Boat Sheds Australia: Custom COLORBOND Designs, Council Approvals, Prices (2025 Guide)
Whether you’re storing a tinny on a trailer in suburban Perth or a 7.5 m offshore rig in North QLD, a well-specified boat shed protects your investment and adds value to your property. Below you’ll find practical advice tailored to Australian conditions, from cyclonic design to coastal corrosion, with examples and a simple buying checklist.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes and local council know‑how to help you move faster from concept to completion.
What is a “boat shed” in the Australian context?
In today’s residential market, “boat shed” typically means a fully enclosed COLORBOND steel shed sized for a boat on a trailer, often with extra clearance, roller doors, and anti-corrosion detailing. Waterfront boathouses exist, but approvals are complex and site-specific. Most homeowners build on standard lots with driveway access.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth’s hot, dry summers, coastal air, and Fremantle Doctor winds call for heat-reflective roofing, quality coatings, and compliant wind design. For coastal suburbs, COLORBOND Ultra steel and hot‑dip galvanised frames with marine-grade fasteners are common specifications.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Feature | COLORBOND steel | ZINCALUME steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating & finish | Painted finish with multiple layers; option for COLORBOND Ultra in marine zones | Alloy coating (aluminium/zinc/magnesium); bare metallic appearance |
| Coastal performance | Excellent, especially Ultra within recommended distances from surf | Good, but generally not recommended very close to breaking surf |
| Heat reflectivity | High with lighter colours; reduces heat gain | Moderate; can be hotter internally without insulation |
| Aesthetics & resale | Premium look; wide colour range | Industrial look; lower visual appeal |
| Typical use | Residential, coastal, premium builds | Rural, internal framing, budget builds |
For a coastal steel shed Perth, we generally specify COLORBOND Ultra roofing and walling, anti‑condensation blanket or insulated roof panels, and marine‑grade fasteners with seal washers.
Design options that make a boat shed easier to live with
Clearances and layout for boats on trailers
- Internal height: 3.0–3.6 m is common. Measure to the highest point (bimini/rocket launcher).
- Door size: 3.0–3.6 m high, 3.0–3.6 m wide roller or sectional doors for stress‑free reversing.
- Turn radius: Allow a straight approach to the door. Consider a wider apron and a 150 mm chamfer on slab edges.
- Mezzanine storage: Keep hull clearance; store PFDs, fishing gear, outboards upstairs.
Dooring, ventilation, and security
- Wind‑rated roller doors with wind locks for Regions C/D.
- Louvre vents and ridge ventilation to control condensation and fumes.
- PA doors with three‑point locking; sensor lights and cameras.
Concrete, drainage, and corrosion
- Slab: N32 concrete, marine sealer at edges; falls to a grated drain to manage wash‑down water.
- Coatings: Epoxy floor for salt and fuel resistance.
- Detailing: Vermin flashing, foam infills at eaves, and stainless or class 4 screws near coast.
Services and upgrades
- Power: 15 A GPO for chargers or winches; optional 3‑phase for a serious workshop.
- Lighting: LED highbay fittings; daylighting via translucent roof panels.
- Solar‑ready: Run conduits and allow for roof penetrations in advance.
Roof style comparison
| Roof type | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gable | Great airflow, classic look, suits gutters both sides | Slightly higher material use than skillion | Residential streetscapes |
| Skillion (mono) | Modern look, easy solar orientation, simple drainage | Watch height at low side for door clearance | Narrow lots, solar setups |
| Flat | Low profile, budget friendly | Requires careful drainage in heavy rain | Carports, urban height limits |
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
Most WA boat sheds need a Building Permit under the Building Act 2011. Planning (DA) may be required for setbacks, coastal overlays, or heritage streets. Your certifier/engineer will supply Form BA3 (Certificate of Design Compliance), drawings, and wind engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2.
- Wind design: Region A (Perth metro) with site‑specific Terrain Category. Added 2024 WA wind‑rating compliance notes
- Setbacks & height: Check your local scheme; coastal suburbs can have stricter streetscape controls.
- Stormwater: On‑site soak wells or connection per council policy.
Tip: Ask for council‑approved sheds WA experience when selecting a supplier to shorten timeframes.
NSW, VIC, QLD snapshots
- NSW: Exempt or Complying Development may apply if you meet size and setback limits. Coastal SEPP may add controls.
- VIC: Planning Permit varies by overlay; Building Permit with RBS always. Ask about BAL (bushfire) near vegetation.
- QLD: Building approval via Private Certifier; cyclonic Regions C/D require enhanced tie‑downs and door ratings.
Wind ratings and cyclone-ready boat sheds
If you’re in North QLD or coastal WA, specify cyclone-rated sheds QLD with engineered hold‑downs, purlin spacing, and door bracing. Ask for Region C/D certification, wind‑locked doors, and screw patterns to suit your site’s Terrain Category.
- Hold‑downs: Cast‑in plates or chemical anchors verified by engineer.
- Doors: Tested wind‑rated roller doors; consider dual doors to reduce panel width in extreme winds.
- Fasteners: Class 4 or stainless; avoid dissimilar metal contact.
DIY shed kits vs custom-built: what’s right for you?
| Option | Pros | Watch‑outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY shed kits | Lower cost, quick supply, weekend project | Approvals on you; limited custom sizes; time and tools required | Handy owners, smaller boats, regional areas |
| Custom-built (supply & install) | Bespoke size, one point of contact, council handled | Higher upfront cost; lead times in peak months | Large boats, coastal or cyclonic sites, premium finish |
Shopping “boat sheds for sale” online? Check inclusions: engineering for your wind region, door wind rating, slab design, and whether gutters, downpipes, vermin flashing and delivery are included.
Real Australian projects
Case Study: Canal-side boat shed, Mandurah WA
- Size: 9.0 × 4.5 × 3.6 m gable
- Spec: COLORBOND Ultra, hot‑dip galvanised frame, epoxy floor, ridge vent