Like all property owners, when you’re planning an upgrade or addition you want to make sure you choose the right material for the job. If you’re looking to build a new shed or workshop in your backyard, there’s a lot to consider with the options on the market.

Two of your best choices are Colorbond steel and Zincalume steel. Both are produced by Australian specialist steel manufacturers BlueScope Steel, who’ve been catering to Australia’s steel shed, steel fencing, and steel roofing needs for decades. 

But which of these two popular products is the best option for your new shed? In this article we’ll compare Colorbond steel and Zincalume steel by looking at what both products do well, and highlighting the main advantages and main disadvantages of each.

Colorbond steel

Colorbond steel is a massively popular choice among property owners around the world, and for good reason. It’s manufactured by BlueScope Steel to meet Australian standards, so it’s long-lasting in our harsh conditions. 

Also a popular roofing material, Colorbond steel products are famously strong and make for durable metal roofs, sheds, and fences. This is thanks to a strong Zincalume core, plus a special metallic coating that gives it corrosion resistance, and a topcoat made using Thermatech technology to reflect the sun and prevent the specially bonded paint from blistering and flaking.

With 22 colours in their standard range, plus premium options, Colorbond steel gives you a wide range of attractive finishes to choose from. It’s also low maintenance – Mother Nature will keep your shed clean whenever she rains. Or if your shed’s in a spot the rain doesn’t hit, all it needs is a good hose-down a couple of times a year.

Benefits of Colorbond steel

• Attractive and versatile – Wide range of colours and finishes thanks to Activate technology
• Energy efficient – Thermatech technology helps keep your home or shed cool by reflecting the sun’s rays
• Weather resistant – Extremely durable in all conditions
• Low maintenance – Long lifespan without much effort
• Better warranty – Colorbond has a longer warranty compared to Zincalume 

Main advantage

Colorbond’s main advantage above Zincalume steel is the wide range of colour options you have available. Since the paint is bonded to the steel using Thermatech technology, the 22+ colour options that come with Colorbond steel give you a lot of versatility to make sure your new metal roof, shed, or fence matches perfectly with the rest of your home or property. In addition, it also has a better warranty compared to Zincalume steel. 

Main disadvantage

Being such a premium product, Colorbond’s main disadvantage compared to Zincalume steel is the cost. But recently, the price of Zincalume has actually risen above that of Colorbond. Before deciding on which one to use, it’s worth enquiring about what the current prices of both steel products are.

Zincalume steel

Zincalume steel is another popular product used in shed and roof construction. It’s another one made by BlueScope Steel, so you can trust that it meets all Australian standards and holds its own against the harsh conditions down here.

When first installed it has the look of shiny aluminium, which mellows over time down to a more muted appearance. Zincalume steel is a good choice for a lot of projects, and it could certainly be the best option for your shed.

Benefits of Zincalume steel

• Affordable – Relatively low cost for a quality product
• Weather resistant – Extremely durable in all conditions
• Low maintenance – Long lifespan without much effort

Main advantage

Zincalume’s main advantage is that it’s more affordable than Colorbond steel while still being incredibly durable in harsh Aussie conditions. Having said that, the price of Zincalume has recently risen and in some instances it has become more expensive than Colorbond steel. We recommend comparing the prices of both before making a decision. 

Main disadvantage

Zincalume’s main disadvantage compared to Colorbond steel is that it doesn’t have any colour options. 

Which is better Colorbond or Zincalume?

Now that you’re a full bottle on why Colorbond and Zincalume are both ripper products, which one’s the right material for your new shed?

They’re both durable and long-lasting, resistant to harsh Aussie conditions, and don’t need much in the way of maintenance. Okay, now that the similarities are on the table, let’s summarise their differences and help you decide which is best for your project: Colorbond or Zincalume.

Colorbond steel

With 22 colours in their core range and even more options in their premium offerings, Colorbond is a really good choice if you have the budget. Whether you need a steel frame shed, roof sheets, or fencing, if energy efficiency or aesthetics are important to your project it’s well worth investing in Colorbond. Additionally, it has a better warranty than Zincalume steel. 

Zincalume steel

When you need a durable, long-lasting material and a wide range of colour options isn’t important, Zincalume could be the best choice for your project. It’s super hardy and comes at a fraction of the price compared to Colorbond.

Starting a shed or garage project?

Here at Spinifex Sheds we pride ourselves on providing more than “just” a shed. We take care of the entire process, from getting council approval and laying foundations, to building the shed and cleaning up after. Check out our range of products and get in touch for a free quote. We’re here to get you your dream shed!