Single Garage Dimensions in Australia: Standard Sizes, Door Widths, and Council Tips
If you’re an Australian homeowner or investor planning a new Colorbond steel garage, the very first decision is size. This guide covers standard single garage dimensions, double garage width and length, roller door sizes, local wind ratings, and the best materials for harsh Aussie conditions. Whether you’re after a custom-built double garage in Perth, a cyclone-rated shed in North QLD, or DIY shed kits for regional NSW, you’ll find everything you need here.
What is the standard single garage size in Australia?
While every site is different, most Australian shed builders recognise these practical internal dimensions for a single car garage:
- Single garage width: 3.0–3.6 m (3.2–3.6 m is more comfortable)
- Single garage length: 5.5–6.5 m (6.0 m suits most cars with storage)
- Wall height (eave height): 2.4–3.0 m (2.7 m clears roof racks/ladders)
- Clear opening (door) width: 2.4–2.7 m (2.7 m reduces mirror scrapes)
- Clear opening (door) height: 2.1–2.4 m (2.4 m for 4WDs/utes with racks)
For storage along a wall (fridge, shelving, bikes), consider 3.5–3.6 m width. If you plan a workbench, go longer (6.5 m).
Single garage dimensions by vehicle type
Use the following as a rule of thumb for comfortable fit and door clearance:
- Small hatch/compact: 3.0 x 5.5 m minimum; door 2.4 m W x 2.1 m H
- Sedan/wagon: 3.2 x 6.0 m; door 2.4–2.7 m W x 2.1–2.4 m H
- Mid-size SUV/ute: 3.5 x 6.0–6.5 m; door 2.7 m W x 2.4 m H
- Large 4WD with bullbar/lifts: 3.6 x 6.5 m; door 2.7 m W x 2.4 m H
If you haul trailers or caravans, length is king. Consider 7.0–8.0 m internal length or a separate bay.
Standard double garage dimensions (Australia)
“How wide is a double garage?” Most Australians aim for:
- Double garage width: 5.5–6.2 m (6.0 m is the common “6×6”)
- Double garage length: 6.0–6.5 m
- Double door clear opening: 4.8–5.2 m wide x 2.1–2.4 m high
For two larger vehicles or a workshop corner, size up to 6.5–7.0 m wide or go “2.5-bay” (about 7.5–8.0 m wide).
Single vs double garage measurements at a glance
| Garage type | Internal width | Internal length | Common door opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 3.0–3.6 m | 5.5–6.5 m | 2.4–2.7 m W x 2.1–2.4 m H |
| Double | 5.5–6.2 m | 6.0–6.5 m | 4.8–5.2 m W x 2.1–2.4 m H |
Garage door widths and heights
Common Australian roller door and panel-lift options:
- Single roller door: 2400–2700 mm wide; 2100–2400 mm high
- Double roller door: 4800–5200 mm wide; 2100–2400 mm high
- Panel-lift: similar clear openings; check headroom (250–350 mm) for tracks
- Wind-rated doors: required in coastal and cyclonic areas (QLD Regions C/D)
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth heat, sea breeze, and coastal salt demand durable cladding. Here’s a quick comparison many WA builders use when specifying roofs and walls.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond steel | Zincalume steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Painted, baked-on finish over metallic coating | Aluminium/zinc/magnesium alloy metallic coating |
| Corrosion resistance (coastal) | Excellent with correct grade and distance from surf | Very good; may show patina; keep back from surf zone |
| Heat performance | Cool roofing colours reduce heat gain | Reflective; heat performance varies by finish |
| Colour range | Wide Colorbond palette for design control | Limited (silvery finish) |
| Maintenance | Low; washdowns in coastal areas | Low; washdowns in coastal areas |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best use | Premium garages, coastal homes, design-led builds | Budget-conscious rural or inland builds |
Related technical notes: see the Australian Steel Institute for steel selection, YourHome (energy.gov.au) roofing guidance, and local Bureau of Meteorology climate data.
Pro tip: Did you know using insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer? It also cuts condensation on cold winter mornings.
Engineering, wind ratings and compliance
Premium garages must be engineered to the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) and relevant Australian Standards. Ask for site-specific engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel), AS 4100 (steel structures), and AS 1562.1 (roofing). In coastal environments, match materials to AS 4312 corrosion categories.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes Most of Perth is Wind Region A, but exposed coastal pockets and ridge lines can increase design pressures. North-west WA (e.g., Exmouth, Karratha) includes cyclonic Regions C/D. Your garage, including doors and fixings, must be designed for local wind region, terrain category, topography, and shielding.
