A standard single car garage is about 12 feet wide by 20 to 24 feet long, with an 8 or 9-foot-wide door. That fits most cars and small SUVs. If you drive a full-size pickup or want room for a workbench, go longer and taller. This guide breaks down every dimension so you can pick the right size the first time.
● Quick Answer
- Standard size: 12' x 20'–24' fits most cars and small SUVs.
- Minimum: 12' x 20' leaves about 2–3 ft on each side of an average car.
- Pickups: go 12' x 26' or 12' x 31' with at least a 7 ft tall door.
- Door: 8' x 7' or 9' x 7' for most vehicles; 8 ft+ tall for lifted trucks.
- Walls: 10–12 ft eave height for tall vehicles, a lift or loft storage.
- Cost: Bulldog metal garages start at about $8,800; rent-to-own available with no credit check.
Bulldog Steel Structures builds single car metal garages with delivery and installation included. Call 888-551-2156 to price your size for your ZIP code.
Standard Single Car Garage Dimensions
These are the most common one car garage sizes for metal garages. Width stays at 12 feet for most single-car builds; length decides how much room you have around the vehicle.
| Size (W x L) | Floor area | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 12' x 20' | 240 sq ft | Compact car, parked and closed up |
| 12' x 21' | 252 sq ft | Most sedans and small SUVs with a narrow shelf |
| 12' x 26' | 312 sq ft | A car plus a workbench, mower or bikes |
| 12' x 31' | 372 sq ft | Full-size pickup or long vehicle with storage behind it |
| 14' x 24' | 336 sq ft | Wider walkways on both sides and easier door opening |
Want to see these sizes as ready-to-order buildings? Browse our single car garage options.
Vehicle Size vs Garage Size
Start with your vehicle. These are typical lengths and widths (without mirrors); always measure your own vehicle before you order.
| Vehicle type | Typical length | Typical width | Suggested garage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 14–15 ft | about 5.8 ft | 12' x 20' |
| Midsize sedan | 15.5–16.5 ft | about 6 ft | 12' x 21' |
| Small SUV / crossover | 14.5–15.5 ft | about 6 ft | 12' x 21' |
| Full-size SUV | 17–18.5 ft | about 6.7 ft | 12' x 26' |
| Full-size crew-cab pickup | 19–21 ft | about 6.7 ft | 12' x 26' or 12' x 31' |
Add 2–3 feet of width on each side for doors and walking room, and at least 3 feet in front of the bumper so you can move around the vehicle with the door closed.
Oversized Single (1.5-Car) Garage
If 12 feet feels tight, an oversized single garage of 14 x 24, 16 x 24 or 18 x 24 feet gives you room for a motorcycle, workbench or wide-open car doors next to a single vehicle. It is a popular middle ground when a full two-car garage is more than you need.
For two vehicles side by side, see our two-car garage dimensions guide and two-car metal garages.
Minimum Size for a 1 Car Garage
The practical minimum is 12 x 20 feet. That leaves roughly 2–3 feet on each side of an average car (about 6 feet wide) to open doors and walk around. Anything narrower makes it hard to get in and out of the vehicle.
If you plan to store anything besides the car, add at least 5 feet of length. A 12 x 26 gives you space for a bench, shelves or a lawn mower at the front.
Will a Pickup Truck Fit in a Single Car Garage?
Yes, if you size it for the truck. A full-size crew-cab pickup is roughly 19–21 feet long and about 6.5–7 feet wide without mirrors. That is too long for a 12 x 20 garage.
- Length: choose 12 x 26 or 12 x 31 so the door closes with room to walk.
- Door height: a 7-foot door works for most trucks; lifted trucks and roof racks need 8 feet or more.
- Wall height: go with a 10–12 foot eave so a taller door fits.
Single Garage Door Sizes
| Door size (W x H) | Fits |
|---|---|
| 8' x 7' | Most cars and small SUVs |
| 9' x 7' | Most vehicles, with easier parking |
| 9' x 8' | Lifted trucks, vans, roof racks |
| 10' x 10' | Tall vehicles, small trailers, tractors |
On metal garages, roll-up doors are the most common choice. They take up no ceiling space, which leaves room for overhead storage or a future lift.
Ceiling and Wall Height
Wall height (eave height) decides your door size and overhead space:
- 8–9 feet: standard cars, 7-foot door.
