Single Garage Door vs Double: Which One’s Better for Your Home?

When planning for a new garage or considering an upgrade, homeowners often face a classic question: should you go with a single garage door or a double? It may sound straightforward, but choosing between a single and double garage door affects not just the look of your home, but also functionality, energy efficiency, and future usability.

At PDX Garage Door, we understand how overwhelming this choice can be. That’s why we’ve broken it all down for you—so you can confidently select the right garage door for your home in Portland, Oregon.

Understanding the Basics of Garage Door Sizes

Before choosing a garage door style, it’s important to know what sizes are standard and which ones fit your needs.

Common Garage Door Size Options

• Single garage door: Typically measures 8 to 10 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high. Perfect for one car or a small to mid-size SUV.
• Double garage door: Usually at least 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall. Designed to fit two cars or a larger vehicle like a truck or a van.

Whether you’re working with a 20×20 garage or customizing the space entirely, garage door size plays a huge role in how you use your garage on a daily basis.

If you’re building a new space or planning to replace an existing garage door, check out our residential garage door installation service page for expert insight on configurations that fit your lifestyle.

Single Garage Door: Pros and Cons

A single garage door means exactly that: one garage door covering one vehicle bay. If you’re looking at two-car garages, this setup often includes two single garage doors, or two singles.

Benefits of Choosing a Single Garage Door

• Energy Efficiency: Smaller door size means reduced heat transfer and potentially better insulation. That’s especially important in Portland where winters can be chilly.
• Fewer Repairs at Once: If one door opener—or one door—malfunctions, the other still works.
• Classic Symmetry: Two single garage doors on a double garage can bring a clean, balanced look to your curb appeal.

Drawbacks of Single Doors

• Requires Two Garage Door Openers: More parts mean more potential maintenance.
• Limited Access: If you need to pull in a large SUV, parking can be trickier compared to one wide door.
• Construction Constraints: Installing two separate doors may limit your interior garage layout or space usage.

Double Garage Door: Pros and Cons

A double garage door covers both bays of a two-car garage with a 1 double setup. While it’s often more convenient, there are trade-offs to keep in mind.

Pros of Going With a Double Garage Door

• Wide, Unobstructed Access: Ideal for parking two cars or larger vehicles side by side.
• Fewer Mechanical Parts: Just one door opener to maintain, making management straightforward.
• Ideal for Big Garage Spaces: If your garage doubles as a workshop or storage area, one double garage door might offer better layout flexibility.

Cons to Consider

• No Backup Access: If the garage door opener fails, your entire garage could be inaccessible.
• Less Energy Efficient: The larger garage door opening can allow more heat transfer, resulting in higher energy costs.
• Heavier and Pricier: One large door may cost more to repair or replace, and due to its size, may require a high-torque opener.

Two Single Garage Doors vs One Double: Direct Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison to help you spot the differences that may matter most to you:

If you’re choosing between a single or double garage door for a custom garage project, make sure to consider both your short-term budget and long-term convenience.

How Your Lifestyle Affects the Right Garage Door Choice

It’s not just about door size or how many vehicles you own. Your garage does more than park cars—it could be your workshop, gym, or just extra storage.

Ask yourself:

• Do you often park inside the garage, or mainly use it for storage?
• Do you own one large vehicle or multiple smaller cars?
• Is energy efficiency important to you?
• Do you use your garage as a workshop or multi-use space?

If your garage space doubles as a workshop or you need to park one car in the center, a single 18-foot-wide double garage door could simplify life. But if you frequently open one garage door at a time to reduce heat loss or sound, two separate doors might be better for your usage pattern.

Design, Curb Appeal, and Garage Door Materials

Modern garage doors come in various materials, including wood, glass, and insulated metal. Each impacts the look of your home, how well heat is retained inside the garage, and your overall budget.

Consider Door Openers, Aesthetics, and Material Use

• Garage Door Openers: Higher horsepower openers handle large or tall door systems more efficiently.
• Wood: Offers a classic look, especially for Craftsman-style Portland homes, but may require more maintenance.
• Glass panels: Create a sleek, modern garage look but may reduce insulation.
• Efficient Energy Use: Insulated doors are vital in Portland’s mixed climate. Two single doors often insulate better due to less heat exchange.

   

Don’t forget to factor in car doors clearance. A double door must be at least 18 feet wide to make parking two cars feasible without risk of dings and scrapes.

Choosing the Right Garage Door Setup for Your Portland Home

So, which is best: two single garage doors or one double?

Choose Two Singles If:

• You need energy efficiency and reduced garage heat loss
• Your home style benefits from symmetrical curb appeal
• You want backup functionality if one opener fails

Choose One Double If:

• You drive large vehicles or park two cars in tandem
• You prefer simplified maintenance with fewer moving parts
• You’re working with limited wall space for installing 2 doors

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Garage door options depend on your home’s architecture, your heating needs, and how you use your garage every day.

Final Thoughts: Single vs Double – Which One Should You Choose?

When choosing between a single and double garage door, it really comes down to how you’ll use your space and what garage door features matter most to you.

Do you want energy savings and visual balance? Aim for 2 single garage doors. Do you value wide access and simplicity? A 1 big door might be your answer.

Whichever you choose, be sure you’re working with experienced professionals who understand garage dimensions, door size needs, and the climate here in Portland. Our team at PDX Garage Door is always ready to help recommend and install the right garage door for your home.

Still unsure? Whether you’re building your dream two-car garage or upgrading your single door setup, we’re happy to help walk you through your door options, from layout to materials to full garage door installation.

Let’s make sure you get it right the first time.