What is a carport kit and which type suits Australian conditions?
A carport kit is a pre-engineered, flat-pack structure supplied with posts, rafters/purlins, roof sheets (Colorbond or Zincalume), hardware, engineering, and assembly drawings. Kits are popular across Australia because they’re quick to install, wind-rated, and often cheaper than masonry garages.
Popular Australian carport types and uses
- Free standing carport (stand alone carport): the classic solution for driveways and side access.
- Attached carport: fixed to a dwelling fascia/rafters—great for tight sites but typically needs a building permit.
- Portable carport / car tent carport / auto shelter: fast, inexpensive, semi-permanent or temporary car shelter for renters and events.
- Metal carports: galvanised or powder-coated frames with Colorbond roofing; long life and low maintenance.
- Semi-permanent carport: anchored with bolted base plates or screw piles; removable without destroying a slab.
- Portable double carport: extra width for two vehicles or boat plus ute.
Alternative Carport Types
Prefer a minimalist option? The Canopy Carport is highly versatile.
Best Kit for Large Families
For larger parking, our Triple Carport Australia resource helps with custom designs.
A “carport kit” usually means an engineered steel frame and Colorbond/Zincalume roof designed to AS/NZS standards. A “portable carport” or “car tent” is a fabric shelter (PE/PVC) over a light steel tube frame, typically not rated for high winds.
Related searches covered in this guide: portable carport Australia, portable carports for sale, carports and shelters, car shelter, vehicle shelter, temporary carport, non permanent carport, low cost carports, inexpensive carport kits, carport sheds Australia, car port kits, carports near me, carport buildings, car carport.
How much does a carport kit cost in Australia (2025)?
Price depends on size, roof shape, materials, wind region, footing/slab, and delivery distance. The 2025 HIA Outdoor Structures trends and the 2025 Australian Steel Market Outlook suggest steel prices have stabilised after 2022–2023 volatility, but coastal and cyclonic specs still add cost.
Free standing carports: typical kit prices
- Single skillion (approx. 3.0 × 6.0 m, N2/N3): $3,000–$5,500 (Zincalume at the low end; Colorbond mid-high).
- Double skillion (approx. 6.0 × 6.0 m, N2/N3): $4,500–$8,500.
- Double gable (approx. 6.0 × 6.0 m, N3): $6,000–$10,500.
- Cyclone-rated (C2–C3): add 15–30% for heavier frames and connections.
Temporary and portable carports (car tent/auto shelter)
- Single portable car shelter (PE canopy): $299–$699.
- Heavy-duty PVC portable fully covered carport: $699–$1,199.
- Portable double carport: $699–$1,499.
Installation and other costs
- DIY-friendly kits: 1–2 days for two competent people; allow $150–$400 for extra anchors, silicone, bits.
- Professional install: $1,200–$3,500 depending on size, site, and footing type.
- Concrete slab (optional): $90–$130/m²; individual pier footings: $300–$600 each.
- Council/Building permit: $200–$600 plus drawings/engineering if not included.
- Regional/rural delivery: $200–$900 depending on distance and bundle size (e.g., steel sheds Perth to Pilbara).
Pricing is indicative for 2025 and varies by wind rating, supplier, and region. Always obtain a written quote with engineering.
Free standing carports prices at a glance
| Type | Common size | Wind region | Kit price (AUD) | Installed (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single skillion (Zincalume) | 3×6 m | N2 | $3,000–$3,800 | $4,500–$6,000 |
| Single skillion (Colorbond) | 3×6 m | N3 | $3,800–$5,500 | $5,200–$7,800 |
| Double gable (Colorbond) | 6×6 m | N3 | $6,000–$10,500 | $8,500–$13,000 |
| Double skillion (Cyclone) | 6×6 m | C2–C3 | $7,500–$11,500 | $10,000–$15,000 |
Colorbond vs Zincalume — which is better for your site?
Zincalume: aluminium-zinc-magnesium alloy coated steel.
