We recently supplied and installed a Bespoke Communal Bin Store in South Croydon, designed to provide a secure, durable and practical enclosure for communal waste storage. Manufactured to the customer’s specific dimensions and requirements. The timber-clad bin store measures 4000mm wide x 3120mm deep x 2400mm high, with a rear height of approximately 2350mm to create a pitch towards the front.

The structure features a galvanised 50 x 50mm box section steel frame with adjustable internal feet, providing a robust surface-mounted framework suitable for installation onto level concrete bases. PAR treated 94 x 20mm timber hit & miss cladding is fitted to all sides, creating a strong, attractive enclosure while allowing natural ventilation. The front incorporates a central double swing gate with a drop-down bolt and hasp and staple lock, providing secure and straightforward access for residents and waste collection teams.

A galvanised 32/1000 box profile steel roof provides protection from the elements, finished with folded galvanised flashings to the front and sides for a neat, weather-resistant finish. The complete structure was supplied and professionally installed on site, including the steel framework, timber cladding, roofing, flashings and secure gates.

This South Croydon project demonstrates Secure Cycle Store’s ability to deliver quality solutions within specific site dimensions, access requirements and customer specifications. From the galvanised steel framework, timber cladding through to the secure access gates and durable roof system, the finished bin store provides a practical long-term solution for communal waste storage.

8 Space Timber Clad Cycle Shelter

This project involved the supply of an 8 Space Trinity Timber Cycle Shelter, providing a secure, weather-protected and practical cycle storage solution. Measuring 3100mm wide x 2100mm deep x 2100mm high, the shelter combines a robust galvanised steel frame with PAR treated timber hit and miss cladding to all sides, creating a durable structure with a natural appearance suited to a range of commercial, residential and public-sector environments.

For additional security, the shelter features a double swing gate fitted with a digit combination lock and drop bolt, providing controlled access without the need for keys. A galvanised box profile roof, complete with front and side flashings, provides reliable protection, while the internal 4 Sheffield Stands accommodate up to 8 bicycles, offering secure cycle parking for users.

This timber clad cycle shelter demonstrates how secure cycle parking can combine durability, controlled access and efficient bike storage within a compact footprint. The Trinity Timber Cycle Shelter is a practical choice for projects where both appearance and cycle security are priorities.

This project showcases the installation of an 8 Space Two Tier Timber Clad Cycle Shelter, providing a secure, space-efficient bicycle storage solution for sites where capacity and aesthetics are equally important. Designed to maximise cycle parking within a compact footprint, the shelter combines durable steel construction with high-quality timber cladding to create an attractive and long-lasting facility suitable for workplaces, schools, residential developments and public spaces.

Manufactured with a fully galvanised steel frame, the shelter features PAR treated timber hit-and-miss cladding on all sides, providing both weather protection and a natural finish that complements a wide range of environments. A single swing gate fitted with a hasp and staple offers controlled access, while galvanised box profile roof sheets and powder-coated flashings ensure reliable protection from the elements and minimal maintenance throughout the product’s lifespan.

Inside, the shelter is fitted with galvanised two tier cycle racks, delivering secure parking for up to eight bicycles while significantly reducing the ground space required compared with traditional Sheffield stands. Supplied in kit form for straightforward on-site assembly, the shelter offers a practical and cost-effective solution for organisations looking to increase secure cycle parking capacity and encourage sustainable travel. This installation demonstrates how timber clad cycle shelters can provide an ideal balance of security, durability and visual appeal while meeting the growing demand for high-quality bicycle storage across the UK.

We recently delivered a bespoke Trinity Timber Clad Shelter solution for an academy facing a common challenge: a growing student body and a Victorian building, dating from 1824, with no room left for cloakroom storage. Having worked with us on two previous occasions, the academy came back to us for a practical outdoor alternative, with covered, weather-protected space where students can leave sports kit, coats and bags safely within the school grounds.

