Having a bike shed built costs an average of €600–1,500 for a wooden shed for 3–4 bicycles. Build it yourself and you only pay for materials: €200–600 depending on the type and size. A bike shed is one of the most practical garden building projects: it protects your bikes from rain and theft, and keeps your garden or driveway tidy. In this article you’ll find everything you need: material choices, the right dimensions, and a concrete step-by-step plan.
What Does Building a Bike Shed Cost? DIY vs Hiring a Builder
Cost Overview
| Type | DIY | Hired builder |
|---|---|---|
| Small wooden shed (2 bikes) | €150–300 | €500–800 |
| Medium wooden shed (4 bikes) | €300–500 | €700–1,200 |
| Large wooden shed (6 bikes) | €450–700 | €900–1,600 |
| Metal kit (4 bikes) | €250–500 | €500–900 |
| Freestanding oak timber shed | €600–1,200 | €1,200–2,500 |
Example calculation: wooden shed for 4 bikes (3 m × 1.2 m)
- DIY: approx. €350–450
- Hired builder: approx. €800–1,200
- Savings: €450–750
When Is DIY Worth It?
Building a bike shed is an excellent weekend project for the average DIYer. No specialist knowledge is required, but you will need basic woodworking skills (sawing, screwing, using a spirit level). Allow one weekend for the build, with the concrete foundation needing to be poured one day beforehand.
Wood vs Metal: Which Material Should You Choose?
| Aspect | Wood | Metal (steel/aluminium) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €200–700 | €250–500 (kit) |
| Appearance | Warm, garden-friendly | Clean, modern |
| Lifespan | 15–30 years (with maintenance) | 20–50 years |
| Maintenance | Annual oiling or painting | Low (rust-resistant coating) |
| DIY suitability | Excellent | Good (kit) |
| Custom sizing | Completely flexible | Limited |
Wood is the most popular choice. Douglas fir or pressure-treated softwood has excellent longevity. Hardwood (oak, robinia) lasts 30+ years without treatment.
Metal is suitable if you want a low-maintenance shed. Kits are quick to assemble but less flexible in terms of sizing.
The Right Dimensions for a Bike Shed
| Number of bikes | Width | Depth | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 bikes | 1.5–2.0 m | 1.0–1.2 m | 2.0–2.2 m |
| 4 bikes | 2.5–3.0 m | 1.0–1.2 m | 2.0–2.2 m |
| 6 bikes | 3.5–4.0 m | 1.2–1.5 m | 2.0–2.2 m |
Practical rules:
- Allow 60–70 cm width per bike (more for cargo bikes: 90 cm)
- Minimum depth of 1.0 m for a standard bike (1.5 m for cargo bike)
- Height of at least 2.0 m so handlebars and saddle are not restricted
- The roof should overhang the front by at least 30 cm for rain protection
Materials List (shed for 4 bikes, 3 × 1.2 m)
| Material | Quantity | Estimated price |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated posts (9×9 cm, 2.4 m) | 6 pieces | €60–90 |
| Roof panels (polycarbonate corrugated sheets) | 4.2 m² | €50–80 |
| Purlins (4.5×7 cm, 3 m) | 4 pieces | €30–45 |
| Wall cladding (feather-edge board or scaffold board) | 10 m² | €70–120 |
| Concrete mix (post foundations) | 4 bags | €20–28 |
| Wood screws (4×40 mm, 4×60 mm) | 2 boxes | €15–20 |
| Roofing screws (with sealing washer) | 1 box | €15–20 |
| Corner brackets (steel) | 8 pieces | €12–18 |
| Wood treatment (preservative/oil) | 1 litre | €10–18 |
| Lock and hook | 1 set | €15–30 |
Step-by-Step Guide: Building a Bike Shed
Step 1 — Choose Your Location and Draw Up a Plan
Choose a location that is easily accessible but does not dominate the garden. Make a simple sketch with the dimensions. Check that the shed is not too close to the property boundary (at least 1 m in most local authorities for permitted development). Make sure there is enough room to wheel bikes in and out comfortably.
Step 2 — Dig and Pour the Post Foundations
Dig holes at the post positions measuring 40–60 cm deep and 20 cm in diameter. Mix concrete mortar per bag (or buy ready-mixed). Place the posts in the holes, align them using a spirit level in all directions, then fill with concrete. Brace the posts temporarily with props. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24–48 hours before continuing.
Step 3 — Build the Frame
Fix the purlins (horizontal top rails) to the posts using corner brackets and long screws. Check with a spirit level that everything is plumb and level. Create a slight roof pitch (minimum 5–10 degrees towards the front or side) for water run-off.
Step 4 — Fit the Roof
Screw the corrugated sheets (polycarbonate or bitumen felt) onto the purlins using specialist roofing screws with sealing washers. Start at the bottom and work upwards so that each panel overlaps the next by 10–15 cm. Allow the roof to overhang the front by 30 cm for rain protection.
Step 5 — Side Walls and Rear Wall
Fix the cladding (feather-edge, scaffold boards or plywood) to the posts and purlins for the side and rear walls. Leave a small gap (5–10 cm) between the ground and the bottom board — this prevents rot caused by rising damp. Adjust the cladding if you also want to enclose and secure the shed.
Step 6 — Front and Access
Leave the front open, or hang a wooden door or a (roller) curtain. For a simple security arrangement, use a steel pipe or batten on the ground to which you attach a chain lock or D-lock.
Step 7 — Finishing and Wood Treatment
Treat all timber that is not already pre-treated with a wood preservative oil or paint. Pay particular attention to the undersides of the posts and all cut surfaces (most vulnerable to moisture). Apply at least two coats.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Posts too shallow | Shed unstable, blows over | Minimum 40–50 cm deep foundation |
| No roof pitch | Rainwater pools on roof | Minimum 5–10 degrees pitch |
| Not treating the wood | Rots within 3–5 years | Always treat with preservative or oil |
| Cladding down to the ground | Bottom edge rots | Keep 5 cm clearance from ground |
| Too small dimensions | Bikes won’t fit | Measure first, then build |
Planning Permission: Do You Need It?
In most cases you will not need planning permission for a bike shed provided:
- The footprint is smaller than 15 m² (or 30 m² on large plots under certain conditions)
- The height is no more than 3 m
- It is not in front of the principal elevation of the house
Always check the specific rules of your local authority, as there are exceptions (listed buildings, conservation areas).
Conclusion
Building a bike shed yourself is a manageable, practical and cost-effective project. For €300–500 in materials you can build a solid shed for four bikes that will last for many years. Choose pressure-treated timber or hardwood for the longest lifespan, and don’t forget the wood treatment. Want a more solid design with precise measurements? Building plans will save you time and help you avoid mistakes.
Ready to start building with professional plans? At fredsdiyplans.com you’ll find building plans for all your wood projects, complete with material lists and step-by-step instructions.
Ready to get started? Browse thousands of step-by-step plans at fredsdiyplans.com.