Carport Shed: Buy Custom Colorbond Carport and Storage Sheds in Australia (2025 Guide)
Excerpt: Build once, build right. This expert Australian guide covers carport shed options, costs, wind ratings, Colorbond vs Zincalume, council approvals, and design tips for Perth heat to QLD cyclones. Includes a 5-step buying checklist, comparison tables, and real-world case studies to help you buy with confidence.
What is a carport shed — and is it right for your property?
A carport shed combines open-air vehicle cover with secure storage, using engineer-certified steel framing and Colorbond or Zincalume cladding. It’s ideal when you want weather protection for cars plus lock‑up space for tools, bikes, or a small workshop.
Popular configurations
- Carport and storage shed (side-by-side or back-to-back)
- Carport garage (enclosed garage with an attached open bay)
- Double garage and carport for two vehicles plus extra cover
- Single car garage with carport on a narrow suburban block
- Shed with carport in front for weather-shielded roller door access
Want an attached option? The Lean To Carport is an affordable extension.
Looking to buy carport kits or fully installed solutions? We supply carports for sale Australia-wide, including steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, and rural sheds NSW.
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth summers are hot and dry with strong sea breezes; coastal areas face higher corrosion. The winning combo most homeowners choose: Colorbond cladding in the right profile and insulated roof panels to cut radiant heat. Rural WA and inland SA often favour Zincalume for value and reflectivity.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond (0.42–0.48 BMT) | Zincalume (0.42–0.48 BMT) |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal corrosion resistance (C3–C4) | Excellent with correct grade; colour topcoat protects | Very good; requires mindful maintenance near surf |
| Heat performance | Thermatech solar reflectance options reduce heat gain | Highly reflective in light finish; can glare |
| Aesthetics | Wide Colorbond palette to match home | Classic silvery industrial look |
| Cost | $$ (premium finish) | $ (often cheaper) |
| Warranty | BlueScope warranty available when installed to spec | BlueScope warranty available when installed to spec |
| Best use | Urban/coastal homes, matched facades | Rural/industrial, budget-sensitive builds |
Technical picks we recommend across Australia:
- Roof/wall sheets: 0.42 BMT (domestic) or 0.48 BMT (high-wind/coastal)
- Framing: Galvanised C/Z purlins to AS/NZS 4600
- Fasteners: Cyclonic-rated screws in Regions C/D; compatible coatings to avoid galvanic corrosion
- Profiles: Corrugated or Trimdek for carports; add gutters sized for local 1% AEP rainfall
How much do carport and storage sheds cost in Australia in 2025?
Pricing varies by size, wind region, finish, slab, and whether you go DIY kit or turnkey install. As a guide (supply-only unless noted):
- Single carport (flat/skillion): ~$2,500–$6,000
- Double carport: ~$4,500–$9,000
- Carport + 3×3 m storage module: ~$8,000–$16,000
- Single car garage with carport: ~$12,000–$25,000
- Double garage and carport: ~$18,000–$45,000+
- Install, slab and approvals typically add 30–60% depending on site
Cyclone detailing (Regions C/D), corrosion upgrades, and coastal foundations can add 15–35%. Always request an engineered specification before comparing quotes.
Which carport shed design suits your block?
Roof styles: flat vs gable vs skillion
| Roof | Pros | Considerations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat/Skillion | Modern look, easy to place beside house, cost-effective | Lower clearance on low pitch; ensure drainage and box gutters sized to local rainfall | Urban blocks, boundary setbacks |
| Gable | Classic profile, good ventilation, spans larger bays | Taller ridge may need extra approvals; more materials | Wider carports, rural sheds |
| Dutch/Parapet front | Architectural facade match, hides roofline | Higher cost and complexity | Premium homes, streetscape control |
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
In WA, most carport sheds require a Building Permit. You’ll lodge a BA1 (certified) or BA2 (uncertified) application with drawings stamped by a registered structural engineer, plus site plan, specifications, and energy/drainage notes where required.
- Check R-Codes and local planning: setbacks, open space, and streetscape.
- Confirm wind region and terrain category per AS/NZS 1170.2; get engineered tie-downs and footings.
- Provide site plan with contours, stormwater/disposal, and slab details.
- If in coastal/corrosion zones, specify appropriate coatings and fixings.
