How to build a shed using steel studs?

[achintya88]

I’m planning to build a 2.4m × 4m shed with a max height of 2.4m and a skillion roof. It will be fixed to a concrete slab. I originally planned to use timber framing, but before making a final decision, I’m exploring the effort, pros/cons, and cost comparison of using steel studs instead.

For anyone who has built a shed with steel studs:

• What size/type of steel studs did you use? (thickness)

• What stud spacing worked best? (450mm or 600mm?)

• Recommended thickness for a shed this size?

• Any advice about bracing, fasteners, connecting to the concrete slab, corrosion protection, or anything else to watch out for?

Thanks

The attached image is just something I grabbed from Google, but I’m thinking of something along those lines. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @achintya88,

Thank you for your question about building a shed using steel studs.

I should mention that even though the footprint is relatively small, sheds, especially custom-made ones, can often require council approval, which would require the submission of building plans. It is certainly worth having a look at what your local council's rules are during the planning stage of your shed build.

Unfortunately, the steel stud systems we supply are designed for internal, non-structural framing and are not suitable for building full outdoor structures like sheds. The main issue is that these light-gauge steel studs are intended to support sheet products such as plasterboard when they are tied in with existing structures. They are not designed to handle the structural loads of a roof or the wind and weather exposure that an external shed must withstand. Using them for a freestanding structure would result in inadequate strength, poor rigidity, and a high risk of failure under external loads. 

Freestanding steel-framed sheds use structural-grade, cold-formed steel sections such as C- or Z-purlins that are engineered for outdoor structures and compliant with Australian building standards. If you were to build a custom shed from steel framing, you would need to speak with an engineer to ensure that the materials are suitable and that it is braced in a fashion that is suitable to resist the external loads it will experience. 

If you used a prefabricated shed, this would already have been done for you, so you might like to check out the options that are available. This Build-a-Shed 1.5 x 4.5 x 2m Double Sliding Side Door Skillion Shed is relatively close to what you are after.

If you were set on building something custom, timber is a more practical and reliable choice. It offers excellent structural strength, making it well-suited to supporting roof loads, wall cladding, and wind pressures, while being far easier to cut, fix, and adjust on site using standard tools. Timber also provides a degree of flexibility in design and assembly that light-gauge steel cannot, allowing for simpler modifications during the build. However, even with timber, it’s important to engage a draftsperson to prepare proper drawings and ensure the design complies with local building codes and load requirements. This helps confirm that the structure will be safe, durable, and meet any necessary council or engineering approvals before construction begins.

To summarise, steel stud systems are not suitable for this kind of construction. You would be better off either using timber or purchasing a premade shed kit, which would be designed and certified to withstand the external loads it is likely to experience.

Let me know what you think, and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[achintya88]

Thanks, @jac, for your quick response

My council rules say this, so I think I am within the limit .

Is a permit required?

An unattached shed less than 10 square metres in area, not more than 2.4 metres high (not constructed of masonry; brick, blockwork etc...) and not forward of the front wall of the building/dwelling	No
A shed more than 10 square metres in area	Yes

For timber, can you point me in the right direction regarding appropriate sizes? I believe I need to use H3 timber. Would 70×35 mm or 70×45 mm be suitable for walls with 600 mm spacing, or should I go closer? What size should I use for the roof ?

[JacobZ]

Hi @achintya88,

Based on what you've said, it seems likely you would be ok without a permit, but you would still be best to speak with your local council to confirm this. A quick phone call to them can provide you with information that I can not.

Unfortunately, with freestanding structures like this, it is not a simple case of one size fits all situations. When designing structures, the Australian and New Zealand standards for timber framing (AS 1684 & NZS 3604) are used to select stud sizes based on factors such as wind classification, wall height, stud spacing, roof type and load width, and timber grade. 

Unfortunately, I do not have access to these standards, nor do I have the expertise to design a structure like this. I would hate to give you advice that was incorrect.

To ensure you are compliant with the relevant standards, I would encourage you to speak with a draftsperson. They will be able to ensure the shed is designed within the expectations of these standards.

Jacob

[achintya88]

Thanks, @JacobZ, for your guidance