Single vs Double Garage Door: Cost, Pros, Cons, and Which to Choose (2026)
Door size is the second biggest cost factor after material. Here is everything you need to know about standard sizes, pricing by dimension, and the two-singles-vs-one-double debate.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Single Door
8x7 or 9x7 feet
$600 - $2,000
- Spring system: Standard torsion (cheaper to replace, $150 - $250)
- Insulation: More effective per panel (smaller area to cover)
- If it breaks: Only one bay is affected
- Opener: Standard 1/2 HP motor is sufficient
- Width clearance: 8-10 feet per bay
Double Door
16x7 or 18x7 feet
$800 - $3,500
- Spring system: Heavy-duty torsion (more expensive, $200 - $350)
- Insulation: Larger area means more heat transfer
- If it breaks: Both bays are blocked until repaired
- Opener: May need 3/4 HP for heavier insulated doors
- Width clearance: 16-18 feet unobstructed
Two Singles vs One Double
If you have a two-car garage, you can choose one double door or two single doors. Each option has real tradeoffs worth considering.
Two Singles: Better If...
- Redundancy matters. If one door breaks, the other still works. This is especially important if you park in the garage daily.
- You want better insulation. Smaller panels insulate more effectively than one large panel.
- Spring replacement is cheaper. Each door has a lighter spring system that costs less to replace ($150 - $250 per door vs $200 - $350 for a double).
- You want architectural character. Two separate doors can look more traditional or craftsman-style.
Cost: $1,200 - $4,000 total
One Double: Better If...
- You need maximum width. No center post means wider clearance for boats, trailers, or wide vehicles.
- Budget is tight. One double door costs less than two singles upfront.
- You want a modern look. Full-view aluminum and glass doors look best as wide single panels.
- Fewer moving parts. One door, one opener, one spring system to maintain.
Cost: $800 - $3,500
Complete Size and Price Chart
| Size | Type | Fits | Price (installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8x7 ft | Single | Compact to mid-size cars | $600 - $1,500 | Older standard. Tight for trucks. |
| 9x7 ft | Single | Most cars and trucks | $650 - $1,800 | Current standard single. Good for most vehicles. |
| 10x7 ft | Single | Large trucks, workshop access | $800 - $2,200 | Extra width for easier entry. |
| 12x7 ft | Single (wide) | RVs, boats, large equipment | $1,000 - $2,800 | Specialty size. Less common. |
| 16x7 ft | Double | Two cars side by side | $800 - $3,500 | Most common double door. |
| 18x7 ft | Double (wide) | Two large vehicles with room | $1,000 - $4,000 | Premium size for larger garages. |
| Custom | Any | RVs, commercial, unique architecture | $2,000 - $8,000+ | 4 to 12 week lead time. |
Oversized and Custom Doors
Standard residential garage doors are 7 feet tall. If you need extra height for a lifted truck, SUV with a roof rack, or RV access, here is what to expect:
8-foot tall door
+$200 - $500
Most common upgrade. Fits most lifted trucks.
9 to 10-foot tall door
+$500 - $1,200
RV access. May need structural header modification.
Custom width (20+ feet)
+$1,000 - $3,000
Commercial-grade hardware. 4-12 week lead time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a double garage door more expensive than two singles?
A single double door (16x7) costs $800 to $3,500 installed. Two single doors (8x7 or 9x7 each) cost $1,200 to $4,000 total. Two singles cost more upfront, but you get redundancy if one breaks, and individual spring replacements are cheaper.
Can I replace a double garage door with two singles?
Yes, but it requires structural work to add a center post between the two openings. This adds $500 to $1,500 in framing costs and may require a building permit. The center post also reduces the opening width, which can be an issue for wider vehicles.
What size garage door do I need for a truck or SUV?
Most trucks and SUVs fit through a standard 7-foot tall door, but if you have a lifted truck, roof rack, or tall SUV, consider an 8-foot tall door. Width-wise, a 9x7 single or 16x7 double works for most full-size trucks. Oversized trucks may need an 18x7 or wider.
What is the standard garage door size?
The most common single garage door size is 9 feet wide by 7 feet tall (9x7). The most common double door is 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall (16x7). Older homes may have 8x7 single doors. New construction often uses 9x7 or 10x7 singles and 16x7 or 18x7 doubles.
How much extra does a taller garage door cost?
An 8-foot tall door (instead of the standard 7-foot) typically adds $200 to $500 to the door cost, plus additional spring hardware. This upgrade is worth it if you have a lifted truck, SUV with a roof rack, or plan to use the garage for an RV or boat.