The first shelter is a spacious open-fronted structure measuring 7000mm wide by 3000mm deep. It is built on a fully galvanised steel frame, powder coated in RAL 9005 Black, and clad to the rear and sides in pressure-treated PAR timber hit-and-miss boarding. The result is a natural finish that sits comfortably alongside the historic building. Galvanised box profile roof sheets and powder coated flashings keep the contents dry, and the open front gives students quick, easy access between lessons. Inside, seven perimeter benches and two central double-sided benches give generous space for cricket and sports bags. Composite hook boards above, fitted with plastic hooks, give plenty of room for coats and satchels.

Alongside this, we supplied a bespoke L-shaped shelter to make the most of the available footprint. It uses the same galvanised steel frame and timber cladding, and is fitted with eight heavy-duty bench-style shelving units. Each unit has two storage shelves plus extra crossbars with hook boards, giving the academy organised storage for larger kit bags and equipment.

All internal benching and shelving was factory-fitted, using powder coated metal frames with composite slats, composite hook boards and plastic hooks. These materials won’t rot, splinter or need painting, so the shelters stay tidy and safe for students with very little upkeep.

Both shelters were supplied in kit form for quick on-site assembly, keeping disruption to the school to a minimum. With galvanised steel, pressure-treated timber, composite fittings and quality roofing materials, they are built to cope with years of daily use by students in all weathers.

This project shows Secure Cycle Store’s ability to design and manufacture fully bespoke timber clad shelters around each customer’s needs, and why customers like this academy keep coming back. Whether the need is cloakroom overflow, sports kit storage, covered seating or multi-purpose outdoor space, every shelter is made to exact specifications using durable materials and finishes that look good for the long term.

Does Where You Store Your Bike Actually Affect Your Insurance?

You’ve invested in a quality bike, you’ve got a Sold Secure Gold lock, you’re even covered by a specialist bike insurance policy. Job done, right?

Not just yet. There’s one question most cyclists never think to ask until it’s too late: does where you store your bike actually affect whether your insurance claim is valid? The short answer is yes, it matters more than most people realise.

Whether you’re parking up at home, leaving your bike at work all day, or locking up at the cafe, how and where your bike is stored matters, both for preventing theft in the first place and for making sure your cover holds up when something goes wrong.

Here’s what you need to know.

Guest post in partnership with Laka.

Why Storage Matters To Your Insurer

When you make a theft claim on your bike insurance, your insurer will ask a series of questions. One of the most important is, where was the bike when it was stolen and was it secured appropriately?

Laka’s theft cover applies at home and on the go, including theft from inside a locked vehicle, but the keyword in any insurance policy is, Secured. Like all specialist insurers, Laka assesses whether reasonable precautions were taken at the time of a claim. That means the quality of your storage situation is never irrelevant, it’s an important factor for how a claim is assessed.

The Three Storage Scenarios

1. Stored at Home – Unsecured

Leaving your bike leaning against a wall in an unlocked garage, or propped in a communal hallway with uncontrolled access, is the scenario most likely to cause problems if it’s stolen. Even with a valid insurance policy, a claim may be challenged if the storage location wasn’t locked or access wasn’t controlled.

The principle is straightforward: insurers expect policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent loss. A bike stored somewhere that isn’t locked or isn’t solely under your control can affect the validity of a claim.

What you could do instead: Store your bike in a locked, dedicated space, such as a purpose-built bike shed or locker that meets certified security standards.

2. Stored at Home – In Secure Storage

This is the most effective standard for home storage. A purpose-built, secured bike storage unit, bike locker, bike shed, or enclosed cycle shelter with a quality lock, can significantly strengthen your position when making a claim.

Secure Cycle Store manufactures a range of bike shelters, bike sheds, bike lockers and bike racks, many of which carry Secured by Design accreditation, which is a police-backed security standard that demonstrates your storage meets a recognised level of protection.

When your bike is stored in a Secured by Design structure and is also secured with a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated lock, you’re demonstrating that reasonable security precautions were in place at the time of any loss to keep your bike safe from those pesky thieves!

3. Stored Away from Home – At Work or in a Public Space

This is where cyclists are vulnerable, it’s where the gap between having insurance and having valid insurance is widest.

