1. What materials are used in the construction of the sheds?

• The timber framing and cladding is constructed using responsibly sourced Douglas Fir, grown here in the UK. As a durable softwood, with a high resin content, Douglas Fir has a natural weather resistance and strength. Left untreated Douglas Fir will last at least 20 years. Over time, exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun, will change the colour of the timber from a red-yellow to a beautiful silver-grey (if required, this can be prevented by our clear UV paint finish).

  The base and lid boards are made from a quality, externally graded plywood (which is also sealed for added protection).

  The lid material is EPDM rubber is a strong, flexible, synthetic rubber with outstanding heat, UV and weather resistance. Created using waste materials from the oil industry, EPDM lasts well over 30 years without deteriorating and unlike roofing felt, or other bitumen based products, it is maintenance free, and can eventually be recycled, so doesn't end up in landfill.

2. What kind of finish is available?

• We offer a Painted Finish or Natural Finish.

  We usea specialist wood paint and have ten colours in our range. 
  

  With every paint finish, we first lightly sand and prepare the timber, then apply a base coat and two top coats. The paint is formulated to allow the timber to naturally breathe and move, whilst ensuring that the paint does not crack or flake over time.  We also provide a small pot of "touch up" paint, in the event that your shed gets knocked or scratched during use. Please note that our paint finish enhances the texture and beauty of the timber; our aim is not to hide it! 

  For our Natural Finish, we hand select the cleanest timber (with fewer natural imperfections), lightly sand and apply an anti-fungal protection. Douglas Fir is perfectly durable but will be affected by the UV rays of the sun, turning it from the initial red-yellow colour to a silvery grey. If this natural ageing is not desired, we can apply a clear UV protective finish that prolongs the red-yellow colour of the wood.

  With any finish, recoating will be required every 3-5 years.

  
  

3. Can the colour of the shed match my front door?

• We currently offer 10 standard finishes. If you are looking for a bespoke colour, please contact us for more information.

4. How many bikes fit into each shed?

• Model	Internal Accessory Shelf	Width mm	Depth mm	Height mm	No. Adult Bikes*
  Pedalbase 3	x	2020	1010	1330	3
  Pedalbase 5	x	2320	1305	1330	5
  Spokeshed 3	✓	2020	1055	1650	3
  Spokeshed 5	✓	2320	1365	1650	5

  * Or a combination of children's bikes and adult bikes: e.g. for a Pedalbase 3, 2 adult and 2 children's.

5. How secure are the sheds?

• We are very proud of our sheds, which are designed with security as a top priority. Our timber cladding is 20mm thick, with the doors being 50mm to provide an exceptionally strong and sturdy home for your bikes. Our unique lid design keeps the doors tightly shut when not in use, and are secured inside with two drop bolts, virtually eliminating the risk of them being prised open. All hinges are fixed from the inside, with no screws or other entry points being visible.

  ​All bike sheds are supplied with a secure anchor point to chain your bikes to within the unit, plus a shackleless padlock to secure the lid against bolt-cutters or hack saws. As an optional extra, we can also supply a hardened steel chain with solid secure padlock.

  For additional peace of mind, we advise that clients include their bike shed as part of their contents insurance policy.
  

6. How much space do I need?

• The dimensions given for each shed are of the lid including the overhang.

  If using our standard doors, a 900mm clearance is required directly in front of the shed to allow the doors to fully open. If this space is unavailable, we are able to provide bi-fold doors for an additional cost which reduce the necessary clearance to 450mm.

7. How far do the doors open?

• On all of our standard sheds, the doors open 180 degrees. Our standard doors require a 900mm clearance directly in front of the shed but if this is not available (for example, if the bike shed faces a driveway that may sometimes have a parked car obstructing the doors) we can provide bi-fold doors that only require 450mm clearance.

8. Do I need to be strong to open the lid of the shed?

• All of our sheds come with gas struts as standard to assist in the opening and closing of the lid. Please note the gas struts are not soft close, and do require the user to support the lid gently when opening and closing, however this does not require much strength.
  

9. Do I need a concrete base and does it need to be level?

• A solid level base is required to ensure your shed works as intended, and prevent misalignment over time. A concrete slab is ideal, however units can also be built upon paving, tiles or decking.  Gravel and soil are unfortunately not suitable bases.

  All sheds are supplied with adjustable metal feet to ensure the unit is made level during assembly.
  

10. Do I need planning permission?

• You won’t need planning permission for any of our standard range sheds to be located in a back garden. However, a front garden has different planning rules. In discussions with planning officers, any structure placed in a front garden, technically requires planning consent. However, their advice has been that in practice, action is only taken if there are legitimate complaints from neighbours. We recommend looking along your street to see if there are any other structures in gardens and to talk to your neighbours. Unless you live in a strict conservation area, where there are no other structures in front gardens or if you have neighbours that you think might object, then it is unlikely that you will need to seek planning permission. On the whole most local councils support cycling initiatives.

  Approximately 99% of our customers have not required planning consent but if you are at all unsure, we recommend contacting your local planning office. In the event that you do need to submit a planning application, we are more than happy to supply you with the required planning drawings.

11. I don't have a bike - can I use my shed to store other items?

• Our sheds are constructed to ensure that they are completely protected from the elements. You can put anything in the shed and it will stay dry. An airflow created by the lid overhang ensures there is no build up of condensation.

12. I need a slightly smaller/bigger shed, is this possible?

• We are happy to adapt our standard sheds, and can reduce either the width or depth to create a shed perfect for 1-2 bikes. Please contact us with details of your available space and requirements to receive a quotation. Using our bespoke service, we often create sheds to fit an unusual or tight space. Please provide us with measurements of the available space accompanied by a photo or two, and we will be able to design a shed that fits perfectly.

13. Can you build other structures to match my bike shed?

• We regularly work with clients to design bespoke solutions from bay window and vertical sheds to single bike sheds in tight spaces, to communal bike lockers, shelters, to combined bike store and playhouses. We also build associated structures, to match our bike sheds such as wood stores, tool sheds, ski and snowboard sheds, bench storage seats, swimming pool pump boxes, planters, large playhouses and garden offices!

  We look at the smaller details too, like designing ramps to make getting a bike up steps easier or bike tippers that help tip a bike vertically without needing the strength to get the bike on its back wheel.

  Whatever it is you need, just ask. If we can do it, we will.