What's the right size for your garage? 18, 20, or 35 feet? What should we consider when building or renewing the garage?
In this article, we will go through all the information about building a garage for your house. Whether you plan to have a one-car, two-car, or three-car garage, you will find the right dimensions for your garage. Also, you will find some important factors to build your garage. Read on.
In this article
Part 1: Average Garage Sizes for Different Types of Garage
Garages come in different sizes, designs, and shapes, with no standard size. We can try to discuss some common garage sizes by their capacity: one, two, three, or more cars. Here, we will focus on the first three.
Average 1-car Garage Sizes
- 12 x 22 ft: Fits one large car (even a pick-up or luxury car) but offers limited storage space.
- 14 x 22 ft: Allows for more maneuvering and additional storage.
- 14 x 24 ft: Offers ample space for a car, but maneuvering within the garage might be tight.
- 16 x 24 ft: You can pack a large pick-up easily. Provides comfortable parking and ample storage for bikes, tools, or lawn equipment.
Average 2-Car Garage Sizes
- 18 x 20 ft: Fits two standard cars side-by-side with limited maneuvering space. If you own a large pick-up, this dimension may be a bit short. (See also: Two-Car Garage Size)
- 20 x 20 ft: Gives more comfortable parking space and potential side storage.
- 22 x 22 ft: Offers significantly more parking and maneuvering space, allowing for easy car access and additional storage.
- 20 x 22 ft: Strikes a balance between width and depth, offering comfortable parking and storage possibilities.
Average 3-Car Garage Sizes
- 32 x 22 ft: Easily parks three standard cars and provides ample space for maneuvering and storage.
- 36 x 24 ft: This creates a spacious area for larger vehicles and significant storage capabilities.
- 40 x 20 ft: Ideal for parking three cars on properties with limited length space, but the narrower width might restrict storage options.
Average Sizes for Cars
Just in case you have no clues about the sizes above, let's check out the average sizes of most vehicle types.
Vehicle Type | Length (ft) | Width (ft) |
Compact Sedan | No longer than 14 | 5.8-6 |
Mid-size Sedan | 14 -16 | 6 (Max) |
Full-size Sedan | 16 - 18 | 6 at least |
Sports Cars | 13 - 16.4 | 5.7 - 6.5 |
Compact and mid-size SUVs and Crossovers | 15 - 17 | 6 - 6.5 |
Full-size SUVs | 17 at least | 6.5 - 7 |
Pick-ups | 16 to 22 (some are even longer) | 6.3 - 6.8 |
Minivans | 16 - 18 | 6.5 to 7 |
Wagons | 15-16 | 5.8 - 6.2 |
Part 2: What Is the Right Size for Your Garage?
Choosing the right garage size is balancing your personal needs, budget, and functionality. Here are the factors to consider:
What Will You Be Doing In Your Garage?
Knowing your intended uses helps determine the minimum space required for comfortable movement and functionality. Think about your garage activities beyond just parking cars. Will you use it for:
- Storage: Tools, bikes, lawn equipment, or seasonal items?
- Hobbies: Workbench for woodworking, crafting, or car tinkering?
- Extra living space: Home gym, laundry room, or even a small guest room?
How Many Cars Do You Own?
It seems obvious, but considering the size of your vehicles is vital. The usual cars will fit comfortably in standard/average garage dimensions compared to larger SUVs or trucks.
Tip: Measure your car's width and length to ensure a comfortable fit within your choice of garage size.
Do Your Living Spaces Need More Room?
You can also integrate the garage into your living space by converting a section into a laundry room, mudroom, or home office. It adds valuable square footage but can reduce storage or activity space within the garage.
Do You Have Any Upgrade Plans for the Garage?
If your city is hot or cold, consider cooling down or heating your garage when the intolerant season comes. Fans, ACs, heaters, and insulations will all take up some space on the ground, walls, or ceilings.
Also, a home charging point will be on your list if you own an EV. Call the company and ask for the exact dimensions of the equipment. Most importantly, ask them if the facility needs to be installed on the wall or on the ground. Should you leave any safe area if it needs to touch the ground?
What is Your Budget?
Big garages will generally cost you more to build or buy. Consider construction costs, materials, and additional features, including garage door openers or overhead storage racks.