Laka recommends locking your bike in a public area with high footfall, securing the bike through the wheel and frame, not just the wheel alone and using a solid immovable object to secure your bike to. When your bike is at a work location all day, a standalone lock is only one aspect of valid security.

If your workplace provides a secure cycle shelter or lockable bike storage facility, that’s a significant layer of additional protection, both physically and in the context of any future insurance claim. If the only option is a railing outside the building, or an unsecured room, the security risk exposure is deemed higher.

What Laka’s Policies Actually Require

Laka offers two main products:

– Core (theft and third party liability)

– Complete (theft and third party liability with added crash and accidental damage, emergency travel expenses/roadside recovery and optional racing and travel cover).

How the bike was stored and secured is a relevant factor in any claim across both insurance products.

Key things to note as a Laka customer:

– Lock requirements matter – Most insurance policies require a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated lock as a condition of theft cover. Using a lower-rated lock, or no lock at all can invalidate a claim. You can read more about Laka’s locking requirements here.

– At-home theft is covered – the storage location needs to be locked and access controlled solely by you. A locked, purpose-built space is often one of the best places to store your bike.

– Away from home theft is covered – your bike must be locked through the frame to an immovable object using a qualifying lock.

– There’s no excess on bike claims with Laka – This means if a claim is valid, we’ll replace your bike like-for-like – plus there’s no excess, or deductible to pay. Simple as that. Secure storage and appropriate locking are key parts of keeping your bike protected. 

Important note: Always refer to your specific Laka policy documents for the precise terms and conditions that apply to your cover. Policy wordings are the definitive guide, and requirements can vary between products. If in doubt, contact Laka directly before assuming you’re covered.

The Storage Solutions That Can Give You The Best Protection

Not all bike storage is equal from an insurance perspective. UK household surveys estimate around 183,000 incidents of bicycle theft in England and Wales in the year to March 2025, more than three times the number recorded by police, underlining just how much theft goes unreported. Here’s a practical guide on what to look for when choosing bike security.

Bike lockers are the most secure option for home storage. A high-quality metal locker with a robust locking mechanism, ideally Secured by Design certified, offers the strongest protection against both opportunist and determined theft. The need for this level of security at home is evident through recent data explaining that 62% of bicycle thefts occur at or around the home location, making domestic storage the single most important security decision a cyclist can make. Check Out A Range Of Bike Lockers here.

Bike sheds are ideal for households with multiple bikes. Secure Cycle Store’s wooden bike sheds carry Secured by Design and Code for Sustainable Homes certifications, placing them among the most insurance-credible storage solutions available for domestic use. Pair with a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated lock inside the shed for maximum protection. The financial case is clear, the mean cost of a stolen bicycle is £487, a figure that makes quality storage a sound investment against a potentially significant loss. Check Out A Range Of Bike Sheds Here: https://securecyclestore.com/products/cycle-storage/bike-sheds/

Bike shelters work well where space or access is limited. Shelters are widely used in co-residential developments, transport hubs, education buildings, hospitals etc. Active Travel England’s guidance on new residential developments includes certain criteria as standard which influences planning expectations for new developments. Check Out A Range Of Bike Shelters Here: https://securecyclestore.com/products/cycle-storage/bike-shelters/

Workplace storage deserves particular attention. If your employer provides cycle storage, the quality of that storage affects your risk profile every single working day. Active Travel England recommends that cycle parking in workplaces should offer secure access and can be provided alongside showers, lockers, bike maintenance equipment and changing areas. This meaningfully supports cycling as a mode of commute. A communal bike shelter with individual locking points, CCTV coverage and controlled access is significantly better than a simple rack in a car park. If your property has a communal bike storage facility, it’s worth checking whether it’s fit for purpose, not all racks are the same and previous break-ins can be a warning sign.

The broader context matters too. Active travel contributes more than £36 billion to the UK economy every year and cycling infrastructure, including secure storage, is a foundational part of that. Around 41% of households in England have access to at least one bicycle, yet theft remains a significant deterrent to cycling uptake. 71% of theft victims report being emotionally affected, with annoyance and anger the most common responses. This is a reminder that bike theft isn’t just a financial issue, but one that actively discourages people from cycling overall.

