Classic Bike Shed

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you offer bike sheds for kids bikes, scooters or foldable bikes?

  Our Wood Shed range can be adapted by simply adding a lock to cart after configuring. The M or L sizes (108cm wide and 144cm wide) are like mini Classic bike sheds. Instead of logs just add small bikes!

• How can I visualise my shed in situ?

  Using the configurator create the ideal shed for your needs and the space you have available.

  Then click on the AR (Augmented Reality) tool to visualise it in your space. The symbol is as below.

  You just need to scan the QR code using your phone camera, and follow the prompts.

  

   

  And use the share button to send a link of the final configuration to family or friends.

• What does the Full Installation package cost?

  Our Full Installation package is £316. Units larger than 5 cubic metres are subject to additional installation charges and these are calculated at checkout.

  If you are ordering a bespoke product further installation costs might also apply and will be itemised on your detailed quotation.

• How easy is Self-Assembly?

  We provide a full set of clear and simple self-assembly instructions and if you would like a PDF copy of this sent to you before deciding whether to self-assemble, just let us know.

  The installation process is facilitated by the fact that much of the pre-assembly has already been done in our workshop. However, an understanding of basic carpentry will help. As will a battery drill with 18V batteries.

  Generally, the larger Vertical units (4-6 bikes) are more challenging to install, especially with green roofs. The Classic range is simpler and can take around half the time. Be aware that a tall/sturdy step ladder is essential for all Vertical roof installations.

  We also offer sheds with add-ons for self-assembly. Please be aware that the larger the unit and the more add-ons it has, the more complex the installation will be. Our installation guides now (as of April 2022) extend to all add-ons including bin sheds.

  If in any doubt we recommend that you select our installation service, which is available for certain locations and offered at checkout if applicable.

• Does my shed need to be installed on a hard level base?

  Our sheds can happily live on four types of base: a level concrete slab, an area already paved, an eco-base or a decked base.

  1. 1. 1. 1. Concrete slab: the best base for any of our bike sheds and especially suitable for our Vertical, Corten and Cargo units. The slab should be the same dimensions (W x D) as the shed footprint. It should be 100mm thick and level.
           2. Existing paved area: fine for any of our units. Most front garden locations are already paved with a slight slope for drainage, and we mainly install Classic Sheds in front gardens on existing paving without issues. If the paving is partial (e.g., alongside an area of soil), then it should be extended with more paving or concrete to include the whole footprint of the shed.
           3. Eco-base: this is a grid/honeycomb layer designed to be filled up with shingle. Classic and Slot-in Sheds can be installed on eco-bases. We recommend that the eco-base be laid on sharp sand over a well compacted and level sub-base 100mm thick. The eco-base should be firmed up and level before filling with shingle and ideally would be finished around 25mm above ground level.
           4. Decked base. A decked base is a good solution for sloping sites. The frame should be set level and the joists running side to side. This is because the joists on our sheds run from front to back, so the result is better structural support. If you require any advice, please contact us.

        We do not recommend the following as a base: gravel, soil, grass, ‘astro’, old or uneven decking/paving, or any mix of these. If your site is currently any of these we recommend it be replaced with a solid base from the options above.

        All our sheds include a sturdy timber floor, which sits on rubber pads. These pads can be adjusted (between 1-3cm) so that the floor panel is firm before installing the walls.

        Please note that we do not install concrete bases, so you would need to arrange this prior to your shed being delivered/installed.

        Sloped sites:

        • • • • If the area intended for installation is already paved with a slight slope for drainage, our sheds can be installed directly on that. The rubber feet we use can be adjusted between 1-3cm.
              • If the slope is in the 3-8cm range (over 2m), the shed can still be successfully installed but it will slope slightly.
              • If you have a paved area and would like to check the degree of slope (fall length), place a length of timber on it, pack up the lower end to level using a spirit level and then measure the resulting gap between the timber and paving. If the shed is 2m wide (e.g. Classic), then the timber would need to be 2m-2.4m long.
              • If the site is substantially sloping with falls of over 8cm (across 2m), this will require the installation of a tapering plinth. We can offer this service on a case-by-case basis and will use timber sections to level out the base and then clad across these in cladding to match your shed.
              • If the slope has falls of over 20cm (across 2m) we would recommend that you install a level concrete plinth or decked/paved platform.
• Can I add shelving to my shed?

