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How to buy the best garden storage
If a shed isn’t for you, try another type of garden storage – our guide on alternative options covers bike sheds, wheelie bin units and more
With over a decade of experience at Which?, Tom covers everything from tech advice to money-saving tips, and highlights the best deals during major sales events.
Investing in outdoor storage can help you make better use of your living space, keep your garden tidy and protect your belongings from the weather and opportunistic thieves.
Sheds can be great, but not everyone has the space for one or enough equipment to justify buying one. That's why dedicated storage for bikes, wheelie bins, garden tools, children's toys or logs can be a more practical and space-efficient solution.
Keep reading to find out about the different types of garden storage, what features to look for, how much you should expect to spend and our pick of popular units.
Our guide on how to buy the best shed explains the different types of sheds, plus typical prices, sizes and how to build a shed yourself.
Types of garden storage
Wheelie bin storage
- Pros: Completely hides bins, masks the smell of the bins, keeps animals away
- Cons: Expensive, you’ll probably have to assemble the units together yourself, it could make accessing your bin a little harder – make sure it has a lift-up roof panel
Wheelie bin stores keep bins neatly out of sight, helping to deter pests and reduce unpleasant smells. They're available in sizes to hold one, two or three bins, with some models offering additional space for recycling or food waste caddies.
Choose a model with a lift-up lid that's linked to the bin lid, making it easier to dispose of rubbish without opening the store separately.
How much does wheelie bin storage cost?
Basic wooden or plastic stores for a single wheelie bin start from around £80, while most good-quality one and two-bin models cost between £150 and £300. Larger stores for three or more bins typically cost £300 or more.
Bike storage
- Pros: Protects bikes from weather damage, reduces the risk of theft, leaves you with more usable space in your home
- Cons: Sometimes tricky to get the bikes in and out, expensive, will take up usable outdoor space
From large, horizontal units to compact, vertical lockers, outdoor bike storage comes in many shapes and sizes. If you’ve got minimal floor space a vertical option could be for you, while lower horizontal options can be placed under a window.
Typically made with steel or wooden cladding, both can be customised to fit anything from one to five or more bikes, and some even have an option to add bin or log storage.
Make sure you factor in space for accessories, such as helmets, and check that the storage will keep your bike safe from thieves and weather damage.
Before buying, check the installation requirements. Many metal bike stores, and some timber models, need to be assembled on a firm, level base, such as concrete or paving slabs, to ensure the doors open and close properly. If you don't already have a suitable base, factor the cost and effort of preparing one into your budget.
How much does bike storage cost?
Basic wooden bike stores suitable for one or two bikes start from around £150 to £250, while larger timber models typically cost £300 to £600. Premium galvanised steel bike stores with enhanced security features, such as multi-point locking systems, usually cost £700 to £1,000 or more.
Before buying, check how many bikes the store is designed to hold and whether there's enough room for larger mountain bikes or electric bikes. It's also worth checking what's included, as shelves, wall brackets, ground anchors and other accessories are often sold separately.
See also: our expert advice on the best electric bikes and the best folding electric bikes.
Garden storage boxes and bins
- Pros: Lots of styles and sizes to choose from, can be secured with a lock
- Cons: Might require setting up, not usually big enough for large items such as bikes
Plastic, wooden and metal storage boxes are a compact alternative to a shed and can help keep your outdoor space organised. Available in a wide range of sizes and styles, they're suitable for storing everything from garden tools and cushions to children's toys, hoses and smaller pieces of garden equipment. Some are even sturdy enough to double as outdoor seating.
Look for a model with a lockable lid to keep your belongings secure, plus features such as built-in wheels, handles or soft-close hinges if you plan to move or access it regularly.
How much do garden storage boxes cost?
Small plastic storage boxes start from around £30, while larger timber models suitable for storing cushions, tools or garden equipment typically cost £80 to £250. Premium wooden or metal storage boxes can cost £300 or more, particularly if they're designed to double as outdoor seating.
Log stores
- Pros: Keeps your firewood and logs off the ground, you don't need to use up shed or garage space, fairly inexpensive
- Cons: You might need to put it together yourself, some large stores might need a solid foundation to sit on
A log store protects firewood from the worst of the weather while allowing air to circulate freely around the logs. This improves ventilation, helping the wood to dry out and reducing the risk of damp, mould and rot. Keeping logs raised off the ground also helps prevent moisture from being absorbed from below.
Most log stores are made from wood, although metal alternatives are also available. They come in a range of sizes and some can be attached to a shed or combined with other outdoor storage units to save space.