Secure Cycle Store works across the commercial, residential, education, healthcare and transport sectors, designing and installing storage solutions that meet the security standards cyclists (and their insurers) require. If your workplace’s bike security isn’t up to standard, it may be worth raising with your employer. Better infrastructure benefits every cyclist in the building!

The Lock + Storage Combination

Here’s the thing most cyclists fall short on. A great lock in poor storage, or great storage with a weak lock. The two work together. Think of it like a two-factor authentication for your bike’s security:

– Factor 1 – The lock: Sold Secure Gold or Diamond rated, used correctly (through the frame, not just the wheel, to a fixed immovable object).

– Factor 2 – The storage: A secure, purpose-built structure that limits access and demonstrates responsible ownership.

When both factors are in place, you’re in the strongest possible position to prevent theft in the first place.

The Bike Storage Checklist: Is Your Storage Secure?

Use this before your next renewal or claim:

– Is your bike stored in a dedicated, lockable structure at home?

– Does that structure carry a recognised security certification (e.g. Secured by Design)?

– Are you using a Gold or Diamond rated lock as part of the bike’s storage?

– Is the workplace storage secure enough to meet your policy’s storage and locking requirements?

– Have you read your Laka policy to confirm the specific storage and locking requirements for your cover?

– Is your bike’s value accurately reflected on your policy, particularly if you have any upgraded components? It’s worth checking periodically.

If you’ve answered no to any of these, it’s worth addressing before you need to make a claim, not after.

The Bottom Line

Insurance is there for when things go wrong, but the steps you take before things go wrong are what determine whether your cover actually does what you’re expecting it to do.

Getting a Secure By Design Storage Security Kit, storing your bike in a certified, purpose-built structure and locking your bike correctly every single time puts you in the strongest possible position, both to prevent theft and to demonstrate that reasonable precautions were taken.

For storage solutions built to the standards that matter, take a look at Secure Cycle Store. For cycle insurance that’s built by cyclists, for cyclists with no excess, no depreciation and claims handled by people who actually understand the needs of cyclists, Laka are here to help.

Always refer to your Laka policy documents for the specific terms, conditions and requirements that apply to your cover. Policy wordings are the definitive guide. If you have any questions about your policy, Laka’s team is here to help.

Guest post written in partnership with Secure Cycle Store. UK specialists in cycle shelters, lockers, racks and bike sheds, supplying and installing nationwide.

This article has been written for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Always refer to your individual Laka policy documents for the specific terms, conditions and requirements that apply to your cover. If you have questions about your policy, contact Laka directly at [email protected].

Bespoke Timber-Clad Cycle Shelter Installation, 5 Space Secure Cycle Storage

We recently completed the installation of a bespoke 5 space Trinity Timber-Clad Cycle Shelter designed to provide secure, long-lasting cycle storage for a commercial client. Manufactured with a robust galvanised steel framework, the shelter measured 1780mm wide x 1500mm deep x 2100mm high and was supplied with 5 Semi-Vertical Cycle Racks to maximise cycle parking capacity within a compact footprint.

The shelter was finished with pressure-treated PAR timber hit-and-miss cladding on all sides, creating a high-quality appearance that blends naturally into its surroundings while maintaining excellent durability. A timber-clad double swing gate was fitted to the front, complete with a Hasp and Staple Lock for enhanced security and controlled access.

Our installation team assembled the galvanised steel structure on site before fitting the timber cladding, galvanised box-profile roof sheets and protective galvanised flashings. The cycle racks were then installed and positioned to provide efficient, user-friendly bicycle storage.

This bespoke timber cycle shelter offers an ideal solution for workplaces, schools, residential developments and public sector environments seeking secure cycle parking with a premium aesthetic finish. Combining galvanised steel strength, treated timber cladding and secure access control, the shelter delivers a durable, low-maintenance cycle storage solution designed for years of reliable use.

