Long Thin Garden Sheds for Australian Homes | Slimline Colorbond Sheds Guide

What Is a Long Thin Garden Shed (and Why Australians Love Them)?

Long thin garden sheds—also called slim sheds, slimline sheds, slimline garden sheds, thin garden sheds, or long narrow garden sheds—are purpose-built to run down a tight side yard, under an eave, or along a fence line. Typical footprints range from a 2×2 shed for tools to long skinny sheds such as 1.0–1.5 m wide by 4–12 m long, ideal for outdoor gear, bikes, bins, and seasonal storage.

• Popular placements: side of house shed, under eave garden shed, or side of house storage shed.
• Common access: shed with side door (side entry shed) or end door depending on corridor width.
• Great for small blocks: perfect for infill suburbs and townhouses with limited backyard space.

Slimline Alternatives

Alternatively, a 5 x 3 Storage Shed may suit your needs.

What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?

For most Australian homes—especially hot, coastal, and high-UV zones like Perth—Colorbond steel cladding and flashings on a galvanised steel frame deliver long-term durability, low maintenance, and excellent colour stability. Zincalume is a cost-effective base metal coating with strong corrosion resistance, while Colorbond layers add baked-on colour and extra protection.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?

Pro tip: Did you know using insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer? It’s a small upgrade that pays off in Perth and regional WA.

Technical note: Specify steel to AS 1397 (coating classes), cladding installation to AS/NZS 1562.1, and cold-formed framing to AS/NZS 4600 for compliant performance. For cyclone-prone areas (QLD coastal North), insist on wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas engineered to AS/NZS 1170.2.

Ideal Garden Shed Dimensions for the Side of Your House

• Common widths: 0.8 m (very slim), 1.0 m, 1.2 m, 1.5 m (easier access), 1.8 m (wheelie-bin friendly).
• Lengths: 2–12 m; long narrow shed formats of 4–8 m are popular for continuous storage runs.
• Heights: 1.8–2.1 m for under-eave installs; 2.1–2.4 m for freestanding side-of-house storage sheds.
• Clearances: Allow 700–900 mm internal walking corridor if the shed is a through-passage. For non-through storage, 1.0–1.5 m width fits most tools and bikes.

For tighter corners, the Garden Shed 3m x 2m offers a compact footprint.

Tip: In BAL-rated zones (bushfire), check local bushfire construction requirements and ember protection for outbuildings. See independent background from CSIRO bushfire resources (external) here.

Smart Design Options for Slimline Garden Sheds

Doors and Access (Side Entry Garden Shed vs End Entry)

• Side entry shed: Perfect when the corridor is long; choose a 750–900 mm single door or a space-saving sliding door.
• End entry: Best when the corridor is very tight; specify a door at the yard end for full-length tool access.
• Double doors: Consider if storing bikes or mowers; ensure swing clearance is available.

Roof Profiles and Drainage

• Flat roof (skillion): Clean lines, efficient for under-eave garden shed installs; set fall away from the boundary.
• Gable roof: More headroom and airflow; needs extra height clearance.
• Stormwater: Gutters, downpipes, and legal point of discharge per council; add leaf guards near trees.

Hardware and Security

• Reinforced jambs and deadbolts for side door security.
• Vented panels or ridge vents for moisture control.
• Anti-Condensation blankets or insulated roof panels in hot/humid regions.

Finish and Integration

• Colorbond colours to match fences/roofing for a premium look.
• Concrete slab, paving, or adjustable piers depending on site fall and drainage.
• Shelving, bike rails, and tool boards turn a small garden tool storage shed into hardworking space.

Engineering, Wind Ratings, and Compliance

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes Slimline sheds must be engineered to site wind region and terrain category per AS/NZS 1170.2 and the NCC (2022). In WA, Regions A–D apply; coastal Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland and the North West require higher design pressures than metro Perth. In QLD cyclonic zones (Region C/D), choose cyclone-rated sheds (C2/C3 fixings, extra hold-downs) with site-specific certification.

• Frame: Galvanised cold-formed steel to AS/NZS 4600; corrosion category fit for local conditions.
• Cladding: Installed per manufacturer data, fixings to AS 3566 with correct washered screws.
• Foundations: Slab-on-ground or anchored piers; edge thickenings and hold-down bolts sized for uplift.
• BAL/Fire: Check local BAL maps and outbuilding setbacks per state planning policy.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

1. Confirm planning: Check setbacks, height limits, and stormwater at your LGA (e.g., City of Stirling/Joondalup).
2. Engineering: Obtain certified drawings with wind classification and footing details.
3. Building permit: Submit Form BA2 with plans, specs, and site plan; owner or builder as applicant.
4. Services: Dial Before You Dig and confirm easements; maintain access to meters and vents.
5. Final sign-off: Arrange inspections if required and keep paperwork for future sale/valuation.

