Long Thin Garden Sheds in Australia: Slimline Colorbond Sheds, Sizes, Wind Ratings and Costs (2025 Guide)

What Are Long Thin Garden Sheds and Who Are They For?

Long thin garden sheds—also called a slim shed, slimline shed, thin garden shed, or outdoor slim shed—are engineered to run down the side of a house or fence line. Typical widths are 0.8–1.5 m with lengths from 3–10 m. They’re ideal as a side of house shed for bins, bikes, tools, and pool gear.

• Common formats: 1.0 × 3.0 m, 1.2 × 4.5 m, 1.5 × 6.0 m long narrow shed
• Door options: side entry shed, shed with side door, sliding or hinged doors for tight access
• Under-eave formats: under eave garden shed with reduced height to fit soffits
• Small backyard shed alternatives: 2×2 shed for square footprints; long skinny sheds for side setbacks

Why Choose a Long Narrow Shed for Australian Homes?

• Space efficiency: Uses the “dead zone” down the side of your home
• Compliance: Easier to keep within setback limits and height planes
• Functionality: Perfect as a small garden tool storage shed and for lawn gear
• Weather-ready: With wind-rated design, it shrugs off Aussie conditions
• Style: Colorbond colours to match roof, gutters and fences

Premium slimline storage shed builds suit coastal WA, suburban Sydney lanes, and rural sheds NSW properties where land is long but narrow. They’re also a neat add-on to custom Colorbond garages Perth owners are upgrading.

What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?

In WA’s hot, often coastal environment, material choice matters. Here’s a practical Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison for long thin sheds.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?

For coastal or hot suburbs of Perth, a Colorbond slim line shed in a light colour (e.g., Surfmist) with Class 4 fasteners delivers the best long-term result. Compare coatings and climate data via BOM climate maps and Australian Steel Institute guidance.

What Sizes and Door Layouts Work Best? (Garden Shed Dimensions)

Measure the available strip and plan around downpipes, meter boxes and taps. Keep 20–50 mm clearance from fences for drainage and maintenance.

• Popular sizes: 0.9 × 3.0 m, 1.2 × 4.8 m, 1.5 × 6.0 m long narrow garden sheds
• Heights: 1.9–2.1 m (under eave garden shed), or 2.4 m for more headroom
• Doors: side entry garden shed with sliding door to avoid swing space; add garden shed side door for through-access
• Roof: skillion (single fall) for low height; gable where height allows

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

Most long thin sheds under set height and area may qualify for simplified approvals, but always check your local planning scheme.

Step-by-step: Council-approved sheds WA

1. Check zoning and R-Codes: Confirm setbacks, height planes, and site coverage with your council’s planning portal.
2. Confirm wind region and terrain category: WA is typically Region A (non-cyclonic) except the north-west. Your engineer will design to AS/NZS 1170.2.
3. Prepare documents: Site plan, elevations, engineering certificate, slab/footing details (AS 2870), tie-down schedule (AS/NZS 4600).
4. Lodge application: Development approval (if required) and building permit (BA) with structural certification.
5. Install to spec: Use AS 3566 Class 3/4 fasteners, edge distances, and fixings exactly as engineered.

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Many Perth suburbs fall into N1–N2 (Region A) but corner blocks and escarpments can increase wind pressure. Ask for site-specific wind assessment and a signed Form 15/Structural Certificate equivalent.

For cyclonic areas (e.g., north QLD), specify a cyclone-rated shed (C2–C3) with certified hold-downs, door bracing and cladding spans. See NCC/ABCB guidance and consult your certifier.

Design Choices That Make Slimline Sheds Work Better

Roof and Rainwater

• Skillion roof toward boundary with box gutter and overflow provision
• Gable roof for extra height; ensure ridge clearance to eaves
• Connect to soakwells where required by local stormwater rules

Doors, Access and Security

• Sliding doors to save space; hinged if wind region allows lighter hardware
• Side of house storage shed layouts with dual access for wheelie bins
• Security: anti-jemmy hinges, concealed fixings, quality locks

Ventilation and Heat

• Breather vents high on the warm side; insect mesh compliant with bushfire BAL if applicable
• Insulated roof panels or foil blanket to cut heat load

DIY Shed Kits vs Custom-Built: Which Suits Your Site?

