How Much Does a Storage Shed Cost in Australia? 2025 Pricing Guide for Colorbond Steel Sheds
Quick answer: How much does a storage shed cost in Australia?
Short version: basic garden-size DIY shed kits start under $1,500, while premium custom Colorbond steel sheds with a concrete slab, doors, windows, and council approvals commonly land between $8,000 and $45,000+. Rural or cyclone-rated builds can exceed $60,000 depending on span, height, and wind region.
| Shed type (common sizes) | Supply-only (kit) | Installed (excl. slab) | Concrete slab/footings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small garden/storage (3×3 m to 3×6 m) | $900–$4,500 | $2,500–$7,500 | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Workshop/Single garage (6×4 m to 6×6 m) | $6,500–$12,000 | $13,000–$22,000 | $4,500–$8,500 |
| Custom-built double garage (6×7 m to 6×9 m) | $10,000–$18,000 | $20,000–$35,000 | $7,500–$12,000 |
| Rural/farm machinery storage (9×12 m to 12×24 m) | $18,000–$55,000 | $35,000–$95,000 | $8,000–$25,000 |
| Carports (double 6×6 m) | $3,500–$8,000 | $7,500–$15,000 | Often piers only ($1,500–$4,500) |
Allow 10–35% extra for cyclone-rated sheds (QLD Region C/D) or coastal corrosion upgrades (Colorbond Ultra/Zincalume AZ200). Freight to remote WA/NT can add $500–$2,500.
What really drives the cost for a storage shed?
- Size and height: Clear span and wall height (e.g., 3.0 m vs 2.4 m eaves) affect steel tonnage.
- Wind region and terrain: AS/NZS 1170.2 wind actions (Regions A–D). Cyclone upgrades add heavier members, extra hold-downs, and closer screw spacing.
- Site class and slab: Soil reactivity (AS 2870), slab thickness, thickened edges, and termite barriers.
- Materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, Ultra/Marina steels for coastal, hot-dip galvanised frames.
- Doors and openings: Roller doors (manual vs motorised), high-cycle motors, PA doors, windows, glass vs polycarbonate sheeting.
- Insulation and comfort: Anticon blanket, sarking, insulated roof panels, whirlybirds or solar fans.
- Engineering and approvals: Certified drawings, site plans, energy and bushfire (BAL) compliance where applicable.
- Roof form: Skillion vs gable vs hip; roof pitch impacts rainfall runoff and heat.
- Accessories: Vermin flashing, gutters/downpipes, mezzanine floors, internal lining, power/data.
- Delivery and labour: Regional freight, installer availability, and erection complexity.
Regional pricing snapshots (WA, QLD, VIC, NSW)
- Perth and regional WA: Strong demand for steel sheds Perth; freight to Pilbara/Kimberley; coastal C3/C4 corrosion upgrades near ocean. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes.
- QLD cyclonic: Cyclone-rated sheds QLD (Region C/D) typically add 15–35% for heavier sections, screw patterns, and certified hold-downs.
- Melbourne and VIC regional: Competitive supply of custom carports Melbourne and urban garages; check overlays and heritage controls for metro councils.
- NSW rural: Rural sheds NSW often prioritise clear spans for farm machinery storage; BAL and flood overlays can influence footing depth and cladding selection.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth’s hot summers, coastal air, and afternoon sea breeze favour reflective, corrosion-resistant cladding. Colorbond in lighter colours (e.g., Surfmist) reduces solar gain, while Zincalume offers excellent value in non-coastal inland areas.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond steel | Zincalume steel |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Pre-painted with durable colour layer (vast palette) | Metallic AZ coating (no colour) |
| Corrosion options | Standard, Ultra, and Stainless options for coastal | AZ150 standard; AZ200 for harsher sites |
| Heat performance | Lighter colours and Thermatech help reflect heat | Highly reflective when clean; can dull with age |
| Cost | Typically 5–15% higher than Zincalume | Most cost-effective for inland and rural sites |
| Best for | Custom Colorbond garages Perth, coastal WA, urban aesthetics | Rural sheds, farm machinery storage inland |
For coastal WA (within ~1 km of breaking surf), specify Colorbond Ultra or Zincalume AZ200 and hot-dip galvanised frames to combat salt-laden winds.
DIY shed kits vs custom-built: Which suits you?
| Aspect | DIY shed kits | Custom-built sheds |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest upfront | Higher but tailored |
| Engineering | Generic designs; may not suit high wind/BAL | Site-specific engineer certification |
| Speed | Fast delivery; you manage slab/erection | Longer lead but turnkey delivery |
| Options | Limited sizes and colours | Doors, windows, spans, heights, mezzanines |
| Best for | Simple storage, DIY shed kits, budgets | Council-approved sheds WA, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas |
Pro tip: Did you know using insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer? Consider roof-only insulation at minimum for Perth and inland WA heat.
