Double Garage Australia: Prices, Kits, Council Approval, and Colorbond vs Zincalume (2025 Guide)
If you’re comparing a double car garage, a 2 bay shed with an awning, or a double garage and workshop, this guide distils everything an Australian homeowner or investor needs: realistic double garage prices, council pathways, engineering standards, and the best materials for local climates—from Perth’s heat to North QLD cyclones.
What size is a standard double garage in Australia?
For a true double car shed that comfortably fits two vehicles and storage, start with these working sizes:
- Entry-level double garage: 6.0 m (W) x 6.0 m (D) x 2.4–2.7 m (H)
- Upsized for SUVs/utes: 6.0–6.5 m (W) x 6.5–7.5 m (D) x 3.0 m (H)
- Two-bay shed with workshop bench: 7.5 m (W) x 7.5–9.0 m (D) x 3.0–3.6 m (H)
Door options for a double shed:
- Two single roller doors: 2.4–3.0 m (W) each
- One double roller: 4.8–5.4 m (W)
- High-clearance for 4WD with racks: 2.7–3.3 m (H) opening
How much does a double garage cost in Australia (2025)?
Indicative ranges to help budget your double garage shed price. Final costs depend on wind region, terrain category, slab, doors/windows, insulation, and site access.
- DIY double garage kit (Zincalume): $7,500–$12,500
- DIY double garage kit (Colorbond): $9,500–$15,500
- Installed double car garage (on existing slab): $14,000–$24,000
- Installed double garage incl. new slab: $20,000–$35,000+
- Double garage and workshop with awning/power/insulation: $28,000–$55,000+
Cost drivers:
- Wind region A/B vs cyclonic C/D (QLD/WA north)
- Coastal corrosion category (ISO 12944 / AS/NZS 2312 environment zones)
- Roller doors, motorisation, windows, PA doors
- Roof pitch, insulation, whirlybirds, skylights
- Concrete thickness, footings, site cut, stormwater
FAQ keywords covered: cost of Colorbond double garage, how much does a Colorbond garage cost, double garage prices, garage prices.
Double garage prices by state and wind region
Australia’s NCC wind regions and local council requirements can alter engineering and cost. Expect +10–35% for cyclone-rated sheds (Region C/D), and +5–15% for high corrosion/coastal upgrades.
- QLD North and WA North (Region C/D): cyclone-rated sheds QLD/WA attract thicker sheeting, extra hold-downs, higher door wind locks.
- Coastal NSW/VIC/SA/TAS: consider marine-grade fasteners and higher coating performance.
- Metro areas (Region A/B) like Melbourne/Sydney/Adelaide/Perth: generally lowest engineering uplift unless on exposed hills.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: For Perth and regional WA, ensure wind classification per AS/NZS 1170.2 is site-specific; councils may request terrain category evidence and footing details stamped by a WA-registered structural engineer.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for Australian conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond steel | Zincalume steel |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Pre-painted topcoat in designer colours (Classic & Matt) | Metallic-silver coating; paint later if desired |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent with correct grade near coast | Very good; may require extra care near surf/coast |
| Heat reflectivity | Thermatech colour options can lower heat gain | Reflective finish; less control over colour-induced heat |
| Aesthetics | Premium look that matches Australian homes | Industrial look |
| Price | $$ (higher) | $ (lower) |
| Best for | Homes, premium garages, coastal upgrades | Budget DIY garage kits, rural sheds |
Flat roof vs gable vs skillion: which roof for a double garage?
| Roof | Pros | Cons | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gable | Classic look, good runoff, easy whirlybird placement | Slightly higher material cost than flat | Residential double car garage, heritage streets |
| Skillion (mono-pitch) | Modern look, easy solar panel orientation | Less vertical space at low side | Contemporary homes, workshop lean-to integration |
| Flat | Lowest initial cost, simple | Drainage design is critical; looks industrial | Budget garage kits Australia, behind-the-house installs |
DIY garage kits vs custom-built installation
Deciding between garage shed kits and a turnkey build? Use this side-by-side.
| Aspect | DIY double garage kit | Custom-built double garage |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time | More weekends; organise slab/utilities | Builder manages milestones |
| Compliance | You manage permits/engineering | Builder handles council approvals |
| Finish | Functional; depends on your skills | Premium finish, faster |
| Upgrades | Install as you go | Design integrated (insulation, power, windows) |
| Best for | Experienced DIYers, rural sheds NSW | Time-poor owners, custom Colorbond garages Perth |
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth’s hot summers, coastal air, and occasional storms favour high-spec materials:
- Colorbond steel with Thermatech solar reflectance for roof and walls
- Marine-grade fasteners and sealed flashings within 1 km of surf
- Wall and roof insulation (R1.3–R2.5) to reduce heat soak
- High-flow gutters, leaf-guard, and compliant downpipes
- Door wind-locks and extra jamb stiffeners in exposed sites
For coastal suburbs (Fremantle, Rockingham, Mandurah), specify enhanced corrosion protection and regular wash-down of salt spray.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
Step-by-step: council-approved sheds WA
- Check local planning rules: setbacks, max height, site coverage, streetscape.
