What is a “shed locker” and when should you choose one?
A shed locker (also called a garden locker or lawn locker) is a compact, lockable, steel storage enclosure designed to sit against a wall, fence line or side setback. Think of it as a mini Colorbond steel shed with vertical doors—ideal for bikes, mowers, pool gear and power tools when a full-size workshop shed won’t fit.
- Lawn locker: lower profile for mower, trimmer, fuel and garden consumables.
- Garden locker: taller unit with shelves and hooks for tools, hoses and fertiliser.
- Smart locker shed: a shed locker fitted with smart access (keypad/Bluetooth), parcel-compatible doors, lighting and sensors.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth’s high UV, summer heat and sea breezes punish cheap cladding. For a compact shed locker or full-size workshop, quality sheet steel and compliant fixings matter more than ever.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
Both are excellent if engineered correctly. In coastal suburbs (C3–C4 corrosion categories), coatings, fasteners and detailing make the difference.
| Feature | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| UV performance | Excellent colour retention; ideal for Perth heat | Metallic finish can heat up; may require painting |
| Coastal resistance | Very good with marine-grade fasteners and correct detailing | Very good; must watch cut-edges near sea spray |
| Aesthetics | Large colour palette to match home facades | Classic metallic; paint to match if needed |
| Cost | Usually higher upfront | Often more affordable |
| Maintenance | Low; washdown improves lifespan | Low–moderate; paint adds maintenance |
Which shed locker size and layout fits your block?
- Common sizes: 1.5–3.0 m wide x 0.8–1.2 m deep x 1.2–2.1 m high.
- Door orientation: double swing or roller-lid for narrow side setbacks.
- Base: compacted road base with pavers, or a 75–100 mm concrete slab-on-ground with fall to drain.
- Clearances: maintain 50–100 mm off walls/fences for airflow; check fire and boundary setback rules with your council.
How to choose between a lawn locker, garden locker and a smart locker shed
Lawn locker (low-profile)
Best for mower and fuel storage with lockable child-safe latches. Add a bunded tray for fuel cans and ventilation slots per manufacturer guidance.
Garden locker (tall)
Ideal for long-handle tools, shelves and fertilisers. Opt for Colorbond cladding, AS 3566 Class 4 fasteners and vermin-proofing at the base.
Smart locker shed
Perfect for deliveries, bikes and shared access. Add a reinforced parcel hatch, weather-rated keypad/Bluetooth deadbolt, motion lighting and optional solar trickle charge. If you run an Airbnb or home office, this is a tidy, secure solution.
Are shed lockers council-approved in your area?
Many councils treat compact lockers as “minor structures” but size, height, boundary setbacks and overlays (bushfire/flood) can change the rules. Engineer-signed drawings are commonly requested even for small steel enclosures.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
- Check your LGA’s minor works exemptions and setbacks (front, side, rear).
- Obtain site classification (AS 2870) and confirm wind region and terrain category.
- Provide certified engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel) and AS 4100 (structural steel).
- Detail slab/fixing method, stormwater connection and boundary distances on your site plan.
- Submit a Building Permit (BA) if required; some councils allow council-approved sheds WA via fast-track if engineered and compliant.
QLD and NT (cyclonic)
Choose cyclone-rated sheds QLD engineered for Region C/D. Look for higher fastener densities, cyclonic door kits and hold-downs. Verify tie-down to slab or piers meets engineer details.
VIC and NSW
Check BAL status under AS 3959. Bushfire-prone areas may require ember-proof mesh, enclosed eaves and non-combustible cladding. For coastal rural sheds NSW, specify marine-grade fixings and sarking.
What wind rating and footings do you need?
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes Your engineer will nominate an importance level and wind classification (e.g., N2/N3 or C2), factoring Region, Terrain Category and Topography per AS/NZS 1170.2. Even compact lockers must be fixed to a suitable base to resist uplift and sliding.
- Hold-downs: M12–M16 chemical anchors into concrete or galvanised post shoes set in concrete piers.
- Slab: 75–100 mm with mesh (SL62 or as engineered). Edge thickenings for larger sheds or poor soils.
- Fasteners: AS 3566 Class 3–4 screws; upgrade to Class 4 near coast.
- Drainage: spoon drain or strip drain to avoid ponding at door threshold.
Build options — DIY shed kits vs custom-built
| Aspect | DIY Shed Kits | Custom-Built |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest upfront | Higher; engineered to site |
| Approvals | You manage council/engineering | Supplier manages design and permits |
| Fit & finish | Standard sizes/colours | Exact size, colour and features |
| Lead time | Usually fastest | Longer; detailed documentation |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s product warranty | Product + workmanship warranty |
Time-poor owner? Consider a custom Colorbond locker matched to your facade or even custom Colorbond garages Perth to complement your home’s roof and gutters.
