A garage can be more than just a place to park your car—it’s a space that can store your gear, protect your vehicle from the elements, and even be a workshop or hobby area. But before you start planning how to use this space, the first thing you need to figure out is the right size. And trust me, size matters when it comes to garages. Whether you’re parking a small sedan, storing bikes and camping gear, or just need an all-around man (or woman!) cave, getting the size right is essential.
Standard Garage Sizes: Where Most People Start
When it comes to garage sizes, there are a few industry standards that cover most needs. Builders typically use these dimensions as the go-to options, and they usually fit the bill for many homes. But is a standard garage size right for you? Let’s break them down to find out:
Single-car garage (12′ x 20′) – This size is perfect if you have one vehicle and maybe a little extra space for a tool chest or a lawnmower. It’s basic and functional but doesn’t leave a lot of room to move around. Once you park a standard car in here, you might find it tight for additional storage.
Two-car garage (20′ x 20′ or 24′ x 24′) – This is probably the most common garage size for suburban homes. It gives you room for two vehicles, though the 20’ x 20’ option is a bit of a squeeze if you also want to store bikes, tools, or other gear. A 24′ x 24′ gives you more breathing room and better flexibility.
Three-car garage (30′ x 20′ or 36′ x 24′) – A great option if you have multiple vehicles or need extra space for storage. This is the dream for anyone who loves extra space to tinker or wants a dedicated area for hobbies. So, those are the standards. But, as you might’ve guessed, they don’t fit everyone’s lifestyle. Maybe you have a bigger vehicle or more stuff than the average person (who doesn’t?). This is where custom garage sizes come in.
Custom Garage Sizes: Tailoring It to Your Needs
Let’s say the standard sizes just aren’t cutting it for you. That’s completely fine—your garage is part of your home, and you should make it work for you. Going custom allows you to design a space that accommodates your specific needs.
Do you have an oversized vehicle, like an RV or boat? Consider a 14′ x 40′ space to ensure you can park and store with ease. Are you dreaming of having space for a home gym, woodworking station, or even an office inside your garage? You might want to bump the size up to something like 36′ x 36′ to give yourself ample space.
Some people also opt for extended lengths or additional bays, where one part of the garage is designated purely for storage or workshop activities. A 30′ x 36′ design, for instance, gives you a wider footprint to separate car storage from other activities, avoiding the cramped feeling. Customizing your garage also means you get to decide the height. Standard garages have a ceiling height of about 8 feet, but if you plan on installing car lifts or need extra vertical space, consider going for 10-12 feet or more.
How to Choose the Right Garage Size: Tips You Can’t Ignore
Now that you know the most common sizes and the possibilities with customization, let’s get into the real question: how do you pick the right size for your garage? It’s not just about what fits your car. Think about the storage and decor you want in your garage too.
Here are a few tips to help guide your decision:
1. Consider what you’re storing
Vehicles – Naturally, the size and number of cars, trucks, or other vehicles you own should be top of mind. Don’t forget to think ahead—will you be getting a second vehicle or a larger one in the future?
Extra items – If you need to store outdoor gear, lawn equipment, tools, or seasonal decorations, factor this into the size. It’s surprising how quickly things can pile up.
2. Think about how you’ll use the space
Workspace – Planning to use your garage as a workshop or hobby space? Make sure you have enough room to move around, set up benches, and store tools without constantly bumping into things.
Recreational – Maybe you want to turn part of your garage into a home gym or a hangout space. In this case, a little extra width or length will make all the difference.
3. Leave room for growth
It’s easy to plan based on your current needs, but a little extra space goes a long way for the future. You might want to add another vehicle or take on new projects that require more room. The worst thing is building a garage that’s just barely big enough, only to realize you’ve outgrown it a few years later.
4. Don’t forget about door width and clearance
Sure, you want your vehicles and gear to fit inside, but don’t overlook the entry points. Make sure the garage door is wide enough to comfortably fit your vehicle(s). A standard garage door is about 9 feet wide, but you might want to go bigger if you have a larger vehicle like a truck or SUV.
5. Height matters
As mentioned earlier, ceiling height can be crucial. If you plan on installing car lifts or need to store taller equipment, increasing the height from the standard 8 feet to at least 10-12 feet is a smart move.
Your Garage, Your Rules
At the end of the day, the size of your garage depends on how you’ll use it and what you plan to store. Standard sizes work for many, but if you need something bigger or more specialized, don’t hesitate to customize it. Just make sure to think ahead, plan for future needs, and keep in mind the practical aspects like door width and ceiling height.
