What is a carport shed—and why choose one?

A carport shed combines an open-sided carport for day-to-day vehicle cover with an enclosed Colorbond steel shed for secure storage. It’s popular across Australia because it delivers two functions on one engineered slab or set of footings, saving space and money—great for investment properties and growing families alike.

• Flexible configurations: carport and storage, carport and workshop, shed with carport in front or to the side.
• Materials: Colorbond or Zincalume cladding, hot-dipped galvanised frames, RHS portal frames.
• Use cases: daily parking, tools and mower storage, farm machinery storage, boat and caravan cover.

For small lock‑up ideas and exterior storage units, our garden storage guide compares materials, ventilation and costs.

What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?

Perth’s hot summers, high UV and coastal air demand heat-reflective roofing and corrosion resistance. Most steel sheds Perth customers choose are Colorbond due to the baked-on paint system, colour range and warranty. Zincalume remains a value option inland, but less ideal right on the coast.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?

Short-term needs might best be met by the solutions listed in our Temporary Carport Australia guide.

How much does a carport and storage shed cost in Australia (2025)?

Indicative supply-and-install budgets for compliant, engineered builds (prices vary by wind region, site, access and finish):

• Single carport with 3×3m shed: $9,000–$15,000
• Double carport with 4.5×3m shed: $14,000–$24,000
• Double garage and carport combo (e.g., 6×6m garage + 6×6m carport): $28,000–$55,000+
• Cyclone-rated sheds QLD (Region C/D): add 20–40% for heavier frames, hold-downs, and 0.48 BMT sheeting

DIY shed kits reduce labour but require precise footings, square set-out, and compliance with AS/NZS standards. Consider your time, tools, and council sign-off requirements before you buy carport kits online.

Which roof style is right: flat, skillion or gable?

• Skillion (monoslope): modern look, easier water runoff, great for solar PV orientation.
• Gable: classic style, better headroom, tidy with roller doors; common for custom carports Melbourne and gable roof sheds Sydney.
• Flat: economical but needs correct falls, box gutters and maintenance.

Do you need council approval for a carport shed?

Most Australian councils require a Building Permit or approval for attached or freestanding carports and enclosed sheds. Fastest pathways vary by state:

• WA: Building Permit via your local permit authority; some small carports may be exempt but still need engineering. Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes
• VIC: Building Permit through a registered building surveyor.
• NSW: Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or DA/CC for larger or boundary-impacting builds.
• QLD: Building approval through a private certifier; cyclone areas demand stricter wind design.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

1. Confirm zoning and setbacks on your property plan (R-Codes may limit street setbacks for carports).
2. Obtain site-specific engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 for your wind region and terrain category.
3. Prepare drawings: plan, elevations, sections, slab/footings, stormwater drainage.
4. Submit BA application with engineering, energy notes (if applicable), and owner-builder or builder details.
5. Book required inspections (footings, frame, final) and keep certificates of compliance.

Ask for council-approved sheds WA packages if you want a smoother, turnkey process.

What wind rating and engineering do you need?

Your shed must be engineered to the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) and relevant Australian Standards. Key points:

• AS/NZS 1170.2 wind regions A–D; Regions C/D apply to cyclonic areas (north QLD/WA). Choose wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas if applicable.
• Importance Level 2 structures; terrain category and shielding affect design pressures.
• Cold-formed steel design: AS/NZS 4600; hot-rolled steel: AS 4100; roof/wall cladding: AS 1562.1, steel coating: AS 1397, corrosion protection: AS/NZS 2312.
• BAL (AS 3959) may affect ember protection and materials in bushfire-prone zones.

Carport shed layouts that work

Carport and storage shed (side-by-side)

Great for narrow blocks. Typical: 6×5.5m double carport with a 3×3m shed behind a dividing wall. Includes vermin flashing, guttering with 90mm downpipes, and a PA door.

Shed with carport in front

Popular for boats/caravans. Example: 7.5×6m shed (2×2.4m roller doors) with a 6×6m skillion carport out front at +100mm higher eave for clearance.

Owners seeking fresh shelter solutions should not miss our Caravan Carport Ideas in Australia for design inspiration.

Double garage and carport combo

For growing families or tradies. Example: 6×7m garage (workshop + mezzanine storage) plus a 6×6m gable carport, both on an engineered slab with thickened edges. Need specifics on footprint and pricing? If you’re working out sizing, our Double Garage Sizes, Costs and Custom Options in Australia is an essential resource.

