How to buy the best garden storage

Investing in outdoor storage can increase your usable living space and help keep your garden tidy and your belongings safe. 

Sheds can be great, but not everyone has the space for one – or enough things to fill it with. That’s why dedicated storage for bikes, bins, smaller garden tools and toys might be a better option. 

Keep reading to find out about the types of storage available, how much you should spend and our pick of popular units. Alternatively, head over to our guide on how to buy the best shed. 

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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

These storage units are perfect for keeping your green recycling bin out of sight. They can be used to house just one bin, while others can be customised to store extra recycling and compost bins, too.

Try to opt for one with a lift-up roof to make it easy to fill your bins.

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.

See also: our expert advice on the best electric bikes and the best folding electric bikes.

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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 or metal storage chests can be a great compact alternative to a shed. They come in a variety of styles and can be used to store garden tools, toys and machinery.

Try to pick one that can be securely locked and that has wheels or handles so it’s easier to move if necessary.

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

Log stores will keep your wood protected from the elements. The stores provide free-flowing air circulation to help prevent moisture from building up and causing rot and mildew.

Most stores will be built from wood but there are metal options on the market, too. You can get a variety of sizes and some can be joined onto a shed or another type of storage unit. 

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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. Storage boxes are available from around £28.
• B&Q stocks an array of outside storage options from log stores to storage chests. If you're shopping for a garden storage box, expect to spend from £30 upwards.
• Ikea is famous for its homeware and indoor furnishings but also sells a selection of outdoor storage. The VÄTTERSÖ storage box, for example, costs around £125.
• Homebase offers a selection of outdoor storage items including bike sheds and storage boxes, made from metal, plastic or wood. The most basic storage boxes start at around £35.
• Wickes has everything from bin stores to a wide range of outdoor boxes. The cheapest outdoor storage boxes available start at £25.

If you're looking to protect your plants from the elements, read our guide on how to buy the best greenhouse.

How much do I need to pay for garden storage?

Wheelie bin storage 

For a basic wooden unit for one or two bins, you should expect to pay around £150. If you want something customised or with additional accessories, such as locks, you could pay up to £400. 

Bike storage 

You can pay anything between £200 and £1,000 for a high-quality storage unit for your bikes. Metal units tend to be the most expensive, as are the units that can hold numerous bikes.

Remember that not all units will come with the shelving or brackets you need, so additional accessories might cost more. 

Garden storage boxes and bins 

Costs will depend on the size and material of the box you need. Smaller plastic boxes can cost as little as £25, whereas larger metal or wooden units can cost a few hundred pounds. 

Log stores

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. 

Discover the best wood-burning stove brands, as rated by hundreds of stove owners.

Popular garden storage units

We asked popular retailers, including Ikea, Homebase, Wickes, and Screwfix, to tell us some of their most popular outdoor storage options from their various ranges.

We haven't tested these products ourselves, but those listed below should give you a snapshot of the types of ranges available.

For more details on shopping online safely and arranging refunds for faulty equipment, see our online shopping advice.

Charles Bentley 190L Outdoor Plastic Storage Box

• Dimensions: 49.3 x 96 x 45.8 cm (HxWxD)

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this plastic storage box from Charles Bentley is purpose-built to protect your belongings from adverse weather conditions.

It has a padlock hasp for security and two polypropylene straps to support the hinge lid.

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 larger Nämmarö Shelving Unit (£85) or the Nämmarö Storage Box with Privacy Screen (£120) to match. The Nämmarö collection also has a selection of garden furniture and seating options.

Ikea Grillskär Storage Box

• Dimensions: 53 x 86 x 61xm (HxWxD)
• Typical price: £115
• Available from: Ikea

The Grillskär storage box is a great option for barbecue enthusiasts, or those who just prefer a sleeker finish. It's part of the Grillskär outdoor kitchen collection, which includes a range of barbecues, sink units, shelves and cabinets, and backsplashes.

The surface of this box is made of stainless steel, which is hardwearing and resistant to rust.

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: 167 x 212 x 103cm (HxWxD)

This Shire shiplap bike store comprises European pine and dip-treated in a base coat, so you can paint it any colour you like as soon as it's set up (or leave it as is).

It can to store up to three bikes, with wide double doors for easy access.

Keter Store-It-Out Ultra 2000L Outdoor Garden & Bike Storage Shed

• Dimensions: 134 x 177 x 113cm (HxWxD)

The Keter Store-It-Out collection is hugely popular and sold at multiple retailers. The multi-use 'Ultra' model is one of the largest available, and can be used to store everything from wheelie bins to barbecues and bicycles.

The front and top-opening lids and huge 2,000-litre capacity are designed to make storing and retrieving bikes easy, and it's big enough to fit multiple bikes inside.

Asgard Addition 6 x 3ft Pent Metal Bike Store

• Dimensions: 144 x 183 x 92cm (HxWxD)
• Typical price: £706
• Available from: Asgard and Screwfix

Made from weatherproof galvanised steel, this metal bike store from Asgard stores up to three bikes. It's heavyweight – deliberately to deter thieves – and has heavy-duty double door access.

In terms of security, this model includes a three-point locking system, which Asgard says is both pick and drill resistant. There is also an internal deadbolt system to keep your bikes secure.

Asgard Electric Bike Storage x3

• Dimensions: 134 x 230 x 105cm (HxWxD)
• Typical price: £775
• Available from: Asgard

This spacious storage option is built for electric bikes and comes in three colours. It features an internal electrical socket so you can charge your e-bike while you store it.

Asgard has included several additions to this model to increase security, including a reinforced top-opening lid, reinforced double doors, and a solid steel door deadbolt.

Maximise security when it comes to your bike – discover the best bike locks.

Popular wheelie bin storage units

Keter Store-It-Out Arc 1200L Plastic Garden Storage Box

• Dimensions: 120 x 146 x 82cm (HxWxD)

This multi-use storage option from the Keter Store-It-Out collection is technically a storage box, but it has the capacity to hold up to two 240-litre wheelie bins. The front and top openings combined with the sloped threshold is intended to make rolling bins or gardening equipment in and out a breeze.

Keter says that this model will provide 'dry and ventilated storage' thanks to its 'durable and weather-resistant construction'.

Rowlinson 8 x 3ft Large Timber Triple Wheelie Bin Storage

• Dimensions: 13 x 23 x 82cm (HxWxD)

For those who just want to hide unsightly wheelie bins, this natural timber storage from Rowlinson might be a good option.

There's space for three wheelie bins inside, and the wooden top panels are fitted with chains to attach to bin lids for easy lifting without having to touch the bins. Plus, the wood is pressure treated to prevent rot.

Garden tool reviews and advice: see our independent reviews and buying advice for everything from lawn mowers to grass trimmers.