A well-built large machinery shed has the potential to drastically improve the efficiency of your business and land, but a poorly built shed machinery shed can be a waste of time, space and money.

How to ensure which side you’re on? Build a high-quality machinery shed without overlooking the necessary considerations. As a trusted shed builder in Perth with years of experience, we know every factor you need to consider for your shed build, and we’ve shared them all below to help you get bang for your buck.

1. Dimensions and Shed Size

Your shed should reflect the size of your needs and the size of your land. More than just the total area size, selecting the correct machinery shed dimensions also concerns the height of your shed, the size of your shed bays, and the number of bays you require.

Not sure where to start? We’ve provided some quick insights below.

Length

The length of the shed will depend on how many pieces of machinery you plan to store. Common bay spacing ranges from 8 to 9 meters accommodating 1-2 vehicles per bay. For a large machinery shed storing 8 vehicles, you may require 64m to 74m of length.

Width

The width of the shed should be sufficient to accommodate the longest pieces of machinery. This includes room surrounding the vehicle to ensure you can move machinery in and out of the shed effectively and retain easy access.

Height

The height of your shed will need to exceed the height of your tallest piece of machinery. For farm machinery in Australia, this will often begin at 6m. You will also need to account for a minimum of 0.5m for roller doors.

To future-proof your shed, it is recommended to go above this height, allowing you to bring in larger equipment down the line. Consider 7.5 or 8m in height as a buffer, or look at the height specifications of large equipment that you are hoping to bring in over the next decade to get ahead.

What are shed bays?

Your shed bays are what helps break apart the different areas of your shed (if you require them) and are perfectly customisable to your needs. Not all sheds require distinct bays but it can be helpful for organisation, and to get more use from your Perth machinery shed.

How many bays do you need?

If you’re priority is accessing your vehicles day-to-day with ease, while ensuring they are well sheltered, then you might opt for no bays with a drive-through shed. However, if you’re interested in long-term storage options which are highly organised then you may opt for multiple bays to separate different vehicles such as one bay for farm machinery and another for personal access vehicles.

You can also add a bay to your shed to act as equipment storage or an office or workshop space.

2. Accessibility and Safety

Is an open or enclosed machinery shed best? What are your options for accessibility and security?

When building a machinery shed in Perth, the trick is balancing easy access to equipment with your safety and shelter requirements. Not sure where to get started? We outline the level of safety and access offered by each common shed type.

The Best Enclosure Option for Perth Machinery Sheds

Fully Enclosed

Fully enclosed sheds are ideal if you have valuable machinery that you want locked away safely and away from the elements. Closed on all sides with a roller door, these shed-types limit vandalism risks and provide you with more control over the storage environment of your machinery.

With the right insulation, these sheds can keep your equipment cool during the hot Perth summers and offer complete protection from rain and wind. Though slightly more expensive, these sheds can extend the longevity of your equipment and be more cost-efficient in the long run.

Open Front (Gutter Side)

An open front (open bay shed) provides excellent access while still retaining a level of protection from the elements. Open on one side, this configuration is particularly useful if you need to move large or wide machinery in and out frequently.

Open Gable (Drive Through)

Also known as a drive-through shed, open gable sheds provide the highest level of access. Open on two ends, these sheds allow you to store your machinery away from the rain while giving you a similar level of access to if they were out in the open.

While you cannot control the storage conditions as well as a fully enclosed machinery shed, this is a cost-effective storage solution to move your equipment away from harsh weather.

3. Materials and Durability

Every one of our machinery shed is built with the highest quality BlueScope Steel.

Steel is our preferred material of choice, and the outstanding choice for large machinery sheds as it is:

• Durable – These structures last for years to come with minimal maintenance.
• Weather resistant – Durable against heavy winds, rain, hail and scorching Australian summers.
• Highly customisable – Enjoy the freedom to build your shed in over 22 core colours.
• Cost-effective – With lower repairs and maintenance required throughout its life span, steel is a front-runner for cost-effectiveness.

