If you’re finding that you need some extra width to accommodate a large vehicle, consider having a service professional install a 12 foot garage door. Typically, 12 feet refers to the width of the garage door, and the measurement that follows refers to the door’s height. Wondering whether this wide, customizable garage door is the right choice for your home? Check out what our experts have to say in this guide.
Special Considerations for 12 Foot Garage Doors
A 12 foot garage door is considerably wider than the common garage door is at 8 feet x 7 feet, so it will accommodate a much larger number of vehicle sizes. Below are important factors to take into account when choosing a 12 foot garage door.
Car Size
The good news about this larger door size is that it accommodates most vehicles — with room to spare in many cases. Park a larger vehicle comfortably or have space to drive in equipment or a motorized bike alongside a car. Either way, a 12-foot garage door has the side clearance that you need to accommodate most vehicle types. The below chart lists common vehicle sizes and whether each will fit through a 12-foot garage door.
| Car Type | Will it fit? |
|---|---|
| Sedans | ✔ |
| Compact cars | ✔ |
| Standard-sized SUVs | ✔ |
| Large SUVs | ✔ |
| Minivans | ✔ |
| Mid-sized pickup trucks | ✔ |
| Large pickup trucks | ✔ |
| Class B RVs | ✔ |
| Class C RVs | ✔ |
| Class A RVs | X |
| Fifth wheel RV trailers | X |
Available Space
How many vehicles do you have? What are the sizes of those vehicles? You’ll need to take these factors into account when you’re looking to use your garage for parking and storage space. While some vehicles such as sedans or compact cars won’t have issues with fitting through your garage door, they may have issues fitting into the garage space if your garage houses more than just vehicles. Make the most of the width that 12 foot garage doors offer by keeping the items that you store in your garage to a minimum.
Hardware Compatibility
Your garage door system has springs, tracks, and rollers that all accommodate the size of your current garage door. Whether you’re looking to replace your 12 foot garage door or resize your garage to be suitable for a door this size, you need the proper hardware to support your new door’s weight.
Contact a garage door professional to discuss the best hardware options for your garage door’s size.
Customization Options for 12 Foot Garage Doors
Wondering about what customization options exist for 12 foot garage doors? Your options are plentiful. From real or faux wood doors to fancy handles, you can style your door to fit your home’s exterior and your preferred aesthetic. Here are just a few personal touches that you can add:
- The garage door material that is best suited to your location and style
- A range of colors to reflect your personal style
- Accent windows to let in light and fit a modern or traditional look
- Garage door hinges and handles that complement your door’s aesthetic
To see a visual of how these styles may look on your new garage door, check out Precision Garage Door Service® free garage door design tool.
Not quite ready to design a garage door yet? Browse our garage door gallery for design ideas.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Precision Garage Door Service location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
FAQs About 12-Foot Garage Doors
As a garage door service, repair, and installation leader renowned for integrity and dependability, all independently owned and operated Precision Garage Door Service locations are committed to safety, quality workmanship, and your satisfaction. This commitment includes using our expertise and years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about garage door sizes.
Can I install my 12-foot garage door myself?
No. Do not attempt to install a garage door yourself. Call a garage door professional to avoid the risk of injury or property damage.
What are the standard garage door sizes for residential homes?
The standard garage door sizes vary based on the type of garage:
- Single-car garages: Typically 8 to 10 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high.
- Double-car garages: Commonly 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high.
For larger vehicles or specialized needs, garages can range up to 20 feet wide and 12 feet high.
Is a 12x12 garage door suitable for residential use?
12x12 garage doors are more common in commercial or industrial settings. However, they can be suitable for residential use if you require additional vertical space for storage or equipment or plan to use the garage for multi-purpose activities needing more clearance. 12x12 garage doors are also generally suitable for large vehicles like RVs or boats. Taller vehicles need the extra clearance, while smaller sedans don’t need more than 7 feet of height.
What are the typical applications for a 12x10 garage door?
12x10 garage doors (12 feet wide by 10 feet high) accommodate larger vehicles while fitting within residential garage structures. They can accommodate:
- Larger trucks or SUVs
- Small boats or trailers
- Workshops requiring more headroom than standard doors
Are there standard garage door sizes for commercial buildings?
Yes, common sizes for commercial garage doors include 12x12, 14x14, and 16x16 to accommodate industrial vehicles and equipment. These sizes provide ample space for large trucks, machinery, and storage needs.
Can I customize a garage door size to fit my specific needs?
Absolutely. Custom garage door sizes can be used to match unique requirements, such as non-standard garage openings, specific architectural designs, and specialized usage needs.
Consult a garage door professional to determine the best custom solution for your situation.