In recent times, side-entry garages have become increasingly popular due to the many advantages they have over front-entry garages.
The rise of their popularity naturally led to an increase in interest in the side entry garage driveways, which is why many people nowadays are asking what ideal driveway dimensions for a side entry garage are.
In this article, we will answer precisely that question. As a bonus, we will talk about the minimum dimensions and the advantages and disadvantages of the side entry garage and driveway.
If you are not yet in either front or side entry garage camp, this info might come in handy. And in case you just want to find out what the ideal dimensions are, well, it will still be more than informative.
What Is The Difference Between Side Entry And Front Entry Garage?
It may seem like a ridiculous or unnecessary question to ask because the difference is obvious – the location of the garage.
But that is not what we are aiming for – we want to talk about the thing that this difference between these two types of garages implies: the way that cars get in or get out of each of them.
Cars that sleep in front entrance garages can straight pull in or out without any need for maneuvering, which is why the width of the driveway for this type of garage is usually not much bigger than the width of the garage.
However, when it comes to side entrance garages, cars need to make a left or right 90-degree turn from the driveway entrance towards the garage to be able to park inside it properly.
It means that you will need more space for maneuvering and will have to add the turning radius to the equation when designing an ideal driveway to a side entry garage.
Factors That Affect The Driveway Dimensions For A Side Entry Garage
The ideal dimensions for a side entry garage we will talk about in the section after this one work for most homeowners dealing with this issue. However, some factors might affect those dimensions, which you must keep in mind when constructing your driveway.
1. Number Of Cars
The first is the garage dimensions, i.e., the number of cars you will park in the garage. Although you will find a homeowner or two who owns a three-car garage, most people’s garages are big enough to accommodate one or two vehicles.
2. Car Size
The next factor is car size. Compact cars, “normal” passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, RVs – size-wise, there are a lot of types of cars.
3. Property Size
Building a driveway of ideal dimensions implies you own enough land for it. But, of course, this is not always the case, so the dimensions of your future driveway could be largely dictated by the available area on the side of the house.
If you are one of those people without too much space but would still like to build this driveway, do not worry, as we will also mention the minimum dimensions.
And in case you own more land than is needed to build a driveway with ideal dimensions, consider using some of it to increase the width – it will make your life easier.
Ideal Driveway Dimensions For A Side Entry Garage
Let’s check out the ideal driveway dimensions for one and two-car garages!
1. Side Entry One-Car Garage
The ideal driveway dimensions for a single-car garage with a side entrance are 20 by 30.
Although the driveway width of 30 feet may seem too large, you need to keep in mind the turnaround area in front of the garage, which is necessary for the car to enter or exit the garage without using too sharp angles.
If you do not have this much area in your front yard, you should know that the minimum is 15 feet for width and 10 feet for length.
Some experts claim that, with a passenger vehicle, you need only 11 feet and 6 inches to make a 90-degree turn from the driveway to the garage.
But we wouldn’t recommend making a driveway this narrow unless you want to feel like a Formula 1 driver every time you enter your garage.
2. Side Entry Two-Car Garage
When it comes to ideal dimensions for a side entry garage for two cars, they are 25 feet in length and 30 feet in width. These dimensions give the cars enough width to pass each other when they find themselves in the driveway at the same time and safely park in or out of the garage.
If you are interested in the minimum length and width for a two-car garage, you will be happy to learn that they are 15 and 20 feet, respectively.
Side Entry Garage Advantages
If you are reading this article, you are probably a person who already has or is planning to build a side entry garage.
However, there is also the possibility that you are someone who is still weighing between front and side entry garage options. In that case, it would be nice to list some of the most important advantages of side entry garages.
1. Side Entrance Garage Gives More Privacy
Even if you are not someone who keeps corpses in their garage, you still feel slightly uncomfortable when the front side garage door is open because anyone passing by your house at that moment can see what you are doing and what you have in the garage.
With a side entry garage, you will not have this worry. It does not matter if the door is open or closed – you always know that no one’s prying eyes will disturb your privacy.
2. Side Entry Garage Improves Houses Aesthetics
Who wants to have a nice-looking home? Probably the people that are reading this article.
We use our eye vision to perceive up to 80% of all impressions, so having a house that has a harmonious and attractive front part is very important.
One of the things that enable you to achieve this is building a side entrance garage. With it, you or anybody else will have to look at that giant metal door.
As a result, your home’s design, aesthetics, and curb appeal will get enhanced. And you will not have to worry about your or your guests’ cars spoiling the image of your home since they will use the area to the side of it as a parking space.
3. Side Entry Garage Increases Property’s Value
It does not matter whether you build the side entry garage during the construction of your home or add it afterward – it will increase the size of your house and make it longer, which of course, increases its value.
You might not be too interested in this if you do not plan to move out of your home anytime soon or maybe ever.
However, in these fast times in which we live, things seemingly change from day to day, so you never know – maybe one day you will want to sell it. If that day comes, it will be nice to know that your property will be more valuable precisely because of the side entry garage.
Side Entry Garage Disadvantages
We are not a company that specializes in side entry garages or driveway buildings, so we will not talk only about its good sides. As is the case with everything in the world, these driveways also have some downsides, which we will discuss in the following few paragraphs.
1. Side Entry Garage Driveway Takes More Space
Cars pulling in or out of a side entry garage need more space for maneuvering, meaning side entry driveway dimensions are larger than those of the front entry ones.
It also means that you will have to spend more money on its construction. The price can get even more amplified depending on the type of material used to make the driveway (concrete, brick, asphalt, etc.)
Extra space for the driveways also means that you will have less space for your lawn and plants.
2. You Will Have To Make A 90 Degree Turn Every Time You Use Your Car
Making 90-degree turns is definitely not a death sentence, but it is also not as easy as straight parking in or out. Add to that the possibility that you might be working with less-than-ideal conditions, i.e., dimensions, and it can get a little bit frustrating.
Conclusion
Single-car driveways to side garages should be 20 feet long and 30 feet wide. On the other hand, double-car driveways should ideally be 25 feet in length and 30 feet in width.
The minimum dimensions for these two types of driveways to side garages are 10 by 15 and 15 by 20, respectively.
But none of these numbers are set in stone, so work with what you have, meaning take into consideration the size and number of your car(s) and the size of your property.
And if you have any questions, please consider using the comment section to ask them!