Roof forms: flat, skillion or gable?
| Roof | Best for | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Low heights, side setbacks | Minimal visual impact | Ensure fall and drainage to avoid ponding |
| Skillion (monopitch) | Against walls or fences | Fast to build, good water run-off | Flashings and backtrays must be well detailed |
| Gable | Street-visible installs | Classic look, more headroom | Higher profile can trigger permits |
Real Australian build examples
Perth, WA — narrow setback garden locker
A Colorbond Monument skillion locker, 2.4 m x 0.9 m, engineered N2 with Class 4 screws and Anticon blanket. Fixed to a 100 mm slab with M12 chemset anchors. Result: zero water ingress in winter storms and 7–9°C cooler in summer versus uninsulated tinshed.
Townsville, QLD — cyclone-rated smart locker shed
1.8 m x 1.2 m Region C design with cyclonic door kit, added parcel hatch and solar keypad lock. Anchored to piers per engineer. Withstood seasonal gusts without movement and enabled parcel drop-offs during the wet.
Mornington Peninsula, VIC — coastal lawn locker
Zincalume with painted finish, Class 4 fasteners and scribed flashings for sea spray. Annual washdown scheduled. No tea-staining after 24 months.
5-step buying guide for custom sheds in Australia
- Define the job: tools, bikes, mower, parcels, or a mini workshop?
- Pick materials: Colorbond for colour and coastal resistance; Zincalume for value.
- Engineer it: confirm wind region, BAL, and fixings; get signed drawings.
- Plan approvals: check setbacks, height, drainage and stormwater connection.
- Build smart: choose DIY shed kits for speed or turnkey install for a guaranteed finish.
Smart locker shed features worth the money
- Digital locks: IP-rated keypad/Bluetooth with audit trail.
- Parcel hatch: courier-friendly, internal cage for security.
- Lighting and sensors: solar or 240 V with motion LEDs.
- Monitoring: Wi‑Fi camera inside facing the doors (privacy-aware).
- Power and ventilation: GPOs for chargers; louvres to avoid condensation.
Maintenance for Australian conditions
- Quarterly washdown, especially within 1 km of the coast.
- Re-seal penetrations and repaint cut edges to prevent corrosion.
- Check anchors and door hardware after major wind events.
- Keep base clear of soil/mulch; maintain drainage and leaf guards.
FAQs
Do I need a slab for a shed locker?
Not always, but a concrete slab or piers give reliable hold-down and weathering. Pavers over compacted base can work for small units if anchors suit manufacturer instructions.
What wind rating should I ask for?
Ask your supplier to engineer to your site’s AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region (A–D) and terrain. Coastal QLD/WA may require cyclonic detailing even for small lockers.
Is Colorbond worth the premium?
In high-UV or coastal areas, yes. The finish lasts, looks better and often improves resale. Zincalume is great value inland if you’re happy to paint or accept metallic finish.
Can I match my house colour and gutters?
Yes. Most suppliers can match Colorbond colours, roof pitch and even gutter profiles to complement a custom-built double garage in Perth or your patio.
What about bushfire overlays?
In BAL-rated zones, specify non-combustible cladding, ember-proof vents and appropriate glazing per AS 3959. Your certifier will confirm final details.
Keyword clusters to help plan your project
Local and use-case
- steel sheds Perth, workshop sheds Brisbane, rural sheds NSW
- custom carports Melbourne, affordable carports for Australian homes
- farm machinery storage, American barn sheds
- DIY shed kits, garden storage solutions, garage storage
Technical
- Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas
- BAL-rated sheds, site classification (AS 2870), NCC 2025 compliance
- portal frame engineering, sarking and Anticon insulation
- marine-grade fasteners, corrosion control near coast
Australian standards, climate and industry references
- AS/NZS 1170.2 (Wind Actions), AS/NZS 4600 (Cold-formed), AS 4100 (Steel), AS 3959 (Bushfire), AS 2870 (Residential slabs): see Standards catalogue
Australian Standards. - Wind regions and severe weather data:
Bureau of Meteorology. - Coatings and steel performance guidance:
Australian Steel Institute. - Home improvement trends and permits:
Housing Industry Association (HIA) and
Master Builders Australia. - Energy and heat mitigation in outbuildings:
Energy.gov.au and building science resources at
CSIRO. - Market context: 2025 Australian Steel Market Outlook (industry commentary) and 2025 HIA Outdoor Structures & Home Improvement Report (category growth insights).