EasyShed Review (2025): Are DIY Colorbond Sheds Worth It for Australian Homes?
Short on time? Here’s the truth: EasyShed offers good-value DIY garden and workshop sheds for low-to-moderate wind regions. For coastal sites, cyclonic Queensland, or larger garages and carports, you’ll likely need site-specific engineering or a custom build. This review explains how to choose the right path for your property.
What does EasyShed actually sell — and who is it best for?
EasyShed focuses on flat-pack DIY shed kits: garden sheds, slimline sheds, workshops, storage lockers, bike sheds, aviaries and pool pump covers. They’re popular with homeowners wanting affordable storage that’s Australian-made with Colorbond or Zincalume cladding options. Typical use-cases include:
- Garden sheds in suburban Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
- Small workshop sheds in Adelaide and Canberra
- Utility storage in regional VIC and rural sheds NSW (light-duty)
Who it suits: DIYers, investors doing tidy-ups between tenancies, and homeowners wanting a neat, budget-friendly storage solution. Who should look elsewhere: anyone needing a custom-built double garage in Perth, custom carports Melbourne, or farm machinery storage with heavier frames and higher wind ratings.
Is EasyShed good quality? Materials, coatings, and fasteners explained
Most EasyShed kits use Australian steel cladding (commonly Colorbond or Zincalume) with channel sections, folded components, and self-tapping fasteners. The quality of a DIY kit hinges on three things:
- Steel grade and coating (Colorbond vs Zincalume)
- Engineering and bracing for your wind region (e.g., N2, N3, C2)
- Assembly quality: base prep, fixings, and weatherproof detailing
Quick definitions
- Colorbond: Pre-painted, baked-on finish on Australian steel, widely used for roofing and shed cladding.
- Zincalume: Aluminium/zinc alloy coated steel; unpainted, silver finish; great corrosion resistance for non-coastal areas.
- Wind region/rating: Design classification from AS/NZS 1170.2 (e.g., N2–N3 non-cyclonic, C1–C4 cyclonic) dictating structural requirements.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Factor | Colorbond | Zincalume | 
|---|---|---|
| Coastal resistance | Use Colorbond Ultra near surf coasts; standard Colorbond inland | Good inland; not ideal within ~200–400 m of breaking surf | 
| Heat/UV | Excellent UV stability; lighter colours lower heat gain | Reflective but can radiate heat; no colour options | 
| Aesthetics | Wide colour range; matches roofs/fences | Raw metallic finish only | 
| Cost | Typically higher | Typically lower | 
| Best for | Residential yards, premium look, coastal with Ultra | Budget builds inland, utility storage | 
For Perth’s heat and UV, Colorbond in a light tint (e.g., Surfmist) helps reduce internal temps. In coastal WA, upgrade to Colorbond Ultra and add appropriate fixings to mitigate corrosion risk.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth’s long, hot summers and high UV index punish thin coatings and cheap fasteners. Specify:
- Colorbond cladding in light colours for heat reflectance
- Hot-dip galvanised base channels and quality screws (Class 4 where exposed)
- Insulated roof panels or sarking for thermal comfort
Can an EasyShed handle your wind region? WA, QLD and beyond
Australia’s wind design is governed by AS/NZS 1170.2 and local council requirements. Your property falls into a wind region (A–D) with a rating (e.g., N2, N3 for non-cyclonic; C1–C4 for cyclonic). Many budget DIY kits are engineered for N2–N3 only. If you’re in a cyclonic area (parts of coastal QLD and WA’s north), you need a wind-rated shed designed and certified for that region.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes Check Region B/C boundaries in WA and exposure (terrain category). Sites near open coastlines, escarpments or hilltops attract higher design pressures. Ask for site-specific engineering if you’re outside suburban terrain or in exposed rural lots.
- QLD coastal and northern WA: consider cyclone-rated sheds QLD engineered to C2 or higher
- Suburban metro (e.g., Perth, Melbourne): N2–N3 may suffice, but confirm with an engineer
- Rural/windy sites: extra bracing, heavier frames, and deeper anchors often required
Do you need council approval for an EasyShed?
Rules vary by council and state. Many small garden sheds fall under exempt development if they meet size, height, boundary setback and drainage rules. Larger workshops, garages and any cyclonic/wind-exposed sites often require a building permit and engineering certification.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
- Confirm planning exemptions with your local council (height, area, setbacks)
- Obtain an engineered design certificate (AS/NZS 1170.2 wind actions, AS 4100/4600 steel design)
- Provide site plan, slab/footing details, stormwater plan
- Lodge a BA2 or BA1 (as applicable) with fees and supporting documents
- Book inspections if required (slab, final)
Note: If you need a larger structure or closer boundary setbacks, consider a turnkey supplier that handles permits for council-approved sheds WA.
