BBQ Sheds in Australia (2025 Guide): Designs, Approvals, Costs and Wind Ratings
Planning a premium BBQ shed or an enclosed BBQ shed with door? This expert guide walks Australian homeowners and investors through compliant designs, wind ratings, materials, pricing, and council approvals—so you can enjoy outdoor cooking year-round with confidence.
What is a BBQ Shed—and How Is It Different from a Pergola?
A BBQ shed is a purpose-built, roofed structure—often in Colorbond steel or insulated panel—designed to house a BBQ, outdoor kitchen, and storage. Unlike a pergola or gazebo, a BBQ shed can be partially or fully enclosed, weatherproof, and engineered to Australian Standards with cyclone/wind ratings.
– BBQ shed with door: A lockable, semi-enclosed or enclosed outdoor kitchen shed with hinged, sliding, or roller doors for security and weather protection.
– Portal frame: A rigid steel frame system commonly used in Australian sheds and carports for strength and clear spans.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth’s hot summers, coastal air, and UV exposure make roof insulation, reflective finishes, and corrosion resistance essential. Most premium builders use BlueScope steel options: Colorbond and Zincalume.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond steel | Zincalume steel |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Pre-painted, choice of Colorbond colours | Spangled metallic coating (no colour) |
| Coastal resistance | Excellent; choose Colorbond Ultra near marine environments | Good; can mark in harsh coastal spray zones |
| Heat reflectivity | High with lighter tones; helps reduce heat gain | Moderate; reflective but unpainted finish can glare |
| Aesthetics | Architectural look for alfresco/BBQ zones | Industrial look; popular for rural sheds |
| Cost | Higher | More affordable |
| Best for | Premium alfresco BBQ sheds, custom Colorbond garages | DIY shed kits, budget rural sheds |
Pro Tip: Did you know using insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer? This improves comfort and protects appliances.
Designing a Premium BBQ Shed (Including BBQ Shed with Door)
Popular sizes and layouts
- 3.0 × 3.0 m compact BBQ shelter with service bench and fridge nook
- 3.0 × 4.5 m BBQ shed with door and louvre windows for cross-ventilation
- 4.0 × 6.0 m alfresco kitchen with servery to pool area and skillion roof
Door and access options
- Hinged steel door with stainless lever set (keyed alike to your home)
- Aluminium sliding stacker doors for indoor–outdoor flow
- Compact roller door to secure BBQ and fridges
- Security mesh screens for airflow without insects
Ventilation and safety (gas and smoke)
- Cross-ventilation via high-level louvres and eave vents
- Powered extraction fans above the BBQ; flues for indoor-rated appliances
- Compliance with AS/NZS 5601 for gas bottle placement and clearances
- Non-combustible splashbacks (sheet metal, tiles) behind BBQs
Roof forms and finishes
| Roof | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Skillion (flat) | Modern look, easy water fall to rear | Check gutter capacity (AS/NZS 3500); wind uplift at front eave |
| Gable | Great airflow, classic look, better heat dissipation | Slightly higher material cost |
| Hip | Premium aesthetic, good in high winds | More complex framing |
Wind Ratings, Cyclones, and Bushfire: What Your BBQ Shed Must Withstand
Structural design for BBQ sheds follows AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions) and AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel). Your site’s wind region, terrain category, shielding, and importance level dictate fixings, frame sizes, and bracing.
- QLD North and WA North (Regions C/D): specify cyclone-rated sheds QLD designs—thicker sheets, extra hold-downs, and certified tie-down details.
- Perth metro (Region B): ensure Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes are on the engineering certificate and drawings.
- BAL zones: in bushfire-prone areas (AS 3959), use non-combustible cladding, ember guards to vents, and tempered glazing as required.
Council Approvals and the NCC: Do You Need a Permit?
Most BBQ sheds are Class 10a structures under the National Construction Code (NCC). Whether you need approval depends on size, height, and local overlays.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Confirm planning rules (setbacks, open space) with your local council or a private certifier.
- Order site-specific engineering for your wind region and soil class.
- Submit drawings, engineering, and a site plan for a building permit.
- Book slab, footings, and frame inspections as required.
- Keep final certificates for insurance and resale.
For Queensland, many councils require siting relaxations for boundary setbacks. In NSW, small structures may be exempt development if they meet size limits and setbacks. Ask for council-approved sheds WA or an approval-ready pack.
