For Australian homeowners comparing a single-bay kit to a custom-built double garage in Perth, the biggest question is simple: what does a carport cost? Below, we detail car port price ranges, the cost of a double carport, council approvals, wind ratings, and materials like Colorbond vs Zincalume—so you can plan with confidence.
How much does a carport cost in Australia in 2025?
Indicative pricing for quality steel carports (regional variations apply):
- Single carport (approx. 6 × 3 m):
- DIY kit: $2,500–$5,500
- Installed: $5,500–$9,500
- Double carport (approx. 6 × 6 m):
- DIY kit: $3,800–$7,500
- Installed: $8,500–$15,000
- Triple/extra wide (approx. 6 × 9 m):
- DIY kit: $6,500–$12,000
- Installed: $14,000–$25,000
Expect premiums for cyclone-rated sheds in QLD/WA north (+15–35%), architectural gables/hip roofs (+10–20%), or insulated panels (+$50–$90/m²). These ranges reflect 2024–2025 steel and logistics trends reported by industry bodies including the Housing Industry Association and the Australian Steel Institute. For national shed benchmarks to compare against, see Shed Prices Australia 2025.
What factors drive car port price?
- Design: flat/skillion vs gable or hip; eaves; attached vs freestanding.
- Size and height: clear spans over 6 m or extra height for 4WDs/boats add steel tonnage.
- Wind rating and terrain: Region A/B vs cyclone Regions C/D (AS/NZS 1170.2), terrain category, shielding.
- Site works: concrete slab, pier footings, excavation, retaining, access for installers.
- Coatings: Colorbond vs Zincalume; coastal corrosion category (C3–C5) upgrades and stainless fixings.
- Options: gutters/downpipes, roller doors for enclosed bays, LED lighting, power, insulation.
- Compliance: engineer certification, building permit, bushfire (AS 3959) or flood overlays.
Australia is split into Regions A, B, C, D for wind. Regions C and D (northern WA/QLD) require cyclone-rated sheds with heavier members, extra hold‑downs and tighter fastener spacing.
Bushfire Attack Level. If your site is BAL‑rated, your carport/garage may need ember protection, specific claddings and compliant gutters.
How much is the cost of a double carport in 2025?
For searchers comparing double carport prices, plan for:
- Basic double (6 × 6 m, skillion roof, Zincalume):
- Kit: $3,800–$5,800
- Installed: $8,500–$12,500
- Premium double (gable roof, Colorbond, 2.7 m eave height):
- Kit: $5,800–$7,500
- Installed: $11,500–$15,000
- Cyclone-rated double (Region C/D, engineered):
- Installed: $13,500–$19,500+ depending on terrain and footings
When comparing the cost of a double carport, include footings/slab ($90–$140/m² for slab; $300–$600 per pier), approvals ($300–$1,200), and power/water if required.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
Both are BlueScope-coated steels widely used for steel sheds Perth and across Australia. Colorbond brings colour-fast paint over a zinc/aluminium alloy base. Zincalume is the bare alloy finish—more economical, modern silvery look.
| Criteria | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | +10–20% vs Zincalume | Lowest cost |
| Heat reflectivity (light colours) | Excellent; cool colours aid summer comfort | Good; reflective when clean |
| Coastal performance | Good with correct grade; maintain wash-down zones | Good but may show patina; rinse salt regularly |
| Aesthetics | Wide Colorbond palette to match roofing/fascia | Industrial, silvery look |
| Warranty | Typically up to 20+ years (conditions apply) | Typically up to 20+ years (conditions apply) |
| Best for | Premium homes, custom Colorbond garages Perth | Budget-friendly carports, rural sheds NSW |
Related: see Energy.gov.au guidance on cool roofs and reflective colours (government energy advice).
How to get council approval for your custom carport in WA
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Confirm planning rules: setbacks, open‑sided carport allowances, streetscape policies (check your local LPS/R‑Codes).
- Obtain engineering: carport certified to AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600 (cold‑formed steel). Needed for Building Permit (BA1/BA2).
- Prepare drawings: site plan, elevations, footing details, stormwater plan.
- Lodge application: Class 10a structure under the NCC via your local council or a private certifier.
- Install and inspect: footing inspections as required; keep certificates of compliance. If you’re exploring Class 1 dwellings, compare budgets in our Shed Homes WA Prices guide.
For guidance on WA planning, visit WA Planning. NCC references: ABCB (NCC). In QLD cyclonic areas, see Queensland approvals.
Do you need cyclone-rated or wind-rated sheds for your area?
If you’re in northern WA/QLD, choose cyclone-rated sheds QLD/WA compliant with AS/NZS 1170.2 Regions C/D. Along the east and south coasts (Region A/B), standard engineering usually applies, but terrain category, topography and shielding may increase design pressures.
- Region A/B (most metro: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide): standard wind loads, economical frames.