How much do log stores cost?
Most wooden log stores will set you back around £120-£150. However, smaller units can go for as little as £80 and larger stores for as much as £250.
Where to buy garden storage
Several popular stores sell outdoor storage ranging from boxes to bike lockers. Wherever you shop, make sure you pay attention to the returns policy and check for warranties.
Popular stores that sell garden storage include:
- Argos sells a large range of outdoor storage solutions, including bin stores, bike sheds and storage boxes in different sizes.
- B&Q stocks an array of outside storage options from log stores to storage chests.
- Ikea is famous for its homeware and indoor furnishings, but also sells a selection of outdoor storage.
- Homebase offers a selection of outdoor storage items, including bike sheds and storage boxes, made from metal, plastic or wood.
- Wickes has everything from bin stores to a wide range of outdoor boxes.
If you're looking to protect your plants from the elements, read our guide on how to buy the best greenhouse.
Popular garden storage units
Charles Bentley 190L Outdoor Plastic Storage Box
- Dimensions: 49.3 x 96 x 45.8 cm (HxWxD)
This weatherproof plastic storage box is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and offers 190 litres of storage space for garden tools, toys, cushions or other outdoor essentials. Its compact size makes it a good option for smaller gardens, patios or balconies.
It has a hinged lid with two support straps and a padlock hasp, so you can add your own padlock for extra security. The lightweight plastic construction also means it's easy to move around the garden when needed.
Ikea Nämmarö Storage Box
- Dimensions: 45 x 80 x 40cm (HxWxD)
- Typical price: £70
- Available from: Ikea
If you're more fond of natural tones, this hardwood storage box might be for you. It's made of acacia, which Ikea calls 'naturally durable and sturdy', and the furniture is pretreated to better protect from sun, rain, stains, and wear and tear.
This particular Nämmarö model is the smallest and cheapest, but you can also buy the Nämmarö Storage Box with Privacy Screen to match. The Nämmarö collection also has a selection of garden furniture and seating options.
Gas or charcoal? Turn up the heat with one of the best gas BBQs or best charcoal BBQs – tried and tested by Which?
Popular bike storage units
Shire 7 x 3ft Shiplap Double Door Bike Storage
- Dimensions: 158.8 x 215 x 88.1cm (HxWxD)
This Shire shiplap bike store is designed to hold up to three bikes, depending on their size. The timber is supplied with a base coat preservative, so you'll need to apply a top coat after installation to protect it from the elements.
Wide double doors help you store and retrieve bikes, while the hasp and staple fastening lets you add your own padlock for extra security. The bike store is supplied without a floor, allowing rainwater to drain away from wet bikes, and comes with roof felt, a fixing kit and installation instructions.
Asgard Addition 6 x 3ft Pent Metal Bike Store
Made from galvanised, weatherproof steel, this maintenance-free bike store is designed to hold up to three bikes, along with helmets and other cycling equipment. Its metal floor can be bolted to the ground, while the double doors provide easy access.
The store has a three-point locking system with a drill-resistant design, plus an internal deadbolt. Ventilation helps reduce condensation inside the unit, and the manufacturer backs it with a 10-year anti-rust warranty.
Asgard Electric Bike Storage x3
- Dimensions: 134 x 230 x 105cm (HxWxD)
- Typical price: £785
- Available from: Asgard
Designed specifically for electric bikes, this heavy-duty steel storage unit can accommodate up to three or four e-bikes, depending on their size. It comes with built-in mounting plates and cable access points that allow a qualified electrician to install sockets so you can charge your bikes securely while they're locked away (electrical sockets aren't included).
You also get a three-point locking system, reinforced double doors, a gas-assisted lift-up lid and an integral steel floor that can be bolted to a concrete base.
Popular wheelie bin storage units
Rowlinson 8 x 3ft Large Timber Triple Wheelie Bin Storage
- Dimensions: 130 x 230.5 x 82cm (HxWxD)
For those who just want to hide unsightly wheelie bins, this timber storage from Rowlinson might be a good option. The natural wood finish can be left as it is or painted to match your outdoor space.
Each compartment has a lift-up lid with a chain that attaches to the bin lid, allowing you to open the bin without lifting the lid by hand. Front-opening doors make it easy to wheel bins in and out on collection day, and the pressure-treated timber is backed by a 10-year anti-rot guarantee.
Garden tool reviews and advice: see our independent reviews and buying advice for everything from lawn mowers to grass trimmers.