Flat/skillion vs gable roof — which is best?
| Roof type | Pros | Cons | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillion (mono/flat) | Simpler, cheaper, easy water fall to one side, modern look | Less headroom centrally; watch pitch in high-rainfall zones | Custom carports Melbourne, narrow side setbacks |
| Gable | Classic look, better airflow, good for wider spans | Slightly more steel and complexity | Custom-built double garage in Perth; rural sheds NSW |
Approvals, engineering, and wind ratings (NCC/AS/NZS)
- NCC 2022 (Volume Two) governs Class 10a buildings (sheds/garages).
- AS/NZS 1170.2 defines wind actions; ensure Region A/B/C/D compliance with terrain and shielding considered.
- AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel) and AS 4100 (steel structures) underpin engineering.
- Check bushfire overlays (AS 3959) and flood controls in planning schemes.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Confirm zoning and setbacks with your local council (planning). Many standard sheds are exempt from planning but still need building permits.
- Obtain site-specific engineering: wind region (most Perth is Region A, coastal fringes can be higher), terrain category, and tie-down schedules. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
- Prepare documents: site plan, elevations, engineering certificate, energy/insulation details if required, and owner–builder or registered builder details.
- Lodge building permit: BA1 (certified) or BA2 (uncertified) in WA via a registered practitioner.
- Inspection and completion: footings/slab, frame, final. Keep Form BA7 notice of completion.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define the use: storage only, workshop, farm machinery storage, or affordable carports for Australian homes.
- Pick size and height: allow for vehicles, racks, door clearances, and future mezzanine.
- Select materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, insulation level, corrosion category, and hardware (roller doors, motors).
- Engineer for site: wind region, terrain, BAL, slab design, and vermin/water management.
- Choose delivery model: DIY kit vs installed; confirm council, timelines, warranties, and inclusions in writing.
Real build examples (indicative 2025 costs)
Case study 1 — Custom Colorbond double garage, Perth
- Size: 6.0 × 7.5 m, gable, 2.7 m eaves; Colorbond Woodland Grey
- Inclusions: 2× B&D roller doors (motorised), 1× PA door, 2× windows, Anticon R1.3 roof blanket, vermin flashing
- Engineering: Region A, TC2, concrete slab 100 mm with thickened edges
- Cost: Supply $14,800; slab $8,200; install $7,600; permits/engineering $2,000 → Total ≈ $32,600
Case study 2 — Cyclone-rated farm machinery shed, Central QLD
- Size: 12 × 18 m, open front, 4.5 m eaves, Zincalume with hot-dip galvanised portal frames
- Upgrades: Region C tie-downs, heavier purlins, extra screw spacing, AZ200 sheets
- Footings: Pier footings to engineer spec
- Cost: Supply $49,000; footings $14,000; erection $24,000; permits/engineering $3,500 → Total ≈ $90,500
These are indicative only; your site, wind rating, and inclusions will shift pricing.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to build a shed?
DIY shed kits in Zincalume with a simple skillion roof are the most economical. Keep openings minimal and choose manual roller doors.
Do I need a concrete slab?
For garages and workshops: generally yes. For open carports or rural sheds: engineered piers may suffice. Follow your engineer’s design and council conditions.
How long does installation take?
Small kits: 1–3 days. Double garages: 4–8 days. Rural spans: 1–3 weeks, weather and inspections permitting.
Is Colorbond worth the extra cost?
In coastal/urban settings, Colorbond’s paint system, colour choice, and warranties often justify the 5–15% premium over Zincalume.
Can sheds be insulated?
Yes. Options include Anticon blanket, foil sarking, or insulated roof panels. These cut heat and condensation and protect tools and vehicles.
Are your sheds council-approved?
We supply engineered, council-approved sheds WA and across Australia with site-specific certificates to suit your wind region and terrain.
Popular searches we help with
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Standards, climate and industry references
- Bureau of Meteorology cyclone information and wind regions
- HIA (2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report)
- Australian Steel Institute — corrosion, coatings and design guidance
- Energy.gov.au — insulation guidance for heat reduction
- CSIRO — bushfire research and BAL considerations
Also reference NCC 2022 Volume Two, AS/NZS 1170.2, AS/NZS 4600, AS 4100, AS 2870, and AS 3959 as applicable.