Whether you’re comparing garage kits Australia, speccing a custom-built double garage in Perth, or hunting for garage sheds for sale, this guide gives you the facts on design, durability, engineering and double garage prices in 2025. We’ll also cover cyclone compliance for QLD, council pathways, and practical upgrades like a 2 bay shed with awning or a double garage and workshop combo. Homeowners should also be aware of standard Single Garage Dimensions in Australia when deciding if one or two bays suit their property and needs.
What size is a standard double garage in Australia?
The most common footprint for a double car garage is 6.0 m x 6.0 m with a nominal eave height of 2.4–2.7 m. For utes/4WDs or roof racks, consider 6.0–7.0 m deep and 3.0 m eave height. If you want bench space or a garage and workshop bay, many Aussies choose 6 x 7.5 m or 7 x 7 m, effectively a two bay shed with room to move.
- Common spans: 5.8–7.5 m (gable or skillion)
- Door widths: twin 2.4–2.7 m roller doors, or a single 4.8–5.2 m panel lift
- Vehicle clearance: allow 2.2–2.4 m high clear opening for SUVs/utes; more for roof racks
- Future proof: add 1–1.5 m depth if you want cupboards or a double garage shed with storage
See alternatives: Tight site? A single garage with roller door may suit block widths that can’t accommodate a full double bay.
Double garage prices in Australia: 2025 overview
Budget depends on size, wind region, cladding (Colorbond vs Zincalume), slab and installation. As a planning guide for metro builds (indicative, ex-council fees):
- DIY double garage shed kits: approx $6,500–$14,500 (6×6 m), kit-only, N2/N3 wind rating. Add slab, footings, delivery and your labour.
- Supply + install (no slab): approx $11,000–$22,000 depending on doors, windows, insulation, cyclone tie-downs.
- Turnkey with slab: approx $18,000–$38,000+ for a double garage shed or double garage kit installed, with engineering and gutters.
- Premium/custom (high eaves, workshop bay, insulation, awning): $30,000–$55,000+, especially in cyclonic or bushfire-prone regions.
How much does a Colorbond garage cost? Colorbond typically adds ~5–15% over Zincalume for the same spec, but offers superior corrosion coating and colour choice. The cost of a Colorbond double garage thus sits near the top of each band above.
Final price depends on site access, wind region (N1–N4 or C1–C4), engineering, soil class, slab thickness, rainwater management, and your local council’s requirements.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Hot summers, sea-breeze salt and UV exposure in WA reward premium coatings and heat-smart design. Here’s a quick Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison for WA conditions:
| Factor | Colorbond Steel | Zincalume Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Painted, oven-baked finish over metallic coating for colour and extra protection | Al-Zn-Mg metallic coating (no paint) |
| Heat performance | Cooler colour options reflect more solar load; good for Perth summers | Reflective when new; can dull over time; fewer thermal choices |
| Corrosion near coast | Better resistance in coastal splash/sea-spray zones when specified correctly | Good general performance; more care needed close to surf coasts |
| Aesthetics | Wide Colorbond palette for roof, walls, doors and gutters | Industrial silver/grey look; can be painted after install |
| Cost | ~5–15% more than Zincalume | Budget-friendly |
| Best for | Premium homes, coastal suburbs, heat-conscious builds | Rural sheds, budget garage kits, non-coastal sites |
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Perth metro is typically N2–N3 under AS/NZS 1170.2; coastal exposure and hilltops can increase the rating. Always request site-specific engineering and tie-down schedules for your custom Colorbond garages Perth.
Design options and upgrades to get right
- Roof style: Gable for classic look and airflow; skillion (single pitch) for modern lines and easy water fall.
- Doors: Twin rollers or one wide panel-lift; add a rear roller for drive-through. Consider motorisation for convenience.
- Height: 3.0 m eaves helps with roof racks, 4WD canopies, and mezzanine storage. Check council height limits.
- Workshop bay: Convert to a double garage and workshop by adding 1–2 m depth, a PA door, windows and power.
- Awning/lean-to: A 2 bay shed with awning adds shaded parking or boat/caravan cover.
- Drainage: Proper guttering, downpipes and a soakwell or rainwater tank; critical for slab longevity.
- Insulation/ventilation: Roof sarking, blanket or PIR boards; add ridge/whirly vents for WA heat or QLD humidity.
- Finish: Colorbond matches house palette; consider matching fascia and downpipes.
DIY garage kits vs custom-built
Both paths can deliver a durable double car shed. Choose based on budget, time and complexity.
| Item | Garage Shed Kits (DIY) | Custom-Built/Turnkey |
|---|---|---|
| Cost control | Lowest material cost; you supply labour | Higher upfront; predictable end cost |
| Approvals | You handle council/engineering | Supplier/installer manages |
| Time | Longer; depends on your schedule | Faster with pro crew |
| Complex sites | Harder (slopes, wind upgrades) | Handled by engineer/builder |
| Quality control | Depends on your skills | Certified trades + warranties |
Council approvals and engineering
Most double garages require approvals and certified engineering under the National Construction Code (NCC). Expect wind design to AS/NZS 1170.2, steel to AS 4100/AS 4600, and cold-formed members per your supplier’s system.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Site check: Identify setbacks, easements, sewer lines, BAL (bushfire) and coastal exposure.
