Cost of Building a Shed in Australia (2025 Guide): Prices, Council Approvals, and Colorbond Options

Short on time and want the bottom line on the cost of building a shed? Here’s the definitive Australian guide for homeowners, renovators and property investors comparing Colorbond steel sheds, council approvals, cyclonic wind ratings and installation from Perth to Brisbane. If you’re searching for “how much does it cost for a shed”, “shed installation cost”, “cost to build a garden shed”, or a shed costs estimator Australia, you’ll find everything you need below.

How much does it cost to build a shed in Australia in 2025?

Indicative turnkey pricing (kit + slab + installation + typical approvals) in AUD:

• Small garden shed (3×3 m to 3×6 m): $1,800–$6,500 (DIY kit at the low end; premium Colorbond installed with slab at the high end)
• Single garage (3.5×6 m to 4×7 m): $9,500–$19,000
• Double garage (6×6 m to 6×9 m): $18,000–$35,000
• Custom Colorbond workshop (7×9 m to 9×12 m): $28,000–$65,000
• Rural/farm shed (12×18 m to 12×24 m, open-front bays): $60,000–$120,000+
• Double carport (6×6 m): $6,500–$15,000 (freestanding)

Key cost components:

• Kit price: ~$120–$350 per m² for domestic garages; ~$150–$450 per m² for rural sheds depending on wind rating and design.
• Slab and footings: $120–$180 per m² for 100 mm slab with mesh; perimeter thickenings extra.
• Installation labour: $400–$1,500 for small garden sheds; $4,000–$12,000 for garages/workshops; more for rural sheds.
• Approvals and engineering: $600–$2,000+ (plans, certification, council fees vary by LGA).
• Site works and drainage: $800–$6,000+ (cut/fill, compaction, spoon drains, soak wells).
• Delivery/freight: $150–$900 metro; remote/regional can exceed $2,000.
• Upgrades: Insulation ($10–$25/m²), whirlybirds, skylights, glass windows, motorised roller doors, mezzanine floors.

Use our simple shed costs estimator (Australia)

Quick estimating rule-of-thumb for a premium Colorbond steel shed (non-cyclonic):

• Small garden shed (3×3 m = 9 m²): $2,500–$5,000 installed with slab, windows/doors minimal.
• Double garage (6×7 m = 42 m²): $18,000–$28,000 standard; $22,000–$35,000 with insulation, 2× motorised roller doors, PA door, extra windows.
• Add 10–25% for cyclonic (Wind Region C/D) or exposed coastal sites needing heavier sections and fixings.

Estimator formula: Total ≈ Kit (m² × spec rate) + Slab (m² × $120–$180) + Install + Approvals + Site works + Upgrades.

What drives shed installation cost?

1) Wind rating and structural engineering

Wind rating per AS/NZS 1170.2 and NCC 2022 dictates member sizes, hold-downs, and cladding/fixing schedules. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Perth and most of WA south-west are typically Region A, but coastal exposure, topography and terrain category may push design pressures up. Northern WA (Pilbara/Kimberley) and coastal QLD require cyclonic design (Region C or D) — expect thicker base plates, closer purlin/girt spacing, more screws per sheet, and upgraded door bracing.

2) Slab type and site conditions

Flat, well-drained sites keep concrete and drainage affordable. Reactive clay (Site Class H or E), cut-and-fill, or sloping blocks increase slab thickening, piers or retaining, adding thousands.

3) Door and opening mix

Roller doors, wide clear-spans, and glass windows drive cost more than wall area. Motorisation adds $600–$1,100 per door plus power.

4) Coastal and corrosion category

For marine sites (ISO 9223 C3–C5), upgrading to Ultra or stainless fixings, or Zincalume coastal guidelines, protects long-term value. Expect +5–12% for coastal specs.

Regional pricing and approvals across Australia

Wind-rated and cyclone-rated sheds (QLD, NT, WA north)

cyclone-rated sheds QLD must meet Region C/D design per AS/NZS 1170.2, with door systems tested for high pressures and debris (consider wind locks). In Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Karratha and Broome, allow +10–25% over metro non-cyclonic pricing and longer lead times for engineering and ordering.

How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA

Most sheds over 10 m² or with plumbing/electrical require approval. Steps for council-approved sheds WA:

1. Check local planning overlays (setbacks, open space, height limits). Some R-Codes and design guidelines caps apply in Perth metros.
2. Obtain engineering certification (AS/NZS 1170.2 wind, AS 4100/4600 steel design) and site plan.
3. Lodge Building Permit (BA1/BA2) with your LGA; allow 10–25 business days. Fees vary ($250–$900 typical).
4. Dial Before You Dig, arrange site survey and set-out, confirm stormwater management.
5. Practical completion: inspections as required by certifier/council.

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

Perth’s high UV, summer heat and coastal influence make painted, high-tensile steel ideal. For “steel sheds Perth” and custom Colorbond garages Perth, many homeowners choose Colorbond for its colour stability, baked-on finish, and matching gutters/flashing. Zincalume remains excellent value inland or where a silver aesthetic is preferred.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?

