What is the Size of a 3 Car Garage?
The size of a 3-car garage isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends heavily on various factors like the specific vehicles being stored, intended additional uses, and local building codes. However, a good starting point for a standard 3-car garage ranges from 30 to 36 feet wide and 24 to 36 feet deep. This translates to a square footage between 864 and 1296 square feet. It’s crucial to understand that these are merely rough estimates, and your specific needs might necessitate a larger or even a slightly smaller space. The goal is to create a functional space that comfortably houses your vehicles and accommodates any other planned activities, such as storage or a workshop area.
Understanding the Dimensions
When planning a 3-car garage, you should consider both the width and depth carefully. A garage that is too narrow will result in difficulty opening car doors or walking between cars, while a garage that is too shallow might not accommodate longer vehicles comfortably. Let’s explore each dimension individually:
Width
For a 3-car garage, 30 feet of width is often cited as a minimum, but 36 feet provides considerably more flexibility and comfort. This extra width is beneficial if you have larger vehicles, require space between the cars for easy access, or plan on storing other items like bicycles or lawn equipment along the walls. While a 30-foot-wide garage might technically fit three cars, it may feel cramped, especially when considering that you’ll need to open doors and navigate around the parked vehicles.
Depth
The depth of your garage is another crucial factor, especially when considering modern vehicles. A depth of 24 feet is generally considered adequate for most cars and smaller SUVs. However, if you have a full-size pickup truck, particularly with an extended cab, you might need a depth of 30 to 36 feet. The typical pickup can be around 20 feet long, and you’ll need additional space for safe passage and to avoid hitting the garage wall. Deeper garages are also very handy for adding storage at the back.
Square Footage and Layout
The overall square footage of a 3-car garage gives a better understanding of total space, but it’s the layout that determines how effectively it is used. A garage measuring 30 feet wide by 30 feet deep (900 sq ft) could fit three smaller cars, but might feel tight. A garage of 36 feet wide by 30 or 36 feet deep (1080 to 1296 sq ft) provides much more breathing room and is often the preferred choice for many homeowners who need a 3-car capacity. A key thing to consider is whether the garage will be a single, large open space, or if you require separate bays with partial walls for better organization and storage.
Beyond Just Cars
Remember that a garage isn’t just for parking cars these days. Many homeowners utilize their garages for a variety of purposes, and this should influence the size you choose. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Storage: Do you need space for lawn equipment, tools, seasonal decorations, or sports gear? Extra depth or width will be necessary to accommodate storage without overcrowding your parking spaces.
- Workshop: Do you want to use part of your garage as a workspace for hobbies or projects? If so, you need to calculate space for workbenches, tools, and working space around it.
- Accessibility: Do you need space between the parked cars to comfortably open doors, move items around, or walk through? If so, wider and deeper space is essential.
- Vehicle Size: Are your vehicles all compact cars, or do you have larger trucks and SUVs? The size of your vehicles will impact the space you need.
- Future Needs: Are your vehicle needs likely to change over time? It’s often better to go slightly larger than necessary to accommodate future changes, such as getting a larger car or needing more storage.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering the size of a 3-car garage, a good starting range is 30-36 feet wide by 24-36 feet deep. However, it’s essential to carefully assess your individual needs and intended uses. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and construct a 3-car garage that’s both functional and suits your lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice and get estimates from building contractors to create your ideal garage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 30 feet wide enough for a 3-car garage?
While 30 feet wide is a minimum for fitting three cars, it is often considered tight and not ideal. A width of 36 feet is recommended for additional comfort and flexibility for opening doors and walking around.
2. How many cars can fit in a 30×30 garage?
A 30×30 garage can comfortably fit two cars side-by-side with some room to spare. You might be able to fit three smaller cars, but it would likely be a tight fit and would limit space for anything else.
3. How deep should a garage be for a full-size pickup?
A garage for a full-size pickup should ideally be at least 22 to 24 feet deep. A depth of 30 to 36 feet would be even better to provide extra clearance and room.
4. How long is a triple car garage typically?
A triple garage typically occupies an area around 9 x 6 meters, which translates to about 30 feet wide and 20 feet deep, but the depth can vary based on individual needs and the types of vehicles stored. Many modern triple garages tend to be 30 to 36 feet deep for additional space.
5. What size garage do I need for an SUV and a truck?
For an SUV and a truck, a garage depth of 24 to 30 feet is ideal. The width should be at least 20 feet for comfortable side-by-side parking, with larger garages around 24 to 36 feet being even more accommodating.
6. Is a 30×40 garage big enough for 3 cars?
Yes, a 30×40 garage is generally big enough to fit three cars comfortably. Depending on the car sizes, you will have room to move around or to store additional items along the walls.
7. How many cars can fit in a 30×40 shop?
A 30×40 shop, with its 1200 sq ft of space, can potentially accommodate five typical sedans or fewer if larger vehicles are included.
8. Will a 20×20 garage fit 2 cars?
Yes, but it will be a tight fit. 20×20 is a minimum size for a 2-car garage, and you may need to park carefully. If you have larger vehicles or want some storage, a 24×24 or larger garage is better.
9. What is the minimum size for a 2-car garage?
The minimum size for a two-car garage is 20 feet by 20 feet, but 24×24 is highly recommended to provide enough space to comfortably enter, exit, and move between the cars and any storage items.
10. What is the most common garage size?
The most common garage size is 18 feet wide by 20 feet deep for a 2-car garage, but it is often recommended to go larger to a minimum of 20×20 and preferably 24×24. One-car garages are commonly 12 feet wide by 22 feet deep.
11. How much space should you have between cars in a garage?
A minimum of 3 feet should be left between vehicles, or 10ft of space per vehicle, to allow room to move between cars safely.
12. Is a 24×24 garage big enough?
A 24×24 garage is considered a good size for a 2-car garage. It allows for comfortable parking of 2 cars with some extra space for storage.
13. What is considered an oversized garage?
An oversized garage usually refers to a 2-car garage that is larger than the standard 20 feet x 20 feet, ranging up to 28×28 or even larger to accommodate extra vehicles, storage, workshops, or other needs.
14. What is the most cost-effective garage size?
A 24′ x 32′ garage is often considered one of the most cost-effective sizes as it can accommodate two cars comfortably with additional storage, providing a balance between space and cost.
15. How wide does a carport need to be for two trucks?
For two trucks parked side by side, a carport should be between 20 and 24 feet wide to accommodate them. A width of 24 feet or wider may be preferred for added room.