Under Eave Garden Shed: The Complete Australian Guide (2025)

21 Oct Garden Sheds

Space is tight along Aussie side setbacks. A purpose-built under eave garden shed (also called an under eaves shed or slimline shed) solves tool, bike, and bin storage without chewing up yard. This expert guide covers design, approvals, wind ratings, and materials for Australian conditions, with practical examples from Perth to Cairns.

What Is an Under Eave Garden Shed and When Should You Use One?

An under eave garden shed is a slimline, low-height storage unit designed to sit beneath your home’s eaves or soffit, typically in side passages 700–1200 mm wide. It maximises dead space while keeping access clear for bins and services.

  • Best for: tools, garden gear, bikes, pool chemicals, BBQs, prams, and bin bays.
  • Door options: sliding (ideal for tight passages), single or double hinged, or bifold.
  • Roof forms: flat or low-slope skillion to clear eaves and guttering.
  • Fixing: freestanding and anchored to slab, or wall-adjacent with compliant clearances.

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

Perth’s hot summers and coastal air call for UV-stable coatings and corrosion resistance. Most premium under eaves sheds use BlueScope steel in either Colorbond or Zincalume. Both are strong; the coating and corrosion performance differ.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?

Feature Colorbond Steel Zincalume Steel
Coating Painted, baked-on finish over alloy coating Aluminium-zinc alloy coating (no colour)
Corrosion resistance (general) Excellent; Colorbond Ultra recommended for coastal Very good; add extra care near surf/salt air
Heat & UV performance High; cool colours reduce heat gain Reflective when new; dulls over time
Aesthetics Large Colorbond palette to match your roof/fascia Industrial silver appearance only
Cost Higher More affordable
Best fit for Perth Colorbond (or Ultra within ~200–400 m of surf) Great value inland/suburban with maintenance

For coastal WA and harsher environments, specify Colorbond Ultra or a marine-grade spec. Inland suburbs can use Standard Colorbond or Zincalume with regular wash-down.

Pro Tip: Did you know using insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer? It also helps prevent condensation on cool mornings.

Related LSI terms we cover in this guide: under eave garden shed, under eaves shed, slimline shed, narrow shed, Colorbond steel shed, Zincalume, steel sheds Perth, DIY shed kits, custom Colorbond garages Perth, affordable carports for Australian homes, rural sheds NSW, custom carports Melbourne.

How Do Wind Ratings and Building Codes Affect Under-Eaves Sheds?

Even small sheds must be tied down for local wind loads per AS/NZS 1170.2 and NCC 2022. Your installer should certify anchors and frame capacity for your wind region and terrain category.

  • Perth metro: commonly N2–N3. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes ensure proper edge distance on anchor bolts and minimum 6.8 kN uplift capacity on corners for slimline lockers over 2 m long.
  • North QLD and coastal WA: cyclonic C1–C2 typical. Specify cyclone-rated sheds QLD with extra bracing, door wind-locks, and upgraded fixings.
  • Bushfire zones: in BAL-rated areas (BAL-12.5 to BAL-40/FZ), use non-combustible cladding, ember-proof vents, and sealed gaps.

Attach vs freestand: An “attached” locker under eaves can change approvals and fire separation rules. Many homeowners keep under-eaves sheds freestanding, leaving a compliant gap to walls (often 10–50 mm) and anchoring to a slab to simplify certification.

Do You Need Council Approval for an Under-Eaves Shed?

Rules vary by state and council. Under-eaves sheds often qualify as exempt development if they’re small (Class 10a), set back from boundaries, and not attached to the dwelling. When in doubt, ask for a site-specific check.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

  1. Confirm classification: Class 10a non-habitable structure.
  2. Check size triggers: many WA councils require a building permit above ~10 m² area or >2.4 m high (verify locally).
  3. Setbacks and fire separation: avoid building right on the boundary unless fire-protective specs are used.
  4. Provide documentation: site plan, slab detail, tie-down schedule, elevation, and wind classification certificate.
  5. Lodge BA2/BA1 as advised by the council or a registered private certifier.

We regularly deliver council-approved sheds WA, including structural certification to AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600 for cold-formed steel.

Other states at a glance

  • NSW: Many under-eaves sheds fall under Exempt Development if under size/height, behind the building line, and with setbacks. Check the NSW Planning Portal for current thresholds.
  • VIC: Small Class 10a structures may be exempt from a building permit below specific area/height limits if not attached. Speak to your local council or building surveyor.
  • QLD: Ensure wind region compliance. In cyclone areas, permits are commonly required; specify cyclonic engineering.

Under-Eaves Shed Design Options and Sizes for Australian Homes

Popular sizes for tight side passages

  • 1800 H x 900 D x variable length (fits under most 2.1 m eaves)
  • 1500 H options for extra-tight soffits or downpipe zones
  • Depths: 600–1200 mm; Lengths: 1.5–4.5 m (modular panels)

Doors and access

  • Sliding doors: best for 900–1200 mm passages; no swing clearance needed.
  • Hinged doors: easy sealing; ensure 900–1000 mm clear walkway.
  • Security: riveted hinges, stainless padbolts, and anti-pry channels.

