Your 2025 buyer’s guide to 6×6 steel sheds, garages and workshops
Written for Australian homeowners, renovators and property investors comparing premium Colorbond steel sheds.
How much does a 6×6 shed cost in Australia?
A 6×6 shed (6m x 6m, 36 m²) is the classic double garage or workshop size. 2025 pricing depends on wind region, roof type, steel thickness, door set-up and whether you buy a DIY shed kit or go turnkey.
- DIY 6×6 shed kit (non‑cyclonic N2–N3, gable roof, Colorbond cladding, no slab): $6,500–$12,500 inc. GST
- 6×6 garage kit (two wind‑locked roller doors, PA door, window, 0.48 BMT roof): $9,900–$16,500 inc. GST
- Turnkey 6×6 shed or custom-built double garage (incl. 100 mm slab, erection, standard council/shire application): $22,000–$38,000
Adjustments that commonly apply:
- Cyclone-rated sheds (QLD/NT/WA north, C2–C3): +15–35%
- Coastal/corrosion upgrades (Colorbond Ultra/HDG, stainless fixings): +$1,200–$3,000
- BAL (bushfire) features (BAL‑29 to BAL‑40): +$1,500–$4,500
- Skillion roof with extra height (car hoist/boat): +$800–$2,800
- Insulation, anticon, whirlybirds, vermin flashing, gutters/downpipes: +$600–$2,500
Quick comparisons with neighbouring sizes
- 6m x 8m shed prices (48 m²): kit $9,500–$18,500; turnkey $28,000–$46,000
- 7×9 shed (63 m²): kit $12,500–$24,000; turnkey $38,000–$62,000
- “6×6 garden shed” (light gauge, not a garage): typically smaller spec; avoid for vehicles—choose a portal-framed 6×6 garage instead.
Compare with the 9×12 Storage Shed in Australia for value per sqm.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth heat, UV and sea breeze make material choice critical. Most premium builds use Bluescope Colorbond cladding and either galvanised RHS/SHS or cold‑formed portal frames.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Coating & base steel | Painted over alloy‑zinc coating; Bluescope warranty | Alloy‑zinc coating; Bluescope warranty |
| Heat & UV performance | Excellent; solar-reflective colours reduce heat gain | Good; reflective finish but can heat up |
| Coastal resistance | Colorbond Ultra recommended near surf coasts | May require greater set‑back from marine exposure |
| Aesthetics | Wide Colorbond palette; premium look | Industrial silver-grey only |
| Cost (6×6 shed skin) | + $400–$1,000 over Zincalume | Most economical |
| Best for | Homes, custom Colorbond garages in Perth | Rural sheds NSW/WA inland, farm machinery storage |
Itemised cost breakdown for a 6×6 garage
- Engineering & certification: $450–$1,200
- Site works & slab (100 mm, 25–32 MPa, SL72 mesh, thickenings): $4,500–$8,500
- Portal frame & purlins (galv C/Z sections): $3,200–$6,500
- Roof & wall sheeting (0.42–0.48 BMT Colorbond/Zincalume): $1,800–$3,800
- Roller doors (2x 2.4–3.0 m wind‑locked) + openers: $1,800–$3,200
- PA door, window(s), vermin flashings: $700–$1,800
- Gutters, downpipes, flashings, screws & sealants: $650–$1,400
- Erection labour (licensed installer): $4,500–$8,000
- Council/shire fees & drawings: $600–$1,800
Definition — Wind‑lock: A roller‑door feature that resists door curtain blow‑out in high winds; often required in N3/C2 regions.
Will my 6×6 shed pass wind ratings and the NCC?
Yes—when engineered to Australian Standards and your site’s wind region. Most suburban sites are N2 or N3; coastal headlands and northern Australia require C‑class (cyclonic) design.
- Standards: AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind actions), AS/NZS 4600 (cold‑formed steel), AS 4100 (steel structures), NCC 2022, AS 2870 (slabs), AS 3959 (BAL)
- Regions: N2/N3 (non‑cyclonic), C2/C3 (cyclonic). Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
- Upgrades: extra hold‑downs, wind‑locked doors, closer purlin spacings, heavier connections
How to get council approval for your custom shed
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
- Get site classification (wind region, terrain, BAL). Many “steel sheds Perth” suppliers will check.
- Order certified engineering drawings and a site plan with setbacks and stormwater management.
- Lodge building permit (BA1) with your shire; some suppliers handle council-approved sheds WA end‑to‑end.
- Pour slab after permit; book inspections if required.
- Erect, connect stormwater to lawful point, and obtain completion sign‑off.
If a double garage is too big, a 6m x 3m Shed could be just right.
Other states: Similar steps apply for custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, and sheds Brisbane. Check local overlays (flood, heritage, bushfire).
DIY shed kit vs custom-built installation
| DIY 6×6 shed kit | Custom-built/installed | |
|---|---|---|
| Up‑front cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time & risk | High (owner‑builder permit may apply) | Low—single point of accountability |
| Compliance | On you to follow plans | Installer manages NCC/AS/NZS compliance |
| Warranty | Limited to materials | Materials + workmanship warranty |
| Best for | Experienced DIYers | Busy homeowners and investors |
Roof style and height choices
| Option | Pros | Cons | Cost impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gable roof (10–15°) | Classic look, good runoff, easy to insulate | Taller ridge in front setbacks | Base price |
| Skillion roof | Modern, easy height along one side (car hoist) | Can need deeper beams | +$400–$1,200 |
| Extra wall height (3.0 m+) | Boat/4WD racks, mezzanine | More steel and wind loads | +$600–$2,000 |
State-by-state considerations
- WA: Sea breeze and coastal corrosion—prefer Colorbond Ultra, hot‑dip galvanised brackets; check Fremantle Doctor wind effects.