- Region C (Townsville, Karratha): stronger frames, closer fastener spacing, deeper footings.
- Region D (Broome): highest wind speeds; strict engineering and hold‑downs.
Check cyclone risk with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM cyclone portal). Alpine NSW/VIC require snow load checks (AS/NZS 1170.3). Coastal sites need corrosion-aware detailing; see Australian Steel Institute advice (steel guidance) and CSIRO materials research (CSIRO).
Real‑world price examples in 2025 (installed)
Perth metro — custom carports Melbourne and Perth parallels
- Perth 6 × 6 m gable, Colorbond, 2.7 m eave, freestanding on slab:
- Kit: $6,600
- Slab (100 mm, 36 m² @ $115/m²): $4,140
- Install + engineering + permit: $3,100
- Total: ~$13,840
These examples illustrate why the “same size” structure can vary by wind rating, foundations and finishes. For garage and workshop ranges locally, see current shed prices Perth WA.
- Brisbane Region C, 6 × 6 m skillion with cyclone upgrade, pier footings:
- Kit: $6,000
- Piers/footings (6 posts @ $450): $2,700
- Install + engineering + certification: $4,000
- Total: ~$12,700
- Rural sheds NSW variant: 7 × 7 m extra height (3.0 m) for farm machinery storage:
- Kit: $7,800 (Zincalume)
- Slab (49 m² @ $105/m²): $5,145
- Install + permit: $3,400
- Total: ~$16,345
What are the best carport materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth heat and sea breeze favour light-colour Colorbond, anti‑condensation blanket/insulation, and hot‑dip galvanized posts or higher-grade coating near the coast. For custom sheds and steel sheds Perth, consider:
- Colorbond or Zincalume roof/wall sheets with compliant base metal thickness.
- Galvanized SHS/CHS posts with adequate embedment or anchored to slab with chemical anchors.
- High-flow gutters and downpipes sized for Perth storm intensities.
- Optional insulated panels for west-facing carports.
DIY shed kits vs custom-built installation
| Aspect | DIY Shed Kits | Custom-Built |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront price | Lowest | Higher |
| Time | More owner time; organise permits and trades | Builder manages approvals and installation |
| Engineering/Approvals | Often included in kit; you lodge | Handled by installer; smoother permits |
| Finish/Customisation | Standard sizes; add‑ons cost extra | Tailored height, roof pitch, Colorbond colours |
| Best for | Handy owners, regional properties | Time‑poor owners, premium homes |
Either path can deliver affordable carports for Australian homes—choose based on time, compliance confidence, and finish quality.
5‑Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use-case: car, caravan, boat, or farm machinery storage; set clear width/height.
- Confirm site class: wind region, terrain, setbacks, services; get a soil or footing check if needed.
- Select materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, post/coating grade, insulation and gutters.
- Get 2–3 quotes: request the same span, roof type, eave height, wind region, footing design, and inclusions (engineering, permits).
- Plan installation: slab vs piers, stormwater, electrical, and maintenance (wash-down if coastal).
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way to build a carport?
A flat/skillion Zincalume DIY kit on pier footings is typically the lowest car port price. Keep spans modest (≤6 m), and check local rules for open‑sided structures to avoid extra cladding costs.
How long does installation take?
From permit to completion: 3–8 weeks depending on council timeframes, engineering lead time, slab cure, and weather. On-site assembly for a double carport is usually 1–3 days after footings/slab are ready.
Do I need council approval?
Most Class 10a structures require a building permit. Some minor carports may be exempt from planning in certain councils if they meet strict criteria. Always verify with your council or private certifier.
What about corrosion near the coast?
Use appropriate coating grades, rinse salt monthly where practical, specify stainless fixings at severe marine exposure, and maintain gutters. See Australian Steel Institute guidance for coastal categories.
Are there tax or depreciation benefits for investors?
Investors may claim capital works depreciation on eligible structures—seek ATO or quantity surveyor advice.
Competitor gap coverage you won’t usually see
- council-approved sheds WA: step-by-step approval flow and NCC references.
- cyclone-rated sheds QLD: Region C/D specifics and footing considerations.
- custom Colorbond garages Perth: coastal detailing and heat mitigation for WA summers.
Useful references and industry sources
- Housing Industry Association — market updates and home improvement trends: HIA
- Master Builders Australia — building practice and compliance: MBA
- Australian Steel Institute — corrosion categories and detailing: ASI
- Bureau of Meteorology — cyclone and severe weather: BOM Cyclone
- Standards Australia — AS/NZS references (purchase/preview): Standards Australia
- ABCB — National Construction Code: NCC
- Energy.gov.au — cool roofs and energy-smart materials: Energy.gov.au
- CSIRO — materials and climate research: CSIRO
Note: Pricing and trends reflect publicly available 2024–2025 Australian market commentary and industry reporting (e.g., HIA home improvement insights and steel market outlooks). Always verify requirements with your local council and engineer.