Clearances and services

  • Maintain gutter and downpipe access (often 50–150 mm gap recommended).
  • Keep clear of gas meters, powerboards, and termite inspection zones.
  • Provide ventilation grills high and low to manage condensation.

Finish and features

  • Colorbond colours to match roof/fascia—Monument, Surfmist, Woodland Grey, etc.
  • Vermin-proofing strips at slab joints to block leaves and pests.
  • Shelving kits and bike hooks; oil-resistant floor sealers for tools and chemicals.

Installation: Slab, Drainage, Termites, and Waterproofing

Base options

  • Concrete slab: best practice. 75–100 mm thick, SL72 mesh, with M10–M12 mechanical anchors or cast-in bolts per engineering.
  • Compacted road base + pavers: budget option; add more anchors and check for settlement.
  • Galvanised bearers and joists: useful on sloping sites; add anti-corrosion treatment.

Drainage and moisture control

  • Fall slab away from house (1:100). Include a small threshold to stop wind-driven rain.
  • Avoid blocking weepholes or termite inspection zones on the house wall.
  • Seal the shed base with a polyurethane joint sealant; optional damp-proof membrane under slab.

Termite and corrosion notes

  • Do not bridge termite barriers. Keep soil, mulch, and stored timber away from walls.
  • Coastal sites: rinse external steel occasionally; choose Colorbond Ultra where needed.

Case study: Under-eaves shed in Perth (Willetton)

  • Spec: 2400 L x 900 D x 1800 H slimline, Colorbond Monument, sliding double doors.
  • Engineering: Wind region A, N2; 100 mm slab, 4x M10 anchors each long side; internal anti-ruck bracing straps.
  • Outcome: Fits bins and tools; under-eave clearance 70 mm; installed in 1 day.

Case study: Cyclone-ready locker in Cairns

  • Spec: 2100 L x 800 D x 1700 H, Colorbond Surfmist, reinforced door mullions.
  • Engineering: Region C, C2; upgraded corner brackets; additional strap bracing; door wind-locks.
  • Outcome: Certified cyclone-rated sheds QLD design, council-approved, tidy side passage storage.

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

  1. Measure the passage: soffit height, downpipes, taps, meters, and minimum walkway width.
  2. Choose materials: Colorbond for aesthetics/durability; Colorbond Ultra for coastal; Zincalume for value inland.
  3. Select doors and layout: sliding for tight spaces; add shelves/hooks early so bracing isn’t in the way.
  4. Check compliance: wind class (N2/N3/C1/C2), BAL if relevant, boundary setbacks, and termite barrier visibility.
  5. Decide install path: DIY shed kits vs turnkey supply-and-install with engineering and permits.

FAQs: Under Eaves Sheds in Australia

How close can I put the shed to my wall?

Leave a service gap to access gutters/downpipes and maintain termite inspections. Many builders allow 10–50 mm. Never block weepholes. Local rules apply.

Can I “use the eave” as the shed roof?

Not recommended. Condensation, water ingress, and approvals get messy. A standalone skillion roof with drip edge and proper flashing is best practice.

Are sliding doors weatherproof?

Quality sliders use interlocks, brush seals, and drain channels. In severe weather sites, hinged doors seal better. Ask for wind-driven rain details on your model.

What wind rating do I need?

Most metro areas are N2–N3. Northern/coastal areas may be C1–C2. Your quote should state the wind classification and tie-down schedule.

What about bushfire zones (BAL)?

Specify non-combustible steel, ember screens (≤2 mm), and sealed joints. Check local BAL requirements before ordering.

How long does installation take?

Typical under-eaves lockers install in 4–8 hours on a ready slab. Add time for slab curing (7 days+) if we pour it.

Who We Build For (and Related Structures)

From steel sheds Perth and custom Colorbond garages Perth to rural sheds NSW and custom carports Melbourne, we engineer, supply, and install across Australia. We also deliver affordable carports for Australian homes, patio and pergola integration, and farm machinery storage for larger properties.

Quality and Sustainability

  • Australian-made BlueScope steel with long warranties.
  • Engineered to AS/NZS standards; NCC 2022 compliant.
  • Optional insulation and light-colour roofs lower summer heat loads and running costs.

Get a Fast, Fully-Specified Quote

Send your measurements, photos of the side passage, and postcode. We’ll confirm wind class, recommend Colorbond or Zincalume, include anchors/bracing, and outline council steps if needed. Ask about bundled options with carports or garages for multi-trade savings.

Key technical references and helpful links

Important Specs at a Glance

  • Frames: cold-formed galvanised steel, engineered to AS/NZS 4600.
  • Cladding: Colorbond or Zincalume, typically 0.35–0.42 mm BMT for lockers.
  • Tie-down: certified anchors with uplift and shear capacity to match N/C class.
  • Sealing: silicone/PU to base joints; vermin strips optional.
  • Maintenance: rinse coastal sites; lubricate door tracks annually.