Outdoor Storage Solutions Nottingham – Bespoke Metal Storage for Gardens

0115 647 6611

Bespoke outdoor storage solutions- metal bin storage, bike shelters, and weatherproof storage boxes

Outdoor Storage Solutions


Practical outdoor storage transforms how gardens and outdoor spaces function, protecting bikes and equipment from weather whilst keeping wheelie bins screened from view and garden storage organised. We fabricate bespoke metal storage solutions that address these everyday challenges with structures engineered to withstand years of outdoor exposure whilst complementing your property's aesthetic.

Our outdoor storage fabrication service creates everything from discreet bin stores and secure bike shelters to weatherproof storage boxes for garden cushions, tools, and equipment. Whether you need a simple two-bin enclosure for a terraced property or a comprehensive storage structure combining bike parking, bin screening, and general storage, we design and build solutions fitted precisely to your space and requirements.

Types of Outdoor Storage We Fabricate

Bin Storage & Wheelie Bin Stores

Custom bin storage keeps refuse and recycling containers screened from view whilst remaining easily accessible for collection days. We fabricate bin stores sized for your specific wheelie bin configuration – whether that's a single 240L bin for a small household or multiple bins including food waste and recycling for larger properties or commercial premises.

Our bin stores typically feature steel frames with slatted timber or composite infill panels that allow airflow whilst screening contents. Hinged or sliding lids provide weather protection and deter animals, whilst front gates or lift-off panels ensure bins can be wheeled out effortlessly on collection day. Floor-mounted designs keep bins off ground contact, reducing base corrosion and making the storage area easier to keep clean. View bin storage →


Bike Shelters & Secure Cycle Storage

Purpose-built bike shelters protect bicycles from weather exposure that degrades components, whilst secure designs deter theft and vandalism. We fabricate open shelters with overhead protection for residential use, and fully enclosed lockable structures for commercial premises, schools, and multi-occupancy buildings requiring higher security levels.

Bike shelter designs can incorporate Sheffield stands or wall-mounted hanging systems depending on the number of bikes and available space. Steel framework provides robust fixing points, whilst roof panels shed water away from bikes and allow adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. For exposed locations or particularly valuable bikes, we can incorporate mesh panels or solid cladding to provide additional weather protection from horizontal rain and wind-driven debris. View bike storage →


Outdoor Storage Boxes & Garden Storage

Weatherproof storage boxes keep garden cushions, tools, barbecue accessories, and outdoor equipment protected yet accessible. Unlike plastic storage boxes that crack in frost or timber units that rot, metal-framed storage boxes with proper sealing provide decades of reliable service.

We fabricate storage boxes in dimensions suited to what you're storing – from compact units for chair cushions and pool equipment to larger structures for lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and garden maintenance tools. Gas-strut assisted lids make large storage boxes manageable, whilst internal divisions or shelving keep contents organised. Timber or composite cladding can match existing garden furniture or fencing, creating visual cohesion across your outdoor space. Explore garden storage boxes →

Material Options & Construction Methods

Metal Framework with Timber or Composite Panels

Most outdoor storage structures benefit from combining steel framework with slatted or solid timber or composite panels. The steel provides structural integrity and fixing points, whilst the panel material creates the screening or weatherproofing. This combination allows for attractive designs that sit comfortably in garden settings whilst delivering the strength needed for daily use and security.

We use treated timber for traditional aesthetics or composite materials where minimal maintenance is preferred. Composite panels won't warp, split, or require regular treatment, making them particularly suitable for bin stores and bike shelters subjected to all-weather exposure with minimal attention. Slatted designs maintain airflow – critical for bin stores to reduce odours – whilst solid panels provide complete screening and weather protection.



All-Metal Storage Solutions

Where security is paramount or where storage sits in more industrial settings, all-metal construction provides maximum strength. Powder-coated steel panels create fully weatherproof enclosures, whilst reinforced doors and security hinges resist forced entry. All-metal bike shelters suit commercial locations, schools, and apartment complexes where durability and tamper resistance justify the more utilitarian appearance.

Ventilation grilles can be incorporated into steel panels where required, and powder coating in colours matching existing buildings or surroundings helps metal storage structures blend into their environment despite robust construction.

