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Your Complete Guide to Secure, Beautiful Front Garden Storage in London
Discover all the options, costs, pros and cons - so you can choose the perfect solution for your home.
Front Garden Storage Matters
Front garden storage is a lifestyle upgrade that'll benefit you daily. It will help you lead that active lifestyle you desire, bikes will always be within reach of your next ride or schoolsrun. Front garden bike storage will lead to a decluttered life and can change how your home is perceived.
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or an architectural feature that will last for decades (all while deterring would-be thieves, of course), this guide will show you the full range of front garden storage options - with the pros, cons, and costs so you can choose the right fit for your home.
Let’s look at the main front garden storage options available and how they compare when it comes to security, durability, style, and space.
The type of front garden storage you can find on the market
Front Garden Storage Options
1. Basic Bike Cover
Typically the most cost effective way, will only offer basic protection from the elements and thieves targeting your bike.
A waterproof fabric cover that slips over one or two bikes to shield them from the elements. Usually combined with a ground-anchored stand, this setup offers almost no more security than leaving your bike on the street. The main theft deterrent is keeping the bike out of sight and locking it securely to the stand — but the stand itself must be installed into a solid surface so it can’t be removed with common tools.
Pros:
- Lowest cost
- Quick and simple to set up
- Offers basic rain protection
- Can be upgraded with a motorcycle-grade ground anchor and heavy-duty chain for better security
- Battery-powered locks with integrated alarms are available for extra deterrence
Cons:
- Bikes will not be completely dry, which may shorten their lifespan and rider comfort.
- Cumbersome, having to put the cover on and off and store somewhere when not in use.
- Minimal theft protection and vulnerable to targeted theft
- Not visually appealing.
- Not true storage, as it only caters for bikes.
Typical cost range:
- Lock and cover: £30–£100
- Ground stand: up to £50
- Installation (assuming a solid surface is already in place): £100–£200
- Grand total: £180–£350
Ideal for: Short-term or emergency use, such as when you’ve just moved into a new house and are waiting for a proper bike store, or low-value bikes in areas with minimal theft risk.
2. Plastic store / basic timber shed
Prefabricated plastic units or entry-level timber sheds, typically sold in standard sizes from online retailers and garden centres. Will require assembly.
Prefabricated plastic bike stores and basic off-the-shelf timber sheds are widely available from DIY retailers and garden centres. They are typically designed for general garden storage but some are marketed for bike use. They offer a good degree of weather protection and are usually placed in a back garden, although they can be used in a front garden where space and appearance allow. Security is limited, with most relying on simple hasp-and-staple locks that can be easily bypassed.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to purchase from mainstream retailers
- Basic protection from rain and dirt for your bikes
- Quick to install on a level, solid surface
- Can be used for gardening tools or other outdoor items in addition to bikes
Cons:
- Typically low security and vulnerable to break-ins with the most basic tools
- Prone to a short lifespan, whether timber or plastic (which decolours and becomes brittle or cracks).
- Visually mismatched with London front gardens
- Standard sizes may waste space and limit storage capacity
- It can look worn quickly, particularly in exposed front gardens.
- Typically cannot support even the most basic and light green roof.
- Will benefit from the additional expense of the ground anchor for adequate security.
Typical cost range:
- Plastic store: £250–£700
- Basic timber shed: £300–£900
- Installation: £150–£300 (assuming a suitable base is in place)
- Grand total: £400–£1,200
Ideal for: Storing gardening tools or bikes in a back garden where appearance and high security are not priorities. Suitable as a quick, budget-friendly option.
3. Mid-range timber stores
Products in this category are typically made from timber, available in standard or made-to-measure/order sizes, and fall within the £1,300–£5,600 range.
Mid-range timber bike stores are a step up from basic sheds, offering better materials, stronger construction, and a more refined look. They are available in standard sizes from specialist retailers, and some are adaptable in size to suit your space. While they can be more visually appealing than low-cost plastic or basic timber sheds, they still require ongoing care to maintain their condition and appearance. Good quality examples are available from Brighton Bike Sheds and the Bike Storage Company.
Pros:
- More refined than low-cost plastic or timber sheds
- Can be painted or stained to complement the property
- Offers weather protection for your bikes
- Some are adaptable in size
- Can blend in under certain circumstances
Cons:
- Timber changes shape over time, which can affect fit and function
- Cannot support more than a shallow green roof
- Security depends heavily on construction quality and the chosen locking system, and even then, you fundamentally lack the strength steel has.
- Requires regular upkeep (painting or staining) to prevent weather damage
- May still look “agricultural” rather than “architectural” in a front garden setting.
