What is a mower shed, and why does the build quality matter in Australia?
A mower shed (also called a lawn mower shed, lawn locker shed, or “little shed” for compact blocks) protects your push or ride-on mower, whipper snippers, fuel, and garden gear from theft, UV and weather. In Australia, the right specification—Colorbond cladding, wind-rated framing, correct fasteners and slab detailing—determines whether your outdoor lawn mower storage stays watertight and compliant for decades.
How to choose the right mower shed size and layout
Start with your mower type, turning circle, and storage goals.
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– Push mower shed: 1.5 × 0.8 m to 2.3 × 1.5 m; consider a lawn locker shed with dual access for tight gardens.
– Ride-on mower storage shed: 3.0 × 3.0 m minimum; 3.0 × 4.5 m gives space for ramps, a bench and fuel storage.
– Combo garden and mower storage: 3.0 × 6.0 m with a partition; add a personnel door and a 2.4 m roller door.
– Farm machinery storage on rural blocks: 6.0 × 9.0 m plus extra clearance for slashing gear and UTVs.
Allow 800–1,000 mm around the mower for safe parking and servicing. If you plan to add a compressor or battery charging bench, provision a 10 A or 15 A GPO with RCD protection and cross-ventilation to mitigate fuel vapours.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth’s hot summers and coastal suburbs expose sheds to heat and salt. For a mower shed in Perth or regional WA, Colorbond with a high solar reflectance colour (eg Surfmist, Shale Grey) is recommended. Consider sarking or insulated roof panels to reduce radiant heat under the roof sheet.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: For the Pilbara and Gascoyne (Region D and C), specify tested, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas with engineered hold-downs, high-capacity brackets, and screw patterns in line with AS/NZS 1170.2 and NCC 2022.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
Both are excellent BlueScope substrates. Your site exposure and budget decide.
| Factor | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal corrosion resistance | Superior with paint system; best when >200–400 m from surf | Strong inland; avoid within ~1 km of breaking surf |
| Heat reflectivity | High with light colours; Thermatech options available | High initial reflectance; can dull over time |
| Colour palette | Wide Colorbond range to match home exteriors | Metallic grey only |
| Warranty | Up to 20+ years in suitable environments | Up to 20+ years inland |
| Typical cost | $$ | $ |
| Best for | Residential blocks, coastal suburbs, premium finish | Budget inland builds, rural sheds NSW/WA away from coast |
Want a visual match to a custom-built double garage in Perth? Choose Colorbond for unified street appeal.
Roof styles: flat vs gable for mower sheds
| Feature | Flat (Skillion) | Gable |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Medium |
| Headroom | Lower at back, good beside fences | Better central headroom |
| Drainage | Single-fall guttering | Dual gutters, improved runoff |
| Wind performance | Excellent with correct pitch and fixings | Excellent; often better for heavy rain |
Do I need council approval for a mower shed?
Approval requirements vary by state and council. Many councils streamline small outbuildings, but height, area, setbacks and flood or bushfire overlays trigger permits. Always confirm local rules before ordering.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
- Check your local planning scheme for setbacks and maximum heights.
- Confirm if your shed qualifies as an exempt outbuilding (size/height varies by council).
- Obtain engineered drawings certified to NCC 2022, AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), and AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel).
- Lodge a Building Permit application with site plan, slab details and energy/insulation notes.
- Book final inspection for occupancy/use sign-off if required.
Gap we cover: council-approved sheds WA including coastal corrosion notes and stormwater integration.
Wind ratings: match the shed to your region
- AS/NZS 1170.2 wind regions: A (most temperate), B (intermediate), C (cyclonic), D (severe cyclonic).
- Terrain Category (TC2–TC3 typical for suburban/rural) affects design pressures.
- Importance Level 1–2 for sheds; engineer sets ultimate limit state pressures for cladding/doors.
For North QLD and WA’s northwest, specify cyclone-rated sheds QLD/WA with tested roller doors, upgraded hold-downs and screw patterns. We supply cyclone-rated sheds QLD and detail wall bracing per engineer’s schedule.
DIY shed kits vs custom-built mower sheds
DIY shed kits
- Best for lawn locker shed or little shed on a budget.
- Fast delivery; weekend install for experienced DIYers.
- Ensure kit includes engineering for your wind region and a slab plan.
Custom-built
- Tailored sizes for ride-on mower storage shed, higher clearances and integrated ramps.
- Seamless council-approved documentation, on-site install, electrical and drainage coordination.
- Ideal for premium homes and matching custom Colorbond garages Perth-wide.
Popular pairings: steel sheds Perth with matching custom carports Melbourne and affordable carports for Australian homes for street-front shade. Alternatively, see Carport Kits Launceston for adaptable storage kits.
