Smart Buyer's Guide.

The 6 Essential Elements of an Australian Standards® Compliant Carport or shed

The Truth

Colorbond is a trusted, proven, durable product. Colorbond colours such as “Monument” and “Classic Cream” are Copywrite. – Colours like Smooth Cream and Slate Grey are cheap imported copies.


The Trick

Deceptively market misleading colour names & gauges. Check for genuine Colorbond colours and only accept a minimum of 0.42BMT – that’s Base Metal Thickness.

The Truth

BlueScope Steel capacities and strength are proven and certified by Australian engineers.


The Trick

Deceptive companies claim to use ‘quality’ steel but deliver cheap imported inferior steel. What does this mean? – Our 6m x 6m carport is  2 x heavier than some of our competition and the weight of 7m x 7m Professional Choice Steel Shed is 40% heavier, (435kg heavier) and stronger than most of the popular ‘big name’ sheds in Australia.. Using less steel and weaker steel makes frames dangerous & illegal.

The Truth

BlueScope Steel’s certified quality, strength & durability.


The Trick

Some companies will use BlueScope Steel but cheat you by using smaller members and less of them. Stay clear of purlins or girts with a gauge less than 1.0 mm. Cladding needs support and a frame needs substance or it will pull apart in a severe storm.

Require The exact amount of Raking Force required to keep the structure upright.
Raking Force is a critical requirement for all Australian Roofing.


Avoid: Undocumented Raking Force. It’s a simple calculation. Get it in writing.

The maximum Rafter & Purlin Deflection in writing. Deflection, or sag under
load, is critical & must be calculated for all Australian Roofing.

Avoid Undocumented Deflection. It’s a simple calculation. Get it in writing. Excess Deflection is unsafe and compromises structural integrity.

The Truth

Certified as 100% Australian Standards compliant.


The Trick

Be wary of ‘in house’ engineers or ‘back yard’ certifiers and look for a reputable, independent firms. Many ‘certificates’ are not worth the paper they are written on. CHECK ALL YOU ARE GIVEN on the independent website www.shedhealthtest.com.au

The mass in kilograms. The software used by Professional Choice optimises the use of steel. If a product is
significantly lighter, it’s non-compliant, unsafe & shouldn’t be sold in Australia.


Avoid: Undocumented mass. Remember, less steel = more profit. Always double
check the weight on the Bill of Materials. People lie. Scales do not.

The Truth

Product quality is obvious in its documentation. Every connection should be clear and have its own video showing you exactly what to do so you will have no mistakes and no wasted time.


The Trick

Distract buyers with glossy brochures, fancy ads and celebrities. Dig deeper to see what you are actually buying so compare Installation Manuals. Product quality is not skin deep and don’t be left scratching your head over a pile of parts.

If you already have a quote for your new steel building, we strongly recommend that you check the engineering here at this independent site shedhealthtest.com.au. 


Unless its Professional Choice®, you will almost certainly find that your choice is not up to Australian Standards