10 Space Mesh Cycle Shelter Installation with Secure Access Control

We recently completed the supply and installation of a 10-space mesh clad cycle shelter designed to provide secure, weather-protected bicycle storage for staff and visitors. The shelter measured 4100mm wide x 2100mm deep x 2100mm high and featured a fully galvanised steel frame with heavy-duty mesh cladding on all sides, offering durability, visibility and long-term resistance to corrosion.

The project included the installation of five Sheffield cycle stands, providing secure parking for up to ten bicycles. To enhance security, the shelter was fitted with a double swing gate incorporating a digital access lock, providing controlled entry while maintaining ease of use for authorised users. Galvanised box profile roof sheets were also installed to deliver reliable all-weather protection.

Our installation team completed the assembly and installation in a single planned visit, erecting the steel framework, fitting the mesh panels and gates, installing the roofing system and securely positioning the cycle stands on an existing level concrete base. All works were carried out efficiently with minimal disruption, leaving the client with a robust, low-maintenance cycle parking solution that encourages sustainable travel while improving site security.

This secure mesh cycle shelter combines strength, functionality and long-term performance, making it an ideal choice for workplaces, schools, public sector facilities and commercial premises seeking high-quality bicycle storage solutions.

Bespoke 24-Space Cycle Shelter Installation

We recently delivered a bespoke cycle shelter solution designed to provide secure, high-capacity bicycle parking while enhancing the site’s cycling infrastructure. Measuring 6000mm wide x 4000mm deep x 2100mm high, the shelter was constructed from a galvanised steel framework with a durable Red RAL 3028 powder-coated finish, offering long-term protection against the elements and a striking appearance.

The shelter features a galvanised box profile steel roof, clear PETG cladding to both ends and additional rear roadside sections to improve weather protection while maintaining excellent visibility and natural light. To maximise cycle parking capacity, 12 junior Sheffield cycle stands were integrated into the structure, creating secure parking for up to 24 bicycles.

Supplied in kit form and assembled on site, the project included the installation of the steel framework, cladding, roofing and cycle stands, with works completed over multiple site visits by our installation team. The finished Shelter provides a robust, low-maintenance cycle parking solution that encourages sustainable travel and delivers secure, weather-protected bicycle storage for schools, workplaces, public facilities and commercial developments.

The UK Government has published its third statutory Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, backed by over £4.5bn of projected investment across England over the next five years.

The strategy sets two clear priorities, making active travel safe and making it feel like the easy choice. Those might sound straightforward, but they represent a meaningful shift in how the government is framing the challenge. It is not just about building infrastructure. It is about removing the barriers that stop people, particularly children and less confident users, from choosing to walk, wheel or cycle in the first place.

The headline targets are 55% of short urban journeys made by active modes by 2035, and 60% of 5 to 16 year olds usually walking, wheeling or cycling to school by the same year. £1.1bn has been ringfenced for Active Travel England, which will oversee delivery alongside local authorities.

The new performance framework covering infrastructure, travel behaviour and wider health and economic outcomes will be key to keeping momentum going. It is good to see accountability built in from the start.

Wood Finish Options Guide

Choosing The Right Finish For Your Project Makes All The Difference.

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Why Timber Finish Matters

When specifying a bike shelter, the structural frame is only half the story. The cladding finish defines how a shelter sits within its environment, whether it blends seamlessly into a landscaped residential development, complements the heritage character of a school campus, or adds a clean aesthetic to a commercial courtyard.

Our timber-clad bike shelters combine the structural integrity of a galvanised steel frame with the natural appeal of high-quality wood cladding. The result is a shelter offering cyclists covered, secure parking while enhancing the outdoor spaces they are placed in.

This guide covers the key wooden finish options available across our bike shelter range, so you can make the right choice for your site, your planning requirements, and your aesthetic goals.

Why Choose a Timber-Clad Bike Shelter?

Timber finishes are one of the most popular cladding choices for bike shelters across a wide range of sectors and for good reason:

Aesthetic versatility – Natural wood tones complement both contemporary and traditional architectural settings, making timber-clad shelters a practical choice for residential developments, schools, parks, healthcare sites, and commercial premises alike.

Planning friendliness – Timber finishes are widely accepted by local planning authorities and are often favoured for conservation areas, listed building settings, and green spaces where a more sympathetic material is required.

