Single Garage With Roller Door — 2025 Australian Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re after a neat single car garage, a compact single garage shed, or a one car garage with workshop space, this guide gives you the Australian specifics: compliant design, wind ratings, Colorbond steel choices, council approvals, and true-to-market costings.
Why a single garage with a roller door suits Australian homes
- Space-smart: Fits most suburban lots while protecting your daily driver, motorbike, or tools.
- Secure and weather-tight: Roller doors with wind-locks handle Aussie gusts and keep out dust and rain.
- Flexible: Upgrade later with insulation, shelving, solar-ready wiring, or convert to a compact workshop fit-out.
- Value add: Street appeal with Colorbond finishes plus secure storage boosts rental and resale appeal.
What size is a standard single garage in Australia?
Common footprints for single garages and single car sheds:
- Everyday single: 3.0 m (W) × 6.0 m (L) with 2.4–2.7 m eave height
- Comfort single (SUV/ute): 3.2–3.6 m × 6.0–7.0 m
- Tall single (4WD/racks): 3.5 m × 7.0 m with 2.7–3.0 m eave height
Door clearances and opening sizes
- Roller door opening width: typically 2.4–3.0 m
- Opening height: 2.1 m standard; 2.4–2.7 m for 4WDs and roof racks
- Headroom: allow 300–450 mm above opening for roller drum/curtain
Driveway slope and turning
- Keep 1–2% fall away from the slab to manage stormwater.
- Allow a minimum 6.0–6.5 m straight approach for easy parking in a narrow single car garage.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth’s hot summers and coastal air demand a smart materials choice. For most premium builds, a Colorbond steel shed is the go-to, with Zincalume as a cost-saving option for inland sites.
| Factor | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Painted, pre-finished steel (BlueScope) | Aluminium/zinc/magnesium alloy coating |
| Heat performance | Light colours reflect heat; Thermatech in many colours | Highly reflective when new; dulls over time |
| Coastal performance | Better near-coastal with correct grade; wash-down zones advised | Not recommended very close to surf coasts |
| Aesthetics | Wide colour range (e.g., Monument, Surfmist, Shale Grey) | Silver/grey industrial look |
| Cost | $$ (premium) | $ (budget) |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranties available; check site conditions | Manufacturer warranties available; inland preferred |
Structural design and wind ratings (Australia-wide)
Single garages must be engineered to AS/NZS 1170.2 (Wind actions) and the NCC 2022 (BCA). Your site’s Wind Region (A, B, C, D), Terrain Category, and Importance Level determine purlin sizes, connections, door bracing, and hold-downs.
- Region A/B: Most metro areas (e.g., Perth, Melbourne, Sydney) — standard wind-rated sheds.
- Region C/D: Cyclonic (e.g., coastal QLD, WA north) — cyclone-rated sheds with extra tie-downs and wind-locked doors.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes — For Perth coastal and hill suburbs, wind classifications can increase. Always supply your exact address and terrain exposure for correct engineering.
For cyclone-rated sheds QLD, specify:
- Wind-locked roller doors with heavier curtains and wind guides
- Extra roof/wall bracing, upgraded purlins and girts
- Anchors/hold-downs sized for uplift per AS/NZS 1170.2
Do I need council approval for a single garage?
Most single garages and single car sheds require a building permit. Some small structures may be exempt if under local size/height thresholds, but setbacks, easements, and stormwater still apply. Engineering certifications and site plans are typically needed.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
- Site check: Identify setbacks, easements, sewer lines, and BAL rating.
- Engineering: Obtain shed engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 and footing design (site soil class may be required).
- Drawings: Provide scaled plans, elevations, and drainage plan.
- Permit: Apply for a BA2/BA1 (depending on council and builder) with all documents.
- Inspection: Book slab and final inspections as required.
Ask suppliers for council-approved sheds WA packages — plans, engineering, and form assistance can save weeks.
Fast-track tips for VIC, NSW, QLD
- NSW: Check exempt development codes; many single garages still need a DA if near boundaries.
- VIC: Building permit from a private or council surveyor; boundary walls need fire rating details.
- QLD: Cyclone zones need certified doors and tie-downs documented in the approval set.
References: HIA guidance, Master Builders WA, AS/NZS 1170.2.
How much does a single garage with a roller door cost in Australia?
Indicative 2024–2025 pricing for a quality Colorbond single car garage (3.0–3.5 m × 6.0–7.0 m):
- DIY shed kit (shell + roller door): $4,500–$9,500
- Concrete slab (site-dependent): $2,500–$5,500
- Installed turnkey (metro, non-cyclonic): $10,000–$20,000+
- Cyclonic upgrades (Region C/D): +$2,000–$6,000 depending on size and door spec
- Automation pack (motor + remotes + safety): $600–$1,400
- Insulation/anticon: $800–$2,000
Carport with roller door cost: A single-bay carport with a front roller door and partial infill can run $4,000–$9,000 (kit) or $8,000–$16,000 installed, depending on posts, walls, wind rating, and driveway works.
