Simply Sheds: 2025 Australian Guide to Colorbond Sheds, Garages & Carports
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What is “Simply Sheds” in the Australian market?
When Aussies search for simply sheds, they’re after robust, no-fuss steel buildings: Colorbond® sheds, custom-built double garages, and compliant carports that handle harsh sun, coastal corrosion, and cyclonic winds. This guide is your shortcut to designing, approving, and building the right shed—without the headaches.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth’s hot, dry summers and coastal air demand materials that resist UV and corrosion. The top contenders are genuine BlueScope Colorbond and Zincalume® paired with galvanised cold-formed C/Z purlins and high-tensile fasteners.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?
| Criteria | Colorbond | Zincalume | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV resistance (Perth sun) | Excellent; baked-on paint resists fade | Good, but reflective metal can heat up | Colorbond |
| Coastal corrosion | Very good; choose Ultra near surf | Good; may need extra care seaside | Colorbond (Ultra if <200–400 m from coast) |
| Price | Higher | Lower | Zincalume (budget-driven) |
| Aesthetics | Many colours (Monument, Surfmist) | Spangled metallic | Depends on look |
| Warranty | Up to 36 years (environment dependent) | Up to 25–30 years | Colorbond |
How do wind ratings and cyclonic design affect your shed?
Wind design is non‑negotiable. Engineering must comply with AS/NZS 1170.2 and the NCC (Class 10a buildings). In non-cyclonic regions (N1–N3), standard tie-downs suffice; in cyclonic regions (C1–C4, e.g., North QLD, WA Northwest), you’ll need cyclone-rated hold-downs, thicker cladding, and additional bracing.
- QLD cyclone zones: Choose cyclone-rated sheds QLD tested for C1–C2 with sealed roller doors and upgraded purlin spacing.
- WA coastal/cyclonic: Geraldton to Karratha often needs C1+; Albany can see high gusts. Opt for council-approved sheds WA with site-specific engineering.
- NSW/VIC alpine: Consider snow load per AS/NZS 1170.3.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Many councils now request terrain category, topographic multiplier, and shielding documentation with your engineering. Ask for a signed RPEQ/WA CPEng set with site-specific wind speed (Vdes).
Which shed type suits your property?
Match the shed to your use-case and location. Here are common Australian configurations:
- Backyard workshop (Sydney/Melbourne): 6×4 m gable roof, Colorbond Monument, vermin flashing, 3×3 roller door, PA door, window with mesh. Great for lock-up workshops Sydney.
- Custom-built double garage in Perth: 6×6 m, 25° pitched roof for future solar, insulated roof blanket, gutter to rainwater tank, 2x 2.4 m roller doors. Ideal for steel sheds Perth installs.
- Rural sheds NSW: 12×9 m three-bay machinery shed, 3.6 m eave height, open bays for farm machinery storage, Z450 galvanised purlins, sliding doors.
- Custom carports Melbourne: 6×6 m skillion carport, powder-coated posts, 0.48 BMT roofing, wind-rated to N3, integrated lighting—an affordable carport for Australian homes.
- American barn: Central high bay with two lean-tos, mezzanine storage, perfect for mixed use (boat + workshop).
- Coastal sheds (Sunshine Coast/WA Mid West): Colorbond Ultra, stainless screws, sacrificial anodes optional; consider Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester skylights with UV protection.
How much do Colorbond steel sheds cost in Australia in 2025?
Pricing varies by wind rating, size, doors, and finish. Indicative ranges (GST incl., metro delivery typical):
- DIY shed kits Australia (non-cyclonic): Small garden 3×3 m: $1,100–$2,000. Workshop 6×4 m: $4,500–$8,500. Double garage 6×6 m: $8,500–$13,500.
- Supply & install (slab extra): Double garage 6×6 m: $14,000–$22,000 in N1–N3; $20,000–$30,000 in C1–C2 with cyclone upgrades.
- Rural machinery sheds (9–15 m span): $28,000–$75,000+ depending on bays, height, doors, and site wind class.
- Carports (single/double): $2,800–$9,500 supply only; $5,500–$14,000 installed depending on posts, roofing, and approvals.
Source context: 2024–2025 steel pricing trends and installer quotes tracked against the 2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook and HIA Outdoor Structures report.
DIY shed kits vs supply-and-install — which should you choose?
- DIY shed kits: Cheaper, fast delivery, great for straight sites. Ensure drawings to AS/NZS standards, clear slab set-out, and labelled members.
- Supply & install: Best for sloped/complex sites, cyclonic areas, or when you need help with permits, concrete, and council-approved sheds WA.
How to get council approval and engineering compliance?
Most sheds are NCC Class 10a. Councils typically want site plan, elevations, engineering certification, slab details, and drainage. Bushfire areas need BAL compliance; coastal areas need corrosion notes; some states require registered installers for carports.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Planning check: Verify R-Codes setbacks and open space. Some councils exempt small sheds under a floor area threshold.
