What is a “single garage with roller door” in Australia?
A single garage with a roller door is a one-car, engineered steel structure—most commonly a custom Colorbond garage—designed for cars, workshop gear, and secure storage. Typical internal clear spans start around 3.2–3.6 m wide by 5.5–6.2 m long with 2.4–3.0 m eave height, configured with a manual or motorised roller door.
- Common use-cases: daily vehicle parking, motorcycle bay, tool storage, home gym, tradesman workshop.
- Popular build types: steel sheds Perth, rural sheds NSW, custom Colorbond garages Perth, council-approved sheds WA, cyclone-rated sheds QLD.
If you outgrow a single bay, storage building cabins add multi‑room layouts without committing to a larger garage footprint. For more compact options, a Garden Shed with Roller Door can be a smart choice for backyards.
Why choose a single car garage over a carport?
- Security: Lock-up roller door protects vehicles, tools, and bikes better than open carports.
- Weather protection: Fully enclosed walls reduce UV fade, hail damage, and wind-driven rain ingress.
- Flexibility: Add shelving, benchtops, and insulation for a workshop or hobby space.
- Compliance: Engineered to AS/NZS 1170 wind actions; easier to certify than retrofitted carports with roller doors.
Looking for budget coverage? A carport with roller door cost can rise quickly due to extra framing and wind bracing—often putting a small garage kit in the same ballpark while offering much better security.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
In WA’s hot, dry summer and coastal salt zones, roof and wall cladding choice matters. Most single garages are built in either Colorbond steel or Zincalume. Here’s how they compare for WA conditions.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond Steel | Zincalume Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Painted, baked-on finish; multiple colours (incl. Matt) | Metallic alloy finish (silver-grey) |
| Coastal performance | Choose Colorbond Ultra near surf coasts and marinas | Good, but less resistant than Ultra in aggressive salt zones |
| Heat management | Light colours reflect heat; Thermatech in many colours | Reflective but may glare; less design flexibility |
| Aesthetics | Matches home facade and gutters; premium street appeal | Utilitarian look; suits rural or utility settings |
| Cost | Higher upfront | More affordable |
| Best for | Urban and coastal homes, strict design covenants | Budget builds, rural sheds NSW, farm machinery storage |
For Perth and coastal WA, most homeowners choose Colorbond (often Ultra within 200–400 m of breaking surf). For inland or rural settings, Zincalume is a durable, cost-effective option.
Helpful resources:
Bureau of Meteorology climate data,
CSIRO building research,
Energy.gov.au cooling tips.
How much does a single garage with roller door cost in Australia?
Ballpark figures for 2024–2025 supply and install (metro pricing; regional delivery and site works vary):
- DIY shed kits (single garage, uninsulated, manual door): from $5,500–$8,500.
- Installed Colorbond single garage (engineered, slab extra): typically $9,500–$14,500.
- Premium spec (motorised door, insulation, windows): $13,000–$20,000+.
- Carport with roller door cost: Often $7,500–$12,000 installed; however, added bracing to suit wind loads narrows the gap to a full garage.
Major cost drivers: slab and site prep, wind region (A–D), coastal corrosion category, eave height, door automation, insulation, and council fees.
Industry pulse: According to sector updates from the Australian Steel Institute and HIA outdoor structures reporting for 2025, homeowners continue to invest in durable, low-maintenance steel additions even as material costs normalise after recent supply fluctuations.
Sources:
Australian Steel Institute,
Housing Industry Association,
Master Builders Australia.
Engineering and wind ratings: build it right the first time
Your single car garage must meet the NCC (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards—including AS/NZS 1170 (wind actions), AS 4100/AS/NZS 4600 (steel structures), and AS/NZS 3500 (stormwater). Coastal or cyclonic areas require upgraded frames, connections, and cladding fixings.
- Wind regions: A (most metro), B (regional), C & D (cyclonic—QLD, WA north). Ask for cyclone-rated sheds QLD if applicable.
- Terrain Category (TC2–TC3), Importance Level, and topography all affect design pressures on doors and walls.
- Roller doors must be wind-rated to the site’s ultimate design wind pressure—this is critical for garage door integrity.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: In WA, ensure site-specific certification reflects local topography and shielding. Many councils require signed Form BA3 and engineering computations for cyclonic and coastal zones.
Tip: Choose a ShedSafe-accredited supplier to ensure the engineering matches your postcode, not a generic kit.
Do you need council approval? State-by-state notes
Rules vary. Most single garages require approval or building consent if over certain sizes, near boundaries, or in wind/bushfire overlays. Always confirm with your local council.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
- Confirm R-Codes and setbacks; check easements and sewer alignments.
- Order engineered drawings: slab plan, elevations, and wind report.
- Lodge BA2/BA3 with site plan and specifications; pay fees.
- Coordinate inspections (footings/slab, final).
- Obtain a completion certificate and store with your house records.
Other states:
- QLD: Cyclone regions require N3–N5/C region certification; check bushfire overlays.
- NSW: Complying Development may apply for smaller, setback-compliant garages.
- VIC: Building permit required; check overlays and maximum site coverage.
Standards and approvals info:
Australian Standards,
QLD resilience and wind regions.
Design options for a one car garage
- Cladding: Colorbond (Standard, Matt, Ultra) or Zincalume.
- Roof profiles:
– Gable roof: Classic look, better runoff, easy to ventilate.
– Skillion/flat: Modern lines, lower height near boundaries. - Heights: 2.4 m for cars; 2.7–3.0 m for 4WDs and roof racks.
- Doors: Roller door 2.4–3.0 m wide; motorised with smartphone control. Not all garages need large doors—see our Roller Door Small for compact sheds and storage.
- Windows and access: PA doors, louvres, glass sliders for natural light.
- Thermal control: Sisalation, insulated roof panels, wall batts, whirlybirds.
- Flooring: 100 mm reinforced concrete slab; epoxy finish for workshops.
- Electrical: LED battens, GPOs, EV socket provision, safety switches.
Roller door options and sizes
- Common sizes: 2.4 m (W) x 2.1–2.4 m (H); taller openings for lifted 4WDs.
- Wind-rated doors: Required in high-wind and cyclonic regions; look for certified pressure ratings.
- Automation: Battery-backed motors; smart app integration; photo-eye sensors.
- Coastal hardware: 316 stainless fixings, Colorbond Ultra cladding, powder-coated tracks.
DIY shed kits vs installed garages
DIY shed kits
- Pros: Lower cost, flexible timing, great for experienced owner-builders.
- Cons: Council paperwork, slab tolerances, and wind bracing can challenge first-time builders.
Installed garages
- Pros: Turnkey, faster approvals, guaranteed workmanship, single warranty path.
- Cons: Higher upfront investment; scheduling based on installer availability.
For cyclonic or coastal sites, we recommend installer-built, ShedSafe-engineered packages.
Case studies: build examples across Australia
Perth, WA – custom Colorbond single garage
- Spec: 3.5 m x 6.0 m x 2.7 m eave, Colorbond Matt Monument, motorised 2.7 m door.
-
To avoid ongoing fees, consider storage locker alternatives with on‑property COLORBOND lock‑ups.
Explore Storage Unit Alternatives in Australia for robust Colorbond solutions suited to Aussie homes.