- Submit; typical approvals: 10–25 business days.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Many councils now ask for the designer’s wind classification (e.g., N3 or C2), shielding/topography assessments, and connection schedules for carport posts to slab/footings. Seek council-approved sheds WA with full documentation to avoid delays.
Do I need cyclone-rated or wind-rated engineering?
Yes—every structure in Australia must be designed to its wind region and site conditions:
- Regions A/B: Most of southern Australia (non-cyclonic). Classes N1–N4 apply.
- Regions C/D: Cyclonic areas of coastal QLD, NT and northern WA. Classes C1–C4 apply.
If you’re in Townsville, Mackay, Darwin or coastal Karratha, specify wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas with engineer-certified hold-downs, thicker cladding, and higher-capacity fasteners. This is non-negotiable for cyclone-rated sheds QLD and the Pilbara/Gascoyne.
Case studies: Australian builds that work
Perth, WA — Custom carport and storage shed for coastal home
A Scarborough homeowner chose a custom Colorbond garages Perth solution: 6×6 m double carport and storage with a 3×3 m lock-up bay. Spec: Colorbond Surfmist, 0.48 BMT roof, insulated blanket, N3 wind rating, hot-dip galvanised posts with coastal touch-up protocol. Outcome: 8–10°C cooler under-roof in summer; zero corrosion issues after two winters.
Townsville, QLD — Carport garage in Region C
Project: 6×7.5 m carport garage with gable roof and cyclone detailing (C2), upgraded screws, extra batten spacing, and deeper footings. Result: Passed independent inspection; insured as engineered cyclonic structure.
Orange, NSW — Rural shed with carport in front for farm machinery storage
Design: 9×12 m rural sheds NSW layout, enclosed workshop plus 3 m skillion carport front awning. Benefits: covered tractor access, reduced rain ingress at roller door, integrated water harvesting to 10,000 L tank.
DIY shed kits vs supply-and-install: what’s better?
DIY shed kits are budget-friendly and suit experienced owner‑builders. Supply-and-install delivers speed, compliance, and warranty peace of mind.
- DIY kit: Save 10–25% on labour; need tools, concrete experience, and time.
- Installed: Faster, council coordination handled, workmanship warranty, professional slab and set-out.
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Confirm your use: parking, workshop, boat clearance, or farm machinery storage. Size accordingly.
- Check site & approvals: setbacks, easements, power/water paths, BAL (bushfire) if applicable.
- Specify engineering: wind region, terrain, importance level, and connections. Ask for AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600 compliance statements.
- Choose materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, BMT, insulation, gutters, doors, and colours to match home.
- Compare quotes fairly: ensure apples-to-apples on size, BMT, inclusions, slab, approvals, delivery, and timelines.
Frequently asked questions
What slab or footings do I need?
Common spec: 100–125 mm concrete slab at 25–32 MPa with mesh (SL72/SL82) and edge thickenings or pier footings under posts. Cyclonic sites may require deeper isolated footings. Always follow your engineer’s drawings.
Can I attach a carport to my house?
Yes, but connections into an existing dwelling must be engineered. Mind boundary setbacks, stormwater, and termite barriers. Many prefer freestanding to simplify approvals.
How long does delivery and install take?
Standard kits: 3–6 weeks. Custom builds: 6–10 weeks plus council. Install: 1–5 days for carports, 5–15 days for larger garage combos, weather permitting.
What colours and finishes are available?
Most Colorbond colours plus Matt options; Zincalume for a classic metallic look. Roller doors, personal access doors, skylights, and ventilation can be added.
Do you service my area?
We supply and install across metro and regional Australia, including steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, SE QLD, the Hunter, and regional WA. Ask about council-approved sheds WA documentation.
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Standards, climate and industry references
- AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind Actions; AS/NZS 4600 Cold-formed Steel Structures; NCC (BCA) compliance
- Corrosion categories per AS 4312; coastal C3–C4 considerations
- Bureau of Meteorology wind regions and climate data — BOM
- BlueScope product performance and warranties — Australian Steel (BlueScope)
- HIA and Master Builders guidelines on outdoor structures — HIA and MBA
- CSIRO advice on building in hot/cyclonic climates — CSIRO
Industry outlook: The 2025 Australian steel and home improvement reports indicate continued demand for outdoor structures, with homeowners prioritising compliant, low‑maintenance, and thermally comfortable builds.
For overall layout inspiration, our Garage Design in Australia guide covers carports, garages, and sheds.