- Order site-specific engineering: AS/NZS 1170.2 wind loads, footing schedule, hold-downs.
- Submit building permit application with drawings, engineering certificate, energy and stormwater notes if required.
- Book inspections (slab, frame if required) and obtain final occupancy/approval.
- Retain documentation for insurance and resale.
Tip: Some councils fast-track compliant outbuildings; others require neighbour consultation for boundary walls or oversized large garage designs.
Engineering and compliance: don’t skip this bit
- Design to AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions)
- Cold-formed steel framing to AS/NZS 4600; hot-rolled to AS 4100
- Cladding to AS/NZS 1562.1; fasteners per manufacturer specs and AS/NZS 2327/1252 where applicable
- Corrosion categories per AS/NZS 2312 and local coastal guidance
- NCC 2022/2025 compliance; energy/condensation management (sarking/anticon/ventilation)
Popular layouts and use-cases
- Double garage and workshop: 6 x 9 m with rear workbench and 15A GPOs
- 2 bay shed with awning: 6 x 6 m plus 3 m skillion awning for trailers
- Double shed with mezzanine: 6 x 8 m with storage loft for camping gear
- 2 car storage shed with side access door and bike nook
- 2 story garage (subject to planning): lower parking, upper studio
- Large garage/4 car shed: 12 x 7.5 m for car collectors and farm machinery storage
- Small garage: 5.5 x 5.5 m where lot width is tight (check vehicle clearances)
Accessories: motorised doors, vermin seals, anti-condensation blanket, skylights, whirlybirds, epoxy floor, solar-ready conduit, security lighting.
Recent Australian build examples
Case study 1 — Custom-built double garage in Perth (non-cyclonic A)
- Size: 6.5 x 7.0 x 3.0 m, gable roof, Colorbond Monument
- Spec: Insulated roof blanket, motorised double roller, PA door, 2 louvre windows
- Outcome: 8-day build incl. slab; internal temps reduced noticeably with insulation
Case study 2 — Cyclone-rated double car shed, Townsville QLD (Region C)
- Size: 6.0 x 7.5 x 3.3 m, skillion roof
- Spec: Cyclone door wind-locks, extra mullions, upgraded hold-downs
- Outcome: Passed final inspection; insurance accepted as cyclone-rated
Case study 3 — Rural sheds NSW: double garage and workshop
- Size: 7.5 x 9.0 x 3.6 m with 3 m awning
- Spec: Zincalume walls, Colorbond roof, clear roof sheets over workbench
- Outcome: Budget-friendly hybrid finish with great natural light
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define the brief: vehicles, storage, tools, future lift/hoist; choose 2 bay shed vs 4 car shed if expanding.
- Site and services: check setbacks, easements, power, stormwater fall, driveway alignment.
- Select materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, insulation level, corrosion category upgrades.
- Engineering and permits: wind classification, footing design, council pathway, cyclone rating if in QLD/WA north.
- Build pathway: DIY garage kits Australia vs turnkey; confirm warranty, lead times, and inclusions in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to get a double garage?
A DIY double garage kit in Zincalume with a flat/skillion roof is typically cheapest. Keep openings simple (one double roller), and pour a standard 100–120 mm slab if engineering allows. Search “garages close to me” to compare local kit suppliers and installers.
Do I need council approval?
In most LGAs, yes—especially for structures over 10 m² or near boundaries. Some minor outbuildings are exempt if they meet strict criteria. Always confirm with your council, and secure stamped engineering.
Can I add a workshop to a double car garage?
Yes. Common is 6 x 9 m with the rear 3 m as a workshop. Alternatively, add a lean-to awning on one side for mowers and trailers.
What about condensation?
Use roof sarking or anticon blanket, adequate ventilation (whirlybirds/ridge vents), and avoid uninsulated cold roofs in humid regions. Seal slab edges and add vermin seals.
Are garage door motors worth it?
Yes for daily-use double car garages. Add battery backup in outage-prone regional areas.
Links, standards, and Australian references
- NCC (ABCB) and AS/NZS references: 1170.2 (wind), 4600 (cold-formed), 4100 (steel structures), 1562.1 (sheet roof/wall), 2312 (corrosion)
- Bureau of Meteorology cyclone guidance
- Australian Steel Institute
- Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Australia
- CSIRO on condensation and building science
- Energy.gov.au for energy-smart choices
Where to from here?
Whether you want a budget 2 car shed, a premium double garage kit, or a custom-built double garage and workshop, we can engineer for your site and wind region— from council-approved sheds WA to cyclone-rated sheds QLD and coastal VIC/NSW installs. If you’re searching for “garages close to me,” ask for a local measure and a fixed-price quote that includes engineering and permits.
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