When designing a new shed or patio people often think more about the floorplan, how to use the space or where will everything fit. The floorplan & usability should initially be the priority, after all its no good to if it cant be used properly but after the layout has been decided on its time to look at the design factors.

The design of the structure is hugely important. Its what you will look at everyday, it can make or break a building & can cause disappointment if not thought about correctly. There is a lot involved in the design of a shed or patio, roof style, heights, cladding type etc but today I am going to focus on colour choice tips.

Some inspirations for colour choice may include:

• Matching an existing building colour scheme
• Blending in with natural surrounds
• Creating a new colour scheme
• Matching a particular style i.e. hamptons or barnyard etc
• Use of heritage colours

There is a wide range of colours available for sheds and patios. Upspec only use genuine Colorbond which has a wide range of prefinished colours available. We use this as it comes with a 20 year warranty on its finish and is made is Australia, so we are supporting Australian jobs.

Quite a few of these colours are also available in Matt Finish.

Colorbond Colour Guide

Matching an existing colour scheme is a relatively easy process, consider existing colours around your home including fences, the colour of the external walls, the colour of your roof and the colour of plants and flowers. Choose colours that closely match to your existing roof, walls, fence, gutters & trim etc and match to your new structure.

Alternatively, you can go for a contrasting theme. This can be the opposite of the existing building colours, use of different shades of the existing colour scheme or use different colours all together.

If you are wanting to match a particular style you will need to only use the defining colours of that style, this will narrow the colour choice down making it simpler to decide. For example Hamptons style generally consists of light greys & white but can have a dark grey roof if wanted. So to achieve this I would recommend using colours like Surfmist, Shale Grey, Basalt, Wallaby or Windspray. Use Monument or Woodland Grey If a dark roof is wanted.

As a guide I would suggest colour selection in the following order:



1. Wall colour (sheds) or Framework colour(patios/carports)
2. Gutter & trim colours (usually the same)
3. Roof colour
4. Roller door colour (if required)
5. Access door & window colours (if required)
6. Other accessories (lights, blinds etc)

The use of sample swatches or sample products is a good way to choose your colour scheme. Upspec can also provide you with a 3D rendering of your new shed or patio which really helps your design come to life.

Another thing to consider is that some products or cladding are only available in certain colours, this can also reduce or restrict your colour choices.

As a builder not a exterior designer, I am writing this from experience and is to be used as a guide only. I hope it can help you make the sometimes difficult decision about colours.

Speak to the professionals when you want to build your shed

Upspec have a variety of options for you to choose from with design, colour and the type of shed you need. Council approvals and all applications are sorted for you making the process so much easier.

For more advice or to book in a free design consultation you can call us on (02)7209 4210