Sally Fitzgibbons Best Sheds: Australia’s Expert Guide to Premium Colorbond Sheds, Garages and Carports
Sally Fitzgibbons Best Sheds: The Australian Guide to Premium Colorbond Sheds, Garages and Carports
Excerpt: Sally Fitzgibbons’ Best Sheds ad put sheds in the spotlight. Here’s your expert, no-fluff guide to choosing a council-approved, wind-rated Colorbond steel shed or custom garage for Australian conditions—Perth heat, QLD cyclones, NSW bushfire zones and beyond.
If you searched “sally fitzgibbons best sheds”, “best sheds ad”, “best sheds girl” or “best sheds surfer”, you’re in the right place. We’ll cut through the noise and give you an expert, Australian-specific guide to select, design and approve a premium steel shed, custom garage or carport.
What’s the story behind the Sally Fitzgibbons Best Sheds ad—and what should you take from it?
Pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons helped popularise the Best Sheds brand with a high-energy ad campaign. Beyond the catchy spot, the key takeaway is solid: a well-engineered Colorbond steel shed that’s designed for your wind region, site and use-case will outlast trends and protect your gear.
- Look for Australian engineering to AS/NZS standards
- Insist on compliant wind ratings (including cyclonic where needed)
- Choose cladding and coatings matched to your climate
- Demand transparent council approval support
We’re brand-agnostic here: whether you compare Best Sheds, local fabricators, or kit suppliers, use this guide to benchmark quality and service.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth heat, UV and coastal air mean you should prioritise reflective roofing, high-quality coatings and proper insulation. For most steel sheds Perth buyers, Colorbond is the go-to for roof and wall sheets, paired with hot-dip galvanised frames or quality ZINCALUME-coated purlins.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?
| Factor | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Heat and UV in Perth | Excellent; light colours cut heat gain | Good, reflective when new |
| Coastal corrosion | Strong; select appropriate durability grade | Strong; needs care near surf spray |
| Aesthetics | Wide colour range, ready-finished | Industrial silver; paint optional |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Usually lower |
| Best use | Homes, custom Colorbond garages Perth | Farms, industrial, budget kits |
Also consider corrosion category (C2–C4). Near surf coasts or estuaries, upgrade coatings, fasteners and flashing detail.
How to Choose the Right Shed Type for Your Property
Match the shed to the job and your postcode’s climate. Below are the most requested builds and where they shine.
Popular types and use-cases
- Custom-built double garage in Perth for utes and SUVs; add insulation and a workshop bay
- Custom carports Melbourne for tight inner-city setbacks; consider a garaport if you want partial walls
- Rural sheds NSW for farm machinery storage, feed, and shearing gear
- Industrial sheds Sydney with pallet racking and roller doors
- Farm sheds Victoria configured with open bays for tractors and headers
- Double garages Brisbane with cyclone tie-down kits where required
- Barns Toowoomba with mezzanine and awnings
- Kit sheds Tasmania for DIY shed kits in regional areas
- Steel garages Canberra designed for frost and condensation control
- Boat storage Gold Coast with extra height for hardtops
- Affordable carports for Australian homes to protect daily drivers
- Caravan cover, home gym shed, man cave/she shed, tradie workshop, outdoor entertaining area
Roof style: gable vs skillion (flat)
- Gable: classic look, better heat purge, good for rainfall
- Skillion: modern lines, simpler gutters, ideal for solar fall
Do You Need Council Approval? Navigating Approvals Across Australia
Most garages, carports and larger sheds (Class 10a structures under the NCC) require approval. Smaller garden sheds may be exempt if they meet local size and setback rules. Always check before you buy.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
- Confirm site wind region (A1–A5, B, C) and terrain category per AS/NZS 1170.2
- Obtain engineering certification (AS/NZS 1170.2 wind actions, AS/NZS 4600 cold-formed steel)
- Prepare drawings, boundary setbacks, stormwater plan, footing/slab design
- Lodge Building Permit (BA2/BA3) with your local council or via a private certifier
- Start works once permit issued; arrange inspections if required
Tip: Ask suppliers to provide council-approved sheds WA documentation packs to reduce delays.
