Your bike shed must be installed on a level, stable and solid surface, which won’t subside or become boggy in wet weather.
Your Bike Shed Base
Option 1: Place your shed on a concrete base
The base should be 20-30 cm larger than the shed on all sides. The concrete must be at least 50cm in depth, depending on the stability of the ground. Heavier sheds may benefit from the concrete being reinforced with a hardcore sub-base. Your builder will be able to advise.
Option 2: Position on a patio
This is a popular option (as long as the patio is stable and has been laid professionally) but there are a few points to consider. First, be wary of positioning your shed over utilities such as drains or gas lines. Secondly, avoid the low point of your patio to ensure the shed doesn’t sit in a pool of water after a downpour.
Option 3: Use a gravel bed
Not suitable for larger sheds, small bike sheds can be installed on a gravel bed, underpinned with a compressed hardcore sub-level. This is even possible on uneven ground, with some manufacturers offering adjustable legs to level the shed.
Securing the Shed
For added stability and security, sheds must be anchored to the base, or fixed to a permanent ground frame. Ground screws are available to fix wooden structures to concrete bases or into hardcore: it’s a quick job for any handyman. Metal sheds can be fixed to the base using easily available anchor kits; please note that this may be a requirement of your home insurance policy.
This step is especially recommended with bike bins that are located at the front of your property, or where your shed is exposed to high winds.