Environmental credentials – Many of our timber options use responsibly sourced wood, supporting sustainable building practices and contributing to BREEAM assessments and Green Plan targets.

Durability – Far from being a fragile material, properly treated timber cladding is resistant to weathering, warping and decay. When combined with our galvanised steel frame structures, these shelters are built to last.

Timber & Cladding Finish Options

Treated Softwood

Our treated softwood cladding is a cost-effective and widely specified option, ideal for customers seeking an affordable, low-maintenance timber finish without compromising on appearance or longevity. The timber is specially treated with advanced preservatives that are forced deep into the wood to enhance its resistance to rot, moisture and insect damage.

Appearance: Upon installation, treated softwood has a light colour, over time the wood gradually matures into a distinguished silvery-grey patina. It has a natural ageing process that allows the shelter to settle into its surroundings with quiet confidence.

Best suited for: Educational campuses, NHS and healthcare sites, residential developments and transport hubs where budget efficiency and ease of maintenance are the primary considerations.

Key benefits:

• Cost-effective without sacrificing durability
• Effortlessly maintained over the lifetime of the shelter
• Natural weathering process blends the structure into its environment
• Compatible with sedum green roof options for added sustainability credentials

Thermopine

Thermopine is an expertly crafted thermally modified pine, produced by heating the wood to high temperatures in an oxygen-abundant environment. This process fundamentally changes the wood’s chemical and physical properties, reducing its moisture content and significantly improving its stability and resistance to the elements. The result is a sustainable, eco-conscious cladding solution that performs exceptionally well in outdoor installations.

Appearance: Thermopine radiates a warm brown hue upon installation, transitioning gracefully over time into a distinguished silvery-grey patina. Its consistent, clean profile gives bike shelters a refined natural appearance that works well in both contemporary and traditional settings.

Best suited for: Sites where moisture resistance is a priority, coastal locations, exposed transport hubs, parks and open green spaces. An excellent choice for organisations seeking a sustainable timber option with enhanced outdoor performance.

Key benefits:

• Thermally modified for superior moisture resistance and dimensional stability
• Reduced likelihood of warping, splitting, or decay
• Sustainable production process with a lower environmental impact than chemical treatments
• Transitions to a characterful silvery-grey patina with minimal maintenance required

Sapele

For customers seeking a hardwood cladding option that combines robust performance with natural elegance, Sapele is an outstanding choice. A dense and enduring hardwood, Sapele is renowned for its remarkable resistance to rot, decay and insect infestation, qualities that make it ideally suited to exposed outdoor environments.

Appearance: Sapele is distinguished by its luxurious reddish-brown hue and distinctive interlocked grain pattern, offering a visual richness that is difficult to replicate with softwood alternatives. Over time, Sapele undergoes a darkening process.

Best suited for: Premium commercial projects, high-specification residential developments and architectural installations where the quality of the cladding material is a defining feature of the overall design.

Key benefits:

• Dense, durable hardwood with natural resistance to rot and decay
• Striking reddish-brown hue with a distinctive grain, a compelling alternative to traditional mahogany
• Deepens in character over time without compromising structural integrity
• Synonymous with premium-grade bike shelter products

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Black Thermopine

Black Thermopine takes the proven performance of thermally modified pine and introduces a sleek, contemporary black finish making it one of the most visually striking cladding options in our range. The heat treatment process minimises moisture absorption, delivering heightened stability and unparalleled resistance to rot and decay.

Appearance: Bold, modern, and unmistakable. The deep black finish creates a strong architectural statement and pairs particularly well with powder-coated black steel frames for a cohesive, high-contrast look. The finish offers superior UV resistance, significantly mitigating the risk of fading and discolouration over time.

Best suited for: Contemporary commercial premises, modern residential developments, corporate campuses, and any project where design impact is as important as functional performance.

