If you’re looking around your backyard thinking, “This space could work so much harder for us,” you’re not alone. Many South Australian homeowners don’t just want a new shed or a verandah – they want a complete outdoor upgrade that adds storage, shade, privacy and value in one go.
Because we design and supply custom sheds, verandahs, fences, roofing and steel supplies from our Burton facility, we see firsthand how much smoother projects run when they’re planned as one integrated design instead of a series of separate jobs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan a cohesive backyard project that brings your shed, verandah and fencing together – and what to consider before you start spending.
1. Start with the “big picture” of how you’ll actually use the space
Before you choose colours or roof styles, get clear on how you want the backyard to work day-to-day:
- Do you need a workshop shed for tools and projects, or mainly storage for bikes, mowers and seasonal items?
- Will the verandah be used for everyday outdoor dining, entertaining large groups, or just a shaded spot to sit and relax?
- Is fencing mainly about privacy, security (kids and pets), or pool compliance?
We often suggest sketching a simple plan of your block and marking:
- Sun path and afternoon shade
- Existing doors from the house
- Where you currently walk, park, hang washing or store bins
- Any problem areas (windy corners, nosy neighbours, uneven ground)
From there, you can decide where a shed makes most sense (close to driveways or side access), where a verandah will get the most use, and how fencing can define zones without making the yard feel boxed in.
Because we supply everything from custom sheds and verandahs to Colourbond and tubular fencing, we can help you think about how all three elements will line up before you commit to a design.
2. Think in “zones”: storage, living and screening
One of the most effective ways to get a polished result is to break your yard into functional zones, then plan structures around those zones:
Storage & utility zone
This is where your shed, bins and possibly clothesline live. Ideally, it should:
- Have easy access from the driveway or side gate
- Be screened from the main entertaining area by fencing or strategic walls
- Include enough space around the shed for doors to open and for future maintenance
Outdoor living zone
This is your verandah and main seating area. For most Adelaide backyards, that means:
- Positioning the verandah off the main living or kitchen area
- Allowing for furniture, BBQ and walking space (often more than people first allow for)
- Considering roof style and height to avoid blocking natural light into the house
Privacy & boundary zone
Here, fencing choice makes a big difference. For example:
- Good Neighbour style steel fencing gives a neat look on both sides and keeps maintenance low.
- Tubular fencing may be better for pool areas or spots where you want visibility and airflow.
When we work with customers in our Burton showroom, we often look at all three zones together and suggest how shed placement, verandah layout and fence heights can complement each other, rather than compete.
3. Get council approval and technical details right from the start
Even a “simple” backyard project can involve planning rules, setbacks, height limits and stormwater requirements. The last thing you want is to order a shed or verandah, only to find it doesn’t comply with local regulations.
That’s why we offer consulting, planning and council approvals support as part of our services.
Some of the key council-related considerations include:
- Maximum shed and verandah height in your council area
- Setbacks from boundaries and existing structures
- Stormwater management (where roof water will go)
- Bushfire or coastal zones with extra requirements
- Pool fencing and safety compliance, if there’s a pool
For many customers, it’s more efficient to submit one coordinated application (shed + verandah, sometimes with indicative fencing) rather than separate, unconnected plans.
Because we work with South Australian councils every day, we can help by:
- Preparing drawings and technical details for your shed or verandah
- Providing product specs for fencing and roofing
- Flagging potential issues early so designs can be adjusted before submission
That way, your project is far less likely to stall halfway through due to compliance surprises.
4. Choose steel products that stand up to South Australian conditions
Adelaide and regional SA see high UV, temperature swings, dust and coastal influences, so material choice is critical. Across our product range, we focus on Australian-made steel from trusted brands, with coatings and finishes suited to local conditions.
For an integrated backyard project, that means thinking about:
- Roofing and verandah sheets
- Profiles and colours that match or complement your home’s existing roof
- Correct spans and fixings to handle local wind categories
- Shed walls and doors
- Wall profiles that tie visually into your fence or house cladding
- Durable roller doors or access doors that handle frequent use
- Fencing
- Steel fencing systems that resist rust, warping and termite damage
- Colour palettes that work with your shed and verandah rather than clashing
We can advise on which combinations of sheet profiles, colours and finishes will look cohesive and perform well over time, whether your property is in the suburbs, near the coast or on a rural block.
5. Work out what you’ll DIY – and where to bring in the experts
Many of our customers like to mix DIY with professional help to keep costs under control:
- Some choose ready-to-go shed kits and handle the slab and erection themselves.
- Others are comfortable installing boundary fencing but prefer a professionally installed verandah tied into the house.
- Some prefer a full supply-and-install solution, especially for more complex or larger structures.
When planning your project, be honest about:
- Your time and skill level
- Access to tools, lifting equipment and a suitable crew
- Whether you’re comfortable reading plans and handling fixings, flashings and waterproofing details
We can help by:
- Supplying cut-to-size steel, flashing and components for confident DIYers
- Designing sheds and verandahs that are practical to erect with clear instructions
- Recommending installers and trades where professional help makes more sense
A good rule of thumb: if a mistake could affect structural integrity or waterproofing, it’s worth considering professional support.
6. Sequence the work to avoid rework and delays
A lot of headaches in backyard projects come from doing things in the wrong order. A more efficient sequence typically looks like:
- Concept & layout – decide where the shed, verandah and fencing will go in broad terms.
- Preliminary quotes & drawings – get pricing and basic drawings for each structure.
- Council approvals (if required) – lodge applications with a complete picture of the project.
- Groundworks & slab – prepare site, install footings and slabs for sheds/verandahs.
- Shed and verandah installation – put up the main structures and connect roofing.
- Fencing and gates – install boundary and internal fences once levels and structures are confirmed.
Planning this sequence up front reduces the risk of:
- Having to move posts or fencing because a shed ended up slightly larger or in a different spot
- Damaging new fences while bringing in materials and equipment
- Discovering late that council wants changes that affect everything else
Because we supply the steel, kits and components and work closely with installers and builders, we can help you understand realistic lead times and plan the order of works accordingly.
7. Tie the look together with colours and design details
A backyard feels “finished” when the big pieces look like they belong together. Small decisions make a big difference:
- Use a consistent colour story across sheds, verandahs and fences – for example, a dark roof and posts with complementary fence panels and guttering.
- Repeat visual elements like roof pitch, post spacing or cladding profiles so nothing feels tacked on.
- Consider how downpipes, gutters and flashings will tie into the overall look – especially if you’re adding new roofing or rainwater goods.
In our Burton showroom we can walk you through real samples, show completed project photos, and help you select combinations that suit both your home and your budget.
Ready to plan your backyard upgrade?
At Bargain Steel Centre, our mission is simple: “Our strength is in your project.” We’ve been helping South Australian homeowners and businesses with custom sheds, verandahs, fences, roofing and steel supplies for many years, with a focus on quality steel, practical design and down-to-earth advice.
When you’re ready to turn your ideas into a coordinated plan, we can assist with:
- Concept and layout discussions for sheds, verandahs and fencing
- Product selection across our full range, including ready-to-go kits and custom designs
- Council approvals support and technical documentation
- Cut-to-length steel and accessories for DIY, or help arranging installation
This article is general information only and doesn’t take into account your specific site or council requirements.
If you’d like tailored advice for your property, you can contact Bargain Steel Centre or visit us at 17–21 Heaslip Rd, Burton to speak with our team about your complete backyard project.