DIY kit vs custom-built: which suits your property?
| Aspect | DIY Shed Kits (e.g., EasyShed) | Custom-Built Steel Sheds/Carports | 
|---|---|---|
| Lead time | Fast dispatch, predictable | Design and engineering lead times apply | 
| Install skill | Suited to competent DIY; allow a weekend+ | Installed by licensed builders/riggers | 
| Engineering | Usually standard N2–N3; limited cyclonic options | Site-specific engineering (N, C or snow regions) | 
| Size/Spans | Smaller footprints; light frames | Large spans, higher eaves, mezzanines possible | 
| Approvals | Owner-managed | Often managed by supplier/builder | 
| Upgrades | Limited (windows, doors) | Roller doors, glass, insulation, power, lining | 
| Best for | Budget-friendly storage | Garages, workshops, custom Colorbond garages Perth, carports | 
Real-world examples across Australia
Case study 1: Garden shed, Joondalup WA (N2)
- 3 x 2.25 m Colorbond Surfmist, concrete slab, Class 4 screws
- Outcome: Affordable, tidy storage for bikes and tools; minimal maintenance
Case study 2: Workshop shed, outer Melbourne VIC (N3)
- 4.5 x 3 m Zincalume with skylight and whirlybird for ventilation
- Outcome: Good weekend workspace; added insulation later to reduce heat
Case study 3: Coastal Sunshine Coast QLD (C2)
- Recommendation: Upgrade to cyclonic design with engineer certification; consider Colorbond Ultra; stainless fixings where exposed
- Outcome: Ended up with a custom, cyclone-rated shed due to site exposure
Pricing, delivery and what affects cost
DIY shed kits are generally the most cost-effective way to add storage. Costs vary by size, door configuration, cladding (Colorbond vs Zincalume), and delivery distance. Add a concrete slab, insulation, and professional install and your total price can approach an entry-level custom shed. For garages and carports, a custom solution is usually better value per square metre due to heavier frames and proper engineering.
Pros and cons of EasyShed
Pros
- Australian-made cladding with Colorbond or Zincalume options
- DIY-friendly with clear instructions for typical suburban sites
- Great for garden storage, small workshops, rental upgrades
- Fast delivery compared with custom builds
Cons
- Typically light framing; not ideal for large spans or heavy use
- Standard engineering often limited to N2–N3; cyclonic upgrades may not be available for all models
- Approvals, slab and stormwater are usually on the owner
- Coastal sites need coating and fastener upgrades; consider Colorbond Ultra
Who should choose EasyShed vs a custom steel shed?
Choose EasyShed if you want a compact, neat storage solution and you’re in a non-cyclonic metro area. Choose a custom steel shed or carport if you need:
- Wind-region engineering (C1–C4) for QLD/WA north
- Large doors, roller shutters, vehicle access
- Integrated approvals, slab, drainage and electrical
- Architectural finishes to match a premium build
5-step buying guide for custom sheds in Australia
- Site and wind check: confirm wind region (A–D) and terrain with a local engineer.
- Purpose and sizing: tool storage vs workshop vs vehicle bay; plan doors and circulation.
- Material choice: Colorbond (or Ultra near coast) vs Zincalume; insulation strategy.
- Approvals: clarify whether your supplier manages planning/building permits.
- Build method: DIY kit vs supply-and-install; compare total cost including slab and drainage.
Frequently asked questions about EasyShed
Do EasyShed kits use Colorbond steel?
Many models offer Colorbond cladding options as well as Zincalume. Always check the specification sheet for the exact steel grade and coating.
Are EasyShed products cyclone-rated?
Most DIY kits target non-cyclonic regions (N2–N3). If you’re in a cyclonic area, ask for certified cyclonic options, or consider a custom, engineer-designed shed rated C1–C4 as required.
Do I need a concrete slab?
A level, robust base is critical. Many owners pour a 100–120 mm steel-reinforced slab with proper edge thickening as per engineer’s details. Alternative: engineered piers/anchors for some light structures.
Is Colorbond better than Zincalume?
For coastal or high-UV settings, Colorbond (or Colorbond Ultra) usually wins. Inland and budget builds can do well with Zincalume. See our comparison above.
Can I add power and insulation?
Yes. Plan electrical with a licensed sparky and consider roof/wall insulation, sarking, vents or whirlybirds—especially in Perth, Adelaide and inland NSW where summers are hot.
Verdict: Is EasyShed worth it in 2025?
For a straightforward garden or workshop shed in non-cyclonic suburbs, EasyShed kits represent solid value with Australian steel cladding and fast delivery. For coastal, exposed or cyclonic regions—or if you want a garage or carport—step up to a custom, council-approved solution with site-specific engineering and premium options to match your home.
Further reading and references
- Housing Industry Association — outdoor structures and approvals
- Master Builders Australia — building guidance
- Bureau of Meteorology — climate and wind information
- Australian Steel Institute — steel guidance
- Energy.gov.au — insulation basics for homes and outbuildings
Industry context: “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook” and the “2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report” indicate steady demand for steel sheds and outdoor improvements, with owners prioritising durability, heat mitigation and compliance.
Common LSI topics covered in this review
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