- QLD: cyclone-rated sheds QLD (C2/C3) need wind‑locked doors and heavy hold‑downs; check BOM cyclonic regions.
- NSW rural: “rural sheds NSW” often need larger eave gutters and leaf‑guard due to debris loads.
- VIC: custom carports Melbourne must address overshadowing/overlooking and stormwater detention in some councils.
- SA/NT/TAS/ACT: Local frost, snow, or corrosion categories can modify specs—confirm with your certifier.
Real build examples (2024–2025)
- Perth, WA — custom Colorbond garages Perth: 6mx6m, gable 15°, Monument walls/Shale Grey roof, 0.48 BMT, 2x 2.7 m wind‑locked doors, PA door, anticon + R1.8 roof blanket, slab 100 mm, stormwater to soakwell. Turnkey: $28,900.
- Townsville, QLD — cyclone rated: 6×6 storage shed, C2 design, extra hold‑downs, wind‑locked doors, stainless fixings. Kit: $14,700; install & slab: $12,800; total: $27,500.
- Riverina, NSW — farm machinery storage bay (compact): 6×6 shed kit in Zincalume with open gable end, gravel base. Kit: $8,400; owner-built install.
Common upgrades and price impacts
- Windows (sliding, 900 x 1210): $350–$650 each
- Glass infill panels above roller doors: $400–$800
- Mezzanine/storage platform: $1,800–$4,500
- Electrical rough‑in (lights, GPOs, openers): $1,200–$3,200 (licensed electrician)
- Epoxy or polyurea floor coating: $35–$80/m²
5‑Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use-case: dual-car 6×6 garage, backyard workshop, home gym, boat storage, or small warehouse.
- Pick spec: Colorbond vs Zincalume, 0.48 BMT roof, wind rating, door sizes, insulation, vermin seals.
- Obtain site info: wind region (N2–C3), BAL, setbacks, easements; request council pre‑check.
- Compare quotes apples‑to‑apples: engineering, slab, door wind‑locks, gutters/downpipes, installation, council fees.
- Plan delivery and lead times (3–8 weeks typical) and confirm installer availability and warranties.
FAQs: 6×6 shed price, specs and approvals
Is a concrete slab required for a 6×6 garage?
For vehicles and workshops, yes. A 100 mm slab with thickened edges to AS 2870 is standard; heavier loads (car hoist) may require 150 mm or pads.
What wind rating should I choose?
Your engineer will specify N2/N3 or C2/C3 from AS/NZS 1170.2. Don’t under‑spec—insurance claims can be impacted.
Can I save with a 6×6 shed kit?
DIY shed kits cut labour costs but shift compliance and OH&S risk to you. Many owners prefer installed solutions for warranty and schedule certainty.
What about a 5 bay shed?
That’s a different scale (multi‑bay rural shed). A 6×6 is a single‑bay double garage; a 5‑bay could be 6 m deep x 30 m long for farm machinery.
Is Zincalume okay near the coast?
Use Colorbond Ultra or additional coatings/fixings within marine zones. Always follow Bluescope coastal set‑back guidance.
Lead times in 2025?
Most metro areas: 3–6 weeks for kits after engineering; install slots 2–6 weeks later. Cyclonic or custom colours can add time.
How does 6m x 6m compare with 6m x 8m?
A 6m x 8m shed comfortably adds a workshop bay; expect ~25–35% higher cost due to extra steel and slab area.
Local context, codes and market notes (2025)
- Standards and code: NCC 2022, AS/NZS 1170.2, AS/NZS 4600, AS 4100, AS 2870, AS 3959, AS 1397 all commonly referenced in shed engineering.
- Market conditions: Industry sources indicate steel supply is stable in 2025 compared with 2023–24, with normalised lead times for most Colorbond colours.
- Climate: BOM data shows hotter summers and severe storm variability—prioritise ventilation, insulation, and appropriate wind design.
Keyword clusters we cover
6×6 shed price; 6×6 shed; 6×6 garden shed; 6×6 storage shed; 6×6 garage; 6mx6m shed; 6m x 6m shed; 6×6 shed kit; 6m x 8m shed prices; 7×9 shed; steel sheds Perth; custom Colorbond garages Perth; council-approved sheds WA; cyclone-rated sheds QLD; rural sheds NSW; custom carports Melbourne; sheds Brisbane; wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas; Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison; DIY shed kits; affordable carports for Australian homes; farm machinery storage; backyard workshop.
Helpful resources
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) — outdoor structures guidance and reports
- Australian Steel Institute — steel design notes and durability
- Bureau of Meteorology — cyclonic region maps and warnings
- CSIRO — research on bushfire and building materials
- Energy.gov.au — insulation and energy efficiency tips for outbuildings
What’s the bottom line for a 6×6 shed price?
Plan on $6.5k–$16.5k for a quality DIY kit, and $22k–$38k for a compliant, installed double garage with slab in most metro areas. Sites in cyclonic, coastal or high‑BAL zones trend higher. For the best outcome, insist on certified engineering, Bluescope materials and local installer references.