• DIY shed kits: Fast, economical, great for cheap small garden sheds in low wind areas. Check kit compliance for your wind region.
• Custom-built slimline garden shed: Engineered for site, tailored doors, under-eave heights, and stormwater. Best for premium homes and tight setbacks.

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

1. Measure your corridor: Note width at narrowest point, downpipes, gas/electrical clearances.
2. Choose material: Colorbond near coasts; Zincalume inland to save.
3. Pick roof and doors: Skillion for low height; sliding side entry for tight zones.
4. Confirm compliance: Wind rating, slab/footings, bushfire BAL, stormwater, setbacks.
5. Compare quotes: Ensure inclusions—engineering, delivery, installation, gutters, permits.

How Much Do Long Thin Sheds Cost in 2025?

• Entry DIY (thin sheds, Zincalume, kit only): from ~$800–$1,600 for 0.9 × 3.0 m
• Mid-range Colorbond kit (1.2 × 4.8 m with sliding door): ~$2,200–$3,500
• Custom engineered install (1.5 × 6.0 m, Colorbond, slab, gutters): ~$5,500–$9,500+

Pricing varies by wind region, access, slab complexity, insulation, and council fees. The HIA’s 2024 Outdoor Structures insights and the “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook” both note steady demand and material price sensitivity across states.

Real-World Build Examples

Perth, WA — Side of House Shed (Region A/N2)

• Size: 1.0 × 6.0 m slimline garden shed
• Spec: Colorbond Surfmist, skillion to boundary, Class 4 screws, slab thickening at hold-downs
• Outcome: 30% yard saved vs square shed; council-approved sheds WA path in 3 weeks

Brisbane, QLD — Cyclone-Rated Slimline (Region C1/C2 fringe)

• Size: 1.2 × 4.8 m long thin shed with side door
• Spec: Heavier frame, door bracing, additional top-hat purlins, certified tie-downs
• Outcome: Compliant cyclone-rated sheds QLD solution with minimal visual bulk

Hunter, NSW — Rural Pump and Tool Storage

• Size: 1.5 × 7.5 m long narrow shed
• Spec: Zincalume cladding, internal shelving, vented ends for fuel storage (non-ignition sources)
• Outcome: Durable, budget-friendly rural sheds NSW fit-out

Planning for Bushfire, Corrosion and Drainage

• BAL: Use metal mesh ≤2 mm for vents and ember-resistant door seals in BAL zones (confirm with certifier and NCC).
• Corrosion: Coastal sites need Colorbond marine grade options; rinse cladding if within surf spray.
• Drainage: Spoon drain or strip drain beside slab; connect gutters to legal point of discharge.

FAQs: Long Thin Garden Sheds in Australia

Do I need a permit?

Often yes if exceeding exempt size/height, within setbacks, or in bushfire/flood overlays. Councils vary—always confirm.

Can a slimline shed sit under my eaves?

Yes—use an under eave garden shed design with reduced height, adequate ventilation and moisture control.

Are sliding doors wind-safe?

In higher wind regions, specify rated tracks, interlocks and locks. Hinged doors may be preferred in C regions.

What about concrete?

Engineer slabs/footings to AS 2870. In narrow zones, strip footings and plinths may work where full slabs are tricky.

Can I add power or water?

Yes—use licensed tradies. Keep clearances to meters and comply with AS/NZS electrical and plumbing regulations.

Related Structures and Services (Keyword Clusters)

• Steel sheds Perth and custom Colorbond garages Perth
• Custom carports Melbourne and affordable carports for Australian homes
• Rural sheds NSW for farm machinery storage and pump houses
• DIY shed kits for basic small backyard shed projects