Awning Shed Guide Australia 2025: Colorbond, Council Approval, Kits & Costs
What is an Awning Shed?
An awning shed is a steel shed or garage with an integrated covered area—often a skillion or gable extension—used for weather-protected parking, loading, or outdoor work. Think of a custom-built double garage in Perth with a 3.0 m skillion awning for boat parking, or a garden shed with awning for shaded potting and tool storage.
- Awning (shed awning): A roofed extension attached to a shed or garage, cantilevered or post-supported, usually 1.2–6.0 m projection.
- Wind region (AS/NZS 1170.2): Australian wind classification (A to D; N1–N6 non-cyclonic, C1–C4 cyclonic) that determines engineering loads.
- BAL (AS 3959): Bushfire Attack Level. Dictates ember and heat-resistance design in bushfire-prone zones.
- Colorbond vs Zincalume: Painted, prefinished steel vs aluminium-zinc coated steel. See comparison below.
Why Choose an Awning Shed in Australia?
- All-weather work zone and garage awning parking for utes, caravans and boats.
- Cheaper per square metre than fully enclosed space—ideal for farm machinery storage and outdoor gear.
- Better airflow and heat relief for Perth and SA summers; easy expansion later.
- Great for outdoor kitchens, pool pumps, and shaded garden shed with awning setups.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
For Perth’s high UV and coastal conditions, most builders specify BlueScope steel frames (typically 450 MPa cold-formed) and Colorbond cladding for longevity. In salty zones within ~200–400 m of breaking surf, upgrade to COLORBOND Ultra or stainless fasteners. In regional WA and inland NSW, Zincalume roofs remain popular for cost-effective durability.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond Steel | Zincalume Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Painted, baked-on finish | Al-Zn metallic coating |
| Heat/UV resistance | Excellent; cool tones reduce heat gain | Good; reflective but can weather to matte |
| Coastal performance | Use Ultra/Steel for coastal; superior paint barrier | More prone to edge creep near surf |
| Aesthetics | Color range (Monument, Surfmist, Shale Grey) | Silver-grey metallic |
| Cost | $$ (higher) | $ (lower) |
| Use case | Custom Colorbond garages Perth, coastal homes | Rural sheds NSW, farm workshops inland |
See the Australian Steel Institute guidance and CSIRO materials insights for durability by environment.
Design Options: Roofs, Projections and Layouts
Flat vs Gable vs Skillion for Your Awning
| Roof Type | Pros | Watch-outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillion (single slope) | Simple, modern, cost-effective drainage | Check height clearance under fall | DIY shed awning kits, side awnings |
| Gable | Classic look, good ventilation, span options | More components and flashings | Double garages, American barn styles |
| Flat (low pitch) | Low-profile, fits eaves/patio lines | Needs careful box-gutter sizing | Patio tie-ins, tight easements |
Typical Awning Projections
- 1.2–1.8 m: tool benches, walkways, small umbra awning shed styles.
- 2.4–3.0 m: boat/UTE parking beside a custom-built double garage.
- 4.0–6.0 m: rural machinery bays; consider extra posts and RHS beams.
Engineering & Compliance: Wind, Bushfire and Footings
Australia’s wind and bushfire standards drive shed design. Reputable suppliers engineer to site—do not accept a “one-size-fits-all” awning add-on.
- Wind actions: AS/NZS 1170.2. Non-cyclonic N2–N4 common in metro; cyclonic C1–C4 in QLD north and WA Pilbara/Kimberley. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes.
- Structure: AS/NZS 4600 for cold-formed steel; connections and hold-down critical at awning edges.
- NCC 2022: Check performance requirements for Class 10a buildings.
- Bushfire (AS 3959): BAL-rated ember protection; steel cladding preferred in BAL-12.5 to BAL-40.
- Footings: Slab or piers to AS 2870; edge thickening or separate awning footings for large projections.
Use the Bureau of Meteorology wind/climate maps and engage an engineer for region, terrain and shielding. For QLD and WA cyclonic regions, specify cyclone-rated sheds with certified tie-downs and purlin spacing.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Check local planning (setbacks, height, site coverage). Some awnings are counted as roofed area.
- Engineering package (site-specific wind region, footing schedule, connection details).
- Building permit via your local council. In WA, submit BA1/BA2 with certified drawings from a registered building surveyor.
- Stormwater plan (gutters, downpipes, soakwells per rainfall IFD data).
- Final inspection or compliance certificate on completion.
Timelines: 10–25 business days depending on council. council-approved sheds WA require site plans, elevations, and boundary clearances. See HIA guidance and Master Builders Australia for process tips.