Key benefits:

• Sleek black finish delivers a contemporary, high-specification aesthetic
• Superior UV resistance reduces fading and discolouration
• Enhanced stability minimises the risk of warping in outdoor conditions
• Thermally modified for excellent moisture resistance and longevity

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is a premium cladding choice for bike shelters, celebrated worldwide for its innate natural resistance to decay and its exceptional ease of handling. A true outdoor performer, Western Red Cedar requires no chemical treatment to achieve its durability, its natural oils provide inherent protection against moisture, insects, and weathering.

Appearance: Boasting a rich, reddish-brown hue, Western Red Cedar weathers gracefully to a distinguished silver-grey patina when left untreated, lending a timeless, natural quality to any installation. The warmth of its original tone and the elegance of its weathered finish make it equally appealing at either stage.

Best suited for: Landscaped environments, parks, residential developments, and premium commercial sites where a naturally beautiful, high-performing cladding material is preferred. The timber’s ease of handling also makes it particularly well-suited to bespoke or complex shelter configurations.

Key benefits:

• Naturally resistant to decay without the need for chemical treatment
• Lightweight and straightforward to handle, reducing installation complexity
• Rich, warm reddish-brown tone weathers to a refined silver-grey patina
• A premium, characterful finish that enhances any outdoor environment

Composite Cladding

For customers who want the aesthetic warmth of a timber finish combined with the practical benefits of a low-maintenance, manufactured material, composite cladding offers an ideal solution. Engineered from a fusion of wood fibres and plastic, composite cladding is built for durability and consistency in demanding outdoor environments.

Appearance: Composite cladding is available in a diverse palette of colours, allowing it to be tailored to suit any aesthetic preference or planning requirement. Unlike natural timber, composite cladding maintains a highly consistent colour and surface quality over time, there is minimal variation between boards and negligible colour change due to weathering.

Best suited for: Commercial and public sector projects where long-term consistency of appearance is essential, or for sites where maintenance resources are limited and a no-fuss, long-life cladding solution is preferred.

Key benefits:

• Inherently resistant to rot, splitting, and moisture damage
• Minimal colour variation over time, maintains a consistent, uniform appearance
• Available in a wide range of colours to suit any design brief
• Low maintenance throughout the lifetime of the shelter

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Euro Class B/C Fire-Rated Timber & Composite Cladding

For projects where fire safety compliance is a requirement, including NHS healthcare sites, schools, residential developments, and buildings subject to stricter fire regulations, our Euro Class B/C fire-rated cladding options provide the assurance you need without compromising on aesthetics.

Euro Class B represents the highest level of fire resistance available for cladding materials, and Class C provides a strong secondary rating. Both are suitable for a wide range of building types and planning requirements.

Appearance: Available in both timber and composite variants, Euro Class B/C cladding delivers the same visual appeal as our standard options, natural wood tones or a broad palette of composite colours, with the added benefit of certified fire safety performance.

Best suited for: NHS hospitals and healthcare facilities, schools and further education sites, residential blocks requiring fire-safe external materials, and any development where planners or building control have specified a fire-rated cladding option.

Key benefits:

• Euro Class B/C fire resistance rating, the highest available for cladding materials
• Available in both timber and composite variants
• Meets NHS fire safety regulations for lithium battery and e-bike charging areas
• Provides peace of mind without compromising on the visual quality of the shelter

Our Bike Shelter Range

Wooden Bike Shelters – Our dedicated timber-clad shelter range, available in a variety of configurations and sizes.

Timber-Clad Mesh Shelters – Galvanised steel mesh structures with timber cladding panels, combining the security of a mesh enclosure with the warmth of natural wood.

Cubic Modular Wooden Bike Shelters – A contemporary modular design with a distinctive cubic profile, ideal for modern residential and commercial settings.

Green Roof Shelters – Timber-framed shelters with a sedum or wildflower roof, supporting biodiversity targets and NHS or BREEAM Green Plan commitments.

Sustainably Sourced Timber

We understand that responsible material sourcing matters. Where specified, our timber cladding can be supplied with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC certification, confirming that the wood has been sourced from sustainably managed forests.

This is particularly relevant for projects seeking BREEAM credits, NHS Green Plan compliance, or planning approvals in environmentally sensitive locations. If certification is a requirement for your project, please mention this at the enquiry stage and our team will confirm availability.