For QLD and NT, consider cyclone-rated sheds with upgraded purlins, extra hold-downs, and wind-rated roller doors. This is mandatory in Regions C/D and smart in storm-prone coastal belts.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Check zoning and R-Codes: setbacks, heights, lot coverage, and streetscape rules.
- Request site-specific engineering: wind region, terrain category, and soil class.
- Prepare drawings: site plan, elevations, sections, slab details, drainage.
- Apply to your local council: Building Permit (BA1) or Certified (BA3) route in WA.
- Book inspections: slab/pad, frame if required, and final.
Ask for “council-approved sheds WA” packages that include plans, engineering certificates, and energy/thermals if needed.
Concrete slab and flooring tips
- Typical slab: 100 mm thick, 25 MPa concrete with F72 mesh on compacted base
- Edge thickenings or piers: as per engineer, especially for wind uplift and reactive clays
- Falls and drainage: 1:100 fall to door or internal drain; keep water away from footings
- Termite management: required in many areas (QLD/NSW); integrate with slab design
- Coatings: epoxy or polyaspartic for clean, durable workshop floors
Choosing the right garage size
Match size to your use-case, not just the car:
- Storage-heavy homes: go 3.6 m wide single or 6.0 x 6.5 m double
- Workshop/DIY: allow a 900 mm bench and 1,000 mm working aisle
- Boat/van: measure total length including drawbar and fit door height to accessories
- Rural properties: consider higher eaves (3.0–3.6 m) for farm machinery storage
- Future-proofing: add a rear roller door for backyard access
DIY shed kits vs custom-built garages
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY shed kits | Lower cost; fast delivery; good for standard sizes | Limited customisation; you handle permits and slab; time/skill required | Handy owners, regional installs, budget projects |
| Custom-built garages | Tailored size, doors, openings; full council support; installed by pros | Higher cost; longer lead times | Premium finishes, tricky sites, cyclonic or coastal conditions |
How much does a garage cost in 2025?
Prices vary by wind rating, site works, slab size, and materials. As general guidance:
- Single car garage size (supply-only kit): $3,500–$7,500
- Single car garage installed (ex slab/site works): $8,000–$15,000
- Double garage size standard kits: $8,500–$14,000
- Double garage installed (ex slab/site works): $16,000–$30,000+
Cyclone-rated sheds QLD, coastal upgrades, and architectural finishes can add 10–30%. Get a fixed quote with engineering and a slab plan.
Recent build examples across Australia
Custom Colorbond garages Perth (WA)
A 6.0 x 6.5 m double garage in Joondalup with 2.7 m eaves, 5.1 m wind-rated panel-lift door, Surfmist roof for heat reflectance, and insulated roof panels. Designed to Wind Region A with exposed topography adjustments.
Cyclone-rated sheds QLD
A 7.5 x 7.5 m “2.5-bay” garage in Townsville: Region C design, upgraded hold-downs, wind-rated roller doors, and 2.4 m door height for lifted 4WDs. Extra tie-downs and sheeting fasteners per AS/NZS 1170.2.
Rural sheds NSW
A 3.6 x 7.2 m single-plus storage bay on a hobby farm near Tamworth. Zincalume walls, Colorbond roof, 3.0 m eaves for small tractor clearance, and a rear access door for paddock access.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Measure your vehicles and lifestyle gear (mirrors, racks, tow bars, van height).
- Pick your format: one car garage size, double garage dimensions, or 2.5-bay.
- Choose materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, insulation, guttering, doors.
- Confirm compliance: wind region, engineering, cyclone upgrades if needed.
- Lock in council approvals, slab design, and build schedule.
FAQs
What are standard single garage measurements?
Commonly 3.0–3.6 m wide by 5.5–6.5 m long, with 2.4–3.0 m wall height.
What is the standard double garage size in meters?
6.0 x 6.0 m is popular, but 6.0 x 6.5 m adds storage. Standard double garage width is 5.5–6.2 m.
How wide is a double garage door?
Typically 4.8–5.2 m clear opening.
What door height do I need for a 4WD?
Plan for 2.4 m clear opening with enough headroom for the door mechanism.
What’s the minimum garage length?
5.5 m is a minimum for smaller cars; 6.0–6.5 m is practical for most households.
Keyword clusters and use-cases
- Local service: steel sheds Perth, custom Colorbond garages Perth, council-approved sheds WA
- Metro: custom carports Melbourne, double garage size Australia
- Rural: rural sheds NSW, farm machinery storage
- Technical: wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison
- Buyer intent: DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes
Need help nailing your single garage dimensions or standard double garage dimensions? Talk to a local engineer-backed shed supplier who understands your wind region, soil class, and council rules. Get a fixed quote with site-specific engineering and clear door sizing before you pour the slab.