Double Car Port: Dimensions, Wind Ratings, and Buying Guide for Australian Homes

22 Oct Garage Sheds

What is a Double Car Port and Why Choose One?

A double car port is an open-sided, roofed structure sized to shelter two vehicles—commonly specified as a carport 6×6 (6.0 m wide x 6.0 m long). Compared to a fully enclosed garage, a double car port offers faster approvals, lighter footings, excellent ventilation, and outstanding value for affordable carports for Australian homes.

Quick definition: A car port is an open, roofed structure that’s at least two sides open. In many councils it’s assessed differently to a “garage” (enclosed on three or four sides), which can streamline approvals.

What Are the Best Materials for a Double Car Port in Australia?

For longevity across Australia’s diverse climates, most premium double car ports are engineered with Australian structural steel, hot-dip galvanised brackets, and either Colorbond or Zincalume roofing and gutters manufactured by BlueScope.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
Aspect Colorbond Zincalume
Corrosion resistance Excellent; choose Colorbond Ultra for coastal/industrial zones Very good; may weather faster near coast without additional protection
Heat performance Light colours reflect heat; Thermatech technology reduces solar absorbance Reflective when new; may dull over time
Aesthetics Wide colour palette, including Matt finishes Metallic silver-grey only
Cost Higher initial outlay Usually more economical
Best for Premium homes, coastal areas, strict design covenants Budget builds in non-coastal regions
Anticon blanket: A glasswool insulation roll with reflective foil facing, installed under metal roofs to reduce condensation and heat.

Double Carport Dimensions: Getting the Size Right

“Double carport dimensions” vary by vehicle size, door swing, and turning space. The Australian sweet spot is a carport 6×6. Here’s how to choose:

  • Two small cars: 5.5 m wide x 5.5–6.0 m long, 2.4 m clearance height
  • Two medium SUVs/utes: 6.0–6.6 m wide x 6.0–7.0 m long, 2.7–3.0 m clearance height
  • 4×4 with racks/awnings: 6.6–7.2 m wide x 6.0–7.5 m long, 3.0 m+ clearance height

Allow minimum 800–900 mm both sides for door opening; 1,000+ mm is ideal in premium builds.

Clearance height: Finished underside of the beam or purlins. Always check the tallest vehicle (with racks) and any future caravan/boat plans.

Roof Styles: Flat, Skillion, or Gable?

Roof profile affects price, wind performance, water runoff, and street appeal.

Profile Pros Considerations Best for
Flat roof (low pitch) Economical, low visual bulk Needs careful drainage sizing; pitch may be limited in heavy rain zones Urban blocks, budget builds
Skillion (single fall) Modern look, efficient water run-off Wind uplift must be engineered; gutter capacity critical Contemporary homes, side boundary drains
Gable Classic look, good ventilation clearance Slightly higher cost; ridge capping details matter in high wind Street-front carports, heritage suburbs

Australian Standards, Wind Ratings, and Cyclone Regions

All quality double car ports should be engineered to the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) and AS/NZS 1170 (Wind Actions). Site classification depends on wind region, terrain, topography, and shielding.

AS/NZS 1170.2: The Australian/New Zealand Standard for structural design actions—wind actions. It governs design wind speeds and pressure coefficients.
  • Non-cyclonic (Regions A & B): Most of NSW, VIC, SA, Tas, ACT, and parts of WA.
  • Cyclonic (Regions C & D): Coastal QLD, NT, and parts of WA. Specify wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas and cyclone-rated sheds QLD with cyclone kits, extra hold-downs, and heavier connections.

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: In coastal WA, many councils require engineering verifying Region B (non-cyclonic) or Region C near exposed coasts. We design to site conditions, including Terrain Category and shielding. Included QLD Region C/D cyclone guidance for double car ports north of Bundaberg and in the Gulf.

Hold-downs: Anchoring systems (e.g., galvanised cast-in bolts, screw piles, or chemical anchors) that resist uplift and overturning under wind loads.

Reference guidelines and climate data via the Bureau of Meteorology and Australian Standards:

Footings, Posts, and Corrosion: Build It to Last

For a premium double car port, specify:

  • Posts: 100–125 mm SHS posts, hot-dip galvanised or with high-build zinc primer and powder coat. Coastal sites may require Colorbond Ultra-compatible fixings or duplex coatings.
  • Footings: Engineer-specified concrete piers—often 350–450 mm diameter, 600–1,200 mm deep depending on soil class and wind. Consider screw piles for reactive clays.
  • Roofing: Colorbond or Zincalume in 0.42–0.48 BMT sheets for strength; specify cyclone roof battens in Regions C/D.
  • Gutters/downpipes: Sized to NCC Part 3.5.2 rainfall intensity. Direct to stormwater to avoid erosion.
BMT: Base Metal Thickness. A key spec for steel roofing and walling that affects strength and spanning ability.

Do I Need Council Approval for a Double Car Port?

Most Australian councils require approval when a car port exceeds certain dimensions, is near boundaries, or changes streetscape. Many projects proceed as Complying/Code Assessable Development with the right documentation.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Carport in WA

  1. Confirm R-Codes setbacks, open-space, and streetscape controls with your council.
  2. Order site-specific engineering (AS/NZS 1170 wind actions, footings, connections).
  3. Prepare plans: site plan, elevations, sections, drainage layout, and specs for Colorbond vs Zincalume.
  4. Lodge a BA2 or BA1 (depending on builder engagement) with energy and bushfire notes where relevant.
  5. Receive permit; schedule inspections for footings/structural frame if required.

For other states, check local planning codes or work with a licensed builder or private certifier. HIA and Master Builders Australia provide homeowner resources.

We also deliver council-approved sheds WA and custom carports Melbourne documentation packs to streamline approvals.