- High costs relative to their finite lifespan
Typical cost range:
- Unit: £1,300–£5,000 (depending on size and build quality)
- Installation: £300–£600 (excluding groundwork or base preparation) or self assembly also an option.
- Grand total: £1,300–£5,600
Ideal for: Homeowners seeking a more attractive store than plastic or metal units, with a traditional style that fits into certain garden settings — suitable for areas where design matters but long-term durability and top-level security are not the primary requirements.
4. Metal stores (cabinet style)
Enclosed steel or aluminium storage units, usually sold in fixed sizes and colours, with front or top-opening access.
Off-the-shelf metal bike stores are standard-sized cabinets and are known for their robust steel construction and higher security potential compared to plastic or timber alternatives. They are available in a couple of standard colours, with access typically from the front or via an opening top (the latter usually being less secure). While they can be more cost-effective than mid-range timber sheds, their appearance is utilitarian, and their fixed dimensions limit how well they can fit into tighter or awkwardly shaped spaces.
Pros:
- Strong, weather-resistant metal construction
- More cost-effective than many mid-level timber sheds
- Higher security potential than most plastic or timber options (caveat below in cons).
- Available in 2–3 standard colours
- Can store multiple bikes
Cons:
- Some have a bulky “bunker” look that can be an eyesore in a front garden
- Requires a level base for installation
- Limited colour and finish options
- Cannot be customised for unusual spaces or integrated with features like a green roof
- Security offered by the metal itself is good, but be careful as many models use flimsy locks and panels that can cave in under force, and thieves exploit these well-known weak spots.
Typical cost range:
- Unit: £700–£1,500+ (depending on size and security features)
- Installation: £200–£400 (excluding groundwork or base preparation) or self-assembly.
- Grand total: £700–£1,900+
Ideal for: Those prioritising a longer-lasting product than a timber shed, and who are happy to compromise on aesthetics. More suitable for locations where the store can be discreetly tucked away.
5. Premium Bespoke Metal Stores
Custom-designed metal secure storage units, often incorporating decorative materials, made to fit specific spaces and requirements.
A premium bespoke bike (and bins) store combines the strength and longevity of engineered metal with the warmth and character of timber. Designed to suit your property and lifestyle, these stores are shaped precisely to your available space, accommodating anything from a single bike to a family’s entire cycling fleet, plus bins and other outdoor essentials. They are architectural features in their own right, built to last a lifetime and crafted to complement your home’s façade while adding tangible property value.
Pros:
- Maximum security with full metal construction and high-grade locking systems
- Decorative hardwood cladding for a refined, architectural appearance
- Custom-made to fit your exact space - no wasted space
- Can integrate features such as ultra-deep green roofs for lush planting, bin storage, and additional compartments, such as parcel lockers
- Can provide safe e-bike charging.
- Continuously customisable after installation, thanks to the construction frame — shelves, hooks, and brackets can be added almost anywhere
- Integrated drainage system, making it compatible with irrigation systems for planting
- Internal motion-sensitive lighting for visibility at night
- Built to last decades with minimal maintenance
- Significantly enhances property desirability
- Typically includes a design and installation service.
- Multiple door styles such as sliding, and bi-fold.
- Will work for cargo bikes, large bikes, or trikes.
Cons:
- Higher initial investment than off-the-shelf options.
- Lead times can be longer due to bespoke design and fabrication
- Requires careful planning.
Typical cost range:
- Unit: £4,000-£9,000+ depending on size, features, and finish choices
- Installation (including groundwork): £500–£1,000+
- Grand total: £4,500-£10,000+
Ideal for: Homeowners seeking the perfect balance of security, design, and functionality; those viewing front garden storage as a long-term property investment; and anyone wanting a made-to-measure solution that transforms underused outdoor space into an elegant, practical asset.
Planning Permission & Regulations
Regardless of type, size, or cost, most of the bike stores out there in front gardens will require planning permission. This is especially important in conservation areas, where additional restrictions often apply.
At Atlanticbike, we chose to be upfront about this, and our in-house architectural office ensures planning is never a hurdle for you.
Choosing the right option for you
Mistakes to avoid
Even the best storage solution can disappoint if you overlook the basics. Common pitfalls include:
- Buying based on price alone — a cheaper option can cost more in the long run if it fails to protect your bikes from thieves or stand up to the weather.
- Underestimating space needs — account for future bikes, accessories, and other outdoor items to avoid outgrowing your store.
- Ignoring practicalities — consider drainage, ongoing maintenance, and local requirements like planning permission or consulting neighbours before installation.
See Your Front Garden’s Potential
Curious what would actually work in your space?
We’ll prepare a free front garden storage concept for you, showing the style, layout, and features that fit your home.
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