From a compact 2 car garage with a loft to a full-scale two storey garage, Australian homeowners are turning to engineered steel garages for extra space, future resale value, and durability. Below you’ll find local, practical advice for custom Colorbond garages—from Perth heat to cyclone-rated sheds in QLD, and council-approved sheds in WA and NSW.
A two storey garage maximises floor space and value. If design inspiration is what you’re after, visit our full Garage Design in Australia guide for steel, carport, and shed options.
Why choose a two story garage in Australia?
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– Double your usable space on the same footprint (ideal on tight suburban blocks)
– Keep vehicles, boats, and farm machinery storage on ground level; put a studio or loft above
– Increase rental potential or resale value with a compliant studio (check local planning rules)
– Choose low-maintenance, high-tensile BlueScope steel frames with Colorbond cladding
What is the difference between a loft, mezzanine and full two storey garage?
- Loft: Partial second level (often 30–70% of footprint). Great for storage or a small studio.
- Mezzanine: Open intermediate floor within the garage volume; cost-effective storage solution.
- Two storey garage: A full second level with dedicated stair access and adequate ceiling heights; can be built as habitable space subject to NCC/BCA and council approvals.
Is a two story garage right for Australian conditions?
Australia’s varied climates demand localised engineering:
- Wind regions (AS/NZS 1170.2): A–D. Cyclone regions C and D (parts of QLD and WA) require cyclone-rated sheds, engineered hold-downs, and specific cladding fixings.
- Bushfire (AS 3959): Check your BAL rating. BAL-12.5 to BAL-40/BAL-FZ affect cladding, ember seals, and glazing.
- Corrosion: Coastal/marine zones need enhanced coatings (Colorbond Ultra, stainless fixings, hot-dip galvanised brackets) and smart detailing to reduce salt traps.
- Heat: Perth and inland NSW benefit from insulation, sarking, roof vents, and light Colorbond colours.
What Are the Best Shed Materials for Perth’s Climate?
Perth’s hot summers and coastal air call for heat-reflective roofing, corrosion-resistant coatings, and quality ventilation.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — Which is better for WA conditions?
| Feature | Colorbond Steel | Zincalume Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating | Painted finish over zinc/aluminium alloy base | Zinc/aluminium alloy (unpainted) |
| Heat reflectivity | High in lighter colours (Thermatech) | High reflectivity when new; can dull over time |
| Coastal performance | Choose Colorbond Ultra near surf coasts | May require extra protection near marine environments |
| Aesthetics | Wide range of colours; great for matching homes | Industrial silver/grey appearance |
| Maintenance | Low; hose down coastal deposits | Low; rinse in coastal zones |
| Indicative cost | Higher material cost; strong resale value | Generally more economical |
Tip: For coastal WA and QLD (C4–C5 corrosion categories), opt for Colorbond Ultra, marine-grade fasteners, and galvanised structural steel.
How big should a two story garage be?
- 2 car garage (2 story): Common footprints: 6 x 6 m, 6 x 7 m, 7 x 7 m. Add stair allowance (~1.4–1.8 m run) and head clearance for loft use.
- Double door garage: Typical double roller/sectional door widths: 4800–5500 mm; height 2100–2400 mm (higher for 4WDs or vans).
- Ceiling heights: Ground level 2600–3000 mm clear for 4WDs, racks; upper level 2400–2700 mm for habitable rooms.
How to Get Council Approval for Your Custom Shed in WA
Most councils require planning consent and a Building Permit for a two storey garage or a garage with a loft. Engage a registered engineer for site-specific certification.
Western Australia
- Follow the NCC (BCA) via WA Building Regulations; obtain a BA1/BA2 Building Permit with engineering certification.
- Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: Verify Wind Region (A, B, or C in the north), Terrain Category, and shielding. Engineer tie-downs to slab/piers accordingly.
- Coastal lots: specify corrosion protection, eave gutters with overflows, and compliant stormwater disposal.
Queensland
- Added cyclone-rated guidance for QLD: In Regions C/D, choose cyclone-rated sheds with certified connections, door wind-locks, and sheeting patterns to suit design pressures.
- Plan sealing for wind-driven rain, and verify slab edge thickening and hold-down details per engineering.
New South Wales
- Some two storey garages may fall outside exempt development; consult council or a private certifier.
- Check BAL mapping, heritage overlays, and front setback controls for car garages.
For a quick explainer on permits and contracts, see the Housing Industry Association guides HIA and Master Builders resources Master Builders Australia.
Design options for a 2 story 2 car garage
- Doors: Wind-locked roller doors for cyclonic areas; insulated sectional doors for thermal/acoustic gains.
- Stairs: NCC-compliant rise/run; consider straight with mid-landing to save space.
- Insulation: Anticon blanket, sarking, and insulated roof panels; wall batts if habitable.
- Ventilation: Ridge vents, whirlybirds, eave vents to manage summer heat.
- Windows & glazing: BAL-rated where required; low-e options for studios.
- Electrical: 15A/20A circuits for welders/EV chargers; LED high-bays; motion sensors.
- Flooring: Mezzanine design loads typically 2.0 kPa (habitable) to 3.0–5.0 kPa (storage)—engineer accordingly.
- Colours/finishes: Colour matching tip: Many Australian projects pair upper-storey cladding with Woodland Grey garage doors for a clean, modern palette.
If you need even more space for vehicles and storage, the 4 Car Garage Shed is another premium solution for Australian homes.
For secure and premium local storage alternatives, see Storage South Perth.
2025 cost guide: two storey garage and lofts
Indicative, ex-GST and location-dependent (labour/materials vary by region and site). Source context: 2025 HIA Outdoor Structures Report and trade pricing trends from the 2025 Australian Steel Market Outlook.
