Triple Carport Australia: Custom 3-Car Colorbond Carports, Costs and Council Approvals

What is a triple carport and who needs one?

A triple carport is an engineered steel structure designed to shelter three standard vehicles, or two vehicles plus a caravan/boat, using either freestanding columns or attached-to-dwelling brackets. Typical clear spans range from 8.4–10.8 m with bays around 2.8–3.6 m each, and eave heights from 2.4–3.6 m (higher for caravans or 4WDs with roof racks). If space is at a premium, review our guide to the Double Car Port in Australia for dimensions and design options. If you need a large car accommodation, a triple carport can be the ideal solution—especially for growing families or collectors. If you’re also comparing carports with larger garage solutions, check out our guide to the Two Story Garage in Australia for designs and council insights.

• Popular footprints: 9 × 6 m, 9 × 7.5 m, 10.5 × 7 m
• Use-cases: family vehicles, caravan/boat cover, farm machinery storage, overflow parking for multi-dwelling sites
• Finishes: Colorbond roof and gutters, powder-coated SHS columns, matching fascia to existing home

A versatile option is the Carport Shed, which combines carport and storage functionalities.

For those considering even more expansive storage or parking, explore the Three Car Garage (Triple Garage) in Australia for sizes, costs, and council approval tips.

How much does a triple carport cost in Australia (2025)?

Carports cost varies by material, wind region, roof style and install complexity. As a planning guide for a premium, council-approved triple carport in Colorbond steel:

• DIY kit (ex-factory): approx $8,500–$18,000
• Installed (metro, non-cyclonic): approx $15,000–$32,000
• Installed (cyclone-rated sheds QLD, Regions C/D): approx $26,000–$45,000

Allow for footings and concrete slab (if specified): $110–$170/m² for a 100–125 mm reinforced slab depending on soil class and earthworks. Regional logistics, engineered upgrades (e.g., coastal corrosion protection), and heritage design overlays can add 10–25%.

What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?

Perth and much of WA experience high UV, heat and coastal salt exposure. For roofing and gutters, most carport companies recommend Colorbond steel for its baked-on paint system and robust warranty. Zincalume offers excellent value where colour is not required.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — which is better for WA conditions?

For hot roofs in Perth or inland WA, consider insulated roof panels or sarking. Pro tip below.

Which roof style suits a three car carport?

Wind ratings, cyclones and bushfire: what specs matter?

• Design to AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions) and AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel structures).
• Non-cyclonic (Region A/B) vs cyclonic (Region C/D) dictates member sizes, purlin spacing, fastener density and hold-down details.
• Coastal exposure: upgrade coatings/fasteners; consider Colorbond Ultra and stainless fixings in marine splash zones.
• BAL (AS 3959) in bushfire-prone areas: ember protection, metal gutters with metal leaf guards, non-combustible cladding/fascia.

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes

• Perth metro generally Region A; terrain category and topography can push design pressures higher—get site-specific engineering.
• WA Building Act pathways: Certified BA1 with a private building surveyor speeds approval; standard turnaround target is 10 business days by council once lodged.
• Soakwell capacity for roof run-off is commonly required in Perth sands—include in drainage drawings.

Do I need council approval or a building permit?

Most triple carports require approvals. You’ll typically need a planning check (setbacks, streetscape) and a building permit with certified engineering.

How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA

1. Confirm zoning and setbacks under your Local Planning Scheme and R-Codes.
2. Engage a designer/engineer for drawings to AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600.
3. Appoint a private building surveyor (certifier) and lodge a BA1 (certified) application.
4. Submit site plan, structural certificate, drainage plan (soakwells), product specs (e.g., Colorbond), and builder’s insurances.
5. Allow typical 10 business days for the permit after lodgement by the certifier.

Elsewhere: NSW uses Complying Development or DA; VIC requires a building permit via a registered building surveyor; QLD requires building approval via a private certifier (QBCC-licensed builder recommended) with cyclone detailing in Region C/D.

Interested in smaller solutions? Read about the Single Carport Kit (2025) for prices, sizes, and approval info.

DIY kit vs custom-built: which should you choose?

5‑Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds and Carports in Australia

1. Set size and clearance: measure vehicles, caravan A-frame, and roof racks; pick 9–10.5 m span and 2.7–3.6 m eave height.
2. Select materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume; consider insulated roof panels for heat reduction.
3. Engineer for your site: wind region, terrain, topography, BAL rating, corrosion zone.
4. Budget and inclusions: slab, drainage, gutters/downpipes, lighting, storage bays.
5. Choose a builder: look for council-approved sheds WA experience (or local equivalent), warranty, and clear timelines.

Case studies: triple carport builds

Perth coastal (non-cyclonic, Region A)

• Size: 9 × 7.5 m, skillion roof 3° fall, 3.0 m eave
• Spec: Colorbond Surfmist roof/gutters; SHS 100 × 100 posts; C200 purlins; M16 chemset hold-downs
• Notes: site-specific engineering and private certifier engaged; coastal corrosion protection applied to fasteners and flashings.