Short on time but want it done right? This guide explains how to choose a 12×6 shed that meets Australian Standards, suits your climate, and sails through council approvals. From steel sheds Perth to rural sheds NSW and cyclone-rated sheds QLD, we cover the lot.
What size 12×6 shed do you actually need?
12 m x 6 m (double garage / workshop)
- Use-cases: custom-built double garage in Perth, farm machinery storage, boat or caravan shelter, home workshop with mezzanine, or an open shed for equipment.
- Typical inclusions: twin roller doors, personal access door, windows, insulation, vermin-proofing, gutters/downpipes, power and lighting provisions.
- Good for: larger blocks, acreage and rural sheds NSW, farm sheds SA, industrial sheds Brisbane.
6 ft x 12 ft (compact garden shed)
- Use-cases: 6×12 garden shed for mower, gardening gear, bikes, surfboards, or a neat 6 x 12 storage shed beside a carport.
- Good for: suburban backyards, narrow side setbacks, strata-friendly footprints.
| Size | Notes |
|---|---|
| 6×6 | Not quite this size? The 6×6 Shed Price in Australia resource compares the most popular models. |
| Other | Many manufacturers offer modular widths and lengths—consider combo layouts for workshop + storage bays. |
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth’s hot summers, coastal air and UV index are unforgiving. Most premium Colorbond steel sheds for regional WA outperform basic finishes thanks to advanced paint systems and BlueScope base steel. Here’s the quick comparison:
| Feature | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Coating & Finish | Painted, baked-on finish in popular colours (e.g., Monument, Shale Grey) | Metallic coating (no paint), silver appearance |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, especially with correct coastal setbacks and maintenance | Excellent base corrosion resistance; shows salt staining more readily |
| Heat & UV Performance | High UV resistance; light colours reduce heat gain | Reflective but can glare; no colour choice |
| Aesthetics | Matches roof/fence palettes; ideal for residential streetscapes | More industrial look; suits rural or service areas |
| Cost | Typically higher upfront | Usually more economical |
| Best For | Residential, coastal metro, design-driven builds | Budget rural/utility sheds, inland areas |
Color Options
Popular choices like the Woodland Grey Garage Door pair beautifully with large-span sheds and can help integrate a shed or garage into an existing streetscape palette.
12×6 shed design options and specs (Australian Standards)
12 m x 6 m custom shed/garage — typical spec
- Structure: Cold-formed steel portal frames engineered to AS/NZS 1170 (actions), AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel), AS 4100 (steel structures), AS 1562.1 (cladding) and NCC (BCA) Class 10a.
- Cladding: Colorbond or Zincalume to AS 1397 / AS/NZS 2728, with sarking or anti-condensation blanket; optional insulated panels.
- Roof styles: Gable (most popular), skillion/mono-pitch, or parapet front to match modern homes.
- Openings: Two 2.4–3.0 m roller doors for a custom Colorbond garage Perth, PA door, optional glass windows or polycarbonate skylights.
- Wind rating: Non-cyclonic (N1–N3) metro; cyclonic upgrades (C1–C3) for North QLD and North WA (Region C/D).
- Options: Mezzanine, awning for boat/caravan, lined workshop bay, affordable carports for Australian homes adjoined, vermin-proof flashing, bushfire BAL upgrades.
6 ft x 12 ft garden shed — typical spec
- Framing: Light-gauge steel channels; ribbed wall sheeting for strength.
- Doors: Single hinged or sliding door; lockset upgrade for security.
- Base: Paver or concrete slab; masonry anchors or dynabolts to engineer’s detail.
- Extras: Tool hangers, bike racks, skylight strip, gutter and downpipe to existing drainage.
How to choose the right 12×6 shed (5‑Step Buying Guide for Australian homeowners)
- Define use: Double garage, farm machinery storage, workshop, or compact 6×12 garden shed? This drives height, door sizes, and power needs.
- Check wind region and terrain: Ask for engineering to your site (N1–N6 or C1–C4). Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes ensure Region C options for coastal/remote WA.
- Choose cladding: Colorbond for residential and coastal; Zincalume for budget/rural. Consider insulation, sarking and ventilation.
- Plan the base: Slab-on-ground vs piers; allow drainage and termite management. Confirm set-backs and easements.
- Compliance: Ensure site-specific engineering, council-approved sheds WA processes, and cyclone tie-downs where required. Get everything in writing: drawings, inclusions, warranty.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
Practical steps to a fast approval
- Site plan & setbacks: Mark the 12×6 footprint, driveway access and stormwater.
- Engineering: Provide certified drawings to applicable AS/NZS standards and wind region (Region A/B or C/D along exposed coast/north).
- NCC & R-Codes: Confirm Class 10a use, wall height limits, and street setback controls.
- Bushfire and coastal: If in a BAL area, specify compliant cladding and ember protection. Coastal locations may need enhanced corrosion detailing.
- Lodge: Many councils accept certified “BA2 – Uncertified” with assessment, or “BA1 – Certified” with a private certifier for speed.
