Wide x 7′ High
If you live in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, or older suburbs of San Diego (homes built between 1940 and 1980), you likely have an 8-foot wide door. Beware: Attempting to squeeze a Ford F-150 or a Toyota Tundra into an 8-foot opening is extremely difficult without folding in your mirrors.
Pro Tip: If you are renovating an older home, many contractors recommend widening the opening from 8′ to 9′ if structural framing allows. It increases resale value significantly.
Double Car Garage Door Sizes
The 2-car garage is the staple of the California suburbs.
The Golden Standard: 16′ Wide x 7′ High
This is the most common size in the United States. It comfortably fits two mid-sized sedans side-by-side.
The “Narrow” Double: 15′ Wide x 7′ High
We see these occasionally in high-density housing developments or townhomes where lot widths are restricted. While two cars can fit, you will have very little room to open your car doors without dinging the neighbor.
The “Luxury” Double: 18′ Wide x 7′ High
Common in custom homes and luxury estates, the 18-foot width provides ample room for two large SUVs to park without the drivers feeling cramped.
The 7-Foot vs. 8-Foot Height Debate
While width determines how many cars you can park, height determines what kind of car you can park.
- Standard Height (7 Feet): This fits sedans, crossovers, and stock pickup trucks.
- Extended Height (8 Feet): This is becoming the new standard in custom builds.
Why upgrade to 8 Feet high?
If you live in California, you might have a roof rack for your surfboard, skis (for Tahoe trips), or a roof-top tent. Or, perhaps you drive a lifted truck. A 7-foot door (which actually offers about 6’9″ of clearance when open) often won’t clear a lifted vehicle or a car with a Thule box on top.
Niche Sizes: Golf Carts, RVs, and ADUs
California has unique lifestyle needs that require unique door sizes.
Golf Cart Doors
Popular in retirement communities like Palm Desert, Sun City, and Laguna Woods.
- Standard Size: 5′ Wide x 7′ High or 6′ Wide x 7′ High.
RV Garage Doors
For storing boats or recreational vehicles.
- Height: Typically 10 to 14 feet tall.
- Width: Typically 10 to 12 feet wide.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Doors
With the explosion of ADUs in California backyards, we are seeing many “California Room” style roll-up glass doors used to merge indoor and outdoor living spaces. These are often custom-sized but typically hover around 8′ x 8′ or 10′ x 8′.
How to Measure (Rough vs. Finished)
Before you call a dealer or use our Cost Guide, you need accurate numbers. Grab a tape measure and check these four areas:
- Width: Measure the width of the “finished opening” (inside the wood jambs). Do not measure the old door itself, as it may overlap the opening.
- Height: Measure from the concrete floor to the underside of the header.
- Sideroom: Measure the space from the edge of the opening to the nearest wall. You generally need 3.75″ to 5″ on each side for the vertical tracks.
- Headroom: Measure from the top of the door opening to the lowest point of the ceiling (or obstruction like a light fixture). You typically need 12″ to 15″ of headroom for a standard torsion spring system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut a garage door to fit my opening?
No. Garage doors are engineered systems. Cutting a panel compromises the structural integrity and ruins the aesthetic. You can, however, order custom sizes in 1-inch increments from major manufacturers like Clopay or Amarr.
How much headroom do I need for a garage door opener?
Ideally, you need 12 to 15 inches of clearance. If you have a low ceiling (common in basements or older garages), you may need a “Low Headroom Kit” (double track system) or a Wall-Mount (Jackshaft) opener to make it work.
Is a 16×7 door actually two 8×7 doors?
Structurally, no. A 16×7 door is a single large unit. However, visually, many panel designs mimic the look of two side-by-side doors for aesthetic balance.
Video: How to Measure for a New Garage Door
Ensure you have the right clearance before ordering.
Now that you know your size, do you know what Insulation Rating you need? Read our guide on R-Value Recommendations for California Climates.