Sizing Storage for Your Space

Working with Limited Space

Terraced properties and smaller gardens often require storage solutions fitted into tight spots – alongside property boundaries, against walls, or in awkward corners. We regularly fabricate bin stores just 800mm wide to accommodate two bins side-by-side against a wall, or slim bike shelters using wall-mounting to minimise footprint.

Measuring carefully matters – not just for the storage structure itself, but ensuring adequate clearance for bin lids to open, bikes to be wheeled in and out, and gates to swing without obstructing paths. We guide you through these considerations during the design phase, identifying potential access or usage issues before fabrication begins.


Planning for Future Needs

Consider future requirements when specifying storage dimensions. If your household might grow, will you need additional recycling bins? If you've one bike now but children will soon need their own, can the shelter accommodate three or four bikes? Building slightly larger initially often proves more cost-effective than extending storage later, and well-proportioned structures don't look oversized even if not immediately filled to capacity.

Design Considerations & Practical Features

Weather Protection & Drainage

Effective outdoor storage keeps contents dry whilst managing water runoff responsibly. We design roof pitches to shed water efficiently, with guttering options to direct runoff into drainage systems or water butts rather than creating puddles around the structure's base. Overhanging roofs on bike shelters prevent rain blowing onto bikes, whilst bin store lids keep bins dry until collection day.

Ground-level clearance prevents water pooling inside storage structures, and we often recommend installing storage on concrete pads or paving rather than directly on soil or grass. This protects metal framework from prolonged ground contact, makes the storage area easier to keep clean, and prevents bins or bikes from sitting in mud during wet weather.


Security Features

Security requirements vary dramatically between applications. Residential bin storage might need only simple latches to prevent lids blowing open, whilst commercial bike parking requires heavy-duty locks, reinforced hinges, and secure ground anchoring. We incorporate appropriate security measures for your circumstances – from padlock hasps and security mesh to full lockable doors with commercial-grade hardware.

Internal bike locking points let users secure bikes to the shelter structure itself, whilst removable floor anchors provide attachment points for D-locks. For high-security applications, we can fabricate storage with concealed hinges, anti-drill lock plates, and reinforced mounting points that resist tampering.



Coordination with Existing Structures

Outdoor storage often works best when designed to complement existing garden features or buildings. Where you've commissioned outdoor metal furniture, matching powder-coating colours and similar timber or composite materials create visual cohesion. Storage structures using the same materials and finishing as metal gates or garden railings feel intentional rather than afterthoughts.

We can design storage to match architectural details – echoing roof pitches, using similar slatting patterns to existing fencing, or incorporating decorative elements that tie into property character. This attention to visual harmony transforms utilitarian storage from eyesores into features that enhance garden design.

Commercial & Multi-Occupancy Applications

Outdoor storage for commercial premises, schools, or apartment buildings requires different considerations than domestic applications. Multiple users demand more robust construction, clearer signage, and security measures that resist vandalism whilst remaining accessible for legitimate users.

We fabricate commercial bike parking that accommodates 10, 20, or more bikes with organised spacing that prevents handlebar tangles. Bin stores for commercial premises often require access hatches for waste contractors whilst keeping refuse screened from public view. Schools need storage combining accessibility for staff with security preventing unauthorised access.

These applications benefit from our structural metalwork experience – we understand load calculations for roofs bearing snow, wind loading for structures in exposed locations, and ground fixing requirements for installations that must resist deliberate misuse as well as weather exposure.

Maintenance & Longevity

Steel Framework Care

Powder-coated steel requires minimal attention – occasionally hosing down removes accumulated dirt, whilst inspecting for paint chips or scratches allows touch-up before corrosion develops. We use high-quality outdoor powder coating that resists UV degradation and weather exposure, typically requiring no attention beyond cleaning for 10+ years.

Ground-level framework should be kept clear of soil contact and vegetation buildup. Leaves and debris trapped against metal framework hold moisture against the coating, potentially causing premature paint failure. A quick clear-out twice yearly prevents these issues.


Timber & Composite Panels

Timber panels benefit from annual treatment with appropriate wood preserver or oil, maintaining protection against rot and weather damage. Composite panels require virtually no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning – they won't rot, split, or discolour significantly, making them ideal for bin stores and storage accessed infrequently where maintenance might otherwise be neglected.



Moving Parts & Hardware

Hinges, gas struts, and locks should be lubricated annually to maintain smooth operation. This simple maintenance prevents seizure and ensures lids and gates continue opening easily despite daily use and weather exposure. Security hardware should be checked periodically – retightening bolts prevents rattling and maintains tamper resistance.