DIY Shed Kit vs Custom-Built BBQ Shed
| Option | Pros | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY shed kits | Lower cost, faster delivery, weekend project | Budget-friendly alfresco shelters and DIY shed kits in mild wind regions |
| Custom-built | Architectural finishes, engineered to site, council-ready | Premium custom Colorbond garages Perth, integrated outdoor kitchens, coastal/cyclonic zones |
2024–2025 Cost Guide: What Does a BBQ Shed Cost in Australia?
- Open BBQ shelter (3×3 m) in Colorbond: from $3,500–$6,500 supplied kit; $7,500–$11,000 installed
- BBQ shed with door (3×4.5 m): from $6,500–$10,500 kit; $12,000–$18,000 turnkey
- Insulated roof alfresco (4×6 m) with lighting: $15,000–$28,000 installed
Allow extra for reinforced slab, electrical, plumbing, gas compliance, coastal upgrades, and cyclonic engineering.
Foundations, Drainage, and Services
- Slab: 100–120 mm reinforced concrete (e.g., SL72 mesh), thicken edges for posts; engineer for soil class.
- Drainage: box gutters sized to AS/NZS 3500, downpipes to soakwell or stormwater; consider rainwater tanks.
- Electrical: outdoor-rated GPOs, RCD protection, weatherproof lighting, exhaust fans.
- Plumbing/Gas: licensed trades per AS/NZS 3500 and AS/NZS 5601; maintain barbecue clearances and ventilation.
Real Australian Build Examples
Case Study 1: Perth, WA — Heat-smart Colorbond BBQ Shed
3.0×4.5 m skillion roof, Colorbond Surfmist with insulated panel roof, louvre windows, hinged steel door. Designed for Region B winds with perimeter footings and screw anchors. Result: cooler summer temps and secure storage.
Case Study 2: Cairns, QLD — Cyclone-rated Alfresco
4.0×5.0 m gable roof, Zincalume frame with Colorbond roof, cyclone ties and upgraded fasteners. Cross-vented, mesh screens, lockable roller door for appliances. Certified to Region C wind pressures.
Case Study 3: Newcastle, NSW — Coastal-Friendly BBQ Shed
3.5×4.0 m, Colorbond Ultra cladding, marine-grade fixings, gutter guard, and stainless hardware. Slab with epoxy coating for easy cleaning and salt resistance.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use: BBQ only, outdoor kitchen, or combined storage? Decide on a BBQ shed with door for security.
- Measure site: check setbacks, services, and drainage fall.
- Select materials: Colorbond for premium finish; Zincalume for budget; add insulated panels in hot zones.
- Engineer to site: wind region, BAL rating, and soil class; request a certificate and details.
- Get approval and build: prepare a compliant slab, engage licensed trades, and keep warranties.
FAQs: BBQ Sheds in Australia
Can I put a BBQ inside a shed?
Yes, if you include ventilation, fire-safe linings, and gas compliance per AS/NZS 5601. Many homeowners specify louvres plus a powered hood/extractor.
Do I need council approval?
Often yes for enclosed or larger structures. Small open shelters may be exempt if they meet local rules. Always check with your council or a certifier for approval-ready, council-approved sheds WA and similar packs elsewhere.
What wind rating should I choose?
It must match your site under AS/NZS 1170.2. In cyclonic areas, request wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas with certified tie-downs and doors.
What colours work best?
Lighter Colorbond colours (e.g., Surfmist, Shale Grey) reduce heat. Darker colours suit cooler climates but can increase internal temps without insulation.
Is a BBQ shed a good investment?
Yes. Outdoor living spaces are high on buyer wish-lists. Many property investors add depreciable assets and boost rental appeal through a tidy alfresco.
Related Solutions for Aussie Properties
- Steel sheds Perth for storage and hobbies
- Custom carports Melbourne for off-street parking
- Rural sheds NSW and farm machinery storage
- Affordable carports for Australian homes
Why the Details Matter: Standards and Sources
Specify to the latest NCC and Australian Standards. Check wind region maps via BoM and engage qualified engineers for certificates and site-specific details.
- Housing Industry Association (HIA)
- Master Builders Australia
- Bureau of Meteorology climate data
- CSIRO building research
- Energy.gov.au on energy-efficient roofing
- Australian Steel Institute
Industry context: 2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook and the 2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report note sustained demand for outdoor living upgrades, especially insulated patio and shed solutions in warm climates.
Excerpt: Planning a BBQ shed in Australia? This expert guide covers design options, BBQ sheds with doors, Colorbond vs Zincalume, wind and cyclone ratings, council approvals, costs, and real build examples—plus a 5-step buying checklist tailored to Aussie climates from Perth heat to QLD cyclones.