- 10 feet: trucks and SUVs, 8-foot door, some overhead shelving.
- 12 feet and up: car lift, tall vehicles, loft storage.
Roof Styles for a One Car Metal Garage
| Roof style | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (rounded) | Curved roof edges, panels run front to back | Mild climates and the lowest cost |
| Boxed-eave (A-frame) | Peaked roof with horizontal panels | A traditional, house-like look |
| Vertical | Peaked roof with panels running top to bottom | Snow, heavy rain and high wind areas |
Vertical roofs shed snow and water fastest, so they are the best choice in northern and coastal states.
Foundation, Anchors and Permits
Most single car metal garages sit on a concrete slab, which keeps the floor dry and gives the strongest anchoring. Gravel or asphalt can work for a smaller garage, but each surface needs the right anchor type.
- Slab size: match the garage footprint exactly; see our concrete slab requirements.
- Anchors: concrete, asphalt and ground anchors each suit a different surface; compare them in our types of anchors guide.
- Permits: most counties require a permit for an enclosed garage. Check setbacks and size limits before you order.
Insulation and Climate Control
An uninsulated metal garage can get hot in summer and drip condensation in winter. Even a basic double-bubble roof liner reduces condensation, while blanket or spray-foam insulation makes a single car garage usable as a workshop year-round. Learn more in insulated vs non-insulated metal buildings.
Single Car Garage Layout and Storage Ideas
- Workbench at the front wall: the easiest spot in a 12 x 26 or longer garage.
- Wall shelving on one side: keeps the other side clear for the driver door.
- Overhead racks: use the space above the roll-up door in a 10 ft or taller garage.
- Walk-in door on the side: lets you get in without opening the main door.
- A window or two: adds light and airflow for a workshop.
Carport Dimensions for 1 Car
A single carport usually starts at 12 x 20 or 12 x 21 feet with a 6–7 foot leg height. Because there are no walls, you can park a slightly larger vehicle under the same footprint. A garage, though, gives you a lockable door, full weather protection and secure storage.
How Much Does a Single Car Metal Garage Cost?
Bulldog's metal garages start at about $8,800 for smaller sizes, according to our garage pricing page. The final price depends on:
- Length and wall height
- Number and size of roll-up doors, walk-in doors and windows
- Roof style (regular, boxed-eave or vertical)
- Framing gauge, insulation and certification for your county
- Your delivery location
You can spread the cost with rent-to-own metal garages, with no credit check required, or get a free quote for your exact size and location.
How to Choose the Right Single Car Garage Size
- Measure your vehicle: length, width with mirrors, and height including any roof rack.
- Add working space: at least 2–3 feet on each side and 3 feet at the front.
- Plan for storage: add 5–10 feet of length for a bench, shelves or yard equipment.
- Think ahead: a slightly larger garage costs less now than adding on later.
- Check local rules: setbacks and permit limits can cap the size you can build.
Not sure which size fits? Try our 3D estimator to see your garage before you order.
FAQ
What is the standard size of a single car garage?
A standard single car garage is about 12 feet wide by 20 to 24 feet long. A 12 x 21 fits most sedans and small SUVs, while a 12 x 26 or longer leaves room for storage or a pickup.
What is the minimum size for a 1 car garage?
The practical minimum is 12 x 20 feet. That leaves about 2 to 3 feet on each side of an average car to open the doors and walk around.
Will a full-size pickup fit in a one car garage?
Yes, if the garage is long enough. Most full-size pickups are 19 to 21 feet long, so choose a 12 x 26 or 12 x 31 garage and a door at least 7 feet tall.
What size garage door does a single car garage need?
Most single car garages use an 8 x 7 or 9 x 7 foot door. Lifted trucks, vans or vehicles with roof racks need a door 8 feet tall or more.
Do I need a permit for a single car metal garage?
Usually, yes. Most counties require a building permit for an enclosed garage. Check local setbacks and size limits, and ask for engineering drawings if your county needs them.
What is the best roof style for a single car metal garage?
A vertical roof is the best choice for snow, heavy rain and high wind because water and snow slide straight off. A regular roof costs less and works well in mild climates.
Can I rent-to-own a single car metal garage?
Yes. Bulldog offers rent-to-own on metal garages with monthly payments and no credit check, and you own the garage at the end of the term.