Local Climate Considerations: Perth, QLD, NSW, VIC

  • Perth/WA coast: Intense sun and sea breeze. Choose light Colorbond colours, Anticon or insulated panels, and upgraded coatings near the coast. See our steel sheds Perth range for matching finishes.
  • Queensland cyclonic: Engineer to Regions C/D with cyclone tie-downs and thicker purlins. Consider enclosed sides as wind shields only if designed accordingly.
  • Regional NSW and VIC: Frost and occasional snow loads in alpine zones—check AS/NZS 1170.3 if relevant. Rural blocks often add extra length for farm machinery storage.
  • Bushfire-prone areas: BAL ratings may apply. Car ports that remain open on two sides can be simpler to approve but use non-combustible finishes.
BAL: Bushfire Attack Level, a measure of bushfire intensity that informs material selection and detailing.

DIY Kit vs Custom-Built: What’s the Better Option?

Option Pros Considerations Best for
DIY shed kits / DIY carport kits Lower cost, fast supply, pre-engineered span tables Owner handles approvals, footings, and warranty responsibilities Experienced DIYers, remote sites
Custom-built double car port Tailored to site, council handled, premium finishes Higher upfront cost, longer lead time Street-facing builds, sloping or tight sites

We deliver both: from DIY shed kits to fully installed custom Colorbond garages Perth and carports across metro and regional areas.

Use-Cases: Beyond Parking

  • Boat or caravan bay with 3.2–3.6 m clearance
  • Outdoor entertaining with integrated lighting and privacy screens
  • Secondary cover for rural sheds NSW housing side-by-sides and utes
  • Solar-ready roof orientation aligned with PV array layout (check Energy.gov.au)

Real-World Builds: Case Studies

Perth – Gable Double Car Port, 6.0 x 6.5 m

Colorbond Matt Monument roof, 125 SHS powder-coated posts, Anticon underlay, concealed downpipes. Engineered to Region B, Terrain Cat 2. Result: Cooler summer temps and a premium street presence matching a custom-built double garage in Perth.

North QLD – Cyclone-Rated Skillion, 6.6 x 7.0 m

Region C design, upgraded purlins, cyclone brackets, and cast-in hold-downs. Zincalume roof for budget efficiency with coastal-compatible fasteners. Passed certifier inspection on first submission—true cyclone-rated sheds QLD detailing.

Melbourne – Flat Roof Double, 6.0 x 6.0 m

Low-profile street frontage in a heritage precinct. Colorbond Southerly roof, 100 SHS posts, box gutter to legal point of discharge. Delivered as part of our custom carports Melbourne service, approved as Complying Development.

How Much Does a Double Car Port Cost in Australia?

Pricing varies by materials, site, wind region, and whether you choose DIY or installed. As at 2024–2025, market commentary from industry bodies and the “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook” indicates steel prices have stabilised compared with 2022–2023 peaks, but labour remains tight. Expect:

  • DIY kit (non-cyclonic, 6×6): budget to mid-range depending on finish
  • Installed (non-cyclonic, 6×6): mid-range
  • Cyclonic upgrades or coastal coatings: add 10–25%+

For the latest trends and compliance advice, see resources from HIA, CSIRO, and Australian Steel Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 6×6 big enough for a double car port?

Yes for most sedans and mid-size SUVs. If you run roof racks, bull bars, or wider utes, consider 6.6 m width and 2.7–3.0 m clearance height.

Flat roof or gable—what’s better?

Flat is economical and discreet; gable offers extra clearance and ventilation. In heavy rain zones, ensure adequate fall and gutter sizing.

Can I add sides to reduce weather?

Yes. Partial infills or screens can help, but they may change classification (carport vs garage). Update engineering for wind loads before adding walls.

Colorbond vs Zincalume—what should I choose?

Colorbond for aesthetics and coastal resilience (Colorbond Ultra near surf). Zincalume if budget-first in non-coastal regions. See our Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison above.

Do you handle approvals?

Yes—our team provides drawings, engineering, and lodgement for council-approved sheds WA, VIC, NSW, SA, and QLD.

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds and Carports in Australia

  1. Confirm size: start with a carport 6×6 and adjust for vehicle width/height and turning space.
  2. Pick a roof profile: flat for budget, skillion for modern runoff, gable for street appeal.
  3. Engineer for wind region: non-cyclonic or cyclonic (C/D). Specify hold-downs and footing detail.
  4. Select finish: Colorbond colour and coating grade (Ultra if coastal), insulation option, and guttering.
  5. Approval & install: lodge drawings and engineering; book certified installers or plan your DIY shed kit.

Technical Glossary (Quick Reads)

NCC 2022: Australia’s building code. Sets performance requirements for structure, energy, condensation, and drainage.
Region C/D: Cyclonic wind regions requiring enhanced connections and hold-downs.
Terrain Category: A measure of surrounding roughness (open country vs suburbs) that affects wind speeds at your site.

Why Choose Us for Your Double Car Port?

  • Australian steel, engineered to AS/NZS standards
  • Custom documentation for council-approved sheds WA, VIC, NSW, SA, QLD
  • Options for cyclone-rated sheds QLD and coastal-grade coatings
  • Integrated solutions: steel sheds Perth, carports, and outdoor storage

Sources: HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement insights (2024), Australian Steel Institute guidance, Bureau of Meteorology climate data, and industry market outlooks (2024–2025).


Excerpt: Planning a double car port? This Australian guide covers ideal double carport dimensions (including carport 6×6), wind ratings, council approvals, Colorbond vs Zincalume, roof styles, cyclonic design, and costs. Includes real build examples, a 5-step buying checklist, and pro tips for heat and corrosion in Aussie conditions.