Case studies: real Australian builds

• Custom Colorbond garages Perth: 6×6m double garage in Basalt with a 6×5.5m skillion carport. 0.42 BMT walls, 0.48 BMT roof near coast, posts 100×100 SHS with base plates and M12 chemset anchors.
• Cyclone-rated sheds QLD: 7×9m enclosed shed plus 6×7.5m carport in Townsville (Region C). Upgraded purlin spacing, cyclonic brackets, and screw patterns to engineer’s schedule.
• Rural sheds NSW: 9×7.5m machinery bay with 3×3m lock-up at the rear. Zincalume walls, Colorbond roof for heat reflectance; gutter guard to handle leaf litter.

What inclusions should a premium carport shed have?

• Engineer-certified drawings and site-specific wind design
• Galvanised RHS portal frames, hot-dipped brackets, cyclone ties where needed
• Colorbond or Zincalume 0.42–0.48 BMT cladding, matching flashings and vermin seals
• Quality fixings: class 4 screws, compliant edge/end distances
• Gutters/downpipes with stormwater connection plan
• Concrete slab and footings designed to soil class; termite barrier where required
• Roller doors (manual or motorised), PA doors, window vents, insulation options

5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia

1. Define use: daily parking, workshop, farm machinery storage, or mixed. Note clearances for 4WDs, boats, caravans.
2. Measure site: boundary setbacks, easements, overhead lines, fall/levels, driveway approach angles.
3. Choose spec: Colorbond vs Zincalume, roof style, wind rating, 0.42 or 0.48 BMT, insulation, door types, power and lighting.
4. Compliance: ask for council-approved sheds WA/VIC/NSW/QLD packages with engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 and NCC 2022.
5. Compare quotes: DIY shed kits vs supply-and-install. Check inclusions, warranties, lead times, and who handles permits.

FAQs

What size posts are best for a carport?

Common choices are 90×90 or 100×100 SHS with base plates to an engineered slab or cast-in stirrups to footings. Cyclonic regions often need heavier sections and extra bracing.

Can I attach a carport to my existing garage?

Yes, but an engineer must confirm load paths, connections and bracing. Often a freestanding carport pitched into a shared gutter is cleaner for approvals.

How long does approval take?

2–8 weeks depending on council/certifier workload and whether the design is within standard setbacks and heights.

Is Zincalume ok on the coast?

It can be used with extra care, but Colorbond with appropriate grade and maintenance is generally recommended near sea spray.

What about energy and heat?

Choose lighter Colorbond colours, add roof/wall insulation, include ventilation (ridge vent or whirlybirds), and consider insulated roof panels for workshops.

Specification checklist (copy and refine for your quote)

• Layout: carport and storage shed / shed with carport in front / double garage and carport
• Dimensions: overall length/width/height; vehicle and boat clearances
• Roof: skillion/gable/flat; pitch; guttering and downpipes
• Cladding: Colorbond or Zincalume; BMT gauge; colour
• Frame: galvanised RHS; post size; bracing; hold-downs
• Doors: roller door sizes, motors, PA doors, windows
• Insulation: roof/walls; type and R-values
• Slab/footings: thickness, thickened edges, piers; finish (broom/trowel)
• Engineering: wind region A/B/C/D, terrain category, BAL, certifications
• Permits: drawings, site plan, drainage plan, inspections

Where to buy and what to ask for

When you buy carport packages or custom steel sheds, ask for:

• Site-specific engineering, not generic kit data sheets
• NCC 2022 compliance and referenced Australian Standards on the plans
• Lead times for fabrication, delivery, and install sequencing
• Proof of cyclone rating for Regions C/D if applicable
• Warranties: cladding (Colorbond), structure, workmanship

Local conditions that affect your design

• Perth: high UV and heat; prioritise heat-reflective roofing, insulated panels, and corrosion control.
• QLD tropics: cyclone tie-downs, 0.48 BMT roof sheets, tighter screw patterns, and enhanced bracing.
• Coastal SA/NSW: salt-laden air; specify appropriate steel grades and rinse regimes.
• Bushfire-prone VIC/NSW: BAL requirements may affect materials and ember protection details.

Popular search paths (use these when comparing quotes)

• steel sheds Perth
• custom carports Melbourne
• rural sheds NSW
• custom Colorbond garages Perth
• council-approved sheds WA
• cyclone-rated sheds QLD
• DIY shed kits Australia
• affordable carports for Australian homes
• Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison
• wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas