Standard Roller Door Sizes: The Complete Australian Guide

Standard roller door sizes simply describe the most common garage opening dimensions used across Australia, rather than fixed “off‑the‑shelf” doors. Most roller doors are made to measure, but as a planning guide, a typical single is about 2100mm high by 2400mm wide, while a typical double is about 2100mm by 4800mm. Knowing these benchmarks helps you check vehicle clearance, estimate costs, and decide whether you’ll need a custom height, extra width, or a different door type.

In this guide, you’ll find clear, practical advice on single and double roller door sizes, maximum size limits and custom options, and the clearances you must allow for headroom, side room and backspace. We’ll walk you through a DIY measuring checklist, how to pick the right height and width for your vehicles and shed, roller vs sectional differences, wind-region considerations, a quick size chart in mm/metres, and the common sizing mistakes to avoid—so you can choose with confidence.

Single roller door sizes (typical openings)

Across Australia, the benchmark for single roller door sizes is 2100mm high x 2400mm wide, which comfortably fits an average car and aligns with typical builder openings. Because roller doors are made to measure, you can order to your exact opening; if you drive taller vehicles or want more clearance, taller single doors are available, and manufacturers can accommodate larger widths within single-bay layouts.

• Baseline single opening: 2100mm (H) x 2400mm (W) — standard planning size.
• Single height range: Roller doors can be made up to 3000mm high (model-dependent).
• Single width range: Up to about 3150mm for a “wide single” (model-dependent).
• Headroom reminder: Allow roughly 450mm above the opening for the roller drum and hood.

Double roller door sizes (typical openings)

For double garages, the benchmark standard roller door size is 2100mm high x 4800mm wide, aligning with typical two‑car openings used by builders across Australia. Because doubles are made to measure, you can order wider or taller to suit utes, SUVs or roof racks—just remember roller doors need more headroom than sectional doors.

• Baseline double opening: 2100mm (H) x 4800mm (W) — standard planning size.
• Double width range: Up to about 5100–5500mm, model‑dependent.
• Double height range: Up to around 3000mm, model‑dependent.
• Headroom reminder: Allow roughly 450mm above the opening for the drum and hood.
• Side room guide: Plan a minimum of 250mm total side room on doubles for tracks/structure.

Roller door size limits and custom options

While “standard” singles and doubles guide your planning, roller doors are made to measure. For most Australian homes, practical domestic limits sit around 3000mm high and 5100–5500mm wide (model‑dependent). Some styles offer wider (to about 5600mm) and semi‑commercial heights up to 5m. As you push size, expect greater headroom needs, heavier‑gauge curtains and wind‑rated options to keep operation smooth and safe.

• Made to measure: Order to the exact millimetre for a snug fit.
• Wind regions: Choose wind‑locked/wind‑strong profiles where required.
• Opener choice: Motor size/position can change clearance needs.
• Beyond roller limits: Consider a sectional door for widths over ~5.5m or when headroom is tight.

Headroom, side room and backspace: minimum clearances

Clearances are the deal‑breaker that turn a neat plan into a working roller door. Even with made‑to‑measure sizing, you must allow space above the opening, either side for guides and a motor, and enough depth (backspace) to avoid clashes with beams, shelving and cars. For roller doors, plan on roughly 450mm of headroom for the coil; singles typically need 100mm side room on each side, and doubles around 250mm. Measure your depth from the inside face of the lintel to the first obstruction so everything operates freely.

• Headroom: Allow about 450mm above the opening for the drum/hood (roller doors).
• Side room (single): Minimum 100mm each side for guides and fixings.
• Side room (double): Around 250mm in total for wider guides/structure.
• Backspace: Ensure clear depth from the opening to the first obstruction for the rolled curtain, brackets and service access.
• Opener allowance: Roller door motors mount to the side; some models need extra side clearance and fixing height.
• Obstructions: Beams, posts, plumbing, conduit and shelving can steal clearances—relocate or choose a different door type if space is tight.

How to measure your roller door opening (DIY checklist)

A few careful measurements will confirm whether standard roller door sizes will fit or if you’ll need a made‑to‑measure door. Grab a tape, notepad and someone to hold the other end. Measure the opening and the clearances (headroom, side room and backspace) so your new door, drum and motor all install cleanly.