Colorbond: pre-painted, baked-on finish over Zincalume substrate, in Australian colour ranges (incl. Ultra/CMW for coast).
| Factor | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $$ (higher) | $ (lower) |
| Colours and street appeal | Extensive Colorbond palette, better resale | Silvery finish only |
| Corrosion resistance (general) | Excellent; choose Ultra near surf | Excellent inland; avoid harsh marine |
| Coastal (within ~200 m of surf) | Use Colorbond Ultra/CMW, marine fixings | Not recommended |
| Heat reflectance | Choose lighter solar-reflective colours | Good reflectivity by default |
| Warranty | Up to 20–36 yrs (conditions apply) | Up to 20–25 yrs (conditions apply) |
| Best for | Custom carports Melbourne, coastal WA, premium look | Rural sheds NSW, inland QLD, budget builds |
For Perth heat and sea breeze, many owners prefer Colorbond in lighter shades (Surfmist, Shale Grey) to reduce heat gain. In Far North QLD or Pilbara, pair heavier-gauge sheets with marine-grade fasteners and hot-dip galvanised posts for longevity.
What wind rating does my carport need?
In Australia, wind design follows AS/NZS 1170.2 (NCC 2022). Your kit must be engineered for your site’s wind region and terrain category, including shielding and topography effects.
Non-cyclonic regions: N1–N6 (most of southern Australia, e.g., Perth metro N2–N3).
Cyclonic regions: C1–C4 (northern WA/QLD coasts; e.g., Townsville C2).
Higher numbers mean higher design wind speeds requiring stronger frames, footings, and connections.
- QLD cyclone zones: specify cyclone-rated sheds QLD (C2–C3), with certified hold-downs and purlin spacing.
- WA coastal and north: confirm Region B/C/D and upgrade posts, rafters and anchor details (Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes).
- NSW/VIC alpine: check snow load combos, even for carports, if eaves catch snow drift.
Ask suppliers for site-specific engineering with footing schedules and a certificate from a CPEng RPEQ/RPEng as required.
How to get council approval for your carport in WA
Most carports are NCC Class 10a structures. They often require a Building Permit (BA1/BA2) and must meet R-Codes setbacks and design.
Step-by-step (WA example)
- Check zoning and R-Codes setbacks. Corner lots and primary street setbacks are common hurdles.
- Confirm wind region (B, C or D) and terrain category; ensure engineering covers it.
- Prepare documents: site plan, elevations, structural drawings, energy/light reflectance if requested.
- Lodge a BA1 (certified) or BA2 (uncertified) with your local council. Many kit suppliers provide “council-approved sheds WA” packages.
- Don’t pour footings until you have the Building Permit in writing.
Other states: NSW often allows exempt development for carports that meet SEPP codes; VIC typically requires a Building Permit for most carports; QLD uses local planning schemes with siting relaxations. Always confirm before ordering.
What are the best carport designs for Perth heat, QLD cyclones, and coastal corrosion?
Roof shape: flat/skillion vs gable
| Roof | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Skillion (flat) | Lower cost, faster install, modern look | Needs adequate pitch (≥3°) and gutters; watch headroom at low end |
| Gable | Better airflow and clearance, classic style | More steel/flashings; slightly higher cost |
Footings
- Concrete piers: typical 350–450 mm diameter, 600–1200 mm deep depending on wind rating and soil.
- Slab-on-ground with post stirrups: neat finish; ensure engineer details edge thickenings and anchor capacity.
- Screw piles/bolt-down base plates: ideal for semi-permanent or poor soils; get certified capacities.
Coastal and bushfire zones
- Marine exposure: Colorbond Ultra, hot-dip galvanised posts, stainless or class 4 screws, and sealed cut edges to AS/NZS 2312 guidance.
- BAL (AS 3959): choose non-combustible roofing/walls; ember screens if near dwelling eaves in BAL 12.5–40/FZ areas.
