Bike Storage Idea: Keep Your Ride Safely Stored in a Shed

If you have a yard, consider yourself blessed not only because you can start a garden and enjoy your time there, but also because you can build an extra storage space where you can keep things such as tools, bikes, and anything you want.

A bicycle storage shed is a great place to keep your bicycles and keep them protected from the elements. If you’re planning to build one in your backyard, you should consider several things such as size, location, material, security and so on. If you don’t know where to start, here’s what you should know about bike sheds.

What Size of Shed Do You Need

Size should be the first thing to think of when choosing a shed. Ask yourself the following questions: How many bikes will you store in the shed? What size are your bikes and how many accessories do you have for them? If you have a bike with average dimensions here are some shed dimensions that could help you:

• If you have one bike, your shed should be at least 1.8 X 0.6 meters;
• For two bikes the size should be 1.8 x 0.9 meters;
• Three bikes will need a shed that’s 1.8 x 1.2 meters;
• Four bikes call for a 1.8 x 1.5m shed.

These are just general numbers. Make sure to measure the size of your bike and do your own math. Perhaps you will only store kids’ bikes in there (two or three) so you won’t need the biggest shed. However, the shed shouldn’t be too narrow. You should be able to get inside without any problems, and actually, maneuver the bike.

Bike Shed Materials

Metal

You’ll come across various models of sheds made of metal. This material is one of the most popular ones. It’s durable and sturdy enough to provide you with the needed security. Metal is water-resistant and won’t crack, fade or bend after long exposure to the elements. Heavy winds, rain, and snow won’t harm this material. However, you should galvanise it regularly so it won’t rust. If there are rodents in your area, you wouldn’t have to worry about any damage, unlike the case with wooden sheds.

A metal shed also doesn’t demand a lot of maintenance. Besides the galvanization, all you need is to clean the shed with soapy water now and then.

Metal sheds aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing options. If you want something that will be a decorative touch to your garden while at the same time offer the benefits of metal, opt for a Colorbond bicycle storage shed.

Also, the setting might be a challenge (compared to wooden sheds). If you want to add hooks or shelves, it might be a problem.

Plastic

If you’re looking for a shed that’s easy to transport and set up, a plastic shed is the best choice. This is a lightweight shed that has only a few parts and doesn’t require too much care. These are quite inexpensive and are immune to bugs and rodents. Modern plastic sheds won’t fade or become brittle after long exposure to the sun. Once you set the plastic shed, you’ll have to wash it from time to time, with warm soapy water.

Wood

This is the traditional material used for sheds that adds to an excellent yard aesthetic. It’s affordable, sturdy and easy to work with, so you can make any model of shed you want. It comes in all shapes and sizes and you can make a very lovely shed that could add colour to your outdoor space. Your bikes can be perfectly stored in a wooden shed, protected from the elements but also safe from potential burglars. You can add shelves, hooks and anything you want if you use wood for your shed.

But, unlikely the metal and plastic options, wood requires dedication and care. You’ll have to treat the wood every couple of years and rodents might be a serious threat. Also, wood is prone to developing mould so it’s not the best option for humid areas.

Where to Place the Shed

What’s important is that you build your shed on a flat surface. It shouldn’t just be built on the grass; it’s best if you have a concrete flat surface. If you don’t have such a place in your yard, you can either build it or get a wooden platform where you’ll place the shed. The area should be dry and should be spacious enough for the shed (you should be able to open the doors without any problems).

Security & Accessibility

Your bikes should be protected in the shed. You should be able to easily bring in or remove any bike without interfering with the other bikes or things in the shed. If the shed is small and you can’t enter in, at least you should be able to get as close to the door as possible.

If you place the shed in your yard or garden, people will see it. This puts your bikes at risk, far more than a shed that is placed in the back of your house. The shed shouldn’t be hidden from you; the shed door should be visible from your house. This way it will be not as attractive for thieves.
It’s unnecessary to say that you should provide a suitable lock to your shed.