Flooring and drainage: slab, piers, and ramps
- Slab-on-ground (75–100 mm) with mesh typically suits mower loads; consider thickening at door for ramp and wheel loads.
- Set slab 10–20 mm above finished ground with falls to avoid water ingress.
- Use bollards or wheel stops to protect cladding from mower impacts.
See also: Considering a bigger upgrade later? Compare farm shed kit prices (2025) — DIY kits and materials.
Doors, security and ventilation for mower sheds
- Roller door (2.1–2.4 m wide) for ride-ons; single hinged door for push mowers.
- Security: lockable doors, concealed fixings, anti-lift brackets, and tamper-proof hinges.
- Ventilation: high/low louvres, ridge vent or whirlybird; separate ventilated cabinet for fuels.
- Lighting: LED battens with motion sensor; daylight via polycarbonate roof sheet (use BAL-compliant materials where required).
Australian pricing guide (2025)
- Lawn locker shed (Colorbond, installed): $900–$1,900
- Push mower shed 2.3 × 1.5 m: $1,600–$3,200
- Ride-on mower shed 3.0 × 4.5 m: $4,500–$8,500
- Custom 3.0 × 6.0 m with roller door and power: $7,500–$12,000+
Prices vary by wind region, slab, access, and options (insulation, windows). The 2025 Australian Steel Market Outlook notes steady steel input costs; labour remains the main driver in metro areas. See industry context via the Australian Steel Institute and HIA reports below.
Real-world examples
Case study 1 — Suburban Perth
3.0 × 4.5 m Colorbond skillion, Surfmist roof, Dune walls, insulated roof panels. Outcome: 7–9°C cooler midday interior, compliant with Region B winds. Stormwater tied to soakwell.
Case study 2 — Coastal NSW
2.3 × 1.5 m lawn locker shed in Colorbond with marine-grade fasteners and sealed slab rebate. Outcome: corrosion resistance with minimal maintenance 400 m from surf.
Case study 3 — North QLD (Region C)
3.5 × 5.0 m ride-on mower shed, cyclone-rated doors and hold-downs. Engineer-certified to AS/NZS 1170.2 Region C, TC2. Outcome: insurer-accepted documentation and reduced storm risk.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use: push mower shed vs ride-on, plus storage zones and power needs.
- Measure site: access width for delivery, slab falls, setbacks, easements and services.
- Select spec: Colorbond vs Zincalume, roof style, insulation, wind rating, BAL if relevant.
- Get engineering: NCC 2022, AS/NZS 1170.2, AS/NZS 4600; request a footing/slab plan.
- Plan approvals and build: lodge with council; book certified installers; confirm electrical/stormwater.
FAQs
Do I always need a slab?
No, some small lawn locker sheds can sit on pavers or a timber base. For ride-on mowers, a reinforced slab with a small ramp is safer and keeps the shed square.
Can I put a mower shed on the boundary?
Often yes for low-height outbuildings, but check setbacks, height limits and fire separation rules in your local planning scheme.
What wind rating should I ask for?
Ask your supplier for a site-specific wind classification per AS/NZS 1170.2 based on your address. Coastal QLD/WA may require cyclonic details.
Is Colorbond worth it over Zincalume?
For coastal or premium residential settings, yes—better corrosion protection and colour choice. Inland rural sites can use Zincalume for savings.
Lead times in 2025?
DIY shed kits: 1–3 weeks typical. Custom sheds with permits: 4–10 weeks depending on council and installer availability.
Can you match my house and garage colours?
Yes. We frequently match house roofs and custom Colorbond garages Perth homeowners specify, for a cohesive look.
Standards, sustainability and maintenance
- Standards: NCC 2022, AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel), AS 4100 (steel structures), AS 3959 (BAL).
- Energy: Light-colour roofs and insulation reduce heat gain; see government guidance on cool roofs.
- Maintenance: Rinse coastal sheds quarterly; clear gutters; inspect screws and door tracks annually.
Useful references: Housing Industry Association, Master Builders Australia, Australian Steel Institute, Bureau of Meteorology climate, Energy.gov.au roof guidance, CSIRO.
Local keywords and use-cases we service
We design and install mower storage shed solutions across Australia, including steel sheds Perth, shed kits Brisbane, custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, garage workshops Sydney, and shed builders Adelaide. Ask about council-approved sheds WA, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, and custom Colorbond garages Perth to complete your property upgrade. Pet owners or bird enthusiasts can see Sheds and Aviaries for custom aviary designs.
When you outgrow mower storage, explore spans and heights in our Aussie sheds and barns guide.
Gardeners may prefer Garden Sheds Mornington for integrated storage.
Get a quote
Ready for a secure, compliant mower shed? Send your site address, preferred size, door type and wind region if known. We’ll provide an engineered spec with a fixed quote and clear timelines.