How to Build a Bin Store

Want somewhere to store your bins?

A bin store is the perfect solution, as it not only keeps your bins safely stored away, but it also looks much neater.

Whether you want a double or triple bin store, recycling bin store, or plastic bin store, among other options, in this article, we look at what is needed to achieve this feat.

We’ll also take a look at additional subjects like how to clean a bin store and the different types that exist.

Read on to find out more...

What is a Bin Store?

A bin store is simply a small structure (either with or without a roof) designed to keep your bins together so they are tidy and protected from the elements.

One concern homeowners often face is if their bin is knocked or blown over in high winds, the waste can spill out over the pavement or into their garden. By building a bin store this issue is greatly reduced, and they can be easily stored away when not in use.

What Tools Do I Need to Build a Bin Store?

The following tools are all that's needed for a relatively straightforward bin store, although this may vary when it comes to constructions using brickwork or other materials:

• Shovel
• Saw
• Nail gun
• Level
• Ruler
• Post-hole digger
• Roughneck mutt

What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Build a Bin Store?

For the most part you will only need the basic safety equipment, but it's still advisable, especially if you are not particularly experienced in this sort of DIY work. However, the list may extend further than the below if your using specialist equipment.

Here is the safety equipment you may want to consider:

• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles
• Dust mask
• Sensible footwear

What Materials Do I Need to Build a Bin Store?

The supplies outlined below are for a relatively basic, DIY bin store - although it is possible to also build using other materials such as bricks and mortar:

• Wooden panels/battens
• Wooden posts
• Wood screws
• Panel capping
• Soil/stones
• Concrete (optional)

Planning Your Wheelie Bin Store Installation

Before building your bin store, you’ll need to decide where to put it and the best material to use.

You’ll want somewhere accessible, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing. It’s worth taking a look around your property and weighing up these options first.

A bin store can be produced from a wide variety of materials - each with a different price tag and its own pros and cons. Although for the purpose of this guide, we focus on the steps needed to build a bin store made out of timber.

Preparing to Build a Bin Store

Before purchasing the materials needed to construct your storage unit or wooden bin cover, first measure the area you’ve chosen for the installation and make sure it fit any bins you're wishing to store - not just your regular household waste.

You will also want to ask yourself does your plan fit the purpose? Is it still convenient when taking the bins in and out, while also protecting them against the elements and other potential concerns?

How to Build a Bin Store Yourself

Now, it’s time to get to the method needed for this job. We break down how to build a wheelie bin store with the following steps, although if you'd prefer then simply hire a local carpenter and joiner instead:

Step 1 - Add a Post

Using a shovel, dig two holes sufficient to hold wooden posts. If you wish, use a post-hole digger or roughneck mutt to help get you started. This should be just above the height of the bin. These will be positioned at the front and back of the left-hand side of the structure and will provide support and stability.

Step 2 - Cutting the Timber

Next, cut your timber to size to create the slates for your bin. Alternatively, you could use fence panels that have been made to measure, or if you have access to any old wooden pallets these are also ideal for a DIY project.

If you are using recycled wood, ensure it's in suitable condition and give it the appropriate treatment required in order to extend the lifespan of your bin shed.

Step 3 - Completing the Main Panels

A smaller narrow piece of wood may be used at the left and right ends of the underside of the combined panels. Use a nail gun to connect these timber parts together.

Step 4 - Place the Panels Into Place

Take the combined wooden panels section and place it between the two posts that are already in position. Use a level and mark the tops of the posts at the point where the panels section ends. Saw off the excess of the posts. Ensure that you saw at an angle, as this will allow water to run off the top. Concrete the posts in position with postcrete.

Step 5 - Add the Remaining Post and Second Set of Panels

Now you want to dig a hole at what will be the right-hand side of the bin store. Add the front set of panels, fit the third post into position in the hole. Wood screws can be used to connect the panels to the post. Make sure everything is level. Fill the hole where the post is with postcrete.

Step 6 - Finalisation

Lastly, add panel capping for aesthetic purposes. Your bin store is now complete.

Types of Wheelie Bin Store

This section discusses the different materials that can be used to build a garden bin store and what their costs and pros & cons are.

Timber Bin Store

The most common choice and the least expensive at that is a timber bin store. Timber is easy to find, safe, straight to work with, cost-effective and versatile.

For instance, it’s much easier to cut timber than it is metal. However, timber is also prone to water damage, and it is susceptible to scratches/dents. Timber bin stores cost around £130 to £140.

Pros

• ✔ Common option
• ✔ Inexpensive
• ✔ Easy to work with
• ✔ Versatile

Cons

• ✖ Prone to water damage
• ✖ Can scratch/dent with ease

Metallic Bin Store

Also fairly common are aluminium bin stores, although using sheet metal in this way can be noticeably more expensive than building with timber. When ready made they come with a price tag of between £220 to £390.

Pros

• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Strong
• ✔ Resilient
• ✔ Long-lasting

Cons

• ✖ Costly
• ✖ Prone to rust

Plastic Bin Store

While less common, plastic bin stores also exist. Plastic is cheaper than metal but often more expensive than timber. Of course, plastic doesn’t rot, but it is more difficult to work with than timber. Plastic still lacks the strength of metal, although it does tend to offer durability.

Pros

• ✔ Does not rot
• ✔ Durable

Cons

• ✖ More costly
• ✖ Not as strong as metal
• ✖ Difficult to cut

Double Bin Store

This type of bin store is fairly common and is, as the name suggests, designed to hold two bins. It is generally cheaper than constructing a triple bin store.

Pros

• ✔ Cheaper than a triple bin store
• ✔ Easier to construct than a triple bin store

Cons

• ✖ Not as strong as a triple bin store

Triple Bin Store

While we have described the method used to make a relatively small bin store in this article, by scaling up your plans, you could easily make a sizeable triple bin store, no problem.

A triple wheelie bin store is, obviously, generally larger than most bin stores. However, it will tend to be more expensive to construct too.

Pros

• ✔ Larger
• ✔ Tends to be stronger in protecting against the elements

Cons

• ✖ Costly
• ✖ It may be more challenging to build

How to Clean a Wheelie Bin Store

You should clean a bin store every few weeks and use a specific cleaning agent suitable for the material - especially when you have a bin store made out of timber, so you don't damage the wood.

Here are some approaches you can take to clean a bin store:

• Clear any mess
• Brush regularly
• Check for pests (hire a specialist if rodents are an issue)
• Rinse with a garden hose
• Jet or power wash

As for the bins themselves, you should ensure they are kept relatively clean too. It's best to use an anti-bacterial liquid or a disinfectant spray, although power washing is also worth considering.