The right garage is one of the best ways to ensure your car is safe from outside elements and to ensure the car's quality will last as long as it should. Whether you're building a new garage or remodeling, the ideal garage size should be considered first and foremost. Remember: it's not just a hole for your car because it's more than just structured protection for vehicles.
Garage Based on Car Size
The correct garage size should conform to your car's dimensions. Of course bigger is better but when space and budget are limited, size constraints must be considered.
Here Are Some Suggested Garage Sizes Based On Car Type:
Small Cars (e.g., Convertibles, Compact Sedans):
- Width: 12-14 feet
- Depth: 20-22 feet
- Height: 8-10 feet
Standard Cars (e.g., Sedans, SUVs):
- Width: 14-16 feet
- Depth: 24-26 feet
- Height: 10-12 feet
Large Vehicles (e.g., Pickup Trucks, Vans):
- Width: 16-18 feet
- Depth: 26-28 feet
- Height: 12-14 feet
Special Vehicles (e.g., RVs, Motorhomes):
- Width: 20 feet
- Depth: 30 feet or more
- Height: 14-16 feet
A standard garage should be at least 12 feet wide and at least 20 feet deep which should be more than enough for any type of car. A full size car is typically six to seven feet which means there is an allowance of five feet - more than enough wiggle room even for amateur drivers.
The 12-foot recommendation is standard for most types of vehicles, but the length changes because some vehicles, especially trucks, are longer. For example, cars are generally 14 to 15 feet in length, while a truck could be longer than 20 feet. For height, the garage should be at least eight feet tall, and garage doors should be at least seven feet high. It is worthy of note that taller vehicles like trucks with racks or SUVs with roof carriers may actually require higher doors (like 8 feet) and ceilings (like 10-12 feet) to make provision for adequate clearance.
Planning For More Than Parking Your Car
The primary role of your garage is to secure your vehicle from outside elements, but it often serves multiple purposes. You should also consider its other uses.
One of the biggest mistakes in garage design is not anticipating what will be stored there other than the vehicle. Remodeling a completed garage can be time-consuming and costly, so it's essential to plan for its intended use.
More often than not, your garage will also be a place where you keep your tools and parts for car maintenance. For this scenario, a garage should be at least 20 feet wide, which will provide additional space for workbenches, storage for tools, and more. It should also be deeper - at least 26 feet deep - so your car will have enough space to park, with extra feet dedicated to tools and more. For height, getting your garage up to 10 feet is highly recommended, especially when you have to lift your vehicle for maintenance purposes.
The 2-Car Garage Option
If there is adequate space, you may want to consider building a garage that can accommodate more than one car.
A standard 2-car garage usually has a width of 22-24 feet, a depth of 20-24 feet and a height of 8-10 feet.
Additional Things To Consider
With an estimated size, it's time to consider the placement of your work area. In addition to the workbench area, you'll need to strategically place cabinets and shelves to safely store your tools and more. A movable cabinet is recommended because it facilitates easy storage and adjustment.
When planning your garage, including its dimensions, it's also smart to include the location of your plugs, lighting, and ventilation. All these should be considered even in the initial planning, since a good plan should ensure a smooth start when building your ideal garage, ultimately making you and your car comfortable and safe.
Conclusion
Determining whether your car will fit in a standard garage requires careful consideration of your vehicle's dimensions and your garage's intended use. By planning ahead and choosing the right garage size, you can ensure a safe and comfortable space for both you and your car.
