If you’re finding yourself parking vehicles on the driveway, navigating around clutter to get to your car, or wishing for more space for your tools and equipment, a three-car garage might be the perfect solution. But before you commit, a crucial question arises: how many square feet is a three-car garage and what dimensions will truly meet your needs?
Whether you are considering a three-car garage for your home in any state, it’s essential to plan the dimensions carefully. Building a garage only to find it’s too cramped later is a common regret you can easily avoid. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when determining the ideal dimensions for your three-car garage, ensuring you get the space you need and more.
Understanding Three-Car Garage Dimensions
When planning for a new three-car garage, dimensions are paramount. It’s the foundational aspect of your project. In simple terms, a three-car garage can range significantly in size, typically from 20’x30′ to as large as 30’x60′.
However, opting for the smallest possible size might compromise your ability to use the garage for more than just parking cars. To make an informed decision, consider these three core aspects:
- Vehicle Sizes: The dimensions of your current vehicles and any potential future vehicles.
- Available Space: The area on your property where you plan to construct the garage.
- Intended Garage Use: Beyond parking cars, how will you utilize the garage space? Will it be for storage, a workshop, or other hobbies?
For a quick overview of typical three-car garage sizes and their corresponding square footage, refer to the table below. However, keep reading to delve deeper into each size and the crucial details that will guide you to the perfect three-car garage size for your requirements.
| 3 Car Garage Size Category | Width (Feet) | Depth (Feet) | Square Footage (Sq Ft)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 30 | 20 | 600 |
| Average | 36 | 24 | 864 |
| Large | 60 | 30 | 1800 |
* Note: Square footage in this table refers to the ground floor area and does not include potential attic or upper-level spaces.
Minimum Three-Car Garage Size: Practicality vs. Budget
The minimum size for a three-car garage is approximately 20’x30’. This size might seem appealing if you have limited property space or are working with a tight budget. It could be suitable for parking three very compact cars or for storing smaller items like lawn equipment and motorcycles. However, if your primary goal is to comfortably park three standard-sized cars, a 24’x36’ dimension or larger is highly recommended as a starting point.
While you might be able to fit three cars into a 20’x30’ garage, it will be a tight squeeze, offering minimal room to maneuver or store anything else. Imagine trying to unload groceries or get children out of car seats in such a confined space. The risk of door dings and scratches also increases significantly in a minimum-sized garage.
Before settling for the smallest and potentially cheapest three-car garage size, carefully consider the daily practicalities. Will the limited space cause frustration in the long run? Investing in slightly larger dimensions upfront can significantly enhance usability and prevent future regrets.
Average Three-Car Garage Size: Balancing Space and Comfort
The average size for a detached three-car garage is around 24’x36’. This provides a more comfortable space for parking three vehicles, offering a bit of breathing room. These extra feet are valuable, allowing you to open car doors without constantly worrying about hitting the adjacent car or the garage walls.
Many homeowners choose to go even slightly larger than the average to gain additional benefits. Extra space can be used for storing bicycles, setting up a workbench, or simply having more room to walk around and access items stored in the garage. An average-sized garage strikes a good balance between providing adequate space and remaining reasonably sized for most properties.
For a visual idea of average-sized three-car garages and different design styles, explore examples and further details by clicking on the images below.
Large Three-Car Garage Dimensions: Maximizing Space and Versatility
For those seeking maximum space and versatility, large three-car garage sizes can extend up to 30’x60’ and beyond. Choosing a larger size is particularly beneficial if you own larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs, or if you anticipate needing significant storage space. A larger garage makes parking larger vehicles far easier and leaves ample room for storage and other activities.
Beyond vehicle accommodation, a larger three-car garage opens up possibilities for various uses. Consider transforming a portion of the space into a workshop, a home gym, or even a play area for children. For families needing extra space, a larger garage can serve as a multi-functional area, accommodating hobbies, storage, and recreational activities alongside vehicle parking.
Calculating Three-Car Garage Square Footage
We’ve discussed dimensions, but understanding square footage provides a clearer picture of the overall garage size. Square footage is calculated by simply multiplying the width and depth of the garage. For instance, a 20’x30’ garage offers 600 square feet, while a 30’x60’ garage provides a substantial 1800 square feet.
Remember, the square footage figures we’ve discussed primarily refer to the ground floor area. If you plan to add an attic or an apartment above your three-car garage, the total usable square footage will increase significantly. For example, a 20’x40’ garage with an attic effectively doubles the potential square footage, offering substantial extra space. Keep in mind that features like stairways for upper levels will reduce the usable square footage slightly.
Key Factors to Determine Your Ideal 3-Car Garage Size
Choosing the right three-car garage size isn’t just about picking a standard dimension. It requires careful consideration of your specific needs and circumstances. Before making a decision, ponder these crucial factors:
Number of Cars
The fundamental question: how many vehicles do you intend to park regularly in the garage? While it’s a three-car garage, you might primarily use it for two cars and dedicate the third bay to storage or other purposes. Clearly defining the number of vehicles is the first step.