For a national overview, see the HIA guidance on approvals here and Master Builders resources here.

DIY Shed Kits vs Custom-Built Slimline Sheds

• DIY shed kits: Cheapest and fast to deliver; great for cheap small garden sheds or a basic 2×2 shed. Ensure instructions, warranty, and fixings meet your wind region.
• Custom-built: Ideal for tricky boundaries, side door configurations, non-standard garden shed dimensions, or when seeking council-approved sheds WA with certified engineering.

In high wind or cyclone areas, prefer installer-built cyclone-rated sheds QLD with accredited erectors.

What Do Long Thin Sheds Cost in 2025?

• Entry DIY (0.8–1.2 m W x 2–3 m L Zincalume): $450–$950 supply only.
• Mid-range Colorbond slim line shed (1.2–1.5 m W x 4–6 m L): $1,800–$3,800 supply; add $900–$2,200 for install.
• Premium long narrow shed (1.5 m W x 6–10 m L, insulated roof, side entry): $3,500–$7,500 supply and install depending on engineering.
• Cyclone-rated upgrades (Region C/D): +15–35% for heavier frames, extra fixings, and certification.
• Concrete slab (100 mm, mesh): Typically $120–$180/m² depending on site works and access.

Prices reflect 2024–2025 materials and labour trends from industry reports (e.g., Australian Steel Institute and HIA) and may vary by region and site complexity. See sector outlooks here and HIA’s home improvement insights here.

Real Australian Build Examples

• Perth (Innaloo): 1.2 m x 6 m Colorbond slimline shed in Surfmist with a side door and skillion roof falling to the yard. Engineered for Region A N2. Integrated gutter to soakwell. Cost: ~$3,900 installed.
• Brisbane North (Sandgate): 1.5 m x 5 m cyclone-rated slimline storage shed with C2 tie-downs, end entry to suit narrow corridor, insulated roof panel. Cost: ~$5,800 including certification.
• Regional NSW (Tamworth): 1.0 m x 8 m long narrow shed for garden tools and ladders, Zincalume with Colorbond flashings, slab on fall with spoon drain. Cost: ~$3,300 supplied and installed.

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

1. Measure the corridor: Clear width, eave height, downpipes, and meter locations. Sketch door swing.
2. Choose materials: Colorbond for premium finish; Zincalume if budget-driven. Consider insulation.
3. Engineer to site wind class: Confirm N1–N3 (non-cyclonic) or C2/C3 (cyclonic) per AS/NZS 1170.2. Use the Bureau of Meteorology wind regions map here.
4. Plan drainage and slab: Ensure fall away from boundary and legal stormwater connection.
5. Get approvals and warranty: Lodge council if required, keep certificates, and register warranties.

FAQs: Long Thin Garden Sheds in Australia

Do I need council approval for a slimline shed?

Often exempt if under size/height limits and behind the building line; rules vary by LGA. Boundary setbacks, stormwater, and fire separation still apply. When in doubt, pursue a simple approval—especially for long thin sheds running near services or easements.

What wind rating should I specify?

Most metros are N1–N3 (non-cyclonic). Coastal North QLD and parts of WA North are cyclonic (C2/C3). Your shed must be engineered to your site classification and terrain category.

Is a shed with a side door better than end access?

If the corridor is long, a side entry garden shed improves access to stored items without walking the full length. In very tight passages, end entry works best.

How close can I build to the fence?

Typically 600–900 mm is recommended for maintenance and drainage. Some councils allow closer placement for low structures—check your LGA and waterproofing/drainage obligations.

Which roof is best: flat or gable?

Flat (skillion) suits side-of-house storage sheds and under-eave installs; gable provides headroom and ventilation. Either must drain to a legal point of discharge.

What about thermal comfort?

Lighter Colorbond colours, ventilated ridges, and insulated roof panels keep temperatures down—handy in Perth and inland areas. See Energy.gov.au for cooling tips here.

Local Compliance, Codes, and Useful Resources

• Codes and Standards: AS/NZS 1170.2 (Wind), AS/NZS 4600 (Cold-formed steel), AS 1397 (Coatings), AS/NZS 1562.1 (Roof/cladding). NCC 2022 applies nationally.
• Climate and corrosion: Bureau of Meteorology climate data; consult coastal corrosion maps for detailing choices.
• Industry references: Australian Steel Institute, Housing Industry Association, Master Builders Australia.

Background reading: BoM climate insights here, Australian Steel Institute technical notes here, and HIA approval overview here.

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