Mower Shed Buyer’s Guide for Australian Homes: COLORBOND Lawn Mower Storage, Wind Ratings, Approvals
What size mower shed do I need?
Match the footprint to your mower type and access needs. Always allow for safe turning and tool storage (fuel, trimmer, blower).
- Push mower + tools: 1.5m × 1.5m to 2.3m × 1.5m (little shed / lawn locker shed)
- Large push mower + shelving: 2.3m × 1.5m to 3m × 1.5m
- Ride-on mower storage: 3m × 3m up to 4.5m × 3m with double doors and ramp
- Shared garden storage (bikes + mower): 3m × 2.3m to 4.5m × 2.3m
Tip: Double-door width of 1.5–2.4m makes manoeuvring easier, especially on sloped blocks.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Hot summers, coastal corrosion, and strong seabreezes mean your outdoor lawn mower storage should use Australian steel and compliant fixings. Below is a practical comparison.
COLORBOND vs ZINCALUME — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Feature | COLORBOND steel | ZINCALUME steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Painted, oven-cured finish over alloy-coated steel | Aluminium-Zinc alloy coating (no paint) |
| Heat reflectivity | High in lighter colours (e.g., Surfmist) | Good, metallic finish reflects heat |
| Corrosion resistance (coastal) | Excellent in non-splash zones; maintain wash-down near surf | Very good; may show patina in harsh salt zones |
| Aesthetic longevity | Outstanding colour retention with warranty | Industrial look; can be painted later |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Best for | Premium, coastal, or street-facing installs | Budget-friendly, rural or utility installs |
Related LSI terms: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, steel sheds Perth, rural sheds NSW, backyard storage Brisbane.
How much does a mower storage shed cost in Australia (2025)?
- DIY shed kits (1.5m × 0.8m to 2.3m × 1.5m): $350–$1,200
- Mid-size mower shed (3m × 2.3m): $1,200–$2,800 (kit), $3,500–$6,500 installed
- Ride-on mower shed (3m × 3m to 4.5m × 3m, double doors + ramp): $2,200–$4,500 (kit), $5,500–$9,900 installed
- Custom COLORBOND shed with slab, guttering, power: $8,000–$18,000+
Add 10–25% for cyclone-rated sheds QLD and coastal corrosion upgrades (stainless fixings, marine wash-down clearance).
How to choose doors, floors, and ventilation for a lawn mower shed
Doors and access
- Double hinged or sliding doors: 1.5–2.4m clear opening for ride-on mowers
- Low-profile threshold or aluminium ramp for easy rolling
- Security: key-lockable latch, concealed hinges, pad bolt plates
Flooring and slab
- Concrete slab: 100mm thick with SL62 mesh, to AS 2870
- Timber deck on piers for reactive clay sites; use termite-resistant framing
- Anchors: M10-M12 expansion or chemical anchors to engineer spec
Ventilation and condensation control
- High–low louvres or ridge vent to purge petrol fumes
- Anti-condensation blanket under roof sheets
- Insulated roof panels for heat control (see Pro Tip)
Do I need council approval for a mower shed?
Rules vary by state and council. Small “exempt” garden sheds are often permitted below certain height and area limits, but always check.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Confirm exemption: Many WA councils exempt small sheds under set size/height; check local planning scheme.
- Site plan: Show setbacks, easements, stormwater path to soakwell.
- Engineering: Wind rating to AS/NZS 1170.2 and footing/slab details to AS 2870.
- Materials schedule: COLORBOND/ZINCALUME to AS 1397, corrosion category per AS 4312.
- Lodge building permit (BA2 or BA13, as applicable) with fees.
If time-poor, ask for council-approved sheds WA packaged with plans and engineering certificates.
Wind ratings and compliance by region
Australia’s wind regions define design loads. Ensure your mower shed supplier certifies the correct wind classification and fixings.
- Non-cyclonic: N1–N3 (e.g., VIC suburbs, inland NSW) — common for small sheds
- Cyclonic: C1–C3/C4 (coastal QLD, NT north) — requires stronger frames and fixings
- Site specifics: Terrain category, shielding, topography, and importance level per AS/NZS 1170.2
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Coastal WA suburbs (e.g., Perth’s coastal strip) often require N2–N3; Geraldton and far north can approach cyclonic classifications. Ask for wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas if on the edge of C regions.
DIY shed kits vs custom-built: which suits you?
