Building a Shed Bike Storage Rack
Wooden bike sheds are relatively affordable and sturdy storage solutions that look fantastic, yet require regular care to prevent rot, rodent infestation and damp buildup that could shorten their lifespan significantly.
Plastic bike sheds are also relatively affordable but don’t offer as much security – however there are a few simple steps you can take to increase their protection!
Frame
When purchasing a shed bike storage rack, it’s essential that you consider how it will be assembled. Depending on its intended use and any planning restrictions or dimensions needed for specific bikes you plan to store, its frame may require specific measurements; or alternatively it could need adjusting according to size and shape requirements of bicycles that need to be stored.
If you don’t feel up to building your own shed, ready-made sheds may be more appropriate. These offer a good option if you lack experience or simply don’t have the time. Some models specifically designed to store bikes include space for up to four bicycles. Plus, many feature security features to prevent theft.
Custom sheds may also be tailored specifically to your needs; however, these may not come cheap. But if you have the resources available to you and are willing to invest, customizing one just right for yourself and adding a personal touch could make an amazing statement in any garden!
Wooden sheds are a popular choice because they’re simple to assemble, flexible in their arrangement options and can be tailored specifically to the space available to you. Plus, these weather resistant structures can withstand both snowfall and rainfall without warping or becoming damaged in any way!
Metal sheds offer another option for bike storage; though less attractive than wooden or plastic sheds, they still offer numerous advantages for safekeeping bikes. Metal sheds are strong and secure while galvanised galvanisation makes them resistant to corrosion if galvanised steel has been used as the construction material. While not as easy to work with than their wooden and plastic counterparts, metal can make for great bike shed storage solutions provided you are confident with DIY skills and confident in your DIY abilities.
Indoor sheds can also be purchased, though their use can be more complicated for those unfamiliar with power tools. They consist of simple wall mounts that hold one bike at a time or freestanding pole racks from floor to ceiling that store multiple bikes simultaneously – these typically look quite stylish while some even double as pieces of furniture!
Walls
Dedicated bike sheds may be worth investigating if you don’t have space to store your bikes inside the home; these typically cost slightly more than traditional hooks but will save space while keeping the bikes out of sight and out of harm’s way when not being used. Some models even come equipped with insurance approval for added peace of mind.
Wooden bike sheds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of any garden setting, offering your bicycles excellent protection from the elements while looking fantastic as a garden feature. Customisation makes the process incredibly straightforward so that you can achieve exactly what you want! Additionally, these stylish structures look fantastic too.
Plastic sheds offer another convenient option, being easy to transport and assemble without risking rust. However, make sure the plastic quality meets UV standards so it does not fade or become brittle in sunlight.
Metal sheds tend to last longer, too, thanks to being galvanised to resist rust and their incredible strength; these strong sheds will withstand even strong winds without shifting, providing superior bike theft protection than most other forms.
All the Brighton sheds we’ve reviewed come equipped with bolts, locks and other security features to make them difficult for thieves to gain entry and should be covered under your home insurance if stolen.
If drilling holes into your shed feels intrusive or unsafe, a Steadyrack vertical bike rack might be the ideal solution for you. You can mount this device onto either a wall or fence and it can store two bicycles securely – perfect for smaller gardens without enough room to build sheds!
No matter which solution you select, all sheds must be built upon a solid base to prevent moisture damage to both the shed itself and any bikes stored within. While wooden sheds tend to be less vulnerable than plastic and galvanised metal ones, concrete slabs, plastic shed base kits or paving slabs all provide stable foundations which will protect it from moisture damage.
Floor
Finding an adequate surface to store bikes on is paramount, and selecting an effective floor is crucial to its successful operation. Concrete provides a durable foundation while wooden or composite floors also provide stability; for more advice, consult a home improvement expert.
Wall-mounted racks can also provide a convenient option for storing bicycles. Installed easily into either a stud wall or masonry wall, these racks typically hold one bike but double-width versions exist to store two or more. This option may be preferable for people living in apartments who lack access to garage storage facilities.
Pulley systems that hang from the ceiling or wall offer secure bike storage solutions, similar to what dockyard workers and sailors rely on. They work by creating tension between floor and ceiling – attaching your bike with rope or chain using hooks, before pulling through channels in the ceiling/wall for lifting towards its rack. These bike storage options are perfect for those short on floor space but with ample vertical space; plus it may help those suffering back issues!
If you need somewhere temporary to store your bikes, consider investing in a small bike shed. Although more costly than ground-mounted racks, bike sheds provide excellent protection from rain and snow as well as protecting cyclists against theft. Some models even include roofs to shield stored bikes from rain while others feature siding or cladding to help secure them against thieves.
If you don’t feel up to building an entire shed from scratch, try downloading plans from iCreatables. This site offers various types of shed plans from simple to advanced levels with step-by-step instructions that make construction simpler. In addition to sheds, there are free plans available for greenhouses and playhouses too!
Roof
Your bike deserves to be protected from the elements and prevent it from getting lost; whether that be in a large shed or small garden. With various storage solutions on the market ranging from wall-mounted racks to purpose-built sheds available to you, deciding on one can depend on factors like budget, space availability and security requirements.
Wood bike sheds are popularly chosen due to their relatively inexpensive construction and great appearance in gardens. Wood sheds can also easily be customized, and will last many years with proper maintenance.
Metal sheds provide excellent bike storage options, offering protection from both elements and thieves. A galvanised shed won’t rust and should also resist rodents and insects. Plus, they’re strong and can be locked securely using a good padlock – making them an excellent option for urban areas where crime rates may be higher.
Asgard’s insurance-approved outdoor sheds may be ideal for bike storage, yet can be quite pricey. You might also consider specialist furniture designed specifically for bike storage such as shelving units with built-in bike slots or tension poles that create tension between floor and ceiling – more flexible storage solutions without drilling into walls than sheds; although not as strong and sturdy.
Interested in building your own shed? Sites like iCreatables provide great plans and video tutorials for making one, from basic overhang roof designs to more ambitious structures.
If you prefer a simpler, cost-cutting alternative, there are a number of excellent websites offering more cost-effective bike storage shed solutions. One such is Buy Sheds Direct who offer an assortment of wooden sheds with apex roof designs in 5 sizes (suitable for 1-5 bikes). Delivery is free, and installation may incur an additional charge.