This approach also applies nationwide, with local differences. For North Queensland, insist on cyclone-rated sheds QLD (C1–C3) with hold-down bolts, cyclonic roller doors and sheeting fastener patterns.
Do you need a slab for a 12×6 shed?
- 12 m x 6 m: Commonly a 100–120 mm concrete slab (engineer to confirm thickness, MPa and reinforcement), edge thickenings/footings or pier system depending on soil class and loads.
- 6 ft x 12 ft: 75–100 mm slab or pavers on compacted base; ensure fall to drain water away.
- Drainage: Gutters and downpipes to legal point of discharge; add spoon drains if required.
Roof style comparison: gable, skillion or flat?
| Roof Style | Pros | Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gable | Classic look, great drainage, good headroom | Slightly taller ridgeline | Double garages, rural and suburban blocks |
| Skillion (Mono) | Modern aesthetic, easy solar orientation | Wind uplift detailing is critical | Contemporary homes, side setbacks |
| Flat | Low profile, cost-effective for small sheds | Needs careful drainage and fall | 6×12 garden sheds, carport tie-ins |
Real Australian build examples
Case Study 1 — Custom Colorbond double garage in Perth (12 m x 6 m)
- Spec: Colorbond Monument walls/roof, gable 10°, two 2.8 m roller doors, PA door, anti-condensation blanket + whirlybird.
- Compliance: Region A/N2 wind rating; engineered to AS/NZS standards; NCC Class 10a.
- Outcome: Quiet, cooler workspace; driveway-friendly access for two vehicles and a workbench bay.
Case Study 2 — Cyclone-rated open-front machinery shed, North QLD (12 m x 6 m)
- Spec: Three-bay open shed with 4 m eave height, C1/C2 tie-downs, cyclonic roller door on enclosed bay, Zincalume cladding.
- Outcome: Secure storage for quad, slasher and tools with wind-rated detailing for summer systems.
Case Study 3 — Compact 6 x 12 garden shed, Melbourne
- Spec: 1.8 m x 3.6 m footprint, sliding door, skylight strip, Shale Grey Colorbond to match fence.
- Outcome: Clutter-free yard, compliant with side setback and height controls.
DIY shed kits vs fully installed
| Option | Pros | Cons | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Shed Kits | Lower cost, flexible timing, great for small sheds | Requires tools/skills, time-consuming, risk of errors | Confident DIYers, 6×12 garden sheds |
| Supply & Install | Professional finish, faster, easier council process | Higher upfront cost | Busy homeowners, 12 m x 6 m garages/workshops |
FAQs: 12×6 sheds in Australia
How much does a 12 m x 6 m shed cost?
Prices vary by wind rating, height, doors and finishes. Expect a wide range from a basic kit to a fully installed custom Colorbond garage with slab and power. Ask for an itemised quote including engineering and approvals.
What wind rating do I need?
Metro areas are often N1–N3; coastal/exposed or northern regions may require C1–C3. Your engineer will assign this based on the Bureau of Meteorology wind region and site exposure.
Is Colorbond worth it over Zincalume?
For residential streetscapes, coastal air and heat, Colorbond’s finish and colour choices are usually worth it. Zincalume suits inland or budget builds.
Can I add a carport or awning later?
Yes. Many clients pair a 12×6 shed with custom carports Melbourne style awnings or carports Sydney–style street parking. Engineer connections up-front for future add-ons.
What about bushfire (BAL) and coastal corrosion?
Specify BAL-compliant detailing where applicable and use enhanced corrosion protection near breaking surf. Rinse down salt where practical and maintain gutters.
Lead times?
Lead times fluctuate with steel supply and season. Allow time for design, engineering and council. Industry outlooks in 2025 suggest steady demand for outdoor structures.
Local compliance, standards and useful references
- Standards: AS/NZS 1170, AS/NZS 4600, AS 4100, AS 1562.1, AS 1397, AS/NZS 2728; NCC/BCA Class 10a.
- Climate & wind: Check Bureau of Meteorology for wind regions and severe weather guidance.
- Bushfire: See CSIRO bushfire resources and your state’s BAL mapping.
- Energy & comfort: Energy.gov.au has advice on insulation and heat management.
- Industry bodies: HIA, Master Builders Australia, Australian Steel Institute.
- Market context: 2025 Australian Steel Market Outlook; 2025 HIA Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement Report.
Keyword clusters to help you plan
- Local builds: steel sheds Perth, council-approved sheds WA, custom Colorbond garages Perth, rural sheds NSW, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, garden sheds Adelaide, shed kits Tasmania.
- Technical: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, N1–N6, Region C/D, purlins and girts, anti-condensation blanket, insulated roof panels, vermin-proofing.
- Usage: farm machinery storage, boat storage shed, caravan or 4WD garage, workshop with mezzanine, DIY shed kits, backyard office pod, pool pump enclosure.
Ready to get a price on your 12×6 shed?
Tell us your site location, wind region, intended use, door sizes, roof style, and whether you want a slab included. We’ll provide site-specific engineering, a clear inclusions list and a fixed-price proposal for your 12×6 shed—whether that’s a big 12 m x 6 m garage or a tidy 6 ft x 12 ft garden shed.