Are Wooden Bike Shelters A Good Idea?

December 18, 2023

Timber is one of the most sustainable building materials available on the market. It is also a classic when it comes to bike storage with its traditional use in shed-making and its natural appeal.

We pride ourselves on offering a range of wooden cycle shelters crafted from beautiful, durable timber slats and robust steel frames. This blend not only ensures an elegant aesthetic but also provides reliable protection against theft and the elements.

However, you may still wonder if wooden bike shelters are a good idea -how durable they are or if they provide enough safety. In this blog, we will explore the answers to these questions, and hopefully, we will convince you that well-made wooden cycle storage is an excellent choice.

What Are Wooden Bike Shelters Made Of?

Our wooden cycle shelters boast a construction that marries form and function. They are made from timber slats, carefully selected for their aesthetic appeal and durability. They have been treated to withstand outdoor weather conditions and provide a strong and durable product.

The wooden outside, contributing to the overall charm of the shelter, is paired with sturdy steel frames on the inside. The steel can also be galvanised, powder-coated, or both galvanised and powder-coated in a RAL colour of your choice to give your shelter extra layers of protection.

Additionally, some of our products even offer the option of a polycarbonate roof as an add-on, providing an extra layer of protection while allowing natural light to filter through.

Are Wooden Bike Shelters Durable?

Yes, wooden bike shelters can be durable, especially when crafted with quality materials and proper construction techniques. The durability of a wooden bike shelter depends on several factors:

  1. Material Quality: High-quality and treated wood, such as timber, can resist decay, insects, and weathering, enhancing the structure's durability and ensuring it will last a long time.

  2. Design and Construction: The design and construction of the shelter play a crucial role. Well-engineered structures, with attention to load distribution and support, contribute to their longevity. Our steel frames are made to last and carry weight for years to come.

  3. Weather Protection: Providing additional protection against the elements, such as using a waterproof roof or applying weather-resistant finishes, can significantly extend the lifespan of wooden bike shelters.

  4. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including inspections for damage, repainting, and treating the wood as needed, helps prevent deterioration and ensures long-term durability.

  5. Security Features: Including security features, like reinforced panels or anti-vandal measures, can also impact the overall durability by enhancing resistance against potential damage.

Are Wooden Bike Shelters Safe?

As for the question about their durability, we would say that, yes, wooden bike shelters can be safe, but it depends. They must be designed, constructed and maintained properly to be safe and secure. Here are some factors that contribute to the safety of wooden bike shelters:

  1. Quality of Construction and Materials: A well-constructed quality wooden bike shelter should meet safety standards and building codes. This includes secure foundations, proper anchoring, and structural stability. All of this will ensure your shelter is safe from the get-go.

  2. Roofing: A solid and weather-resistant roofing material, such as polycarbonate or corrugated steel, protects bikes from the elements and contributes to overall safety as it stops any potential thieves or vandals from climbing over the walls and sneaking in.

  3. Security Features: Including security features like anti-vandal panels, no-climb frames, swing or slide gates, or lockable doors can enhance the safety of the shelter by deterring theft or vandalism. Adding a roof and side panels is also important to provide extra protection for the bikes stored inside.

  4. Maintenance: Of course, once you have installed your shelter, it is always a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance, including inspections for any signs of wear or damage, to ensure that safety features remain effective over time.

  5. Location: Lastly, when it comes to the safety and security of any bike storage, the location of the bike shelter is incredibly important. Shelters and storage areas, as a rule of thumb, should be placed in well-lit and easily accessible areas. Ideally, they should be located near entrances and places which are monitored – with CCTV or guards.

While wooden bike shelters can be safe, it's crucial to source them from reputable suppliers or manufacturers and follow recommended installation and maintenance guidelines. If unsure, consult us; we can provide specific insights into safety considerations for a wooden bike shelter you might be considering.

Can Wooden Cycle Shelters Be Used If I Need To Store A Lot Of Bikes?

Yes, you can. For diverse storage needs, our range includes options like the Recycle Shelter 10 Bike Shed, Recycle Shelter 20 Bike Shed, and Recycle Shelter 30 Bike Shed. With a mild steel frame and sustainable wooden slats exterior, these versatile shelters can be easily expanded by placing single units alongside or opposite each other, forming a larger storage area tailored to your requirements.

In addition to our excellent standard bike shelters, we can often accommodate most of our clients' needs by creating a bespoke solution for their unique situations. The Eco Bike Hub is a prime example, featuring a waterproof green roof garden, ample bike storage, a repair station, and lockers inside. We understand that each space is unique, and our team is dedicated to customising existing designs or creating entirely bespoke solutions that seamlessly fit your space and requirements.

Choosing a wooden bike shelter from us means investing in more than just storage; it's investing in something that gives you security and contributes to sustainability. Explore our selection today, and let us assist you in finding the perfect bike shelter or cycle enclosure that aligns with your needs. Contact us if you have any questions or want to know more about a particular product.


Bike Dock Solutions Team

Bike Dock Solutions is the UK's leading supplier of Bike Shelters, Bike Racks and other Bike Storage. Follow us on LinkedIn.