Quick notes for NSW, VIC and QLD
- NSW: Check exempt codes; BAL bushfire overlays can change cladding and ember-proofing
- VIC: Building Permit via RBS; flood overlays may lift slab levels
- QLD: Cyclonic regions (C) demand certified cyclone-rated sheds QLD with upgraded connections and doors
Wind Rating, Slabs and Tie-Downs: What Matters Most
- Design to AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS/NZS 4600 (steel), AS 4100 (structural steel), AS 1397 (coil coatings), AS 1562 (roofing)
- Nominate Importance Level (often IL2 for garages) and Terrain Category (e.g., TC2 suburban)
- Footings: slab-on-ground or pier-and-beam with engineered hold-downs (e.g., M12/M16 galvanised anchors)
- Doors: wind-rated roller doors with wind-locks in cyclonic areas
- Details: sarking/blanket to reduce condensation; vermin flashing to keep pests out
Added cyclone guidance for wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas — in Regions C/D, expect upgraded purlin gauges, closer screw spacings, cyclonic batten fixings, and specific garage door ratings.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Site check: Measure space, access, levels, services. Note wind region, BAL, flood, and corrosion category.
- Design brief: Choose size, bay spacing, roof pitch, doors, windows, insulation, gutters, colours.
- Engineering: Ask for signed calcs/drawings to AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600.
- Approvals: Supplier/installer submits plans for a council-approved shed. Allow 2–6 weeks.
- Build: Prep slab/piers, install frame/cladding, fit doors, connect stormwater, final tidy.
Real-World Build Examples (Specs You Can Borrow)
Perth: Custom Colorbond Double Garage + Workshop
- 6.0 m x 9.0 m, 2 bays, 15° gable, Colorbond Surfmist roof/walls
- AS/NZS 1170.2 Region A, TC2, IL2; slab-on-ground, M16 anchors
- R2.5 roof blanket, whirlybird vents; completion in 3 days after slab cure
North QLD: Cyclone-Rated Farm Shed
- 10 m x 16 m x 4.5 m eave, open-front, hot-dip galvanised frame
- Region C design, wind-locked roller door, cyclonic batten screws
- Zincalume roof, Colorbond walls for durability and looks
Regional NSW: Rural Machinery Shed
- 12 m x 24 m, 3 open bays + 1 lock-up bay
- BAL-12.5 site: ember-proof mesh to openings, steel gutter guard
- Gravel hardstand, swale drain to farm dam
Costs, Lead Times and What Affects Your Price
- Materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, steel gauge and frame finish
- Engineering: wind region upgrades, cyclonic door ratings
- Foundations: slab thickness, soil class, pier depth
- Options: insulation, windows, awnings, custom colours
According to industry snapshots like the 2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook and the 2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report, material price volatility has eased, but regional freight and labour availability still influence timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Colorbond steel shed worth it compared to Zincalume?
For homes and visible locations, yes—Colorbond delivers ready-finished looks and durable performance. Zincalume is great for budget or rural builds. See our comparison above.
What roof style is best?
Gable for airflow and classic looks; skillion for modern lines and easy solar. In heavy rain zones, increase pitch and gutter capacity.
Do I need insulation?
In most of Australia, yes. A roof blanket reduces heat and condensation. In Perth and SA, add wall sisalation or batts for comfort.
How long does council approval take?
Typically 2–6 weeks, faster with complete engineering and correct site info.
Can sheds be cyclone-rated?
Yes. Specify Region C/D engineering, wind-locked doors and upgraded connections. Ask for documentation proving compliance.
What about bushfire (BAL)?
Use steel cladding, ember-proof vents/mesh and non-combustible sarking to suit your BAL. Check requirements with council or an accredited certifier.
What size carport for a dual-cab ute?
Commonly 6.0 m x 6.0 m with 2.4–2.7 m clearance. Measure with roof racks and canopies installed.
Standards, Climate and Good Sources
- Wind and climate: Bureau of Meteorology wind region data
- Standards and codes: NCC (ABCB), AS/NZS 1170.2, AS/NZS 4600, AS 4100, AS 1397, AS 1562
- Bushfire science: CSIRO bushfire research
- Energy efficiency and insulation: Energy.gov.au insulation guidance
- Industry: Australian Steel Institute, HIA, Master Builders Australia
Ready to Compare Quotes (Without the Hype)?
Use this checklist with any supplier—Best Sheds, local fabricators or national brands:
- Certified engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600
- Wind region and BAL noted on the drawings
- Colorbond grade/finish and fastener specs listed
- Door wind rating and hold-down details shown
- Full council-approved sheds WA or state-specific permit support
Whether you loved the Sally Fitzgibbons “best sheds ad” or just want the facts, this guide helps you buy once, buy right.