Carport Shed: The 2025 Australian Guide to Custom Colorbond Carports with Storage

What is a carport shed and why choose one?

A carport shed combines open-air vehicle shelter with enclosed storage or a workshop. Typical configurations include a shed with carport in front, a side-attached carport to a garage, or a double garage and carport layout with drive-through access. For Australian homeowners, it’s a high-value way to protect vehicles, boats, and caravans while adding secure storage for tools, bikes, or farm gear.

Modern carport-and-storage designs in Australia favour Colorbond steel, hot-dip galvanised posts, engineer-certified plans, and council approvals that align with the NCC 2022 and AS/NZS loading and wind standards. Whether you want steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, or rural sheds NSW, the right specification ensures longevity and compliance.

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

Perth’s hot summers, sea-breeze salt exposure, and UV index demand smart material choices. Here’s a quick Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison tailored to WA conditions.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?

For Perth and coastal WA, we usually specify Colorbond roof and wall sheeting, galvanised RHS posts, and hot-dip galvanised purlins, with vented ridge capping, sarking, and gutters tied to rainwater harvesting. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes

How big should your carport and storage shed be?

Right-size the footprint based on vehicles and storage needs. Popular Australian configurations:

• Single carport + 3×3 m shed: Compact urban option for affordable carports for Australian homes.
• Double carport + 6×6 m garage: Family home favourite; fits two cars and a workshop. Ideal as a custom-built double garage in Perth.
• Boat and caravan carport + 9×6 m shed: High clearance (3.0–3.6 m) with drive-through bays.
• Farm machinery storage + 12×9 m rural shed: Wider bay spacing for tractors/UTVs with lock-up tool room.

Other popular options include the double garage, 3 car garage, and even larger custom solutions to accommodate more vehicles or workshop space.

Common rooflines: skillion roof carport for modern builds and water fall to one side; gable roof shed for classic looks and better airflow. Allow 600–900 mm eaves or overhangs for protection and aesthetics.

Compliance: council approvals, wind ratings, BAL and snow loads

Every carport shed must meet the NCC and relevant Australian Standards. Key steps include site classification, wind region checks, engineer-certified drawings, and council permits (DA or CDC where applicable).

How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA

1. Check local planning overlays (setbacks, open space, heritage).
2. Confirm wind region and terrain category per AS/NZS 1170.2; much of Perth is N1–N3 (W33–W50N).
3. Order engineer-certified plans (portal frames, footings, hold-downs).
4. Lodge BA (Building Permit) with site plan, elevations, specs, and energy/thermal notes if required.
5. Arrange inspections (footings/slab and final). Choose a registered builder or owner-builder permit if applicable.

council-approved sheds WA and custom Colorbond garages Perth are often streamlined when suppliers provide pre-checked engineering packages.

Cyclonic design in QLD

For North QLD, choose cyclone-rated sheds QLD with Region C/D design, increased fixings, cyclone washers, heavier sections, and engineered tie-downs. Look for wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas with test data and conformance statements. cyclone-rated sheds QLD

NSW and VIC rural, BAL and snow

Rural sheds NSW near bushland may need BAL-12.5 or higher, ember screens, sealed gaps, and non-combustible claddings. Alpine regions require snow load checks, steeper roof pitches, and additional purlins.

Design options that add value

• Roofing: Skillion or gable; insulated panel roofing or sarking reduce heat and condensation.
• Heights: 2.4 m standard to 3.6 m+ for caravans/boats; confirm with roller door clearances.
• Doors and access: B&D roller doors, automatic openers, PA doors, breezeway carport bays.
• Structure: Galvanised RHS or UB columns, hot-dip galvanised purlins/girts, cyclone-rated screw systems.
• Drainage: Box gutters, overflow provisions, compliant downpipes to rainwater tanks.
• Foundations: 100–120 mm concrete slab with F72 mesh for garages; carports can use piers with slab/strip footings—engineer to local soil class.
• Finishes: Colorbond colour matching, powder-coated flashings, anti-condensation blankets, whirlybirds or ridge vents.
• Add-ons: Solar-ready purlin layout, EV charger conduit, security lighting and cameras.

Cost guide: buy carport, DIY shed kits, or custom build?