1. Width: Measure the clear opening from inside reveal to reveal (left to right).
2. Height: Measure from finished floor to the underside of the lintel. Note any bottom weather strip on an existing door that adds height.
3. Headroom: Allow about 450mm above the opening for the roller drum/hood.
4. Side room: Singles need roughly 100mm each side; doubles need around 250mm total for guides/structure.
5. Backspace: Measure from the inside face of the lintel back to the first obstruction (beams, shelving, pipework).
6. Motor allowance: Roller door openers mount to the side; some models need extra side clearance and fixing height.
7. Obstructions: Identify beams, posts, plumbing, conduit or lights that could steal space and note them with photos.
8. Record in mm: Write down all measurements clearly and label left/right.

With these figures, you’re ready to decide the ideal height and width for your vehicles and space.

How to choose the right height and width for your needs

Start with what you’re parking today—and what you might park tomorrow. Measure the tallest vehicle including racks, canopies and antennas, then check your headroom because roller doors need around 450mm for the drum. For width, plan for comfortable, stress‑free entry and exit, and remember the difference between a single bay and a true double.

• Vehicle height first: If 2100mm is tight, choose a taller door (rollers to ~3100mm).
• Bay width matters: Standard double is 4800mm; widen within model limits (to ~5.1–5.5m) for easier manoeuvres.
• Allow for door type: Roller needs ~450mm headroom; sectional ~250–350mm; tilt ~75–100mm.
• Account for site & wind: Wide/high doors or exposed locations may need wind‑locked profiles.
• Future‑proof: Plan for roof racks, new vehicles and storage that can steal side/back space.

This approach ensures standard roller door sizes work for you—or flags when a custom size or different door type is the smarter choice.

Roller vs sectional: clearance and size differences

If you’re weighing up a roller against a sectional, the decider is usually clearance and size. A roller’s curtain coils above the opening and needs about 450mm of headroom, with the opener mounted to the side. A sectional runs back along the ceiling and typically needs 250–350mm of headroom, with the opener on the ceiling. Sectionals can also exceed standard roller door sizes for both width and maximise opening height, which helps when you’ve got tall 4x4s, roof racks, caravan or horse float.

• Clearance: Roller ~450mm headroom; sectional ~250–350mm (typical).
• Max size (typical): Domestic Roller to ~3.1m high and ~5.5–5.6m wide; sectional to ~3.0m high and up to ~6.4m wide (model‑dependent).
• Opener position: Roller side‑mounted; sectional ceiling‑mounted.

Wind regions and sheds: special considerations

Exposed sites and coastal blocks change the brief. Even if your opening matches standard roller door sizes, wind loads can dictate the curtain profile, guides and motor. In high‑wind or cyclonic regions, pick wind‑locked or wind‑strong roller doors; as doors get wider/taller (to ~5.5–5.6m wide or ~3.0m high), stiffer curtains and adequate headroom matter. Sheds add quirks: lightweight frames, limited headroom (~450mm for rollers) and uneven slabs. If headroom is tight, a sectional (250–350mm) or tilt door (75–100mm) may suit.

• Wind rating: Confirm local requirements and select wind‑locked guides where specified.
• Structural fixings: Fasten guides to structural jambs/lintel, not just cladding.

Roller door size chart (mm and metres)

Use this quick reference to compare standard roller door sizes with common made‑to‑measure limits. Remember: doors are built to your opening, and exact maximums vary by brand and model.

• Allow about 450mm headroom above the opening for a roller drum/hood.
• Check side room (singles ~100mm each side; doubles ~250mm total) and backspace before ordering.

Common sizing mistakes to avoid

Even with made‑to‑measure, most sizing issues come from rushing basics. Treat standard roller door sizes as a planning guide, then verify clearances in mm. Check the whole opening, allow for drum, guides and opener, and confirm wind needs and solid structural fixings.

• No headroom allowance: Rollers need ~450mm above the opening.
• Wrong measurement points: Measure clear reveal‑to‑reveal, not external cladding.
• No side room: Singles ~100mm each side; doubles ~250mm total.
• Backspace overlooked: Confirm depth to first beam, shelf or pipe.
• Door type mismatch: Roller ~450mm; sectional ~250–350mm; tilt 75–100mm.

Key takeaways

Standard roller door sizes give you reliable starting points: single 2100x2400mm, double 2100x4800mm. Remember rollers need about 450mm headroom, ~100mm side room each side on singles (about 250mm total on doubles), and clear backspace. Doors are made to measure, with common domestic limits up to ~3000mm high and ~5100–5600mm wide. Measure carefully, check wind region and structure, and choose the door type that best fits your clearances. Ready to go? Order an Australian‑made, custom roller door with free delivery and DIY support direct from DoorSupply.