- Quote and concept: Finalise size, height, roof pitch, doors and cladding (Colorbond or Zincalume).
- Engineering: Obtain site-specific wind classification (often N2–N3 in Perth) and footing/slab design.
- Lodge building permit: Provide plans, engineering certificates and energy/water notes if requested.
- Construction and inspections: Slab pour, frame and cladding install, final sign-off.
In QLD and NT, many sites are cyclonic; specify cyclone-rated sheds QLD (C1–C4) with appropriate hold-downs, door wind-locks and sheeting thickness.
Wind ratings, bushfire and regional considerations
- Wind: Non-cyclonic N1–N4; cyclonic C1–C4. Higher ratings increase member sizes, fixings and door specs.
- Coastal corrosion: Up-spec coatings and fasteners within a few hundred metres of surf coasts.
- Bushfire (BAL): If adjacent to bushland, AS 3959 may affect cladding, vents, doors and ember protection.
- Drainage and soil: Engineer footing/slab to site soil class; add proper stormwater disposal to protect the slab.
Build examples and indicative budgets
Case Study 1 — Custom-built double garage in Perth (N3)
- 6.5 x 7.0 m gable, 3.0 m eaves, Colorbond walls/roof, twin auto rollers
- Roof blanket insulation, gutters to soakwells, PA door and window
- Turnkey incl. slab and permits: approx $28,000–$38,000
Case Study 2 — Cyclone-rated double car garage, Brisbane north (C2)
- 6.0 x 6.5 m skillion, 2.7 m eaves, C2 engineering, wind-locked rollers
- Zincalume roof, Colorbond walls, extra tie-downs and fixings
- Supply + install (slab by others): approx $18,000–$27,000
Case Study 3 — Rural sheds NSW: double garage and workshop
- 7.0 x 9.0 m gable, 3.0 m eaves, one bay workshop, one bay parking
- Lean-to awning 3.0 m for farm machinery storage
- Kit price: approx $13,000–$22,000 (N2), plus slab and delivery
For larger projects like a 4 car shed or 2 story garage with mezzanine, expect additional engineering and potential change of classification. Always confirm with your certifier.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use: Cars only, or a double garage and workshop? Need storage for bikes or a 2 car storage shed with shelving?
- Size and height: Map vehicles and clearance. Consider future 4WDs or a boat.
- Site and wind: Get wind class and check setbacks, services and drainage.
- Spec materials: Colorbond for coastal/heat performance; add insulation and ventilation.
- Compare quotes: Line-item doors, gutters, engineering, delivery, slab and installation for true apples-to-apples garage prices.
FAQs: Double garage, kits and approvals
How much does a Colorbond double garage cost?
Indicatively $18,000–$38,000+ turnkey for 6×6 m metro installs, or $6,500–$14,500 for kits (ex slab). Cyclonic, coastal or custom specs cost more. Always get a site-specific quote.
Do I need a concrete slab?
Most double garage shed projects use a 100–125 mm slab with thickened edges or pier footings as per engineering. Some rural two bay shed installs sit on piers with later slab pours. Confirm with your engineer and certifier.
Flat roof vs gable roof?
- Gable: Better airflow and classic look; slightly higher material cost.
- Skillion/flat: Modern look, easy water fall to one side; lower overall height.
Is Zincalume cheaper than Colorbond?
Generally yes, by around 5–15% for comparable specs. Many choose Zincalume roofs with Colorbond walls for a balanced finish and budget.
Can I get delivery for garage kits Australia-wide?
Most national suppliers deliver to metro and regional depots. Remote sites may attract surcharges or longer lead times. Ask about crane/unload requirements at your address.
Can I make it a 2-storey garage?
A full 2 story garage or habitable loft often changes classification and triggers extra NCC compliance (fire, structure, energy). A non-habitable mezzanine within a Class 10a is sometimes feasible—seek professional advice early.
Where can I find “garages close to me”?
Look for local shed builders with in-house engineering or certified partner installers. Search terms like steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne or rural sheds NSW to find region-ready suppliers.
Who we’re a good fit for
- Homeowners wanting council-approved sheds WA with N2–N3 engineering
- Coastal builds needing Colorbond and stainless fixings
- QLD sites requiring cyclone-rated sheds (C1–C4)
- Investors after low-maintenance car garage for sale inclusions with strong rental appeal
- DIYers comparing garage shed kits vs installed solutions
Need flexible space beside the garage? A storage building cabin can combine gear storage with hobby or office space.
Next steps: Get a fixed quote for your double garage
Tell us your size, wind region, door choices and whether you want a workshop or awning. We’ll price both double garage kits Australia and installed options so you can choose the best path.
References and useful resources
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) — guidance on approvals and building activity
- Master Builders Australia — licencing and contractor advice
- Australian Steel Institute — steel design and durability in Australian conditions
- Bureau of Meteorology — climate and wind information
- CSIRO — building science and materials research
- Energy.gov.au — guidance on insulation and energy-smart design
- Australian Building Codes Board (NCC) — building classifications and compliance
- Standards Australia — AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions), AS 4100/AS 4600, AS 3959
Industry outlooks (e.g., “2025 Australian Steel Market Outlook”, “2025 HIA Outdoor Structures Report”) can inform timing and pricing trends. Check latest editions for updated demand and lead times.