How you use your three-car garage could make all the difference
Most three-car garages measure around 864 square feet.
The dimensions of your cars play a role in the best size for your garage.
Factor in additional storage space.
Adding an office, workshop, or bathroom can impact the garage size.
Whether you own three cars and want a safe place to store them, you need more storage space, or you plan on making the most out of a larger garage as an extension of your home, a three-car garage may just be the perfect solution for your lifestyle. But knowing exactly how much room you can get with a three-car garage may be a little challenging. Let’s break down the size of a three-car garage once and for all to help you envision your new garage space.
| Car Size (Three Cars) | Dimensions (WxD) | Square Footage Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Subcompact or Compact | 30 by 20 feet | 600 |
| Full-size cars | 36 by 24 feet | 824 |
| Trucks or SUVs | 36 by 36 feet | 1,294 |
| Trucks or SUVs | 60 by 30 feet | 1,800 |
When it comes to three-car garages, it's not one size fits all. That's because the size of vehicles can vary considerably—three subcompacts will need way less space than three jumbo-size SUVs.
A small three-car garage will be 30 by 20 feet—or 600 square feet. This size is adequate if your family drives three subcompact cars. A smaller three-car garage can also be a good pick if you have two larger vehicles and would like some storage space.
At the top end of the range is a garage that measures 60 by 30 feet, or 1,800 square feet. That's a good option if you have three large trucks or SUVs or just want plenty of storage space.
Unlike a single-car garage size or a two-car garage size, three-car garage sizes tend to be custom-designed due to their lower demand. The average three-car garage is 864 square feet, with dimensions of 24 feet wide by 36 feet long and 8 or 9 feet in height. However, some three-car garages are 36 feet wide by 36 feet long—it depends on the homeowner's needs.
Three cars need to fit comfortably inside a three-car garage. Since the minimum width per car is eight feet, the minimum width for a three-car garage is 24 feet across. The garage should be deep enough for the cars, or at least 20 feet deep.
Keep in mind that you won't be able to fit three full-sized cars or three SUVs in the smallest three-car garages. If you have three subcompacts, a smaller three-car garage can be the way to go, but choosing the smallest garage size will limit the type of car you can buy in the future.
As you consider your three-car garage design, you'll want to focus on several important factors that could determine how well your project turns out. The size of your vehicles, the amount of storage you need, and whether your three-car garage is attached or detached all play a role in buying the right three-car garage for your home.
While a three-car garage sounds like it holds three cars, a compact car is very different from a Ford F-150. You'll need to consider the size of your vehicles to ensure that your three-car garage really does hold three cars and anything else you plan on storing or doing in your garage.
Some homeowners may prefer a three-car garage—even if they only own one or two cars—just for the extra space. You can use your three-car garage for other purposes, including:
Workshop space: Avid do-it-yourselfers can really benefit from having a designated workspace for all kinds of projects. From working on your car to maintaining your lawn to getting around to all those projects and renovations around the house, turning a three-car garage into your workspace could eliminate the need for a separate shed or freestanding workspace.
Home office: Turning part of your garage space into an office could be the perfect way to use your extra space. You may need to insulate your garage and install extra electrical wiring to your garage for a comfortable home office. It’s also worth considering installing garage windows or budgeting for a glass garage door, which can increase the cost of your project. New garage doors cost between $750 and $1,670, depending on the type.
Extra bathroom: Building an extra bathroom in your three-car garage can make your home that much easier to unwind at the end of the day. A bathroom in your garage can add value to your home, too. Installing a new bathroom in your three-car garage will require new plumbing, fixtures, a vanity, and lighting.
If you want storage space in your three-car garage, then you'll also want to factor in how much extra space you'll need on top of your cars’ combined dimensions and added space to open and close the car doors. Be it lawnmowers, tools, bicycles, or other miscellaneous valuables, include the measurements of the dimensions of your bulky items and add a little extra square footage for wiggle room or future objects.
You have two garage door configuration options for a three-car garage:
Three small doors: One option is to install three doors, each of which is large enough for one car to drive through.
One large and one small door: The other option is to install a larger door, which can accommodate two cars side by side, and a smaller door, which can accommodate one.
Installing a detached three-car garage is different than installing an attached three-car garage for a few reasons. First, a detached three-car garage costs 10% to 15% more than an attached three-car garage. Secondly, you’ll need to consider the cost of installing new electrical wiring and plumbing to a detached three-car garage, if necessary.
The average cost to hire a local garage builder to construct a three-car garage is $40,500, though it ranges between $28,000 and $57,000. However, the total price to build a garage varies based on your location, garage size and material, whether the garage is attached or detached, and the door configuration. Smaller, attached garages tend to cost less than larger, detached three-car garages.
Allie Ogletree contributed to this piece.
