How To Build A Workshop Shed?

11 September 2025

Feel like you need your own workshop space? There's only so much space in your garage to work with, and when you think about it, building a workshop shed can prove to be a very smart move. If you're planning to build a workshop or shed, here is a guide to help you get it done.

Step 1: Define your Workshop Shed goals

First, we need to determine what kind of workshop shed you want to build. What do you want to use the shed for? The answer to this will impact how you design the shed. For instance, does it need to be a workshop for you to work on cars, then you would need large enough roller doors and space for a vehicle and your tools. This is one example; here are a few others:

Popular Workshop Shed ideas:

• Woodworking shed

• Metalworking shed

• DIY home repair shed

• Auto or bike maintenance shed

• Tool storage and sharpening station

• Gardening and potting shed

• Electronics or tech repair shed

• Craft or model-building shed

• Paint and finishing shed

• Mixed-use hobby and storage shed

Step 2: Design your dream Workshop Shed layout

Once you have direction regarding the workshop's function, you can start thinking of other practical aspects. This includes things like how much space you have available, council regulations you need to adhere to, and how to make your workshop as convenient as possible.

What to consider:

• Shed size: Do you require a single, double, or larger bay shed?

• Roof style: What kind of roof pitch are you interested in? A gabled roof looks lovely and gives you additional ceiling space, whereas a flat roof is straightforward and traditional

• The quantity and positioning of windows, PA doors, French doors, and roller doors

• Insulation, ventilation, and possibly air conditioning for comfort all year round

Try Our Shed Designer Tool

If you already have a design in mind for your workshop, you can use our free shed designer app to create it. This way, you can understand how it looks and make changes. When you're happy with your design, send it over to us and we'll provide you with a quote.

Step 3: Sort council approvals (or let us handle it)

As with most projects, building a workshop shed on your property will require you to get council approvals and permits before you can begin building. You can manage this yourself, or you can let us handle it. Our team has experience getting council approvals, and we know what they expect, so we can get it done faster and without issues.

Step 4: Get your site shed ready

Site preparation is the next step. Before we can begin erecting the shed, we need to make sure the foundations are set. This involves levelling the ground or laying a concrete slab. You're welcome to do this yourself or let us do it.

Step 5: Choose to build your own Workshop Shed - or let us do it

If you'd prefer to build your Workshop shed yourself, we can provide you with a shed kit and instructions to help you erect the structure and set up the whole shed. Alternatively, you could let us do it. Our services cover everything related to the build, from the quote and design to getting council approvals and building the shed. Whatever you decide, we're happy to help you with every step along the way.

Step 6: Fit your Workshop Shed out to suit your lifestyle & needs

Things start getting fun now! Once the shed is up and the structure is sorted, it's time to start setting up the exterior of your shed to suit your lifestyle and needs. Firstly, choose a colour for your shed from one of our COLORBOND® steel paint options. You could choose a colour that makes the shed stand out or complements the rest of the property.

Consider some of the other practical exterior things you may need, like a power outlet, maybe a tap for water, lights, or something like a carport attached to your workshop shed.

Step 7: Fit out the inside of your she shed

When the exterior is sorted, it's time to focus on the interior of your workshop. Here's where you want to think carefully about the fit-outs you have installed. Fit-outs like plugs, ventilation, or running water may be really helpful in a workshop. Ideally, you don't want to have many extension leads because you only have one or two plugs to power your power tools, so think about functionality and practicality.

We'll also source the various trades needed to do the electrical and plumbing, so you don't need to worry about that.

She Workshop Shed Must-Haves

A workshop is designed to get messy, but it shouldn't stay that way. It should be easy and enjoyable to work in. Here are some essentials that you should get for your workshop shed:

• Sturdy workbench

• Pegboard or tool wall

• Storage drawers and shelves

• Power points and extension leads

• Task lighting or LED strips

• Tool chest or organiser

• Cutting mat or crafting surface

• Ventilation or a small fan

• Rubbish bin and cleaning supplies

• Comfortable stool or chair

Step 8: Move in and make it yours

After your workshop shed is completed, we'll hand over the keys, and when you have everything you need for it, you start moving everything into it and make it yours. If there's anything else

DIY Workshop Shed vs full-service build

If you're confident with DIY projects and you have the skills and tools needed to build your workshop shed, then we can supply you with the kit to do it. But keep in mind that there's a lot more to the shed construction than just the building aspect. You would need to get council approval, ensure the site is well prepared or lay the concrete slab, build the shed and ensure all the fit-outs are done through licensed, respected trademen. In addition to that, everything needs to be regulated, too.

If you choose to go for our full-service option, we will handle absolutely everything, from walking you through the design process, getting approvals and permits, and making sure your workshop is built to exceed quality standards.

Start designing your Workshop Shed

If you already have a design in mind, try our shed designer app so you don't forget it. When you're done and happy with your design, send it to us, and we'll give you a quote based on it.

FAQs about building a Workshop Shed

How much does it cost to build a Workshop Shed in Australia?

The price to build a workshop shed in Australia differs depending on a few factors. All of our sheds are customer builds, meaning that they differ in size, complexity and price. If you want a quote, get in touch with us and we'll help you out.

Do I need council approval to build a Workshop Shed?

Yes, to build a workshop shed, you would need to get council approval, especially if the shed is large and you plan on using it often.

Can I customise the design of my Workshop Shed?

Yes, our design process allows you to fully customise your shed from its size and layout to the colour and number of plug points. You can use our shed design app to get a rough draft of your shed, and we'll take it from there.

Can you build the Workshop Shed for me?

We offer a full-service build option, meaning that we'll not only build your shed for you but also assist you with its design, council approval, site preparation, and the finishing touches until we hand over the keys.

Can I build the Workshop Shed myself?

For those who'd prefer to build their workshop sheds themselves, our shed kits are perfect and come with instructions to assist you with the construction process.

What is a good-sized Workshop Shed?

Ideally, a good-sized workshop shed should be able to fit everything you need in it and perform the function it was made for. We can build you a custom-sized shed, or you could go for a standard single, double, or triple bay shed.