What size garage door do I need? It’s one of the most common questions UK homeowners ask. An incorrect size can cause fitting problems, limit vehicle access and reduce security. In this guide we explain standard UK garage door sizes, how to measure your opening step-by-step, and what to do if your garage isn’t a standard size.
For most UK homes, there are a few common garage door sizes that suit typical cars, SUVs and small vans:
The exact size you need depends on:
If you want the most accurate answer, a free site survey will help make sure the door fits perfectly and complies with UK safety and installation regulations.
This is the most important dimension. Measure at the top, middle and bottom (brickwork is rarely perfectly straight) and use the smallest measurement as your reference.
Typical UK opening widths include:
Again, measure at the left, centre and right of the opening.
Common UK heights include:
The required headroom varies by door type:
| Door type | Minimum headroom needed |
|---|---|
| Roller shutter garage door | 300–450mm for the roll housing (some compact models ~205mm) |
| Sectional door | 100–210mm depending on track type |
| Up & over (canopy) | Around 100mm |
| Up & over (retractable) | 200–250mm |
| Side-hinged | Minimal headroom required |
If you have limited headroom, roller and sectional doors often offer the best flexibility.
This is the space your door will need inside the garage.
| Width × height | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| 2134 × 1981mm (7'0" × 6'6") | Standard single garage, most cars and small SUVs |
| 2134 × 2134mm (7'0" × 7'0") | Tall single garage, taller 4x4s or vans |
| 2438 × 1981mm (8'0" × 6'6") | Wide single garage, larger 4x4s with better clearance |
| Width | Height range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 4267mm (14ft) | 1981–2134mm | Two smaller cars |
| 4877mm (16ft) | 1981–2134mm | Larger vehicles or vans |
| 5000mm+ | Custom | Extra-wide modern garages |
Roller and sectional garage doors are usually made to measure, meaning they:
Car sizes are increasing, with more UK families now driving SUVs and larger vehicles. That often leads to clearance issues with older up-and-over doors.
A useful rule of thumb:
If you’ve ever struggled to open your door fully before parking or noticed wing mirrors scraping the frame, changing to a wider door will make a big difference.
This is extremely common in London and surrounding areas. Older garages often have narrow brick openings, low lintels, sloped floors, oddly shaped masonry or limited internal depth.
Fortunately, most modern garage doors are custom-built, and a professional survey will factor in:
If your opening is unusual, roller and sectional doors usually offer the most flexibility.
Sectional doors open vertically with no swing-out, offering the largest usable opening.
Roller doors have no internal ceiling tracks and need minimal headroom, so they work well where space is tight.
Side-hinged doors are perfect for multi-use spaces like workshops, utility areas or home gyms where you’re walking in and out regularly.
Up and over doors are widely available in standard sizes and are often the most budget-friendly choice, though they reduce drive-through clearance slightly compared to sectional or roller doors.
The right size isn’t just about the opening – it’s about how you use the garage. Key factors include:
All these details contribute to a size that’s both practical and compliant.
In 2025, most homeowners do. Made-to-measure doesn’t mean luxury pricing – for many door types (especially roller and sectional), it’s simply the standard way they’re manufactured.
Benefits include:
This is especially important for properties with unconventional garage dimensions.
Yes – but often less than you might think.
Price factors include:
A free site survey is still the best way to get an accurate figure, as every garage is different.
Regardless of size, most modern garage doors need the same simple care:
A well-maintained garage door can last 20–25+ years.
At Garage Doors Ltd, we supply and install all major garage door types across London, Hertfordshire and the South East of England. Our garage door engineers take precise measurements, identify any potential issues and recommend the ideal size for your home and vehicle.
Book your free site survey and get professional advice before you choose your new garage door.
Typical UK sizes include 2134mm × 1981mm (7ft × 6ft 6in) for a standard single door, 2438mm (8ft) for a wider single, and 4267–4877mm (14–16ft) for double doors. Roller and sectional doors are often made to measure.
Measure the brick-to-brick opening width and height in three places and use the smallest figures. Then measure the headroom above the opening and the internal depth to check which door types and sizes are suitable.
As a guide, aim for at least 2438mm (8ft) width and 2134mm (7ft) height for most SUVs and taller 4x4s. A made-to-measure sectional or roller door is usually the best option for larger vehicles.
Non-standard openings are very common, especially in older properties. A made-to-measure roller or sectional door can be built to fit your exact opening, allowing for low lintels, narrow widths or awkward masonry.
In most cases, yes. Made-to-measure doors offer a perfect fit, better insulation, improved security and maximum drive-through clearance, without necessarily adding a large premium to the price.
Size is one of several price factors, along with door type, finish, insulation level, automation and any frame alterations. A free site survey is the best way to get a tailored quotation for your specific opening.
