Two Story Garage (Two-Storey) Australia: Design, Pricing, Approvals & Colorbond Options

24 Oct Garage Sheds

Thinking about a two story garage for your Australian home or investment property? Whether you want a 2 car garage with a loft, a custom Colorbond double door garage, or a cyclone-ready build in QLD, this guide brings together design, engineering, approvals, and 2025 pricing in one place.

  • Primary keyword focus: two story garage (two storey garage)
  • Also covers: car garage, 2 car garage, 2 story 2 car garage, motor garages, two story garage with loft Australia, two storey garage, double garage for sale

Why build a two story garage in Australia?

  • Maximise footprint: Gain storage or a loft without expanding your slab area.
  • Flexible use: Workshop, surfboard storage, farm machinery storage, or a home office.
  • Future-ready: Add a mezzanine now or later with a pre-engineered portal frame.
  • Kerb appeal: Match your house with Colorbond profiles and colours.
Compliance note: Non‑habitable garages are typically Class 10a. If you add a habitable studio or bathroom, you may trigger Class 1a/10a requirements under the NCC (BCA). Always confirm with a building surveyor.

Popular sizes and layouts for two-storey and loft garages

  • 2 car garage (double): 6.0 × 6.0 m to 7.0 × 7.0 m; eave height 3.0–3.6 m; ridge height 5.4–6.8 m.
  • 2 story 2 car garage with loft: 6.5 × 7.2 m with 25–30 m² mezzanine; gable roof 15–22° for usable loft headroom.
  • Double door garage: 1 × 5.0–5.4 m wide door, or 2 × 2.7–3.0 m single doors for wind performance and flexibility.
  • Attached lean‑to or carport: 3.0 m wide skillion for boat/trailer; complements affordable carports for Australian homes.

Structure and materials that last in Aussie conditions

  • Frame: Cold‑formed steel portal frame with RHS/SHS columns, C‑purlin rafters, and diagonal bracing to AS/NZS 4600.
  • Cladding: BlueScope Colorbond steel or Zincalume to AS 1397 and AS/NZS 2728, fixed per AS 1562.1 and manufacturer specs.
  • Roof profiles:
    • Gable: Classic look, better loft volume, easy ventilation.
    • Skillion (mono): Contemporary, great for solar PV, simpler flashing.
  • Slab: 100–150 mm 25–32 MPa slab-on-ground with N12 bars, RL mesh and cast-in hold‑downs; termite barrier as required.

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

Perth’s hot, dry summers and coastal air demand heat-reflective, corrosion‑resistant solutions — especially within a few kilometres of the coast.

  • Colorbond with Thermatech: Reduces heat absorption and improves thermal comfort.
  • Colorbond Ultra or stainless fixings in C3–C5 corrosion zones near the coast.
  • Sarking and roof blanket: Manage condensation and quieten rain noise.
  • Light colours (Surfmist, Shale Grey) lower roof surface temperatures vs dark tones.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?

Feature Colorbond Steel Zincalume Steel
Finish Pre‑painted colour layer; high UV resistance Metallic coating (aluminium/zinc); silver appearance
Heat reflectivity Excellent with light colours + Thermatech Good, but gains heat faster in mid‑day sun
Coastal performance Use Colorbond Ultra near marine exposure Not advised within harsh marine zones
Aesthetics Matches house palette; design flexibility Industrial look; paintable if desired
Cost Higher upfront, premium appearance Typically lower initial cost

Engineering, wind ratings and cyclone compliance

  • Design to AS/NZS 1170.2 for wind actions; region A/B (southern states), region C/D for North QLD and NT.
  • Terrain category (TC2 commonly suburban) and shielding affect pressures; engineer must certify.
  • Door systems: Use wind‑lock roller doors or tested sectional doors with mullions. Large double doors need specific bracing.
  • Tie‑downs: Cyclone tie‑down kits, hold‑down bolts, and purlin/girt connections sized for uplift.

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: New subdivisions around coastal WA often require Region A–B wind speeds with local topographic multipliers. Check your R‑codes and council amendments before finalising door sizes and eave heights.

Approvals: planning and building permits by state

  • General: Most two-storey garages require a building permit and structural certification. Planning approval varies by lot size, setbacks, and overlays (heritage, bushfire, flood).
  • Documentation: Site plan, elevations, engineering, slab design, drainage, energy/condensation management, and product specs.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

  1. Confirm zoning, setbacks, and height limits with your local council.
  2. Order engineered drawings certified to NCC, AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600.
  3. Lodge BA2 (or applicable form) with site plan, slab detail, and elevations.
  4. Address stormwater disposal and soakwell sizing per council requirements.
  5. On approval, book concrete, delivery, and erection by a licensed installer.

Looking for streamlined submissions? Ask about council‑approved sheds WA packages that include engineering, plans and certification.

QLD cyclonic and coastal

  • For Region C/D, specify cyclone‑rated sheds QLD with tested doors, heavier purlins/girts, and extra tie‑downs.
  • Upgrade to stainless fixings and Colorbond Ultra within aggressive marine zones.

NSW and VIC regional considerations

  • Rural sheds NSW: Consider longer bays for utes and farm machinery storage, and snow/wind combinations for alpine VIC.
  • Check BAL ratings in bushfire-prone areas and incorporate ember‑proof vents.

