6×6 shed, garage or garden shed — which one suits you?

Common 6×6 configurations

• 6×6 garden shed: Lower height, single PA door, one window. Budget-friendly storage.
• 6×6 storage shed: Mid-height, roller door + PA door, shelves/racking.
• 6×6 garage (double): Two roller doors (2.4–2.7 m wide), gable or skillion roof, driveway access.
• 6m x 6m shed with workshop bay: One roller door + internal partition, benches, 15A power.

If you’re torn between a 6mx6m shed and a 7×9 shed, think vehicles now vs. future projects. A 7×9 adds storage depth and increases slab cost materially.

Key factors that move the 6×6 price up or down

• Cladding: Colorbond vs Zincalume; thicker sheeting for high wind or BAL zones
• Wind region and terrain category: Region A/B vs cyclonic Region C/D, shielding, topography
• Roof style and pitch: Skillion vs gable; higher pitches cost more steel and labour
• Openings: Roller doors, height, windows, glass vs polycarb skylights, vermin/seal upgrades
• Frame system: Cold-formed galvanised portal frames vs lighter C/Z purlin kits
• Slab spec: Thickness, thicken edges, soil class, engineer details, drainage and termite barrier
• Coastal and bushfire: Marine coatings, stainless fixings, BAL-rated design
• Region-specific compliance: WA shed approvals, QLD cyclone-rated sheds, snow actions in alpine NSW/VIC

What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?

For steel sheds in Perth and regional WA, heat, sea breeze and coastal corrosion drive material choices. Many homeowners choose Colorbond steel for durability and Colour options, but Zincalume can be cost-effective inland. Insulation is essential for comfort and to reduce radiant heat.

How much do council approvals and engineering add?

• Site plan, engineer’s drawings (AS/NZS 1170 actions, AS/NZS 4600 cold-formed steel): $650–$1,500
• Local council/shire application fees (NCC Class 10a): $250–$1,000+
• WA and SA building permit admin (private certifier if used): $600–$1,400
• Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: For coastal WA, Region B with higher terrain category often requires extra hold-downs and heavier sheeting
• Council-approved sheds WA are faster when you submit certified engineering and a stormwater plan

How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA

1. Confirm zoning and site setbacks with your local council.
2. Order engineered drawings with your wind region (A/B/C/D), terrain category and shielding.
3. Provide slab design, drainage, and verge management plan.
4. Lodge Building Permit (BA2) or with a private certifier for faster turnaround.
5. Book inspections (footings/slab if required), then final sign-off.

Regional wind ratings and shed design

Australia spans non-cyclonic Regions A/B and cyclonic Regions C/D (Northern QLD, WA north coast). Cyclone-rated sheds in QLD or WA require upgraded frames, fasteners, and door wind-locks—adding 10–35% to kit price.

• Cyclone-rated sheds QLD: Region C/D engineering, wind-locked roller doors, extra hold-down rods
• Coastal corrosion categories (C3/C4): Heavier coatings, stainless screws in severe zones
• Alpine areas (NSW/VIC): Snow actions per AS/NZS 1170; allow for higher roof loading

Real-world examples and 2025 ballpark pricing

Case Study 1 — Custom Colorbond double garage in Perth (Region B)

• Spec: 6×6 gable, 2 x 2.4 m wind-locked roller doors, 2.4 m eave height, PA door, Colorbond Monument, anti-con roof blanket
• Kit: ~$9,900; Slab (100 mm with thicken edges): ~$4,400; Install: ~$4,600
• Approx turnkey: $18,900–$21,500 inc. GST (excludes electrical)

Case Study 2 — Wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas (Townsville, QLD Region C)

• Spec: 6×6 skillion 5° pitch, high-wind mullions, wind-locked 2.7 m roller door, upgraded fasteners
• Kit uplift: +20–30% vs Region B; typical kit ~$11,500–$14,500
• Turnkey with slab and erection: $22,000–$28,000+

Prices vary with steel market fluctuations (see “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook”) and local labour availability.