Size of Each Car
Vehicle sizes vary significantly. Measure the length and width of each vehicle you plan to park in the garage. This will give you a baseline for the required depth and width. Remember to factor in extra space around each vehicle for comfortable access and movement. A general guideline is to allow at least two feet of space around all sides of each vehicle.
A width of 36 feet is generally considered comfortable for parking three vehicles side-by-side, providing sufficient space to open doors and walk around without squeezing.
Storage Needs
Beyond vehicles, what else do you need to store in your garage? Consider items like seasonal decorations, gardening equipment, tools, sports gear, and hobby supplies. Assess the amount of shelving, cabinets, or open storage space you’ll require. Be realistic about your storage needs to avoid future clutter and ensure everything has its place.
Door Sizes
Standard garage doors are typically 9’x7’ each for single bays. For a three-car garage, you can opt for three individual doors or combine them into larger doors, such as one 18’x8’ door and one 9’x8’ door. Ensure the chosen door sizes are adequate for the height and width of your vehicles, especially if you own taller vehicles like trucks or SUVs. Customizing door sizes might be necessary for oversized vehicles.
Ceiling Height
Standard garage ceiling heights are usually around 8-9 feet. However, if you plan to install overhead storage racks or a car lift, you’ll need to consider higher ceilings. Adequate ceiling height is crucial for utilizing vertical space effectively and accommodating car lifts or specialized storage solutions.
Local Building Codes
Before finalizing your garage dimensions, always check local building codes and regulations. These codes often specify maximum garage sizes, setback requirements from property lines, and height restrictions. For instance, the IRC 2018 states that garages cannot exceed 1,000 square feet in some residential contexts. Compliance with local codes is mandatory and will prevent potential issues during permitting and construction.
Future Needs
Think beyond your current needs and consider potential future changes. Will your vehicle sizes change? Will your storage requirements increase? Planning for the future can prevent your garage from becoming too small in a few years. Consider the size of the largest vehicle you might own in the future and factor that into your garage depth and width calculations. Garage depths typically range from 20 to 30 feet, and choosing a greater depth provides more flexibility for future vehicle upgrades or storage needs.
How Deep Should a 3-Car Garage Be?
While width is important, depth is equally crucial, especially for accommodating longer vehicles and providing storage space at the front of the garage. A recommended depth for a three-car garage is between 20 and 30 feet. However, if you regularly park pickup trucks or large SUVs, consider a depth of at least 26 feet to ensure comfortable parking and maneuvering space. Extra depth is also beneficial for adding storage shelves or workbenches at the front of the garage without compromising parking space.
Other 3-Car Garage Size Considerations: Beyond the Basics
Beyond the core factors, consider these additional aspects that can influence your ideal three-car garage size:
- Accessibility: If anyone using the garage uses a wheelchair or has mobility challenges, ensure ample space for wheelchair ramps, wider walkways, and easier access to vehicles.
- Storage Layout: Plan the placement of storage shelves, cabinets, and workbenches. Visualize how these elements will fit within the garage dimensions and ensure they don’t obstruct vehicle parking or movement.
- Appliance Space: If you plan to include a refrigerator, freezer, or other appliances in the garage, allocate sufficient space and ensure proper electrical outlets are planned.
- Workbench or Hobby Area: If you envision using the garage as a workshop or hobby area, dedicate enough square footage to accommodate workbenches, tools, and equipment, while still leaving room for parking vehicles.
- Recreational Use: Some homeowners use their garages for recreational activities, like home gyms or even climbing walls. If you have such plans, factor in the necessary space for these activities when determining garage dimensions.
- Lawn and Garden Equipment: Consider the size and quantity of lawnmowers, snow blowers, and other gardening tools you need to store. Allocate dedicated space for these items to keep them organized and easily accessible.
- Pet Space: If pets frequently use the garage, ensure they have enough space to move around safely, especially if you have storage or equipment that could pose hazards.
- Entertainment Space: For those who enjoy hosting gatherings, a larger garage can double as an entertainment space. Consider extra width and depth to accommodate guests comfortably.
Prefab 3-Car Garage Options: Speed and Convenience
For a quicker and often more cost-effective solution, consider a prefab three-car garage. Prefab garages are built off-site and delivered to your property for installation, significantly reducing construction time. Prefab options are available in various sizes and styles, and many companies offer customization options to meet your specific needs.
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Final Thoughts on Three-Car Garage Size: Plan for Your Needs
When determining how many square feet your three-car garage should be, remember the key takeaway: plan for your specific needs, both present and future. Allow ample space around your vehicles for comfortable access and maneuverability, and factor in storage and any other intended uses for the garage space. By carefully considering vehicle sizes, storage requirements, local codes, and future plans, you can confidently choose the ideal three-car garage dimensions that will enhance your home and lifestyle for years to come.
Explore your three-car garage options and remember to allow that crucial wiggle room on all sides of your vehicles, and add extra storage space as you deem necessary. With a well-planned three-car garage, you’ll gain valuable storage, protect your vehicles, and potentially add a versatile space to your home.
Ready to take the next step? Get a Free Quote on Your 3-Car Garage Today! Or, if you prefer a personal consultation, call 717-442-3281 to speak with our friendly team about your three-car garage project. For inspiration and ideas, read about [amazing garage transformations](link to relevant article or page).
