Written by Rocky Mountain Metal · Reviewed by Micah Hostetler, Owner · Based in Penrose, CO, serving Colorado.
A comfortable two-car detached garage is at least 24×24, or 24×30 for full-size trucks. A three-car runs 30×36 to 36×40. Adding a workshop means 10 to 16 more feet of depth or a third bay.
Key takeaways
- 24×24 is the true minimum for two cars; 24×30 or 26×30 fits trucks and a bench.
- Overhead doors: 9×8 per car, 10×8 or wider for trucks, 16×8 for a double.
- Add 10 to 16 feet of depth for a real shop area, or a full extra bay.
- Sidewalls of 10 feet are standard; 12 to 14 for a lift, a tall truck or storage above the doors.
- Size for what you'll store, not just what you drive.
How big should a garage be for my vehicles?
| Garage | Footprint | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 car | 14×24 to 16×24 | Tight; 16 wide adds a walkway |
| 2 cars | 24×24 | Minimum; doors open, little else |
| 2 trucks + bench | 24×30 to 28×32 | The size most people wish they'd built |
| 3 cars | 30×36 to 36×40 | Three 9-ft doors or a double plus single |
| 2 cars + real shop | 30×40 | Two bays plus a 12 to 16 ft shop area |
| 3 cars + shop / RV | 36×48 to 40×60 | Add sidewall height for an RV or lift |
Full-size pickups are over 20 feet long and close to 7 feet wide with mirrors. Twenty-four feet of depth with a bench on the back wall is snug for a crew cab.
What size doors do I need?
- Single doors: 9×7 fits cars; 9×8 or 10×8 for pickups; 10×10 for lifted trucks or a small tractor.
- Double door: 16×7 or 16×8. One wide door is fewer parts than two singles but needs a wider framed opening.
- Walk door on the side nearest the house, plus a window or two for light.
In a steel building, door openings are framed in when the building is ordered, so decide where you'll actually park before the order goes in. Doors are one of the bigger lines on any quote. See how much does a metal building cost?
How tall should the walls be?
Ten-foot sidewalls are standard for cars. Go to 12 feet for a tall truck with a rack or storage above the doors, 14 feet for a two-post lift, and 16 for an RV. See how tall does an RV garage need to be? Height is set at order time and can't practically be added later.
How do I add a workshop?
Three ways to get shop space:
- Deeper building. Thirty or thirty-six feet deep, with vehicles in front and a bench area behind.
- Extra bay. A third bay dedicated to the shop, with or without its own door.
- Lean-to. A steel lean-to off one side, enclosed as a shop or left open for a trailer.
See how to lay out a workshop building for benches, power and light.
Why build a detached garage in steel?
A steel-framed garage is engineered to your site's snow and wind loads, the frame won't rot or attract termites, and a clear-span interior leaves the floor open for parking and work. Going bigger adds less than most people expect, so it pays to price the size you'll actually want. Rocky Mountain Metal sells steel-framed buildings only. See detached garages, metal garages and workshops.
What else should I plan for?
- Where snow slides off the roof relative to the doors.
- Orientation to the wind and the driveway approach.
- Power: a subpanel with room for a compressor and heater. See getting power to a detached garage.
- HOA rules and setbacks. See where can I put it?
- Permits. Requirements vary by county, and we'll walk you through what yours requires.
How does Rocky Mountain Metal size a garage?
We go over your vehicles' measurements and your wish list at the site visit, plan the garage, and place the order with 1st Choice Metal Buildings and Carports. The manufacturer's crew from Texas installs it, and we oversee the project. Close to home in the Penrose and Fremont County area that can be start to finish; farther out, we supply and oversee the building. See our service area and request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 24×24 garage big enough for two trucks?
Two full-size trucks will fit with the doors closed, but there's little room to open vehicle doors or walk around. 24×30 is much better.
How much bigger should I build for a workshop?
Add 10 to 16 feet of depth, or a full extra bay. A 30×40 is the classic two-car-plus-shop.
What wall height do I need for a lift?
About fourteen feet for most two-post lifts with a full-size vehicle. Check the lift maker's requirement before you order.
Can I finance a detached garage?
Yes. Rocky Mountain Metal offers rent-to-own through RTO National, financing through Heartland, and 90-days-same-as-cash. See financing and how financing works.
