What Sets Us Apart From Cheap Imports

Have you ever heard stories of flimsy imported sheds buckling after a summer storm or wild wind? As an Australian business who’ve been crafting quality sheds and shelters for over a decade, nothing makes us wince more than watching someone’s “bargain” shed collapse at the first hint of a storm. 

At QLD Shade Sheds, we believe that protecting your valuables shouldn’t be a gamble. Whether it’s your pride-and-joy caravan, farm equipment that keeps your livelihood going, or business equipment you rely on, your shed should endure, year after year.

Australian Quality vs. Cheap Imports: The Difference That Matters

So, what exactly sets QLD Shade Sheds apart from cheap imported alternatives? Our structures are 100% Australian-designed and manufactured, built specifically for harsh Australian conditions. We’re a family-owned business based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland that works with clients around Australia, so we build what we know our customers need. We use genuine Australian materials that meet or exceed all relevant Australian standards, which is something that imported sheds simply cannot guarantee.

Cheap imported sheds might look similar at first glance, but the differences become clear when you examine the materials and construction methods. Many of our customers have shared stories of previously purchased imported sheds that buckled under their first severe weather event or required constant maintenance to remain functional.

Built to Australian Standards with Genuine Materials

One significant difference between our shade sheds and inferior imports is our exclusive use of genuine Colorbond® Monoclad sheeting from Stramit. It’s manufactured at 0.42 BMT thickness to fully comply with AS/NZS 4600 and NCC standards. In contrast, imported Chinese steel sheeting often falls short of these required BMT specifications, making them non-compliant with Australian building codes and potentially void of insurance coverage. 

We also use full-length sheeting to maintain structural integrity and ease of assembling. Sheets are only split when absolutely necessary for transportation. In contrast, many inferior imported products rely on short sheeting for easier packing, which significantly compromises the overall structure and increases the risk of leaks.

Our frames are constructed from DURAGAL® galvanised steel (galvanised inside and out), which offers superior protection against our tough Australian climate. Plus, depending on your shed size, we use steel with minimum dimensions of 75mm × 50mm × 2mm — substantially more robust than the typical 50mm × 50mm × 1.6mm used in most imported options.

Engineered for Australian Conditions

All our structures are engineer designed and certified for wind regions A, B or C within Australia. We’ve had customers in coastal Queensland tell us how their container sheds remained rock solid during cyclonic conditions while watching their neighbour’s imported shed literally take flight!

Our sheds feature full-length posts rather than the pieced-together segments common in imports, eliminating weak points in the structure. Similarly, our rafters are designed with just three pieces total (two side pieces and a sleeve), creating a stronger, more durable system that won’t bend or buckle under pressure.

No Hidden Costs or Surprises

With QLD Shade Sheds, your purchase includes three engineered hold-down options at no extra cost. This transparency stands in stark contrast to many import suppliers who advertise a low initial price but then add on essential components as “extras”, which means your final invoice soars.

Our patented Easy Sleeve connection system makes DIY installation straightforward, saving you the potential costs of hiring specialists to decipher confusing import instructions (often poorly translated!). Plus, our full-length sheeting (for structures under 13m) means fewer pieces to install and a more streamlined and impressive finished product.

Supporting Australian Industry and Standards

When you choose QLD Shade Sheds, you’re not just getting a superior product but also supporting Australian jobs and manufacturing. As a proudly Australian, family-owned company with over 10 years in business, we’ve built our reputation by delivering exceptional quality, outstanding service, and ensuring 100% customer satisfaction. As a registered Australian Owned and Made company, we use high-quality local materials and deliver craftsmanship you can trust.

Our ISO 9001 & 45001 certifications demonstrate our commitment to quality assurance and occupational health and safety standards, too. (These certifications are rarely held by import suppliers.)

Ready to Experience the Aussie Difference?

When you’re ready for a shed that’ll still be standing strong while your neighbour’s import is scattered across three postcodes after the next big blow, give us a bell. Our team actually answers the phone and gets back to your emails, and we’re always happy to chat about what you might need. Get in touch with us today and enjoy the satisfaction of watching a storm roll in knowing your gear is safe and sound under Australian steel that’s built to last.