About this bike shed
This 4′ x 8′ modular bike shed (32 sq/ft) was made for a heritage-style townhouse in Kitsilano, Vancouver. A shed from a big-box store would not have suited the look of the development, so this one has red-brown siding that matches the townhouse, a black steel door and a metal ramp so bikes can roll straight in.
Quick facts about this modular bike shed
- Location: Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC
- Size: 4′ x 8′ (32 sq/ft, about 3.0 m²)
- Design: Gable bike shed
- Siding: LP SmartSide, painted to match the townhouse
- Door: 36″ steel door
- Extras: Bike ramp and custom paint match
A bike shed made to match
The shed sits beside the townhouse, tucked behind a tall hedge. Its red-brown siding was painted to match the townhouse, so the shed blends in with the building.
A ramp for rolling bikes in
Bikes are hard to lift over a threshold, so the shed has a metal ramp at the door. The photos show the ramp and the single steel door with a lever handle.
Roof and walls
The roof is a small gable covered with asphalt shingles. The walls are painted LP SmartSide siding with plain corner trim, and the shed sits on a paved path beside a gate.
Why a bike shed makes sense
Bikes stored inside a townhouse take up hallway or garage space and track dirt through the home. A bike shed outside gives them their own dry place near the door, and it is easier to get a bike in and out when you don’t have to carry it upstairs.
What a 4×8 shed stores
A 32 sq/ft shed is 4 feet deep and 8 feet long, which is enough for a few bikes side by side, with room for helmets, a pump and a small shelf. A 36-inch door is wide enough for a bike to roll through.
Why add a ramp
A low metal ramp at the threshold lets a bike roll in without being lifted. It also keeps the door sill clear of puddles and gives the building a neat step-up from the path.
Shop-built and quick to place
Prefab sheds are built in a shop, where the lumber stays dry and the cuts stay accurate. A small shed like this one can be set on its base in a short visit, which keeps noise and mess in a shared development to a minimum.
Preparing the site
A shed is only as flat and solid as the ground under it. Before delivery, it helps to:
- Pick a spot with clear access for people and materials, and keep it away from overhead wires.
- Level the area and set a firm base, such as pavers or compacted gravel, so the floor stays flat and water drains away.
- Check the setbacks from the property lines and any easements in your city’s shed rules.
- Leave room around the door so the ramp and the bikes have space to move.
Keeping the siding in good shape
The siding is LP SmartSide, a primed engineered wood siding that is painted after it is installed. Like any painted wood product, it lasts longest when the paint is kept in good condition. Look the shed over once a year, repaint any worn spots, keep soil and mulch from touching the bottom of the siding, and trim back plants that hold moisture against the walls.
| Location | Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Size | 4′ x 8′ (32 sq/ft, about 3.0 m²) |
| Design | Gable bike shed |
| Overhangs | Front and rear 6″; sides 6″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Ceiling | Open stud |
| Door | 36″ steel door |
| Windows | None |
| Roofing | Asphalt shingles |
| Electrical | None |
| Heat | None |
| Customization | Bike ramp and paint match |
What to plan before building a bike shed
A bike shed is simple, but the door, the ramp and the path need planning.
- Permit: at 32 sq/ft (about 3.0 m²) this shed is far under the 10 m² (108 sq/ft) size that the BC Building Code leaves out. Zoning still applies, so check the Vancouver shed rules.
- Approval: in a townhouse development, check with the strata or owners group before adding a building.
- Door and ramp: plan a door wide enough for a bike and a ramp that suits the threshold height.
- Colour: a paint match to the building makes the shed look planned.
Frequently asked questions
How big is this bike shed?
It’s 4 feet by 8 feet, which is 32 sq/ft (about 3.0 m²).
Does a shed this small need a building permit?
Under the BC Building Code, an accessory building under 10 m² (108 sq/ft) that does not create a hazard is outside the Code. Zoning rules still apply, so check the Vancouver shed rules and confirm with the City.
Why does the shed have a ramp?
A ramp lets a bike roll in without being lifted over the door threshold.
What is the shed made of?
LP SmartSide siding on a framed gable shed, with a steel door, asphalt shingles on the roof and an open-stud inside.
Can a shed match the colour of a townhouse?
Yes. This shed was painted to match the townhouse, which helps it blend in.
How many bikes fit in a 4×8 shed?
A 32 sq/ft shed fits a few bikes side by side, with room for helmets and a pump. The exact number depends on the bike sizes and how they are hung or stood.
Is a custom bike shed better than a store-bought shed?
A store-bought shed is a fixed size and look. A custom shed can include a ramp and the right door, and it can be painted to match the buildings around it.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Backyard Outbuildings, see all sheds, garages and barns, or read the Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit guide.