  Yes, you can, on the product configurator. You can add shelving to our Classic, Slot-in or Vertical Shed designs. Pricing is clearly indicated and if you add a shelf it will be added to cart. You can also add shelves to the Bin shed range. We include a full width shelf as standard in our Plus Height Classic (2000x400mm).

  Here are the most popular places in a shed to add shelving:

  • • • • Classic. One small shelf that can be specified at either side for bike oil, lights or pumps. Width: 130mm x Depth of shed. This shelf is designed to be small enough to not restrict bike access.
        • Vertical. Three-quarter depth shelves on either side, taking up the space of one bike. You can specify low or high on either side allowing for a maximum of four shelves.
        • Slot-in. One small shelf that can be specified at either side for bike oil, lights or pumps. Width: 130mm x Depth of shed. This shelf is designed to be small enough to not restrict bike access.
        • Add–on side storage. Side storage in a Classic or Vertical is an ideal place for a full width shelf. One shelf at mid height in a Classic, or two shelves (low and high) in a Vertical. Full width and 400m depth works well for general storage.
        • Bin storage. Recycling boxes can be efficiently stored on and under a mid-height shelf. This would take the place of one or two bins depending on the size of the unit selected. A double width shelf will allow two recycling boxes on the shelf and two more under it. A single width shelf will allow one box on the shelf and one below it.
• Do you sell standalone bin storage?

  Yes! Our new range of modular, interchangeable storage units are designed to be beautiful and discreet, and are available to configure here.

  These are simpler units than our bike sheds as no security is required. They’re built using the same robust and high-performance timber framing techniques.

  Robust design and build

  The coloured plastic bins are hidden behind naturally weathered timber cladding, which is slatted for good air flow. The green roof keeps the interior dry and the structure well protected for longevity. The green roof option can weigh over 100kg per metre squared when saturated with rain, and these units are structurally engineered to easily carry that load.

  Simple functionality

  The bins can be easily accessed without being rolled out (for the majority of deposits) as there is a clear space above the bin lids. It’s a simple case of opening the doors to use the bins. On the product configurator you can add shelves to the bin spaces so dual height can be added inside the unit; perfect for recycling boxes or the compost caddy! Remember the shelves are instead of one wheelie bin.

  Up to 6 bins

  The design of these storage units is based on the average 240L household wheelie bin but can be used for bins of alternate sizes.

  Add-ons also available

  Useful add-ons can be added to your bin storage – we have a small or large log store option and a parcel safe option too. Add on either side of your bin shed.

• Are Brighton Bike Sheds secure?

  Yes. We have worked hard to improve our designs over the years to make security a top priority. We build security into our sheds layer by layer. Not only does this delay intrusion, it also makes a silent attack virtually impossible.

  Our STANDARD security features include:

  • • • • Door hinges are heavy duty galvanised T-hinges, fitted externally using galvanised steel security screws. A pair of 200m galvanised bolts lock off the secondary door internally. Turning the key on the primary door extends a hardened steel long-throw bolt behind the secondary door. The lock itself is coach bolted to the door frame to deter the use of crowbars.
        • Every Brighton Bike Shed is equipped with our SecureBar as standard. The SecureBar is a thick-walled galvanised steel tube that is fitted into the frame on the back shed wall. It would require noisy power tools to cut through it. Our SecureBar is easy to lock bikes to using your D-locks (Classic, Vertical units), or a security chain and padlock that runs through all the bikes. (Or best of all, a combination of both chain and D-locks).
        • Timber cladding is firmly nailed on in three rows. Removal of it is made impossible by the roof overhang, which clamps the cladding in place around the top. Slatted cladding is given an additional run of lost head screws alongside the existing screws to deter the prising off of slats. The doors are given an extra layer of fixings and are nailed through the back and front.