What Is a Bar Storage Shed and Why Build One?

A bar storage shed—often called an outdoor bar shed, garden bar, or “bar in a shed”—is a small, engineered Colorbond steel shed adapted with a servery window, benching, refrigeration space, and storage for glassware and beverages. Compared with a basic garden shed, a premium bar shed uses thicker frame sections, wind-rated connections, and insulated roofing so it’s comfortable year-round and compliant with your local council.

• Great for entertaining without renovating your house
• Adds utility and buyer appeal for investors and owner-occupiers
• Can double as a garden studio, “man cave”, games room, or backyard office

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

Perth’s hot summers, sea breeze salt exposure, and high UV demand materials that resist heat and corrosion. For most residential builds, COLORBOND steel cladding on a galvanised or ZINCALUME frame is the go-to, with insulated roof panels for comfort. In coastal or industrial zones, upgrade to COLORBOND Ultra or stainless steel fixings.

Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which Is Better for WA Conditions?

Sources: Australian Steel Institute; BlueScope product literature; industry installation practice.

Roof Styles: Flat, Skillion, or Gable?

Designing Your Outdoor Bar Shed: Sizes, Layouts, and Must-Haves

Popular Sizes and Use-Cases

• 3.0 x 2.4 m: Compact garden bar with single servery window
• 3.6 x 3.6 m: Entertainer shed with fridge, sink, and bar stools
• 6.0 x 4.0 m: Multi-use bar + workshop, or bar + gym studio

Bar Features That Work

• Servery window with gas struts and flyscreen
• Moisture-resistant benchtops, splashback, and underbench fridge cavity
• Insulation: anti-condensation roof blanket plus wall batts or insulated panels
• Ventilation: louvre vents, ridge vents, or whirlybirds
• Services: RCD-protected circuits, exterior-rated GPOs, optional cold water/waste
• Security: cyclone-rated tie-downs, deadbolts, and LED sensor lighting

Step-by-Step: Plan Your Layout

1. Flow: Place the servery to face your entertaining area; keep a 900 mm working aisle.
2. Appliances: Allow ventilation clearances around fridges and ice makers.
3. Wet area: Group sink and waste on the same wall to simplify services.
4. Storage: Use overhead shelves with safety lips for glassware.
5. Lighting: Mix warm ambient strips with bright task lights over prep areas.

Local Compliance: Wind Ratings, Cyclone, Bushfire, and Council Approvals

Wind Ratings You Must Know

Australian wind regions determine your shed’s design pressure. Much of metro Perth is Region A, but exposed coastal and regional areas can vary. In North QLD and parts of WA’s north, Region C/D cyclonic design applies.

• Non-cyclonic (Region A/B): Standard wind-rated sheds with engineered hold-downs
• Cyclonic (Region C/D): cyclone-rated sheds QLD and WA north require upgraded frames, bracing, and fixings

Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Check terrain category, topography, and shielding per AS/NZS 1170.2 with an engineer to size connections and slab anchors correctly.

How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA

1. Confirm planning requirements: setbacks, height, lot coverage with your LGA
2. Engineering: obtain certified drawings showing wind region, footing, and slab details
3. Apply for a building permit (BA2/BA3) with site plan, elevations, and specs
4. Install as per certified plans; book inspections if required
5. Final sign-off and compliance documentation

Look for council-approved sheds WA packages that include site plan support and engineer certification to shorten timelines.

Bushfire and Coastal Notes

• In BAL-rated areas: ember protection to vents, metal mesh screens, clear gutters
• Coastal: COLORBOND Ultra or stainless fixings, larger eaves, and frequent washdowns

Buying Options: DIY Shed Kits vs Custom-Built Installation

Step-by-Step: DIY Build Overview

1. Set-out and slab: pour 100–120 mm slab to engineering; ensure level and cure times.
2. Frame and anchors: assemble frames; install M12–M16 anchors to schedule.
3. Cladding and roof: fit wall sheets, flashings, and insulated roof panels.
4. Services rough-in: licensed trades for power, water, and waste penetrations.
5. Fit-out: install servery, benchtops, cabinets, lighting, and appliances.
6. Final checks: weatherproofing, RCD testing, and compliance sign-off.

