How much does an industrial shed cost?

If you’re planning to build an industrial shed, the construction cost is likely a critical factor in your decision. 

From the size of the shed to the location, many variables can affect the overall cost of your industrial building. However, understanding the average cost per square metre can provide a good indication of what to expect. In this article, we explore the various factors that influence the price of an industrial shed and we provide insights into the average cost of different shed sizes in Australia.

The cost of an industrial shed (per m²)

A steel shed is a practical and versatile solution for any purpose, from warehousing to storing aircraft. As a starting point, the cost of an industrial shed is typically between $400 and $500 per square metre, depending on its specifications.

This price range gives an indication of the cost of a basic industrial shed. However, if you require a shed with additional features, engineering, or specialised materials, the price is likely to be higher. It may seem like a big upfront cost, to begin with, but the investment in a quality structural steel shed will pay off in the long run. 

Factors that impact the price

The price of an industrial shed will vary depending on various factors, including location, size, purpose, materials, and engineering design. In this section, we discuss each of the key factors in more detail.

• Purpose
• Size
• Location
• Materials
• Engineering
• Additional features

Purpose

The purpose of an industrial shed can significantly impact its price for several reasons. 

Firstly, the purpose of the shed may require specific features, materials, or equipment which can increase the cost of construction. For example, a shed designed for storing hazardous materials may need to have additional safety features like ventilation systems, fire suppression equipment, and specialised flooring. 

Secondly, the intended use of the shed can impact the design and engineering of the structure. A shed that requires heavy machinery or equipment may need to be reinforced or built to specific dimensions, which can drive up the cost. 

Size

The size and shape of an industrial shed can significantly affect its price, including height, span, bay spacing, and square meterage. Generally, larger sheds require more materials and labour, resulting in greater construction costs. 

Moreover, the shape of the shed can impact its functionality, accessibility, and even aesthetic appeal. A non-standard shape or design may require additional engineering and construction time, which can increase the overall price. 

Location

The cost of building an industrial shed can be impacted by various location-related factors such as site conditions, distance from suppliers, and council restrictions. Site conditions such as rocky or hilly terrain can make it challenging to build, increasing the cost of construction. Similarly, distance from suppliers can also add to the cost, especially when materials and tradespeople have to be transported to the location. 

Council restrictions can also impact the cost, as certain areas may have specific regulations that require more expensive materials or additional features. For example, building an industrial shed to house aircraft in an area with aircraft regulations may require more costly, non-reflective building materials than cheaper options.  

Materials

The quality of the materials used to build your shed will affect the durability, appearance, and overall functionality, as well as the construction cost. High-quality materials typically cost more but can also improve the shed’s longevity and reduce ongoing maintenance. 

Steel is a popular material for building industrial sheds due to its strength and durability. Galvanised steel is also commonly used as it is rust-resistant and requires minimal maintenance. Timber can also be used in some applications but it may require more upkeep to maintain its condition over time. 

Engineering

The engineering of your shed ensures that it can withstand the environmental and operational requirements of its intended use. The more engineering is required, the higher the overall cost of construction. 

Bay spacing

Bay spacing refers to the distance between the supporting columns, which can impact functionality and ease of movement inside the shed. Wider bay spacing may require additional support structures which can increase the cost. 

Shed span

The span refers to the overall width of the shed building. Typically, a wider span will require stronger materials and supports to hold the structure’s weight, which will drive up the cost of construction. 

Height

The height of the shed is another crucial consideration as it affects storage capacity and ease of movement inside the shed. A higher shed may require additional reinforcement, especially when supporting roller doors, a gantry crane, or other additional features. 

Additional features

If you wish to add certain features to your shed design, you can expect the total price to increase. These features may include:

Office fit-outs

Although a built-in office offers advantages in terms of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and productivity, it's vital to recognise that it will increase the cost of your shed due to the need for additional internal walls and a personal access door.

As a general guide, office fit-outs and amenities typically add $800–$2,500+ per m² of office or amenity area, depending on the level of finish, the services required, and how much of the space is being conditioned.

Mezzanines

For practical storage space, you might consider adding a mezzanine floor to your new shed. However, this will increase the overall cost because extra structural support is required to hold the additional weight.

Storage-only mezzanines are usually more cost-effective and often add around $75–$150 per m² of mezzanine area. If the mezzanine is designed to be more usable, such as for an office or workshop space, the allowance is typically higher, often $200–$400+ per m², due to the extra requirements for structure, access, and fit-out.

Gantry cranes

A gantry crane can be a practical addition to an industrial shed, especially for heavy fabrication applications and moving heavy loads. However, the shed will need to be engineered to support this, with extra structural support added to the sides of the shed.

Light-duty systems can start from around $10,000–$30,000+, while heavier or more specialised crane setups can range from $50,000–$300,000+, depending on lifting capacity, span, runway requirements, and the level of engineering needed to integrate the system safely.

Roller doors

If you need easy access to the shed for big machinery and vehicles a roller door is a practical solution. These are considered additional features because extra framing is required to support the door’s weight.

Standard manual roller doors are typically a few thousand dollars per door, while larger openings or motorised doors often sit in the $5,000–$20,000+ per door range, depending on size, wind rating, insulation requirements, and automation.

Firewalls

A firewall can help to contain fires on the property and minimise the risk of them spreading to neighbouring buildings. However, it's worth noting that installing a firewall will increase the cost of construction since it involves building an additional wall in your shed.

The cost impact can vary significantly and may add several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the required fire rating, the length of the wall, and how it needs to be detailed and connected to the rest of the structure.

Sprinklers

Sprinklers will also reduce the fire threat to your employees, products, and equipment. The installation cost varies depending on the size of the building, however, it is wise to do this during the initial building phase because adding them later will be more expensive.

As a typical allowance, sprinkler systems often add around $20–$70+ per m², depending on the hazard classification, water supply requirements, and the complexity of the layout.

Air conditioning and ventilation systems

Installing an air conditioning system will improve working conditions, equipment performance, and product quality. It is more cost-effective to incorporate this early in the build but it will add to the initial shed price. Basic industrial ventilation can be a modest uplift to the base cost, but once you are conditioning office or workshop areas, the allowance is typically higher.

A common guide is $100–$300+ per m² of conditioned space, depending on the system type, ducting, insulation requirements, and how tightly the area needs to be temperature controlled.

Security fixtures

To protect your business’ assets from theft, you may wish to incorporate security features like reinforced doors, access control systems, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and security lighting. These features will increase the cost of your shed but ultimately pay off in the long run.

Smaller facilities often budget around $3,000–$15,000+, while larger sites or integrated systems commonly fall in the $15,000–$50,000+ range, depending on how many cameras and access points are needed, monitoring requirements, and whether the system is integrated across multiple zones or buildings.

Specific lighting

At ABC Sheds, we offer free, no-obligation quotes for all of the sheds in our range. Simply ask us for an accurate quote tailored to your specific project. To plan your new shed, simply download our free brochure showcasing our full range of industrial sheds below.