Always specify the right base metal thickness (BMT) and fastener system for wind region and corrosion category.

Cost to build a garden shed

“How much do sheds cost” for small footprints?

• DIY kit (3×3 m): $400–$1,500 (thin sheet, no slab). Premium Colorbond panels and frame: $1,000–$2,500.
• Installed with slab: $1,800–$6,500 depending on height, doors, windows, anchoring and delivery.
• Tips: Consider extra height (2.2–2.4 m) and a single PA door for better usability; allow for guttering to a soakwell.

Cost to build a double garage in Perth

A custom-built double garage in Perth (6×6 m to 6×9 m):

• Kit: $7,500–$15,000 depending on BMT, frame, doors and wind rating.
• Slab: 36–54 m² × $120–$180/m² = $4,300–$9,700.
• Install: $4,000–$8,000; approvals: $700–$1,500; electrical: $800–$2,000.
• Total typical: $18,000–$35,000 (non-cyclonic). Add insulation, windows, and motorised doors if budget allows.

Rural sheds and machinery storage (NSW, WA, QLD)

For rural sheds NSW, WA Wheatbelt, and QLD cane/beef regions, open-front bays (e.g., 12×24 m) are common for farm machinery storage, hay and workshop space:

• Kit: $28,000–$60,000 depending on span, bay spacing, eave height, and wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas.
• Footings (piers or slab strips), erection, plant hire and access can double the kit price on remote sites.
• Allow $60,000–$120,000+ for full delivery/erection; more for enclosed bays, sliding doors, and concrete aprons.

DIY shed kits vs custom-built

• DIY shed kits: Best for small to medium projects in non-cyclonic areas. Save on labour, but check square, plumb, and fixings strictly per engineering.
• Custom-built: Faster install, warranty support, engineered for site, easier council path. Ideal for custom carports Melbourne, garages, and workshops with services.

5-step buying guide for custom sheds in Australia

1. Define use and size: Car, boat and caravan, tools, or industrial workshop? Plan door widths, eave height, future mezzanine.
2. Pick cladding and spec: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, insulation, gutters, skylights, DIY shed kits vs installed.
3. Check site and services: Access, slope, stormwater, power run, NBN conduits.
4. Engineering and approvals: Wind region, BAL, setbacks. Engage a supplier experienced in council-approved sheds WA or your state.
5. Compare total cost: Kit + slab + install + approvals + site works. Ask for a fixed-scope quote to avoid blowouts.

Frequently asked questions

What thickness slab do I need?

100 mm with SL72 mesh is common for domestic garages; increase thickness and edge thickenings for heavier vehicles or point loads. Follow your engineer’s design.

Do I need council approval?

Usually yes if over 10 m² or attached to a dwelling. Cyclonic, bushfire, flood overlays or heritage zones almost always require approval.

How long does installation take?

Small sheds: 1–2 days. Double garages: 3–6 days after slab cure. Rural sheds: 1–3+ weeks depending on span and weather.

What about bushfire (BAL)?

In BAL zones (AS 3959), specify appropriate ember protection, enclosed eaves, and non-combustible cladding. Doors and vents may need upgrades.

Are carports cheaper than garages?

Yes. An affordable carport for Australian homes (double, 6×6 m) is often $6,500–$15,000 installed, depending on height, posts, and footing design.

Real build examples (2024–2025)

Perth: custom Colorbond double garage

• 6×7 m, Monument Matt, 2× motorised roller doors, 2.7 m eave, roof blanket, PA door.
• Total: ~$26,500 (kit: $11,800; slab: $5,900; install: $5,600; approvals + electrical: $3,200).

North QLD: cyclone-rated farm shed

• 12×18 m, open-front, Region C, upgraded door bracing, hot-dip base plates, high-tensile fixings.
• Total: ~$92,000 (kit: $46,000; footings/slab strips: $12,000; erection/plant: $28,000; freight + approvals: $6,000).

Key standards, climate and energy notes

• Wind: AS/NZS 1170.2; structure: AS 4100 and AS/NZS 4600; fasteners to manufacturer guidance for cyclonic regions.
• Bushfire: AS 3959 for BAL; check local mapping and overlays.
• Snow (VIC/NSW alpine, TAS): AS/NZS 1170.3 load combinations may increase member sizes.
• Thermal comfort: Insulation and solar-reflective colours reduce heat gain; see Energy.gov.au guidance.

Pricing realities in 2025

Steel prices stabilised after 2022–2023 volatility, but labour and logistics remain firm. The “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook” and the “2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report” note continued demand for patios, carports and sheds. Budget with a 10–15% contingency and lock in quotes with clear scope.

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Citations and useful resources

• Housing Industry Association (HIA) — Outdoor structures trends and approvals
• Master Builders Australia (WA/State Chapters) — Local building guidance
• Australian Steel Institute — Steel market outlook and design notes
• Bureau of Meteorology — Climate and wind region context
• CSIRO — Materials performance, bushfire research
• Energy.gov.au — Insulation and heat mitigation

Always verify current AS/NZS standards and your local council’s most recent planning rules before purchasing.