A Note on Sedum Roofing

Many of our timber-clad bike shelters are also available with a sedum green roof option, replacing the conventional shelter roof with a living layer of robust, low-maintenance sedum varieties. Beyond the obvious visual appeal, sedum roofing provides natural insulation, absorbs rainwater (with a water attenuation of 1.5 litres per m²), and supports biodiversity by providing habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

It is particularly well-suited to projects seeking BREEAM credits, NHS Green Plan compliance, or planning approvals in environmentally sensitive settings where a living roof can genuinely enhance biodiversity and stormwater management on site. The combination of a naturally finished timber shelter with a sedum roof is one of the most sympathetic and sustainable cycle storage solutions we offer.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Site

Not sure which option is right for your project? The table below offers a quick reference guide:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which timber finish requires the least maintenance?

Thermopine and Black Thermopine are among the lowest-maintenance options we offer. The thermal modification process fundamentally improves the wood’s stability and moisture resistance, significantly reducing the likelihood of warping, splitting, or decay without the need for ongoing treatment. Composite cladding is also extremely low maintenance, with minimal colour variation over time.

Will the timber colour change over time?

Most natural timber cladding, including Treated Softwood, Thermopine, Western Red Cedar and Sapele will weather to a silvery-grey patina over time when left untreated. This is a natural process that many customers find attractive, as it allows the shelter to bed into its environment. If you prefer to retain the original colour, our team can advise on appropriate oil or UV-stable stain treatments for specific timber species.

What is the difference between Thermopine and Black Thermopine?

Both are thermally modified pine products that share the same core properties, enhanced moisture resistance, improved dimensional stability and resistance to rot and decay. The difference is purely aesthetic standard Thermopine presents a warm brown tone that weathers to silver-grey, while Black Thermopine is treated to produce a sleek, contemporary black finish with superior UV resistance to maintain its colour over time.

Do you offer fire-rated cladding options for NHS or school projects?

Yes. Our Euro Class B/C fire-rated cladding is available in both timber and composite variants and is specifically suited to healthcare, educational and residential projects where fire safety compliance is a requirement. This is particularly relevant for NHS sites with e-bike charging facilities, where lithium battery fire safety regulations apply.

Can timber-clad shelters be combined with security features?

Absolutely. The timber cladding is applied to a structural galvanised steel frame, making it fully compatible with our complete range of security options including sliding and swing gates, combination locks, keypad access systems and internal bike racks with multi-point locking. The finish choice has no bearing on the shelter’s security specification.

Is timber cladding suitable for planning-sensitive sites?

Natural timber finishes are widely accepted by local planning authorities and are frequently specified for conservation areas, green belt land and settings adjacent to listed buildings. Sapele, Western Red Cedar and Thermopine in particular are valued for their natural aesthetics in sensitive environments. Our team can advise on the most appropriate finish for your specific planning context.

Get Expert Advice on Timber Finishes

Our team has been specifying and installing timber-clad bike shelters across the UK since 2009. Whether you are working on a planning application, a BREEAM assessment, or simply want to understand which finish will look best on your site, we are here to help.

View the Wooden Bike Shelter Range

Prefer to speak to someone? Call our team on 01516011750 or email us at [email protected]

Reviews

• 21 Google reviews:
• (5/5)

Latest Reviews

Jeff Zycinski

a year ago

Great job done from ordering, advice, delivery and construction. Two man crew worked solidly from 7 am to 1pm, refused all offers of coffee and got the bike shelter built despite high winds and rain. Also dismantled our old bike rack.

Bryan Denny

2 years ago

Excellent company to deal with, all queries and questions answered promptly. Very happy with the service. Very quick delivery from order, the cycle repair stands were well packed and protected and secured to the pallet for transport. Peter and Joanne were excellent to deal with and hopefully will be dealing with them again to purchase more units.

Laura Fraser

2 years ago

We received this and it was exactly as described, arrived quickly and securely. The company were a pleasure to deal with and throughout our order made sure we were kept up to date regarding delivery times. An all round great service.

View all 21 reviews on Google