While there are other materials to consider for building sheds, many of these will not be accustomed to the durability and scale that a workshop shed requires. Creating a large machinery shed out of wood for example risks being highly expensive, with a lower level of durability. Meanwhile, cheaper materials like vinyl are not durable enough for the level of protection required for valuable machinery.

4. Perth Regulations And Compliance

The options for customising your machinery shed in Perth are endless, so long as your build complies with local regulations.

When it comes to the size of your shed, it’s structural integrity, and it’s positioning on your property, ensure that you are not overlooking legal compliance. Failing to obtain the right permits early in your design process can lead to massive disappointments down the line as well as sunk cost and time.

As this process can be complicated, we highly advise consulting with a local professional who will understand the ins and outs of shed building in WA. However, if you are looking for a quick guide to get you started, we have some insights available in our large shed planning guide.

Please note that the guide is not comprehensive. For full peace of mind, feel free to reach out to our team, who can provide expert insight into the building regulations in affect in your postcode.

5. Features

Don’t overlook the opportunity to increase the usability of your machinery shed with functional features. The best machinery sheds are more than just a blank space to put your things, they offer easy personal access, proper light and ventilation and make the most of their available space.

What features can you include in your shed?

• 3-in-1 multipurpose insulation + thermal break + vapour barrier
• Shed roof ventilation
• Aluminium windows
• Barn style windows
• Glass sliding and personal access doors
• Barrier screens
• Mezzanine floors

Which ones do you need? Let’s break down some of the key considerations that will determine which features are necessary for your Perth machinery shed.

Climate considerations

In Perth summers, where the temperatures have reached as high as 46 degrees, you will want to make sure your shed is suitably equipped for the heat. While your machinery might seem to operate okay in the heat day to day, long-time exposure will cause preventable wear and tear, including:

• Cracking of the machinery and material deformation.
• Overheating of electric and battery components.
• Degradation of fuel systems.
• Reduced effectiveness of the machinery’s own cooling mechanisms.

To avoid these damages, we recommend implementing a thorough insulation and ventilation system similar to our 3-in-1 multipurpose solution which reflects up to 95% radiant heat, allowing for cooler internal conditions in hot and humid climates. This can also be combined with other features such as a whirlybird to further reduce the build-up of heat inside the shed.

Natural Light

Depending on your needs, incorporating windows and skylights are a great way to save time and money on having lighting installed in your shed.

6. Future-Proofing

Failure to future-proof is one of the more common downfalls people run into when designing their large machinery shed. Remember that when you are selecting your size, design and add-ons, you’re not just building for the machinery you have today.

Predicting the machinery you are expected to have in the next 5, 10 and 15 years can provide you with the additional insight you need to create a machinery shed that lasts well into the future.

Consider adding a few extra bays for future storage and increasing the width or height of your shed for new machinery which may be larger than what you currently have. You may also want to consider the level of safety required as you expand your operations, or how your insulation and ventilation requirements may change.

If you’re not sure what the future of your machinery shed will look like, speak with our team. With years of experience building sheds all across Perth we’ve seen first-hand how people’s needs change overtime as their operations expands, allowing us to predict your future requirements.

Our team is always available to run through options, to help you make an informed decision on your next step.

7. Your Machinery Shed Builder

Picking the right builder can make or break the success of your new machinery shed.

Beyond picking up and putting together the pieces, you will want a builder who understands your unique needs and position. An experienced shed builder in Perth will do more than just assemble, they will:

• Help with local regulations and permits.
• Provide industry-leading expertise on your build to future-proof your investment.
• Provide guidance on your shed design to create a shed that is tailored to your needs.
• Save you money by helping you prioritise the aspects of your shed that will remain cost-efficient in the long run.

We’re here to help

Our Fair Dinkum Builds Western Sheds team is friendly, knowledgeable and reliable, here to help you at every step of the way. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for, working out the kinks, or still figuring out where to start, our knowledge can get you across the finish line with ease.

Build with a trusted Perth team and enjoy the easy process and great value.