- DIY shed kits (shell only): From $22k–$40k for a 6 x 7 m two storey shell (steel frame, cladding, standard doors). Add slab, council fees, delivery, and erection.
- Custom-built (installed): $55k–$120k+ depending on wind rating, height, mezzanine size, stairs, insulation, windows, and regional labour.
- Habitable studio fitout: Add $25k–$80k+ for lining, services, glazing, fire/thermal compliance, and finishes.
Expect higher costs in cyclone regions (QLD/WA north), for steep/expansive soil sites, or marine-grade specifications.
DIY shed kits vs custom-built: which suits you?
| Aspect | DIY Shed Kits | Custom-Built Install |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time on site | Longer (owner-managed) | Faster (professional crew) |
| Engineering & approvals | Often included; owner lodges | Handled by builder/designer |
| Finish level | Basic; upgrade as you go | Turnkey; higher fitout quality |
| Risk | On owner (errors, delays) | On builder (program, quality) |
Case studies: two storey garage builds in Australia
Perth (custom Colorbond garages Perth)
- Size: 7 x 7 m 2 story 2 car garage with full mezzanine
- Spec: Colorbond Surfmist roof/walls, Ultra near coast, Anticon blanket, ridge vent
- Compliance: council-approved sheds WA; Wind Region A, Terrain Cat 2; slab 120 mm with thickened edges
SEQ, QLD (cyclone-rated sheds QLD)
- Size: 6 x 7 m with loft storage
- Spec: Cyclone-rated doors, additional tie-downs, screw patterns per Region C edge zones
- Outcome: Passed final inspection; insurance accepted due to certified engineering
Regional NSW (rural sheds NSW)
- Use: Motor garages plus farm machinery storage bay
- Spec: Zincalume walls, Colorbond roof, whirlybirds, vermin flashing
- Note: Considered “non-habitable loft” to fast-track approvals
Roof style choices: gable vs skillion vs dutch gable
Explore our Garage Roof and Flat Roof Garage Guide for advice on roofing options for two story garages.
- Gable: Classic look; efficient drainage; easy to ventilate.
- Skillion: Modern lines; great for solar PV orientation; simpler framing.
- Dutch gable: Heritage aesthetic; slightly higher build complexity.
Buying considerations and technical checks
- Frame steel grade (e.g., 450 MPa) and hot-dip galvanised brackets
- Door wind ratings and opening sizes for boats/utes
- Anti-condensation and sarking in humid or cold regions
- Stormwater design: gutters, overflows, downpipes sized to local rainfall intensity (BOM data)
- Termite-resistant detailing for slab penetrations and wall interfaces
5-Step Buying Guide for Custom Sheds in Australia
- Define use and loads: Parking, workshop, loft storage vs habitable studio (set floor live loads accordingly).
- Site & compliance: Wind region, BAL, overlays; get a contour/survey if on slopes.
- Choose materials: Colorbond vs Zincalume, insulation package, cyclone kit if required.
- Engineering & approvals: Obtain certified drawings; lodge with council/private certifier.
- Build & finish: Lock in slab spec, door types, electrical, and ventilation. Plan for future EV or solar.
FAQs
Can I make the loft a bedroom or studio?
Yes—if designed as “habitable” per NCC: minimum ceiling heights, natural light/ventilation, stair compliance, and fire/thermal performance. Approvals are required.
What’s the difference between a car garage and motor garages?
In everyday use, both mean a vehicle storage building. In planning, “motor garages” can reference detached garages for cars, bikes, or light machinery.
Do you supply a two story garage with loft Australia-wide?
Reputable shed companies supply Australia-wide with site-specific engineering for local wind regions and BAL ratings. Ask for delivery and install lead times.
Is there a “double garage for sale” option that I can upgrade later?
Yes. Many suppliers offer base 2 car garage kits you can future-proof for a loft by specifying higher wall heights and portal frame capacity now.
Double door garage or two singles?
One wide door is often cheaper and simpler; two singles offer redundancy in high-wind regions and reduce door sail area during storms.
How long do Colorbond garages last?
With correct specification and maintenance, Colorbond-backed warranties can be up to 20+ years. Coastal rinsing and regular checks extend life.
Local standards, data and further reading
- Bureau of Meteorology rainfall and wind data for stormwater and wind design: BOM
- Australian Steel Institute guidance on steel selection: ASI
- Energy.gov.au on insulation and energy performance: Energy.gov.au
- Standards Australia overview for AS/NZS 1170.2 (wind) and AS 3959 (bushfire): Standards Australia
- CSIRO building science and condensation research: CSIRO
Keyword clusters (for quick planning)
- Local: steel sheds Perth, custom carports Melbourne, rural sheds NSW, shed kits Brisbane, garage designs Adelaide
- Technical: Colorbond vs Zincalume comparison, wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas, BAL-rated garages, insulated panel roofs, portal frame design
- Lifestyle/usage: farm machinery storage, DIY shed kits, affordable carports for Australian homes, two story garage with loft Australia
- Gap terms: council-approved sheds WA, cyclone-rated sheds QLD, custom Colorbond garages Perth
Putting it together
Whether you’re upgrading to a 2 storey garage, adding a mezzanine to a 2 car garage, or comparing Colorbond vs Zincalume, start with engineering, wind and bushfire ratings, and the right insulation package. Consider a Mezzanine in Shed to further increase your storage capacity in multi-level garages. Specify quality doors and fixings, and you’ll have a durable, low-maintenance asset that suits Australia’s climate.
Prefer a lighter outbuilding beside your garage? See our weatherboard shed guide for façade styles that complement two-storey builds.