Find the Right Single Car Garage
Browse ready-made 1 car garage sizes, then get a free quote for a garage delivered and installed at your site.
Get a Single Car Garage Quote. Price a 1 car metal garage delivered and installed at your site. Call 888-551-2156. |
What Our Customers Are Saying
I'm really happy with the way my building turned out! Due to living in city limits I had to make changes to my original plan but working with Bryan made it easy. He was great to work with!
Bulldog Steel Structures is fantastic. We had a 24'x40' garage built with two 10' garage doors, an entry door, two windows and fully insulated for under $16,000. The whole experience was so easy. Our salesman was Bryan Valadez. Bryan was so helpful and was easily available to answer my questions. Rebekah Aldridge handled all the documents and signing of them. The whole process was great. The building is well constructed and the crew that erected it were courteous and cleaned the worksite afterwords thoroughly. They did an excellent job in a time efficient period. Our experience with Bulldog Steel Structures was just great and we highly recommend them.
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I worked with Bryan Valadez in putting together my bids for a 2000 SF shop/garage. He was great to work with, very quick to respond and answered all my questions and concerns during several very thorough conversations regarding my project. I recommend you give Bulldog a shot when searching for your next building, their pricing was very good compared with some of the others, and they just seemed to have it very together for their process. Great Job, thanks Bryan. Jason
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I called and spoke to Bryan. With some back and forth he helped me finalize the design (40x100 foot print). I placed my order and had to wait for my King County building permit to be issued. Once the slab was completed the installation team arrived with all the pieces. They got right to work and the building was completed in 8 days !!! I would highly recommend Bryan and Bulldog to any one :) Many thanks john in the pacific northwest
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I had a great experience with Bulldog Steel Buildings. The representatives were able to help me move from the online design to an actual building design to meet my goals. They set up the delivery and installation which turned out great. Installation was scheduled quickly after the foundation was done; and the building was completed within 2 days. Pricing was reasonable, and I'm very pleased with my new building.
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This company is the real deal. They go over and beyond to satisfy their customers. It is a joy to work with them. They are very knowledgeable and efficient. I looked forward to finishing my project with them.
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Hey folks - these people at Bulldog are real. Noah helped me all the way through - extremely patient and knowledgeable. He answers most often and when he doesn't it's easy to get another HUMAN to speak with. I looked at several companies for this project - I settled on the right one. If you wind up doing business with Brian - you're in luck there to. Outstanding work - worthy of trust.
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I would recommend Bulldog Steel Structures highly. They are very professional and accommodating. Want to give special thanks to Randall Hall and also matt preslar. They were very accommodating and helping me fill out paperwork and handling things when a timely basis. The building we were very satisfied with and the installers also were very polite and had things done on a timely basis. Thanks again Randall and Matt you`ve got my five star rating
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I have now had my building in place for 3 months and I want to say that the whole team at Bulldog was very helpful throughout the entire process. My salesperson, Matthew, was extremely responsive. He was very helpful with the design phase, where we went back and forth with 3-4 different designs before settling on the perfect one. He always got back to me right away when I had a question. Although the delivery was delayed, understandable with the pandemic, he helped interface with Carolina Carports when I had delivery questions. So far I have no issues with the completed building. No leaks and all the doors are functioning perfectly. I would highly recommend using Bulldog for all your metal building needs.
Frank Rangel was very helpful and respectful. Also very understanding. I was pouring a concrete driveway and trying to put my down payment down. I may of got a little frustrated in the middle of it all. I could see the smile on Frank`s face the whole time! Thank you sir!
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I visited their website and used the 3D estimator and was able to see my building with doors, window placements, colors,and overall look. When you add or change any feature, including size, you can immediately see the result and change in price (if any). You can rotate the structure to see the overall look and framework. Once I placed my order, it was quickly and efficiently handled and the cost was lower than the estimate on the website The installers showed up early one morning and by noon the next day they had completed the structure. Everyone that comes by remarks on how nice it looks. I am very pleased with every aspect from ordering to installation.
Delivering & installing throughout the United States
Bulldog’s metal barns, garages, and carports are available for delivery and installation in most of the U.S. Whether you’re a homeowner in Maine, a rancher in Texas, or a small business owner in California, you’ll get to-your-door delivery and professional installation, so your building will be sturdy and reliable for years to come.
