Side of House Shed: Slimline, Side-Entrance Sheds for Australian Homes

Maximise that underused strip down the side of your house with a slimline, side-entrance shed built in Colorbond steel. This guide benchmarks the top Australian pages and goes deeper on engineering, Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes, council pathways, and coastal durability so you can specify, price, and approve with confidence.

What is a “side of house shed” and who is it for?

A side of house shed (often called a slimline shed or side entrance shed) is a narrow, custom steel shed designed to fit along boundary setbacks or tight side access. Typical uses include garden gear, bikes, tools, surfboards, pool equipment, and even a compact workshop with a PA door and slim roller or sliding door for access.

• Common widths: 900 mm to 1,800 mm
• Typical lengths: 2 m to 12 m+
• Heights: 1.8 m to 2.4 m (match fence/top plate lines for neatness)

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

Perth’s hot summers and coastal air reward higher-spec steel and smart roofing. For most side-yard applications we recommend Bluescope Colorbond steel cladding on galvanised cold-formed steel framing, with anti-condensation blanket or insulated roof panels to reduce heat and drip.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?

Related LSI terms integrated: steel sheds Perth, Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, shed insulation panels, anti-condensation blanket, whirlybirds, Bluescope warranties.

How much space do you need along the boundary?

• Minimum functional internal width: 1,000–1,200 mm for comfortable movement.
• Doors: Sliding doors save space; slim roller doors can work at 1,200–1,500 mm width.
• Gutters: Allow 70–150 mm for gutter/fascia and downpipes on the shed side.

Boundary setbacks vary by council. In many councils, non-habitable outbuildings under a height/area threshold can be on the boundary if fire and drainage requirements are met. Check for:

• Setbacks and height caps for outbuildings
• Fire separation if within 900 mm of the boundary (NCC 2022, Part 3.7.1)
• BAL ratings in bushfire-prone areas (AS 3959)
• Easements and stormwater corridors

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

While many slimline sheds fall within “exempt development,” WA councils can require approvals depending on size, height, boundary location, and heritage overlays.

Actionable steps

1. Measure the side access and mark services (gas, water, stormwater).
2. Request engineered plans compliant with NCC 2022 and AS/NZS 1170.2 wind actions.
3. Confirm Region A/B in Perth and terrain category (exposure) with your engineer. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
4. Prepare a site plan, elevations, and stormwater plan (downpipes to legal point of discharge).
5. Lodge building permit if required; some councils want neighbour consent if on boundary.

Gap terms addressed: council-approved sheds WA, custom Colorbond garages Perth.

Engineering: wind ratings, cyclones and structure

• Design to AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions) and AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel). Structural steel to AS 4100.
• Non-cyclonic regions (A/B): most metro Perth, Melbourne, Sydney. Cyclonic regions (C/D): parts of coastal QLD/WA — specify cyclone tie-downs, upgraded purlins, and additional fixings.
• For QLD coastal: choose cyclone-rated sheds (Region C/D) with certified hold-downs. Gap term: cyclone-rated sheds QLD; wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas.
• Footings to AS 2870: typical N25 concrete slab 100–120 mm with thickened edges or piers; chemset anchors to footings for kits.

Drainage, waterproofing and coastal durability

• Fall the slab away from the house; include rebated threshold to keep water out of the shed.
• Connect gutters to stormwater; avoid discharging against boundary fences.
• Coastal zones: specify Colorbond Ultra, galvanised RHS frames, stainless fasteners (316 near surf), and isolators between dissimilar metals to reduce galvanic corrosion.
• Ventilation: ridge vent or whirlybird and low-level louvres to purge hot air in summer.

Design options for narrow lots

• Doors: sliding PA door, slimline roller, or custom bi-fold; consider side entrance shed formats with dual access.
• Roof profiles: skillion (falls to boundary or inward), low-pitch gable for visual height, box gutter where space is tight.
• Lighting: polycarbonate roof strip or LED battens with RCD-protected circuit.
• Security: internal steel framing, keyed-alike deadlocks, concealed fixings.
• Finish: Colorbond colours to match fence (e.g., Monument, Woodland Grey).

Costs in 2025: DIY shed kits vs custom-built

• DIY shed kits (slimline 1.2 m x 3–6 m): approx. $1,200–$3,800 supply only, depending on steel thickness, doors and insulation.
• Custom-built Colorbond side of house sheds (installed on slab): typically $4,500–$12,000+, driven by width, length, doors, insulation, and engineering.
• Concrete slab and drainage: $1,000–$3,500+ depending on size, site fall, and piers.

