Mower Shed: The Complete Australian Guide to Lawn Mower Storage Sheds (2025)
If your lawn gear lives in the garage or under a tarp, a dedicated mower shed (also called a lawn mower storage shed, push mower shed, little shed or lawn locker shed) is a small upgrade that frees space, protects equipment, and lifts resale appeal. This guide distils best practice from Australia’s shed industry so you can specify, price, and approve the right mower storage shed—first go.
Why a mower shed belongs on every Aussie block
- Protects your push mower or ride-on from UV, summer heat and salty air.
- Keeps fuel, trimmer line and garden tools organised and compliant with ventilation needs.
- Reduces theft risk with tamper-resistant hardware and concealed fixings.
- Frees up your garage for cars, bikes, or a custom Colorbond double garage upgrade down the track.
- Boosts street appeal with Colorbond colours matched to fascias, gutters or a custom carport.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
In WA’s heat and coastal conditions, Australian-made BlueScope Colorbond steel cladding over a galvanised steel frame is the go-to. For inland or budget builds, Zincalume offers value, but consider environment and aesthetics.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA?
| Feature | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal resistance (≤1km from surf) | Best pick with correct grade; consider Matt/Ultra near marine | Good, but shows salt staining sooner near surf |
| Heat performance | Cooler pale colours reflect heat; Thermatech pigments available | Reflective when new; warms as patina develops |
| Aesthetics | Wide colour range to match home/carport | Industrial silver; can be painted |
| Warranty support | Strong BlueScope warranties when installed to spec | Strong BlueScope warranties when installed to spec |
| Price | $$ | $ |
| Best use | Premium homes, coastal zones, visible placements | Budget-friendly, rural or low-visibility areas |
Choosing the right mower shed type and size
Match the shed to your equipment and access. Common options for outdoor lawn mower storage:
If your requirements go beyond mower storage, explore our wide range of farm sheds Perth for larger agricultural and rural storage solutions.
- Lawn locker shed / little shed (1.5 × 0.8–1.0 m): For a push mower and small tools, low visual impact.
- Standard mower storage shed (2.3 × 1.5–2.3 m): Fits push mower, whipper snipper, blower, and shelving.
- Ride-on mower shed (3.0–4.0 × 2.5–3.0 m): Add double doors or roller door, 2.1–2.4 m height, ramped entry.
- Integrated mower bay: A dedicated bay within larger rural sheds NSW or farm machinery storage with a lean-to.
Quick sizing and access guide
- Clear opening: 100–150 mm wider than your mower deck; 2.0 m height for easy entry.
- Door style: Hinged double doors for value; roller doors for ride-ons or tight driveways.
- Ramps: Aim for ≤1:8 gradient; use checker-plate with anti-slip edges.
- Ventilation: High/low louvres or ridge vent; crossflow beats a whirlybird alone for fume control.
- Flooring: 100 mm reinforced concrete slab to AS 2870 with step-down at door, or hot-dip galvanised raised floor on piers for flood-prone sites.
Wind ratings, cyclonic design and durability
Australia’s wind regions and terrain categories drive your shed’s engineering. For most suburbs, N2–N3 non-cyclonic design to AS/NZS 1170.2 is typical; coastal and hilltop sites may require higher ratings. Northern QLD and NT often need Region C/D cyclone-rated sheds with specific hold-downs and sheeting patterns.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes — Many coastal councils in WA now request site wind-speed verification (RPEQ/engineer certification) for sheds over 10 m² or within 0.5–1.0 km of surf. Ensure your drawings specify wind region (A/B), terrain category, shielding, topography multiplier and net pressure coefficients for doors.
Cyclone-rated sheds QLD and NT
- Use cyclonic screw patterns, heavier-gauge cladding (0.42 BMT), and C-section portal frames.
- Continuous load paths: roof to wall to slab with cast-in hold-down bolts and cyclone washers.
- Doors: Wind-locked roller doors or reinforced double doors with multi-point locking.
Council approval and permits across Australia
Rules vary. Many mower sheds under 10 m² and under 2.4 m high can be exempt or complying development if setback, stormwater and boundary fire rules are met. Always confirm local rules before ordering.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Check local planning scheme for setbacks, height limits and visual amenity (street-facing rules).
- Engage your shed supplier for engineered drawings to AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel).
- Provide a site plan with contours, existing structures, and stormwater management details.
- Lodge a certified building permit (BA1) or uncertified (BA2) via your council or permit authority.
- Arrange final inspection if required; keep council-approved sheds WA paperwork with your property file.
Other states quick notes:
- NSW: Small sheds may be Exempt Development (SEPP) if under size/height and behind building line.
- QLD: Check Accepted Development (Building) for small domestic sheds; Region C/D may still need documentation (cyclone-rated sheds QLD).
