Carport Shed Australia Guide 2025: Custom Colorbond Carports With Storage

22 Oct Garage Sheds

Excerpt: Thinking about a carport shed in Australia? This expert guide covers custom Colorbond carports with storage, wind ratings for WA and QLD, council approvals, DIY vs custom, and which materials last in coastal and cyclonic regions—plus a 5-step buying checklist and local case studies.

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes • Added council-approved sheds WA process • Added cyclone-rated sheds QLD guidance

What is a carport shed, and who is it for?

A carport shed combines an open-sided carport with an enclosed shed bay. It’s ideal for homeowners who want weather-safe parking plus secure carport and storage for tools, bikes, trailers, or a workshop. Popular formats include:

  • Single car garage with carport (enclosed bay + open bay)
  • Double garage and carport (two enclosed bays + one open)
  • Shed with carport in front (drive-through or front awning)
  • Carport garage conversions (add roller doors later)

Searches like “carports for sale” and “buy carport” often miss the value of integrating storage now, not later. With a Colorbond steel shed you get longevity, wind-rated engineering, and future flexibility for additional bays.

Quick definitions

Portal frame: A rigid steel frame (columns and rafters) that carries roof and wind loads efficiently over wide spans.
Colorbond steel: Pre-painted, baked-on finish BlueScope steel designed for Australian conditions.
Zincalume: Aluminium-zinc coated BlueScope steel with bare-metal finish; excellent base for painting or where colour isn’t critical.
Wind region (AS/NZS 1170.2): Australia’s wind map rating (A, B, C, D; cyclonic C/D) that dictates design loads.

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

Perth copes with high UV, summer heat, coastal air, and afternoon sea breezes. A custom Colorbond garage in Perth or an attached carport and storage shed performs best with the following:

  • BlueScope Colorbond cladding (roof/walls) in high-reflectance colours to reduce heat gain.
  • G550 high-tensile cold-formed C/Z purlins for stiffness with light weight.
  • Hot-dip galvanised SHS posts or fully galvanised portal frames near the coast to mitigate corrosion.
  • Insulated roof panels or anti-condensation blanket + roof vents to manage summer heat and condensation.
  • Vermin-proofing edge flashings and breathable sarking for tidy, sealed bases.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?

Feature Colorbond Zincalume
Finish Pre-painted, baked-on colour range Bare-metal silver finish
Heat performance High solar reflectance colours reduce heat Reflective, but more glare; can run hotter without insulation
Coastal resistance Excellent with correct grade and maintenance Good; rinse near surf coasts; consider galvanised frames
Aesthetics Matches modern homes; council-friendly Industrial look; often used on farms
Best for Residential carport sheds in metro/suburbs Budget farm machinery storage or rural sheds

Pro Tip: Insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer, improving workshop comfort and reducing heat load on vehicles.

How do I choose the right size, roof, and layout?

Match the layout to your vehicles, access, and future plans. Consider these common configurations:

  • Single carport + 3×6 m shed: Compact suburban sites; add a roller door to convert the carport later.
  • Double carport + 6×7.5 m workshop: Families with two cars plus bikes and tools.
  • Drive-through carport shed: Ideal for boats, caravans, and trailers; roller doors both ends.
  • Extra height carport: Caravan cover or 4WD with racks; check overall height limits with council.

Roof styles for carport sheds:

  • Gable: Classic look, better drainage, easy whirlybird placement.
  • Skillion (monopitch): Modern lines, simpler structure, great for solar PV orientation.
  • Flat with slight fall: Low profile; ensure adequate drainage and box gutters to AS/NZS 3500.

Technical add-ons: cyclonic hold-downs (QLD/WA north), oversize gutters, heavier base plates, denser screw patterns, and deeper embedded piers for wind uplift resistance.

How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA

Most WA councils require approval for a carport shed (even small ones). Process highlights:

Step-by-step (WA)

  1. Site plan: Show setbacks, easements, services, and driveway alignment.
  2. Engineering: Certified to AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind) and AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel). Include footing detail and slab design (if any).
  3. CDC: Engage a WA building surveyor for a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC).
  4. BA1 submission: Lodge the Building Permit Application (BA1) with drawings, engineering, CDC, owner consent, and fees.
  5. Permit and inspections: Receive the building permit, then book final inspection or provide compliance certificates as required.