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY shed kits | Cheapest, quick delivery, weekend install, great for small yards | Limited custom sizes, basic wind ratings, time and tools needed | Little shed, lawn locker shed, budget outdoor lawn mower storage |
| Custom-built | Engineered for site, council-ready plans, higher wind/corrosion performance | Higher cost, lead time for approvals | Ride-on mower storage, coastal or cyclonic sites, premium finishes |
Flat roof vs gable roof for mower sheds
| Roof style | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Flat (skillion) | Low profile, easy to place under fences/eaves, simple water fall to rear | Less headroom; ensure adequate fall and guttering |
| Gable | Better ventilation volume, classic look, easier ridge venting | Taller overall height; may affect council height limits |
Real-world build examples (Australia)
Perth, WA — Heat-resistant mower shed
3m × 2.3m COLORBOND Surfmist, skillion roof, anti-condensation blanket, whirlybird, 100mm slab on sand pad with SL62 mesh. Result: cooler internal temps and no condensation drip in morning sea breeze. Demand from steel sheds Perth homeowners for lighter colours improving thermal comfort.
Townsville, QLD — Cyclone-rated ride-on mower storage
4.5m × 3m, C2 design, high-tensile frame, extra hold-down bolts, wider double doors with cyclone-rated locks. Passed inspection; owners saved on insurance. Classic case for cyclone-rated sheds QLD.
Port Macquarie, NSW — Coastal corrosion control
3m × 3m ZINCALUME shell with stainless fixings, sacrificial washer system, increased wash-down clearance from splash zone, gutter to downpipe and soakwell. Annual hose-down schedule recommended by owner.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Measure and map: mower dimensions, turning radius, door width, and yard access path.
- Choose materials: COLORBOND for street-facing, ZINCALUME for budget; select coastal upgrade if within 1 km of surf.
- Engineer for wind: confirm N or C classification to AS/NZS 1170.2 with certified drawings.
- Plan the base: slab thickness (100mm), drainage, and termite barriers; set door threshold to avoid trip lips.
- Approval and install: submit drawings, schedule delivery, and book a licensed installer or a capable tradie mate.
Australian standards and specs that matter
- AS/NZS 1170.2 — Wind actions
- AS 2870 — Residential slabs and footings
- AS 1397 — Steel sheet and strip (COLORBOND/ZINCALUME base)
- AS 4312 — Atmospheric corrosivity zones
- AS/NZS 4600 — Cold-formed steel structures
- AS/NZS 3500.3 — Stormwater drainage (for gutters and downpipes to soakwell)
- AS 3959 — Bushfire attack level (BAL) — consider in bushfire-prone areas
Frequently asked questions
Do small mower sheds need permits?
Often exempt if under set size/height, but thresholds differ by council. When in doubt, ask for a council-approved shed package with drawings.
What slab do I need?
Typical: 100mm concrete with SL62 mesh, M10–M12 anchors. For sloping sites, consider thickened edges or piers as per engineer.
How do I manage fuel fumes?
Include cross-ventilation (louvres) and store fuel in a certified jerry can on a low shelf. Keep ignition sources away.
Will COLORBOND fade?
Modern COLORBOND has excellent colour retention with manufacturer warranties. Choose lighter colours for heat reduction.
Coastal rust risk?
Specify coastal upgrades: stainless or class 4 fasteners, increased wash-down clearance, gutters to controlled drainage.
Lead times in 2025?
DIY kits: 1–3 weeks. Custom, council-approved: 4–10 weeks depending on engineering and permit queues.
Keyword clusters for smarter planning
- Usage: mower shed, lawn mower storage shed, lawn locker shed, outdoor lawn mower storage, mower storage shed, little shed
- Location: steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, backyard storage Brisbane, Gold Coast sheds
- Technical: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, anti-condensation blanket, insulated roof panels, concrete slab thickness
- Solutions: DIY shed kits, custom Colorbond garages Perth, affordable carports for Australian homes, farm machinery storage
- Compliance: council-approved sheds WA, shed council approval Victoria, shed permit NSW, BAL compliance
Why choose an Australian-made mower shed?
- Compliant engineering to AS/NZS codes and NCC 2022
- Quality coatings suited to Australian UV and coastal conditions
- Local warranties, local spares, and service
For a premium look that matches the home, pair a mower shed with a matching carport or custom Colorbond garages Perth package for a uniform façade.
Stormwater, gutters and site drainage
Collect roof runoff with gutters and direct to a downpipe and soakwell sized to rainfall intensity (check Bureau of Meteorology) and AS/NZS 3500.3. This prevents slab edge moisture and corrosion.
Safety, security and maintenance
- Install dusk-to-dawn LED sensor light near doors
- Anchor shed per engineering and lock doors with quality padlocks
- Annual hose-down for coastal sites; check sealants and touch up scratches
Useful references and data (Australia)
- HIA resources on outdoor structures — includes the “2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report”
- Australian Steel Institute — see “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook”
- Master Builders Australia (WA) — guidance on permits
- Bureau of Meteorology — rainfall and wind data by suburb
- CSIRO on steel durability and corrosion
- Energy.gov.au — roofing and heat control insights
Ready to plan your mower shed?
Whether you want a compact lawn locker or a wind-rated ride-on mower shed, start with accurate measurements, confirm wind classification, and choose Australian steel to suit your climate. If you prefer turnkey delivery, ask for engineered drawings and a council-approved sheds WA or state-equivalent package.