What's Your Property Size and Layout?
You may have limited space. Consider the available space on your property and the layout of your house. Also, think if a larger garage will obstruct access to other areas or windows.
What Are Your Local Regulations?
Your local building codes might restrict garage size, placement, and even the materials you use. Checking with local authorities ensures you comply with all regulations before finalizing your plans.
Remember: Don't underestimate the power of planning. Sketching out different garage layouts with desired features and car dimensions can help you visualize the space and make the best decisions.
Part 3: How to Design a Garage with The Right Size
Wondershare EdrawMax offers a user-friendly platform with AI assistance and various tools to help you create and customize basic and intricate garage floor plans, making the design process smoother and more efficient.
Even without architectural expertise, you can create a fantastic garage layout using EdrawMax!
Here's a breakdown of designing an average garage floor plan on EdrawMax in simple steps:
Step 1: Get Started
Download and Install the free desktop version.
Launch the program and create a free account. Now you're ready to unleash your inner garage architect!
Step 2: Select a Template
Within the EdrawMax workspace, navigate to the Templates section.
In the search bar, type Garage Floor Plan and tap the search button to discover a treasure trove of pre-designed templates.
Find the most suitable one, and click Use Immediately to customize it according to your needs.
Step 3: Customize The Template
Select any element. Click and drag the corner handles to resize the selected element to match your actual dimensions.
Use the rotation sign to rotate elements at any desired angle.
Select any shape to access its settings through the pop-up window.
Set the drawing scale, unit (feet, inches), and desired precision for ultimate accuracy.
Step 4: Use Symbols
EdrawMax offers a vast library of symbols specifically designed for floor plans. Click More Symbols > Floor Plan within the workspace to access these gems.
Drag and drop these symbols onto your floor plan to show your desired storage solutions and workspace areas.
Step: 5: Export Your Garage Floor Plan
Ready to share your creation? EdrawMax lets you easily export your diagram in common formats like JPG, PNG, and PDF.
Click the Export button and choose the format that best suits your needs.
Great! With these easy steps and EdrawMax's user-friendly tools, designing your perfect garage is simple. So get creative, picture your dream space, and turn your garage into an organized haven for your car, tools, and hobbies!
What Is Wondershare EdrawMax?
EdrawMax is your digital toolbox for crafting various diagrams, from floor plans and flowcharts to mind maps and more. It makes this a valuable asset for any project, not just garage planning!
Why Edrawmax Should Be Your Go-To Tool For Designing Your Dream Garage?
- Free Trial: Try EdrawMax for free! The free trial lets you explore various advanced features.
- Effortless and Intuitive Interface: EdrawMax is super easy to use. Forget confusing tutorials! It lets you create diagrams quickly. Just drag and drop shapes to design your dream garage in minutes, no matter your experience level.
- Extensive Library of Templates: Stuck for garage layout ideas? Short on time? EdrawMax has pre-made garage floor plan templates to help. Just pick a template, then customize it to fit your space and needs.
- Seamless Collaboration: Want your family or contractor involved in your garage plan? EdrawMax makes it easy. Share your design and get feedback instantly. Everyone can edit it together at the same time.
- Smart Organization: Easily arrange and group elements like furniture and tools in your garage plan using smart containers. It helps keep your design organized and visually clear.
- Advanced Customization: Want to include a workbench or specific storage solutions? Use the customizable symbol library to find the required elements and personalize them to fit your space.
- Export Options for Everyone: Finished your EdrawMax creation? Share it easily! Export your design as a JPG, PNG, or PDF to suit any situation.
With its user-friendly approach, diverse features, and a free trial, EdrawMax is the perfect platform to kickstart your garage design journey. Don't wait any longer – transform your dream garage from concept to reality with the power of EdrawMax!
Conclusion
While average garage sizes give a starting point, your dream garage goes beyond mere statistics. Consider your budget, property limitations, and how you envision using the space. You can use Edrawmax to design a personalized garage that reflects your lifestyle.
Remember, a well-sized garage offers protection, storage solutions, and the potential to expand your living space. Weigh your options to build a garage that serves you for years to come, one that truly reflects your needs and aspirations.
Feeling stuck or need some inspiration? Explore Edramax’s tutorial library for additional tips and tricks for crafting the perfect diagrams.