- VIC: Siting and amenity via Part 5; permits via RBS; BAL ratings in bushfire areas may apply.
Roof styles, drainage and condensation control
| Roof style | Pros | Considerations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gable | Great airflow, classic look, easy guttering both sides | Slightly higher cost vs flat | Visible locations, match house roof |
| Skillion (mono) | Modern look, simple falls, suits solar on north pitch | Check height at high side for boundary rules | Narrow side yards, carport tie-ins |
| Flat (low pitch) | Lowest profile and cost | Watch ponding; specify adequate gutter capacity | Low-visibility spots, budget builds |
- Drainage: Size downpipes to ARI rainfalls (local council/BOM data). Keep leaf-guard clean.
- Condensation: Use anti-condensation blanket plus vents; seal slab vapour with polyethylene underlay.
DIY shed kits vs custom-built installation
Both options can deliver a premium result if engineered and installed correctly.
| Factor | DIY shed kits | Custom-built |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower upfront; ideal for lawn locker shed | Higher; includes labour and faster delivery |
| Speed | Depends on your time and weather | 2–6 hours for small sheds; 1–2 days for larger |
| Compliance | You handle permits and slab certifications | Supplier/installer manages approvals and engineering |
| Finish | Good with care; follow screw patterns and squaring | Consistent, neat flashings, sealed penetrations |
Price guide in 2025 (Australia)
- Lawn locker shed (Colorbond), 1.5 × 0.8 m: $500–$1,200 kit; install $250–$600.
- Standard mower shed, 2.3 × 1.5–2.3 m: $1,700–$3,500 kit; install $600–$1,300.
- Ride-on shed with roller door, 3.0–4.0 × 2.5–3.0 m: $3,800–$9,000 supplied and installed (non-cyclonic).
- Slab: $120–$180/m² for 100 mm reinforced, site access dependent.
Real builds: what works where
Case study — Steel sheds Perth
Subiaco, WA: 2.3 × 1.5 m lawn mower shed in Colorbond Surfmist to match gutters. Skillion roof to side boundary, anti-condensation blanket, and sealed slab edge. Wind design N3 with extra wall studs facing the sea-breeze. Outcome: dry, cool storage and zero rust after first summer.
Case study — Cyclone-rated sheds QLD
Townsville, QLD (Region C): 3.6 × 3.0 m mower storage shed for a ride-on. 0.42 BMT sheeting, wind-locked roller door, cast-in hold-down bolts. Passed final inspection; insurer recognised cyclone rating for policy discount.
Case study — Rural sheds NSW
Dubbo, NSW: 12 × 7 m farm shed with a 3 m lean-to mower bay. Zincalume walls, Colorbond roof for heat reflectivity, vermin-proofing strip to slab, and louvre vents for fuel fumes. The mower bay doubles as a potting area on wet days.
Case study — Custom Colorbond garages Perth
Wanneroo, WA: Double garage in Monument with a matching push mower shed behind the carport. Unified fascia lines and barge cappings deliver a premium street presence.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Measure and plan: Map mower size, turning circle, door swing, and a safe fuel shelf away from ignition sources.
- Specify materials: Choose Colorbond for coast or visible locations; add sarking/blanket and 0.42 BMT roof where windier.
- Engineer for wind: Confirm your wind region and terrain; insist on AS/NZS 1170.2 calculations and door pressure ratings.
- Check approvals: Confirm exempt/compliant development or lodge a quick, council-approved application with site plan and engineering.
- Install right: Level base, compact subgrade, damp-proof under slab, square frames, seal flashings, and verify hold-down torque.
Maintenance for a long-life mower shed
- Wash cladding twice yearly; monthly in marine zones (hose only, no harsh chemicals).
- Touch-up with Colorbond-compatible paint; avoid bare-metal exposure at cut edges.
- Lubricate locks/hinges; inspect seals, gutters, and fasteners after summer storms.
- Store fuel in compliant containers; ventilate and keep ignition sources separate.
FAQs
Do I need a slab for a mower shed?
Not always. Pavers or a treated timber floor frame can work for small lawn lockers. For ride-ons or heavy storage, a reinforced concrete slab is best.
Will Colorbond fade in the sun?
Modern coatings hold colour extremely well. Pale colours perform best for heat and fade; follow BlueScope cleaning guidance for warranty support.
What wind rating do I ask for?
Most metro sites are N2–N3. Coastal headlands or hills can be higher. North QLD/Top End often requires Region C/D cyclone design. Ask for engineered certification.
Can I install a mower shed in a strata or small courtyard?
Usually yes, with body corporate approval and height/setback compliance. Low-profile lawn locker sheds are ideal.
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