DIY Shed Awning Kits vs Custom-Built
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shed awning kits (DIY) | Lower cost, quick lead times, simple skillion add-ons | Limited spans/heights, basic finishes, owner coordination | Garden shed with awning, patio cover add-ons |
| Custom-built (engineered) | Site-specific wind rating, bespoke spans, premium Colorbond | Higher cost, longer approvals | Custom Colorbond garages Perth, cyclone-rated sheds QLD |
Costs in 2025: What Australian Homeowners Typically Spend
- DIY awning kit (12–18 m²): $1,800–$3,500
- Garden shed with 1.5–2.4 m awning: $3,500–$7,500 (kit + slab)
- Custom-built double garage + 3.0 m awning: $20,000–$38,000
- Rural 12×9 m shed + 6.0 m awning: $55,000–$95,000
- Cyclone upgrade (Region C/D): +15–30% for connections, purlin spacing, sheeting
- Engineering + approvals: $1,200–$3,500
- Concrete slab: $120–$190/m² depending on thickness and mesh
Costs reflect 2024–2025 steel pricing trends noted in the “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook” and labour pressures in the 2024 HIA Outdoor Structures Report. Always obtain fixed quotes based on engineered drawings.
Local Climate Design Notes
- Perth & WA Coast: High UV; prefer Colorbond matt/ultra finishes, ventilated ridges, and sarking to reduce heat.
- QLD (Region C/D): Wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas need certified tie-downs, door wind-locks; avoid wide, unbraced awning edges.
- NSW Rural: Dust and temperature swing; consider Zincalume roof, Colorbond walls, oversized gutters to handle storms.
- Tas & VIC: Snow loads in alpine areas; check AS/NZS 1170.3 if applicable. “Custom carports Melbourne” often pair with enclosed sheds for mixed use.
- Coastal corrosion: Stainless or class 4 fasteners, sealed cuts, and regular washdown in surf zones.
Real Build Examples (Specs You Can Borrow)
- Perth double garage with 3.0 m skillion awning: 6×7 m garage, 2.7 m eave height, Colorbond Monument, insulated roof blanket, 150 mm slab thickening at roller door. custom Colorbond garages Perth
- Sunshine Coast garden shed with awning: 3×3 m shed, 2.4 m high, 2.4 m awning for mower and kayaks, C2 wind-rated, PA door wind strap.
- Rural NSW machinery bay + 6.0 m awning: 12×9 m main with open-front awning, Zincalume roof/Colorbond walls, 310UB beam, hot-dip galvanised posts.
Buying Checklist: 5-Step Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use and clearances: Vehicle heights, door widths, awning projection, future bays.
- Choose materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, insulation, gutter capacity, corrosion class.
- Engineer to site: Wind region (N or C), terrain, shielding; footing schedule to soil class.
- Get approvals: Site plan, elevations, stormwater, BAL if applicable; lodge building permit.
- Lock in trades: Slab, erection crew, electrical, drainage; confirm lead times and deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do awnings count towards site coverage or setbacks?
Often yes. Councils treat awnings as roofed area. Check local planning before pushing to boundary.
Can I add an awning later to an existing shed?
Usually, if the original portal frame and footings allow for the extra loads. Get an engineer to certify connections and posts.
What wind rating should I specify?
Metro areas are commonly N2–N3. Coastal and exposed sites may require N4. North QLD and parts of WA use C1–C4. Your certificate of design will state the rating per AS/NZS 1170.2.
Is Colorbond worth the premium?
For coastal or high-visibility locations, yes. It reduces maintenance and improves heat performance. Zincalume is fine inland and on farms where aesthetics are secondary.
What about energy and heat in sheds?
Add roof insulation, sarking, and ventilation. Light Colorbond colours like Surfmist reflect more heat. See Energy.gov.au tips.
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Spec Tips the Pros Use
- Use 0.42–0.48 BMT roof sheets for better spanning and screw pull-out in high winds.
- Upgrade to class 4 fasteners and sealed flashings within 1 km of surf.
- Size gutters for local IFD rainfall—QLD storms can overwhelm standard quad profiles.
- Consider eave heights of 2.7–3.0 m for caravan/boat clearance under awnings.
- For long awnings, look at RHS beams or UB sections to reduce posts in drive-through bays.
Check technical design against AS/NZS references and the NCC 2022.
How to Compare Quotes Fairly
- Confirm wind region and terrain category on drawings (N3 vs N2 changes steel weight and price).
- List exact cladding profiles and BMT, not just “Colorbond roof”.
- Ask for awning connection details, post sizes, and footing depths.
- Check inclusions: gutters/downpipes, sarking, PA doors, flashings, site works, crane hire.
- Verify warranties from BlueScope and installer workmanship.