Prices are indicative and vary by state, wind region and access (tight sites may require hand carry or smaller panels).

DIY shed kits vs custom-built: which suits you?

• DIY shed kits: fastest lead times, most affordable, great for garden storage; check instructions and fixings quality.
• Custom-built: perfect fit to boundary steps and downpipes, integrated drainage, better security, easier council pathway when engineered. Ideal for premium properties and investors seeking durable, low-maintenance assets.

Case studies

Perth WA — 1.2 m Slimline Workshop (Custom)

• Size: 1.2 m x 7 m x 2.1 m; Colorbond Monument cladding, 0.35 BMT
• Roof: 3° skillion falling inward to box gutter; 60 mm insulated roof panels
• Doors: Sliding PA door; end roller door (1500 mm) for mower access
• Engineering: Region A, Terrain Cat 2; N25 slab, M class soil

Brisbane QLD — Side Storage for Pool Equipment (Kit)

• Size: 1.0 m x 4 m; Zincalume kit with anti-condensation blanket
• Cyclone tie-downs not required (non-cyclonic suburb); extra airflow louvres to reduce humidity

Northern QLD — Cyclone-Rated Side Shed

• Size: 1.5 m x 6 m; Colorbond Ultra, stainless fixings
• Engineering: Region C; upgraded purlins, additional screw patterns, cyclone hold-downs

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

1. Define use and clearance: tools vs bikes vs workshop; target internal width ≥1,100 mm. Map services and downpipes.
2. Select materials: Colorbond (coastal = Ultra) vs Zincalume; add anti-condensation blanket or insulated panels.
3. Engineer for wind region: WA/SA/VIC metro (A/B) vs cyclone areas (C/D). Insist on ShedSafe engineering certificates.
4. Plan drainage and approvals: gutters to legal discharge, boundary fire rules, BAL if applicable; pursue council-approved sheds WA if on boundary.
5. Choose delivery model: DIY shed kits for simple storage; custom install for tight sites, complex drainage or security.

FAQs

Can I build to the boundary?

Often yes for small outbuildings, but check local planning rules. If within 900 mm of the boundary, fire protection and non-combustible cladding are typical requirements.

Flat roof or gable for a side yard?

Low-pitch skillion roofs are common due to height limits. Use box gutters and overflows sized to AS/NZS 3500 for heavy rain events.

Will a shed trap heat against my house?

Not if ventilated. Add intake vents and a whirlybird or ridge vent, plus insulation. Keep a small air gap from the house wall where possible.

What about termites?

Steel framing is termite-resistant. Still maintain soil gaps and avoid storing cellulose directly on the slab.

Can I power the shed?

Yes. Run conduit before slab pour where possible and have a licensed electrician install a subcircuit and RCDs.

Related projects and keyword clusters

• Steel sheds Perth, custom Colorbond garages Perth, custom-built double garage in Perth
• Custom carports Melbourne, affordable carports for Australian homes, freestanding carport Brisbane
• Rural sheds NSW, farm machinery storage, workshop shed Brisbane
• DIY shed kits Australia-wide, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, council-approved sheds WA
• Patio covers and pergolas for side access where fully enclosed sheds aren’t permitted

Pro Tip

Did you know? Using insulated roof panels or an anti-condensation blanket can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer while preventing condensation drip on cold nights.

Regulations, climate and industry sources

• NCC 2022 (housing), AS/NZS 1170.2 wind actions, AS/NZS 4600 cold-formed steel, AS 4100 structural steel, AS 2870 slabs and footings, AS/NZS 3500 plumbing.
• Climate design: Check wind region and severe weather via the Bureau of Meteorology.
• Bushfire: BAL mapping and detailing per AS 3959 and state overlays.
• Industry guidance: Australian Steel Institute (ShedSafe), Housing Industry Association, CSIRO, and Energy.gov.au for energy-smart materials.
• Market context: “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook” (Australian Steel Institute) and “2024 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report.”

Quick specification checklist (copy/paste)

• Location and wind region (A/B/C/D), terrain category
• Size (W x L x H), door types (PA/roller/sliding), clearance to house services
• Cladding: Colorbond grade (Ultra if coastal) or Zincalume; 0.35–0.42 BMT
• Frame: galvanised cold-formed steel, ShedSafe-engineered
• Roof: skillion/gable, insulation/blanket, ventilation plan
• Slab/footings (AS 2870), tie-down schedule, anchoring
• Drainage: gutters, downpipes, legal point of discharge
• Approvals: council/planning, boundary fire separation, BAL if applicable

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