- Engineering: AS/NZS 1170.2 wind report with terrain/topography; AS/NZS 4600 for cold-formed steel; fixings schedule; footing and slab (100 mm min with F72 mesh typical).
- Building permit: Submit BA2/CDC forms, energy statement if required, and stormwater plan.
- Install: Comply with tie-downs, edge distances, and embedment depths. Photos help with inspections.
- Final sign-off: Obtain Certificate of Completion if required by your LGA.
Quick notes for VIC, NSW, QLD
- Victoria: Check VBA exemptions. Many sheds still require permits; siting varies by overlays.
- NSW: CDC via SEPP might be possible. Watch for BAL-29/40 in bushfire-prone land.
- Queensland: BSA-licensed installer may be needed; cyclonic regions require C1–C2 certification and wind-rated roller doors.
Simply Sheds Review: how to compare brands and quotes
Before you buy, run a simple simply sheds review checklist across suppliers:
- Steel pedigree: Genuine BlueScope Colorbond/Zincalume with batch/brand on paperwork.
- Engineering depth: Site-specific wind classification, not just “N2 standard”. Look for signed RPEQ/CPEng drawings.
- Inclusions: Vermin flashing, scribed wall sheets, ribbed anti-sag bars, cyclone tie-downs if applicable.
- Doors & hardware: Wind-rated roller doors, stainless fixings coastal, PA door heavy-duty hinges.
- Lead times & service: Transparent delivery windows; support for council approvals.
- Warranty & aftercare: Paint/system warranty, structural warranty, and spare parts availability.
- Price clarity: Slab, earthworks, and crane lifts clearly itemised.
For custom Colorbond garages Perth and metro installs nationwide, ask for recent local references and site photos.
Build examples from around Australia
Perth double garage upgrade
- 6×6 m gable, N3 wind rating, Colorbond Surfmist roof/Monument walls, anticon blanket, 2x auto roller doors, 100 mm slab with thickened edge beams.
- Outcome: 2-day install after slab cure; 8°C cooler in summer with insulation and whirlybird.
North QLD cyclone-ready farm shed
- 12×9 m, 3-bay open-front, C2 design, upgraded purlin gauge, cyclone hold-downs, sealed roller door to enclosed bay.
- Outcome: Passed post-storm inspection with no structural damage.
Rural sheds NSW machinery storage
- 15×10 m, 4.2 m eave, hot-dip galvanised columns, Zincalume roof, Colorbond walls, integrated water catchment to 22,500 L tank.
- Outcome: Reduced water carting by 30% with rain harvesting.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define the use: Garage, workshop, farm machinery storage, or custom carports Melbourne style. Plan clearances and door sizes.
- Choose materials: Colorbond for looks/coastal; Zincalume for budget; insulation for heat/condensation control.
- Engineer for wind: Get the correct N or C rating, terrain, and topography factors. Upgrade doors and tie-downs if needed.
- Plan approvals: Check setbacks, BAL, overlays; line up slab and stormwater early.
- Compare inclusions: Like-for-like quotes with spec sheets, warranties, and delivery/lead times.
FAQs
Is Colorbond or Zincalume better near the coast?
Colorbond (especially Ultra) usually wins for coastal corrosion resistance. Use stainless or Class 4 fasteners and maintain wash-down zones.
What slab do I need for a 6×6 m garage?
Commonly 100 mm thick 25 MPa concrete with F72 mesh and thickened edges/pads under posts. Final design must match engineering and soil class.
Do I need bushfire (BAL) compliance?
Yes in mapped areas. BAL-12.5 up to BAL-40/Flame Zone may drive cladding, ember sealing, and gutter guard choices.
How long does delivery take?
DIY shed kits: 2–5 weeks typical. Supply-and-install: 4–12 weeks depending on approvals and site conditions.
Can I add solar or batteries?
Yes. Request roof pitch (15–25°) and purlin layout suitable for solar rail fixings. Check wind region for panel mounting specs.
Flat roof vs gable roof?
Skillion (flat) is modern and sheds water one way; gable is classic, good airflow, often cheaper for mid-spans. Choose based on aesthetics, rainfall, and span.
Local codes, climate, and useful resources
- Standards: AS/NZS 1170.2 (Wind Actions), AS/NZS 4600 (Cold-Formed Steel), AS 4100 (Steel Structures), NCC Class 10a.
- Climate data: Use the Bureau of Meteorology climate data for wind and rainfall context.
- Material guidance: Australian Steel Institute and CSIRO provide technical notes on corrosion and materials.
- Building & trade insights: HIA and Master Builders Australia.
- Energy tips: Energy.gov.au for insulation and cooling strategies.
Get a quote for a simply sheds project
Ready to design a wind-rated Colorbond shed or an affordable carport for your Australian home? Send your postcode, site photos, desired size, and whether you want DIY or supply-and-install. We’ll return an engineered, council-ready specification that fits your budget—and the local climate.