Commissioning Process & Installation

Request Your Bespoke Storage Solution Quote

Creating bespoke outdoor storage begins with understanding what you need to store, where it needs to go, and any access or security requirements specific to your property. Site visits allow us to assess the intended location, check for underground services before anchoring storage securely, and identify any factors affecting design – overhead cables, boundary proximity, or drainage considerations.

We provide detailed quotations itemising framework, panels, roofing, locks, and any groundwork requirements. Whilst custom storage costs more than flat-pack alternatives from garden centres, properly engineered metal storage delivers decades of reliable service – we repair and refurbish storage structures we fabricated 15+ years ago, whilst cheap alternatives typically fail within 5 years.

Installation includes secure ground fixing appropriate to your surface – bolted to concrete, sunk into footings, or mounted to walls where suitable. We ensure structures remain stable in high winds, that gates and lids operate smoothly, and that any drainage considerations are properly addressed during installation.


Bespoke Outdoor Storage Solutions in Nottingham

Ready to discuss your outdoor storage requirements?

Contact Nottingham Metalworks to discuss bespoke outdoor storage solutions for your property. We provide detailed quotations following site visits, ensuring storage fabricated precisely for your space, requirements, and budget.

Request Your Free Quote

Call:  0115 647 6611

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Storage Solutions

  • Do I need planning permission for outdoor storage?

    Most garden storage structures under 2.5m high and not forward of the principal elevation don't require planning permission under permitted development rights. Structures near boundaries or within conservation areas may have additional restrictions. We can advise on likely planning requirements during the design phase, but we recommend confirming with your local planning authority for specific cases.

  • How long does custom outdoor storage take to fabricate?

    Typical lead times are 4-6 weeks from confirmed order to installation. Simple bin stores can sometimes be completed more quickly if workshop capacity allows, whilst complex multi-function storage or large commercial installations may require 8-10 weeks. We provide accurate timescales when quoting.

  • Can you retrofit locks or security upgrades to existing storage?

    Yes, we regularly upgrade security on storage structures – adding hasps and padlocks, replacing standard hinges with security hinges, or retrofitting reinforced locking mechanisms to existing structures that need improved security.

  • What's the difference between treated timber and composite panels?

    Treated timber offers traditional appearance and requires annual treatment to maintain protection. Composite materials (wood-plastic composites) need virtually no maintenance and won't rot or split, but cost more initially. For bin stores and bike shelters where maintenance might be neglected, composite often proves more economical long-term.

  • How do you anchor storage structures securely?

    Anchoring methods depend on the surface – bolted to concrete or paving using expanding anchors, set into concrete footings for installations on soil or grass, or wall-mounted where suitable fixing points exist. We assess your specific surface during site visits and recommend appropriate fixing methods.

  • Can outdoor storage be relocated if we move or redesign the garden?

    Yes, properly engineered storage can typically be dismantled and relocated. Bolt-together construction makes this straightforward, though some structures using welded assembly may require professional dismantling. If you anticipate relocating storage, mention this during design so we can specify bolt-together construction where appropriate.

  • Do bike shelters need concrete bases?

    Not necessarily – secure anchoring matters more than having a concrete base. Shelters can be wall-mounted, bolted to existing paving, or set into concrete footings. Full concrete bases do provide the most stable surface and easiest bike access, but aren't always essential depending on your ground conditions and shelter design.

  • How wide should a bin store be for two wheelie bins?

    Standard 240L wheelie bins are approximately 580mm wide. For two bins side-by-side, we typically fabricate stores 1300-1400mm wide internally, allowing comfortable clearance for manoeuvring bins in and out. Deeper bins or bins on uneven ground may benefit from slightly wider designs.

  • Can you match storage to existing garden furniture or fencing?

    Yes, this is one advantage of bespoke fabrication – we can match powder coating colours to existing metalwork, use similar timber species and finishes to match furniture or fencing, and echo design details creating visual cohesion across your outdoor space.

  • What happens if timber panels rot or composite panels get damaged?

    Panel replacement is straightforward – panels typically unbolt from the framework for easy replacement. This is one benefit of metal framework with panel infill rather than all-timber construction; replacing damaged panels leaves the structure intact whilst all-timber storage often requires complete replacement once rot spreads.