Case Studies: Real Australian Bar Sheds

Perth: 3.6 x 3.6 m Colorbond Bar Shed

• Cladding: COLORBOND Monument; roof: Surfmist for heat reflectance
• Roof: skillion with insulated panel; whirlybird + louvre vents
• Fit-out: 1500 mm servery, compact sink, bar fridge nook, LED strip lighting
• Slab: 100 mm, 25 MPa, SL72 mesh, M12 chemical anchors per engineering
• Outcome: Summer-ready bar with low running noise and reduced heat load

North QLD: 6.0 x 4.0 m Cyclone-Rated Bar + Workshop

• Region C design: upgraded frame sections, additional bracing, cyclone ties
• COLORBOND Ultra cladding; stainless fixings; vermin flashing
• Double servery windows opening to a timber deck with shade sail
• Raised slab for drainage; overflow to 3,000 L tank

Technical Checklist: Build Details That Matter

• Slab: 100–120 mm, 25–32 MPa with SL72–SL82 mesh; engineer for loads
• Footings/anchors: M12–M16 anchors per engineering schedule
• Cladding: COLORBOND, COLORBOND Ultra near coast; avoid dissimilar-metal contact
• Insulation: anti-condensation blanket (R1.3–R2.0), insulated panels for roof/walls
• Ventilation: ridge vent/whirlybird + low-level louvres for crossflow
• Drainage: gutters, 90 mm downpipes, stormwater connection or rainwater tank
• Bushfire: ember guards to vents, metal mesh screens in BAL areas
• Termite: physical barrier or management to slab penetrations where required
• Electrical: RCDs, IP-rated fittings, adequate circuit capacity for fridges/ice maker
• Finishes: moisture-resistant cabinetry, slip-resistant flooring, LED task lighting

Pricing Snapshot and Budgeting

Indicative only (site-dependent; 2025 market conditions vary):

• DIY 3 x 2.4 m kit (non-cyclonic, uninsulated): often from the mid-$3k–$6k range
• Custom insulated bar shed with services: commonly $12k–$30k+ depending on size, glazing, and approvals
• Cyclone-rated or coastal upgrades and decking will add cost

Tip: Choose lifecycle value over the cheapest kit—materials, insulation, and compliance reduce rework and running costs.

People Also Ask

FAQ: Bars for Garden Sheds and Outdoor Entertaining

Do I need council approval for a bar storage shed?

Most LGAs require a building permit for sheds above certain sizes, within setbacks, or connected to services. Always check with your local council. In WA, submit certified engineering with your BA application.

Can I plumb a sink and add a fridge?

Yes. Use licensed trades for water, waste, and power. Install s-traps, backflow where required, and RCDs for circuits. Ensure adequate ventilation for refrigeration.

What about cyclone and high-wind areas?

Specify wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas (Region C/D). This includes upgraded frames, bracing, door systems, and slab hold-downs designed to AS/NZS 1170.2.

Will a bar shed increase resale value?

Quality, compliant structures with neat fit-outs often improve buyer appeal. Keep finishes neutral, and focus on ventilation, insulation, and weatherproofing for longevity.

How long does a custom bar shed build take?

Allow 2–6 weeks for approvals and engineering, then 1–3 weeks for site works and installation depending on size and services.

Responsible Sourcing and Climate Context

The Bureau of Meteorology reports ongoing heatwave and intense rainfall patterns in many regions, making insulation, ventilation, and drainage more important than ever. The Australian Steel Institute and recent market outlooks indicate robust local steel supply with continued focus on durability and sustainability.

• Choose reputable Australian-made steel where possible
• Light-colour roofing (e.g., Surfmist) can reduce cooling loads
• Rainwater harvesting adds resilience during dry spells

References: Bureau of Meteorology; Australian Steel Institute; HIA Outdoor Structures insights; Energy.gov.au guidance on cool roofs.

Keyword Clusters: Covering All Shed Types Australians Search

• Local: steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, garage workshops Adelaide, garden studios Sydney, patio enclosures Brisbane
• Technical: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, shed slab design, bushfire BAL compliance, marine-grade screws, anti-condensation roof blanket
• Lifestyle: DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes, farm machinery storage, backyard man cave Perth, outdoor kitchen shed, custom Colorbond garages Perth
• Compliance gaps: council-approved sheds WA, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, site classification (AS 2870) and drainage

Get It Right the First Time

Whether you’re converting a garden shed into a bar or commissioning a custom Colorbond steel shed for regional WA, design for your wind region, plan services early, and invest in insulation. You’ll get a comfortable, compliant, and stylish outdoor bar shed that stands up to Australian conditions.