DIY shed kits vs custom-built installation

DIY 6×6 shed kit (owner-builder)

• Best if you have tools, time and two helpers
• Save $3–6k on labour; still budget for slab and electrical
• Check permits and inspections before you pour

Custom-built (supply and erect)

• Faster and council-ready; warranty on workmanship
• Builder manages engineering, deliveries, cranage
• Perfect for custom Colorbond garages in Perth or rural sheds NSW

Doors, insulation and upgrades that affect cost

• Roller doors: Standard vs wind-locked; manual vs motorised (add $450–$950 per opener)
• Height: 2.4 m is common; 2.7–3.0 m adds steel and door cost
• Insulation: Anti-con blanket (budget) vs insulated panel roof (premium)
• Windows and skylights: Polycarb skylights are cost-effective, double-glazed windows for habitable feel
• Seals: Vermaseal and door seals reduce dust/vermints (great for farm gear)
• Gutters/downpipes: Larger capacity for heavy rain events; connect to soakwells or tanks

6×6 vs 6m x 8m — price comparison

If two vehicles feel tight, 6m x 8m shed prices are attractive for extra storage and a rear bench:

• 6m x 8m Zincalume kit: $7,500–$10,500; Colorbond: $9,500–$13,500
• Slab jump: +12 m² → +$1,200–$2,000 vs 6×6
• Turnkey difference: Often +$3,000–$6,000 vs 6×6

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

1. Define use-case: garden tools, 6×6 storage shed, or two-car 6×6 garage with workshop.
2. Confirm site constraints: setbacks, sewer easements, driveway alignment, power run.
3. Pick materials: Colorbond colour, insulation, door sizes, gable vs skillion, drainage.
4. Engineering & approvals: Wind region, terrain, BAL rating, council-approved sheds WA/QLD/NSW.
5. Compare quotes apples-to-apples: Sheeting thickness, frame type, door wind rating, fixings, slab spec, lead time.

Definitions and spec cheat sheet

FAQs: 6×6 sheds in Australia

What size slab for a 6×6?

Typically 6,000 x 6,000 mm, 100–125 mm thick with thicken edges or beams as engineered. Allow control joints, mesh, termite barrier where required.

Do I need insulation?

Yes for comfort and condensation control, especially in Perth heat or humid QLD. Anti-con blanket is a minimum; consider insulated panels if using as a workshop.

What wind rating do I need?

Your site determines Region (A–D), terrain category, shielding and topography. Your shed supplier should certify to AS/NZS 1170 and the NCC.

Can I add a carport?

Yes. Many add custom carports Melbourne-style or attached lean-tos. Ensure posts and footings are engineered and council-approved.

Related shed types and keyword clusters

• Urban: steel sheds Perth, custom Colorbond garages Perth, council-approved sheds WA
• Regional: rural sheds NSW, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, farm machinery storage
• Residential: DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes, custom carports Melbourne
• Alternatives: 6mx6m shed, 6×6 shed kit, 7×9 shed, 5 bay shed (farm), 6×6 garden shed, 6×6 storage shed
• Technical: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, insulated roof panels, BAL rating, AS/NZS engineering

Sourcing, standards and climate notes

Pick suppliers who design to Australian Standards (AS/NZS 1170 actions, AS/NZS 4600 steel design) and provide site-specific engineering. Match gutters and downpipes to Bureau of Meteorology Intensity-Frequency-Duration (IFD) data in your suburb for heavy rain events.

• Housing Industry Association — outdoor structures guidance
• Master Builders Australia — building contracts and permits
• Australian Steel Institute — steel market outlooks
• Bureau of Meteorology — wind regions and rainfall
• CSIRO — condensation and building science
• energy.gov.au — insulation and energy info

Sample quote template (use this to compare apples-to-apples)

• Size and height: 6,000 x 6,000 mm; 2.7 m eave
• Roof: Gable 10°, Colorbond Surfmist; anti-con blanket
• Walls: Colorbond Monument; 0.42 BMT sheeting
• Frame: Galvanised portal with C/Z purlins; engineer’s cert AS/NZS 1170
• Doors: 2 x 2.4 m wind-locked rollers + 1 PA door; seals/vermaseal
• Slab: 100–125 mm with thicken edges, M class soil; mesh, control joints
• Drainage: Gutters, downpipes to soakwell/tank
• Wind/BAL: Region B, TC2; BAL-12.5
• Lead time and install window; warranty terms