Two Door Shed: The Australian 2025 Guide to Double Door Colorbond Sheds

30 Oct Heavy Duty Sheds

A two door shed (also called a double door shed or 2 door storage shed) is a smart way to gain secure space for tools, bikes, mowers, or a compact workshop without giving up access. This guide distils what Australian homeowners, renovators and property investors need in 2025: Colorbond steel choices, regional wind ratings, council approvals, slab and footing basics, and build examples from Perth, Brisbane and regional NSW.

Pro Tip: Using insulated roof panels or sarking with whirlybirds can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer, improving comfort and protecting stored gear.

What exactly is a two door shed?

It’s a steel outbuilding with two primary entry points—most commonly double hinged doors or dual sliding doors. Some designs also pair a hinged access door with a small roller door for gear that needs wider clearance.

  • Popular sizes: 2.3 × 3.0 m (urban yards), 3.0 × 4.5 m (mower + bikes), 4.0 × 6.0 m (workbench + storage)
  • Common cladding: Colorbond steel (AZ150 or AM150 coated), Zincalume, or mixed systems
  • Door styles: double hinged, double sliding, twin roller doors (low profile), or one roller + one hinged

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

In WA’s hot, dry summers and coastal zones, material selection is crucial. Here’s a practical Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison for WA homeowners.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?

Factor Colorbond Zincalume
Corrosion near coast Excellent with the right spec (Colorbond Ultra or MagnaFlow within coastal influence) Good inland; can show patina/rust sooner in marine aerosols
Heat reflectance Light colours (e.g., Surfmist) reflect heat; pairs well with insulation High reflectivity when new; can dull over time
Colour range Wide Colorbond palette to match WA streetscapes Limited (metallic grey finish)
Cost Slightly higher upfront Generally more affordable
Best use Urban/coastal WA, premium aesthetic, long-term durability Rural inland sites, budget builds, non-coastal farm bays
Recommended for WA coast Colorbond Ultra or architectural marine-grade coatings Only with enhanced detailing and increased maintenance

For Perth metro and coastal towns, most buyers choose Colorbond for appearance and durability. In inland WA farm settings, Zincalume can be a value option—especially for larger rural sheds where aesthetics are secondary.

Australian Standards overview and Energy.gov.au cooling and insulation guidance offer useful context on durability and energy performance.

Sizing your double door shed: clearance and layout

  • Door clear opening: aim for 150–200 mm wider than your widest item (e.g., mower bar or wheelbarrow handles).
  • Eaves height: 2.2–2.7 m for comfortable entry; 3.0 m if storing tall ladders or trades gear.
  • Common footprints:
    • Urban backyard: 2.3 × 3.0 m, double hinged doors, skillion roof
    • Tradie storage: 3.0 × 4.5 m, double sliding doors, gable roof
    • Rural utility: 4.0 × 6.0 m, twin roller doors, 3.0 m eaves, add lean-to for implements

Engineering and wind ratings: build for your region

Australian sheds must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant AS/NZS standards. Your two door shed’s frame, fixings and slab depend on wind region, terrain category, and importance level.

  • Non-cyclonic: N1–N4 (e.g., Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, inland NSW)
  • Cyclonic: C1–C4 (e.g., coastal QLD, WA north coast)

Key standards referenced by engineers include AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions), AS 4100 (steel structures), AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel), AS 3600 (concrete), and AS/NZS 2312 (corrosion protection). For wind region maps, see Bureau of Meteorology and state building authorities.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

Approvals vary by council, but the process usually follows these steps:

  1. Check planning rules for outbuildings (setbacks, heights, site coverage).
  2. Confirm if you qualify for exemptions (small sheds often do). Many WA councils offer exemptions for small outbuildings, but always verify current thresholds.
  3. Obtain certified engineering for your wind region (N3 is common in exposed Perth sites).
  4. Lodge a building permit application with site plan, elevations, and structural details.
  5. Book inspections (footings/slab and final).

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Use N3/N4 tie-down detailing in exposed coastal stretches; upgrade fixings and hold-down bolts; specify marine-grade Colorbond near surf zones.

For NSW rural blocks, check farm building exemptions. In QLD, cyclone-rated sheds (C1–C4) require specific engineering, portal frame upgrades and additional bracing. If you need a hand, ask for council-approved sheds WA packages that include certified drawings and site plans.

Guidance on outdoor structures is also available via HIA and Master Builders.

Doors and access: pick the right two-door configuration

  • Double hinged: simplest hardware, good security with three-point locking. Needs swing space.
  • Double sliding: great where space is tight; minimal intrusion; ensure quality bottom tracks and brush seals.
  • Twin rollers: premium option for vehicles or ride-on mowers; requires headroom and a deeper lintel.
  • Mixed: roller on the “equipment” bay and a hinged personnel door on the workshop side.

DIY shed kits vs custom-built

DIY shed kits

  • Best for: budget-friendly backyard storage, small rural sheds
  • Pros: lowest cost, quick delivery, pre-punched frames
  • Consider: slab tolerances, accurate set-out, N2/N3 fixings per the manual

Custom-built by licensed installers

  • Best for: coastal, cyclonic or sloping sites; premium finishes
  • Pros: council handling, certified engineering, guaranteed workmanship
  • Consider: higher upfront cost, lead-time scheduling

Real build examples from around Australia

Perth (non-cyclonic N2/N3) — custom Colorbond two door shed

  • Size: 3.0 × 4.5 m, 2.4 m eaves; Colorbond Surfmist walls/roof
  • Doors: double sliding with insect brush seals