One fact is for sure, a tidy garden needs wheelie bin storage, but do you buy purpose-built wheelie bin storage or learn how to make a wheelie bin store? Whatever you decide, we will cover all of the options you need to consider. This guide includes a step-by-step approach explaining how to build a wheelie bin shed.
Editor’s Note [13.08.24]:
Our guide, “Buy a Wheelie Bin Storage Shed or Make a DIY Wheelie Bin Store” was first published on January 5, 2017. Today we have made significant updates including expanding the detail of the how to make a wheelie bin store section, making it step-by-step. We have added new sections and provided updates throughout.
The need for wheelie bin storage
Though wheelie bins have their purpose, they are not very attractive waiting on the kerb ready for collection, lined up on your driveway or stored in your garden. If there is one common blight on how homes look up and down the country, it is the selection of wheelie bins that simply look untidy and, let's face it, ugly.
On bin day, bins are emptied and then left strewn all over the place, creating clutter and an eyesore in the neighbourhood. It is good to have a wheelie bin shed to store your bins for the remainder of the week, so you can have your home and garden once again looking tidy and pretty.
It may sound strange, but wheelie bin storage also provides security. There are those who steal wheelie bins or who, perhaps returning from a night out, think it amusing to tip over, move or hide a household bin.
Removing a wheelie bin from its store is much less tempting and, with the help of a padlock, a store can prevent any nuisance behaviour. This protection also extends to preventing the neighbourhood cat, fox or other pests from having a rummage and leaving a messy trail for you to clean up in the morning. Even a windy night can result in the need to don gloves and tidy up an upturned bin. A bin store really is a wise investment.
Garden wheelie bin storage options
There are three main options when it comes to wheelie bin storage:
- Build your own wheelie bin shed
- Buy a purpose-built shed for wheelie bins
- Buy a larger garden storage unit that can accommodate bins and various other equipment
In this article, we will consider all three. You will need some basic carpentry skills to build your own bin store. If in doubt, hire a carpenter, or buy a ready-made wheelie bin store. The materials can cost around £100-£150. A carpenter will average about the same for a day's work. A ready-made storage unit will range from £100-£300 depending on how many bins it stores and whether it is pressure treated to eliminate the need for yearly treatments. It's up to you which option you choose.
Step-by-step guide - how to make a shed for wheelie bins
Numerous video tutorials can be found on YouTube that will be able to better explain what needs to be done and the specifics involved, but this guide will give you a brief step-by-step overview of what you will need to do:
Allow yourself at least a day to build the bin shed. Ensure you are working on a solid surface for stability. If you are new to carpentry, it may take longer, so plan accordingly and consider having an extra pair of hands to assist.
1) Gather tools and materials
You will need basic carpentry tools:
- Saw
- Hammer (or nail gun)
- Drill
- Spade
- Shovel
Also needed for ensuring accurate cuts and a level structure are:
- A tape measure
- Spirit level
- Set square
Additionally, the following are needed:
- Screwdriver
- Clamps
- Safety equipment - like gloves and goggles
- Sandpaper or a sander
The materials required include the following:
- Timber - such as that from old pallets and fence panels,
- A few paving slabs - for a sturdy base; and, depending on the design
- Roof - some corrugated iron (or roofing felt) for the roof of the shed
- Other necessary materials - might include wood screws, nails, and brackets for added stability
- Timber preservative - to protect the timber from rot and insect attack
2) Planning phase and selecting a location
Create a detailed plan, it sounds over zealous, but a plan highlights issues to address, which will make life easier later. The plan needs to consider areas such as wheelie bin dimensions as well as confirm the tools and materials above. Special areas to consider include bin accessibility, ventilation and design features for aesthetic appeal.
Choose a convenient location (ideally close to the collection point), which will not be a focal point and measure your bin, two bins or three bins to ensure you can accommodate them. Consider the placement of recycling boxes as well for accessibility and ease of use.
3) Preparing the site
Your chosen site for the DIY wheelie bin storage will need preparation, such as removing rubbish, plants, debris and rocks. Next, ensure the ground is even and where necessary dig, level and compacted. Mark the bin store dimensions on the ground to ensure it comfortably fits with accessibility around the edges.
4) Lay the foundation
Where necessary, place paving slabs in the marked area to establish a sturdy foundation. You may already have a patio or paving slabs, but if not ensure the slabs are laid level and securely positioned. This foundation protects the timber from direct ground contact and reduces rot prevalence.
5) Build a frame
Take your timber and cut it to the required dimensions for the base, sides and top frame. We recommend assembly in this order:
- Assemble the base frame first, ensuring it is square and level
- Attach the side frames to the base
- Finally add the top frame, using screws and brackets for added stability
6) Add the walls
Now assemble the walls with timber panels to the frame to form the walls of the bin store. You will need to make sure that one side has a frame to use as a door. Use securing items such as nails or screws to secure the panels to the frame. Finally, check that the walls are level and make any adjustments needed. If you are building the wheelie bin against a wall you will not need to make a rear wall frame.
7) Install a roof
Construct the roof using timber and cover it with corrugated iron or roofing felt. Secure the roof to the top frame of the DIY wheelie bin storage using screws or other securing items.
8) Add doors and fixings
Next, install doors and ensure they snugly fit inside the frame. Add hinges to the doors and the frame, then add your chosen handles, as well as a latch or padlock where security is important.
9) Finishing touches and treatment
Sand down any rough edges with sandpaper or a sander. Now for dip treated or untreated wood apply a wood preservative, stain or paint to protect the timber from the elements. If you have pressure treated wood it will not require any treatment at this stage. Add any additional features you might like including hooks, garden tools or decorative elements.
What about ready-made wheelie bin storage solutions?
Here at Shedstore, we offer a wide range of wheelie bin storage, from single wheelie bin stores, to large double bin stores, or even a triple wheelie bin store. Options include a choice of timber, metal or resin, there is sure to be a bin store that matches your needs. Look out for pressure treated bin stores as they won't even need re-treating. Simply click on the images below to be taken to each product page. Or click here to be taken to our full range at Shedstore.
Also, browse and shop for other wheelie bins storage from our range:
Other garden wheelie bin storage options
Our useful video below shows some of the small storage options we have, perfect for hiding wheelie bins and keeping your back garden tidy:
Browse and shop for other storage from our range, which is perfectly suited for garden wheelie bin storage:
Related articles
The following related article from the Shedstore blog should be read in conjunction with this article:
Conclusion
We have reached the end of our article about the options for adding a shed for wheelie bins in your garden. All three options are summarised above including a step-by-step approach as to how to make a wheelie bin store, as well as buying a garden wheelie bin storage or a larger garden storage unit. The costs of all three are more similar than you would think. If you opt to build your own DIY wheelie bin storage it will be more likely that it will be to practice your carpentry skills or to tailor-make a perfect solution that perfectly suits your size and aesthetic aspirations.
Contact Shedstore
Whether you decide to buy a built-for-purpose wheelie bin shed, other large plastic storage unit or build your own shed for wheelie bins, Shedstore can help.
Speak to us for assistance, contact us in any of these ways:
- Phone - 0333 003 0518
- E-mails – send us emails using our contact form
- Text chat - using our app, speak to us through real-time text messaging