Buying checklist: 5-step guide for custom sheds and carports in Australia
- Confirm site wind region (N/C), terrain category, and proximity to coast.
- Choose size/clearance for your vehicles (SUVs, 4WD with racks, caravans, farm machinery storage).
- Pick materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, galvanising level, and gutter/downpipe integration.
- Ask for certified engineering, footing schedule, and a parts list (DIY shed kits need clear drawings).
- Check council/permit pathway and lead times; lock in installation date after permit approval.
Looking for a garage instead? Many suppliers also deliver custom Colorbond garages Perth packages with matching cladding and roller doors.
DIY vs professional installation: time, tools, and safety
DIY-friendly, but plan it
- Tools: impact driver, socket set, string lines, laser level, post-hole digger/auger, concrete mixer, PPE.
- Sequence: set-out and pier excavation → pour footings/set stirrups → post plumb and brace → rafters/purlins → roof sheets → flashings and gutters → stormwater connection.
- Anchors and fixings: follow engineering. Common specs include M12–M16 anchor bolts and class 4 roof screws with neoprene seals.
Hire a licensed installer for cyclonic regions, complex sites, or if you’re attaching to a house fascia/rafters.
Real builds: case studies from Perth, Brisbane, and regional NSW
Perth, WA — custom double free standing carport
- Size: 6.0 × 6.5 m, 2.6 m clearance; Region B, N3.
- Materials: Colorbond Surfmist, hot-dip galvanised SHS posts.
- Footings: 450 mm dia × 900 mm deep with M16 hold-downs.
- Outcome: Approved via BA2 in 18 days; installed in 2 days by two tradies.
Brisbane, QLD — cyclone-ready skillion carport
- Size: 7.2 × 6.0 m, 3.0 m clearance for caravan; C2 wind region.
- Upgrades: Extra purlin rows, closer screw spacing, heavy base plates to engineered piers.
- Outcome: Insurer accepted compliance docs; zero movement after summer storms.
Regional NSW — budget Zincalume carport for farm ute
- Size: 3.6 × 7.2 m, N2; low cost carports brief.
- Material: Zincalume roof, primed UB posts with top coat on site.
- Outcome: Kept under $4,000 kit cost; owner DIY’d over a weekend.
Frequently asked questions
Are portable carports legal in all councils?
Portable carports (fabric shelters) are often treated as temporary structures but may still require approval, especially in front setbacks or if visible from the street. Check your council first.
Do I need a slab?
No. Many engineered kits use individual concrete piers. Slabs offer a cleaner finish but aren’t mandatory.
What about gutters and stormwater?
Most carports include gutters and downpipes. You may need to connect to soakwells or stormwater per local rules.
Lead times in 2025?
Common sizes: 1–3 weeks; custom and cyclonic kits: 3–6 weeks; rural deliveries add time.
Can I enclose my carport later?
Yes, with infill panels or walls, but enclosure may trigger additional approvals and change wind loads. Re-engineering may be required.
What standards apply?
Common references: NCC 2022, AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind), AS/NZS 4600 (cold-formed steel), AS 4100 (steel structures), AS/NZS 2312 (corrosion protection), AS 3959 (BAL in bushfire areas).
Finding quality suppliers: “carports near me” in Australia
- WA: steel sheds Perth fabricators with N3 engineering; ask for coastal upgrades.
- VIC: custom carports Melbourne with BAL-aware design for fringe suburbs.
- NSW: rural sheds NSW suppliers for farm machinery storage and larger bays.
- QLD: ensure cyclone certificates for wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas.
Useful resources and citations
- Bureau of Meteorology climate data for wind and rainfall considerations.
- Housing Industry Association resources on permits and trends.
- Australian Steel Institute for steel design guidance and corrosion notes.
- Energy.gov.au on heat-reflective colours and insulation.
- Australian Standards catalogue for AS/NZS 1170.2, 4600, 4100, 2312, 3959.