Pricing varies by region, site access, engineering requirements, and material markets. Always request an itemised quote.
Roller door options for single garages
- Door type: Classic roller door (space-saving) or sectional panel door (premium sealing/looks).
- Wind rating: Wind-locked guides and heavier curtains for exposed/coastal/cyclonic sites.
- Automation: Battery backup, smart app control, safety PE beams, soft start/stop.
- Finishes: Match Colorbond colours; coastal sites often choose lighter shades to reduce heat gain.
Foundations and floors
- Slab-on-ground: Common for garages; thickness and reinforcement to engineer’s design (often 100–120 mm with mesh and thickened edges).
- Piers/footings: Used on sloped or reactive sites; shed frame can sit on piers with a later infill slab.
- Drainage: Perimeter spoon drains/gutters to divert stormwater away from doors and walls.
Refer to AS 3600/AS 2870 guidance via your engineer for slab and footing design appropriate to your soil class.
Thermal comfort: insulation and ventilation
- Roof anticon blanket + foil sarking to cut radiant heat and condensation.
- Wall batts or insulated panels for workshops and hobby spaces.
- Vents: Ridge vents or whirlybirds; add eave vents for crossflow.
Pro Tip: Using insulated roof panels or a quality anticon blanket can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer, improving comfort and protecting stored items.
See energy advice at Energy.gov.au — Insulation.
Use cases and fit-outs
- Compact workshop fit-out with 15A outlet and dust extraction
- Boat or trailer storage with extended 7.0 m bay length
- Rural sheds NSW: single-bay machinery storage with lean-to
- Urban steel sheds Perth: single garage plus side door for backyard access
DIY shed kits vs custom-built garages
- DIY shed kits: Cheapest, quick to deliver, great for flat, accessible sites. Requires tools, time, and strict adherence to engineering details.
- Custom-built: Tailored to site, faster approvals, pro finish, single-point warranty. Higher upfront cost.
Case studies
Perth metro — custom Colorbond garage
A custom Colorbond garage Perth build, 3.2 m × 6.5 m, Monument walls/roof, roller door 2.4 m H with smart motor. Engineered to Region A, Terrain Cat 2.5. Slab with spoon drain to street. Delivered as a council-approved package.
Townsville QLD — cyclone-ready single
A 3.5 m × 7.0 m single car garage upgraded for Region C: wind-locked door, additional roof/wall bracing, and enhanced hold-down bolts. Result: compliant, insurable, and quiet in summer storms.
Central NSW — budget Zincalume kit
One car garage in Zincalume with Surfmist roller door and whirlybird. Inland site, non-cyclonic. Owner-installed kit with engineered slab; later added wall batts and shelving.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define the brief: Vehicle size, storage needs, and must-have features (door height, power, insulation).
- Site and compliance: Check setbacks, easements, BAL rating, and wind region; collect a site plan.
- Choose materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume; roof style (gable, skillion), guttering, and downpipes.
- Engineer and quote: Demand AS/NZS 1170.2 engineering, door wind rating, and an itemised quote (shell, slab, install).
- Approval and build: Submit permit, book slab and frame install, and plan final inspection and handover docs.
FAQs
Is a single garage big enough for an SUV or dual-cab ute?
Yes, with the right dimensions. Aim for 3.2–3.6 m wide and 6.5–7.0 m long, with a 2.4–2.7 m door height for roof racks.
What roof style is best — gable, skillion, or flat?
Gable roofs shed water well and suit most homes. Skillion roofs offer modern looks and easy height at the front. Flat roofs are less common in high-wind areas due to drainage and uplift considerations.
Do I need bushfire (BAL) upgrades?
If you’re in a designated bushfire-prone area, BAL requirements can affect cladding, vents, and doors. Check your BAL with the local authority or RFS and specify accordingly.
How long does it take?
Typical lead times: 2–6 weeks for engineering and approvals, 2–6 weeks for manufacture and delivery, and 1–3 weeks for slab and build, subject to council and weather.
What about corrosion near the coast?
Choose appropriate Colorbond grades, consider wash-down design, and specify stainless fixings close to surf coasts. Maintain gutters and hose down salt when practical.
Local standards, climate, and resources
- Australian Standards: AS/NZS 1170.2 (Wind), AS 4100 (Steel), AS/NZS 2312.1 (Corrosion)
- Climate: Check wind and cyclone guidance via the Bureau of Meteorology
- Industry: Australian Steel Institute, HIA, CSIRO
For broader market context, see recent building activity summaries and steel outlooks from industry bodies and suppliers (2024–2025).
Keyword clusters and use-cases we cover
steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, garage kits Adelaide, shed builders Brisbane, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, custom Colorbond garages Perth, council-approved sheds WA, farm machinery storage, DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes, gable roof garages, skillion roof sheds, insulated shed roofing, BAL bushfire compliance, Zincalume single car shed.
Ready to design your single garage with roller door?
Get an engineered, permit-ready package with the right wind rating, door spec, and Colorbond finish for your location. Ask for site-specific certification, itemised costs, and timelines in your quote.