Costs and pricing in 2025 (guide only)

  • DIY shed kits (double, two-storey shell): $16,000–$28,000+ GST depending on wind rating, cladding and spans.
  • Custom-built double garage with loft (installed): $38,000–$65,000 incl. engineering; cyclonic or coastal upgrades add 10–25%.
  • Concrete slab: $120–$180/m² for 100–120 mm, 25–32 MPa with edge thickenings; complex sites cost more.
  • Insulation, ventilation, doors/windows and electrical fit‑out are additional.

Source triangulation: 2024–2025 HIA Outdoor Structures insights, supplier price lists, and “2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook.” Actual pricing varies by site, wind region, spans, and finishes.

DIY shed kits vs custom-built installation

Option Pros Considerations
DIY shed kits Lower cost; flexible timing; owner‑builder control Permit paperwork; lifting gear for rafters; warranty depends on correct install
Custom-built Turnkey; faster; installer warranty; smoother approvals Higher upfront cost; schedule lead times; limited DIY savings
Pro Tip: Using insulated roof panels or a roof blanket can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer while controlling condensation — ideal for steel sheds Perth and hot inland regions.

Doors, glazing and ventilation that work

  • Roller vs sectional: Sectional doors can give better headroom under loft floors; specify wind‑rated systems.
  • PA doors and windows: Add cross‑flow ventilation; include security mesh for coastal sites.
  • Ventilation: Ridge vents, whirlybirds, or powered fans; add sarking for condensation control.
  • Skylights/translucent sheeting: Great for daytime workshops — ensure UV‑stable and bushfire compliant if needed.

Real build snapshots

Perth: custom Colorbond two storey garage with loft

  • 6.8 × 7.0 m gable, 22° roof; mezzanine 28 m²; Surfmist/Monument palette.
  • Wind Region A, TC2; Colorbond Ultra near coast; insulated roof blanket.
  • Delivered as a custom Colorbond garages Perth package, planning pre‑checked; installed in 7 days post‑slab.

Brisbane North: cyclone-aware double garage

  • 6.5 × 6.5 m with skillion roof; Region B close to C; wind‑lock roller doors, extra mullions.
  • Hot‑dip galvanised hold‑downs, upgraded fixings; sarking + vents keep humidity in check.

Rural NSW: two story workshop + machinery bay

  • 7.5 × 9.0 m gable, 20°; 3.6 m eaves for tractor clearance; mezzanine for parts storage.
  • Rural sheds NSW spec with larger bay spacing and sliding door for farm machinery storage.

How to choose the right two-storey garage

  • Site exposure: Wind region, terrain and corrosion category drive engineering and coatings.
  • Use case: Workshop vs vehicle storage vs future studio — affects height, windows, insulation.
  • Access: Driveway gradient, door widths, turning circles; consider 2 × single doors in windy zones.
  • Aesthetics: Match your home with Colorbond profiles and trim; check estate design guidelines.
  • Budget: Split into slab, kit, install, doors, insulation, electrical, approvals.

5‑Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

  1. Confirm wind region, BAL, and corrosion category (coastal vs inland) with your engineer.
  2. Pick roof type and pitch for your loft headroom (15–22° gable often ideal).
  3. Select cladding: Colorbond (or Ultra) vs Zincalume; agree on door systems and ventilation.
  4. Decide DIY kit vs custom install; lock in timelines around slab cure and delivery.
  5. Prepare approval pack: Site plan, elevations, engineered drawings, slab detail, and drainage.

Common FAQs about two story garages in Australia

What’s the standard height for a two-storey garage with a loft?

Eaves 3.0–3.6 m with a 15–22° gable typically gives usable mezzanine space. Ridge heights often run 5.4–6.8 m depending on span and pitch.

Can I add a bathroom or studio?

Yes, but adding plumbing or habitable use may change the NCC classification and energy/fire requirements. Engage a building surveyor early.

Do I need cyclone upgrades in SE QLD?

Near Region C boundaries or exposed coastal sites, yes — specify wind‑rated sheds for cyclonic areas with tested doors, extra tie‑downs and heavier members.

Is Zincalume okay near the beach?

Not recommended in harsh marine zones. Use Colorbond Ultra, marine‑grade fixings, and frequent wash‑downs for coastal sheds.

What slab do I need for a double garage?

Typically 100–120 mm, 25–32 MPa with edge thickenings and cast‑in anchors. Sloping sites or heavy loads may need thicker slabs/footings.

How long does it take?

Approvals 2–8 weeks; slab 1 week plus cure; erection 3–10 days depending on size and weather. Lead times vary with steel supply (see 2024 market outlook).

What about snow or bushfire?

Alpine VIC/NSW need combined wind/snow checks; bushfire areas require BAL‑rated detailing (mesh, seals, ember protection) per AS 3959.

Related solutions

  • Custom carports Melbourne (attached or freestanding) to extend covered parking.
  • Motor garages with lean‑to awnings for tools and trailers.
  • “Double garage for sale” packages in standard bays for fast delivery.
  • DIY shed kits shipped Australia‑wide with installation guides.

Useful standards, data and resources

Ready to price your two-storey garage?

For the fastest quote, include:

  • Site address and wind region (A–D), terrain and shielding info
  • Preferred size, roof pitch, door types, and Colour scheme
  • DIY kit vs installed, and any insulation or window needs

Also covered: steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes, Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, farm machinery storage, council-approved sheds WA, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, custom Colorbond garages Perth, double door garage, two story garage with loft Australia, motor garages.