Indicative 2025 pricing only; final cost depends on wind region, size, finish, and site works. The 2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook and 2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report note steady steel demand and labour cost pressures.

• Buy carport (single/double, non-cyclonic): from $2.5k–$6k for DIY kits; add $2k–$6k for install and slab.
• Carport and storage shed (6×6 m garage + 6×6 m carport): from $16k–$28k non-cyclonic; Region C/D add 20–40% for cyclone upgrades.
• Custom double garage and carport (premium Colorbond, auto doors, insulation): $28k–$55k+ depending on spec and approvals.

Allow for site cuts, earthmoving, drainage and council fees. Remote WA/QLD delivery can add logistics charges.

Real Australian build examples

Perth metro: shed with carport in front

Project: 6×7.5 m Colorbond garage with a 6×6 m skillion carport in front, 3.0 m eave height, custom Colorbond garages Perth range. N2 wind rating, Colorbond Ultra near coast, B&D rollers with auto openers. Outcome: Lower summer heat with sarking and vented ridge, seamless street appeal.

North QLD: cyclone-rated carport and storage

Project: 7.5×9 m enclosed shed plus 7.5×6 m carport, Region C, C2 terrain. Cyclone washers, upgraded hold-downs, heavy RHS posts, eaves trimmed to meet local setback. Outcome: Passed final inspection; insurance accepted as cyclone-rated sheds QLD.

Central NSW: rural carport + farm machinery storage

Project: 12×9 m rural shed with attached 12×6 m carport, 3.6 m clearance, oversized sliding door. BAL-12.5 compliant cladding, ember guards to vents, water tanks to gutters. Outcome: Tractor, ute and trailer protected; workshop kept dust-free.

5-step buying guide for custom sheds in Australia

1. Scope: List vehicles, clearances, storage volume, and future expansion (e.g., boat or caravan carport).
2. Site + compliance: Check wind region, BAL, setbacks, easements, stormwater path. Ask for council-approved sheds WA or CDC in NSW where possible.
3. Specification: Choose Colorbond grade, roof form, bay spacing, insulation, doors, gutters, and anchorage system.
4. Quotes: Compare apples-to-apples: steel grade, galvanising, fasteners, engineering, and installation inclusions.
5. Build: Confirm timelines, weather contingencies, slab curing, and handover documentation (warranties, Form 15/16 or equivalents).

DIY shed kits vs custom-built vs hybrid

Frequently asked questions

What slab do I need for a carport shed?

Typical garages use a 100–120 mm slab with F72 mesh and thickened edges or separate piers. Carports often use reinforced pads/piers with a slab or pavers. Always engineer to soil class and wind region.

Flat roof or gable roof for my carport shed?

Flat/skillion is modern and simpler to drain; gable improves airflow and suits higher rainfall or snow load areas. In cyclonic regions, both require engineered tie-downs and sheeting fix patterns.

How long does installation take?

From slab pour to handover: 2–4 weeks for mid-sized builds, weather permitting. Add time for council approvals and engineering.

Will a carport and storage shed add value?

Yes—added covered parking and secure storage are sought-after features for resale and rental yield, especially when designed to match façade colours and rooflines.

Can I add solar to my carport?

Yes. Request purlin spacing and roof orientation to suit PV panel layouts, plus conduit runs to your switchboard. Check wind uplift for panel mounting in cyclonic areas.

Keyword clusters we cover

steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes, farm machinery storage, double garage with workshop, patio and carport extensions, drive-through carport, boat and caravan carport, skillion roof carport, gable roof shed, insulated panel roofing, BAL rated sheds, snow load design for alpine NSW/VIC, termite-resistant steel framing, engineer-certified plans, NCC 2022 compliance, AS/NZS 1170 wind actions.

Sources, standards and further reading

• Bureau of Meteorology climate data — check local wind and rainfall patterns.
• Housing Industry Association (HIA) — Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement insights (2024).
• Australian Steel Institute — steel design and corrosion guidance.
• Master Builders Australia — builder compliance and licensing.
• Energy.gov.au — heat mitigation and insulation guidance.
• CSIRO — bushfire and building science resources.
• Australian Standards — AS/NZS 1170 series (wind/snow), AS 4100 (steel).

Note: Figures and examples reflect Australian conditions as of 2024–2025. Always verify current council rules and AS/NZS standards for your site.