Need some help?

Check out the FAQ's below for answers to common questions.

For anything else just email hello@stow.design and we'll get back to you ASAP.

You can also call us on: 01256 960 437

Note: If you have a question around the suitability of your space or which sized Stow would work best, any photos or plans you can send us are incredibly useful.

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Frequently asked questions

Will my Stow's appearance change over time?

All Stow’s have been treated with industry leading Danish wood stain, Woca. This helps protect the wood from rot and weathering. The Grey, Thunder Grey and Black finishes contain properties that provide a strong UV filter, which helps maintain their colour.

Where do you deliver & install?

From our workshop in nort-east Hampshire we can deliver & install all across England, although we principally service the South East, London, the Home Counties and parts of the South West. Outside of these areas there may be an additional delivery & installation fee to pay which you will be able to see after you have added your address on the checkout page.

How can I place an order?

  1. Measure up your space.
  2. Using our configurator work out which of our sizes fits and works best for you. 
  3. Choose options for your preferred colour and handle.
  4. Make your purchase online. 
  5. We’ll confirm the order and send you an estimated installation date.

The average lead time is approximately 8-9 weeks. 

How many bikes can fit in a Stow?

We offer small, medium and large sized Stows (Slim, Mid & Max), designed to accommodate up to 6 bikes and other large items. View the internal dimensions to check exactly how many of each of your own bikes will fit in each Stow.

If even larger units are required, you can contact us.

How much clearance is required?

Carefully check the dimensions of the Stow against the dimensions of your space before ordering. If there are obstacles or you are unsure, email us with a few pictures of the location and some measurements. There may be adjustments we can make to help your Stow fit.

Contact us

Other things to think about:

  • If any walls around the space for the Stow look uneven, you should ensure that there are tolerances of at least 50mm. 
  • Ensure there's at least 1300mm of space at the front to open the doors fully. 
  • If there are branches or protruding foliage behind or above the site, clear these prior to installation.

Can you install my Stow?

Yes. To ensure our high standards are kept, we only offer installation by a Stow expert installer.

Are Stows available flat-pack for self-assembly?

To ensure you get the best performance out of your Stow we always install ourselves on site, ensuring our highest standards and finish are achieved.

Does my Stow need to be installed on a hard level base?

Our Stows rest perfectly on the following bases: a level concrete slab, a paved area, an eco-base and a level deck. 

  1. Concrete slab: The concrete slab should be a minimum of the same dimensions footprint (W x D) as the Stow you have ordered. It should be  at least 100mm thick and of course level. 
  2. Paved area: good for any of our Stows, particualarly our lower roof versions. The paved base must be level. 
  3. Eco-base: this is a grid layer filled up with shingle. The eco-base should be laid on sharp sand over a well compacted and level sub-base at least 100mm thick. The eco-base should be firmed up and level before filling with shingle and ideally  finished around 25mm above ground level. 
  4. Desking. Decking is a good option for sloped areas. The frame should be set level and the joists running side to side. This is because the joists on our sheds run from front to back, so the result is better structural support. If you need any advice, please contact us

The following bases are not recommended: gravel, soil, grass, ‘astro’ and old or uneven decking/paving.

All our sheds include a sturdy C24 treated timber floor, which sits on feet. These feet can be adjusted (between 1-3cm) so that the base is firm before installing the rest of the Stow. 

We do not install concrete bases, so you would need to arrange this prior to your Stow being installed.

Sloped locations: 

  1. If the location for installation is paved with a slight slope for drainage, our Stows can be installed directly on that. The feet we use can be adjusted between 1-3cm. 
  2. If the slope is in the 3-8cm range (over a 2m distance), the Stow can still be installed but it will slope slightly.
  3. If the location has a slope of over 8cm (across 2m) we may be able to accomodate this using an alternative solution. Please contact us to discuss.
  4. If the location slopes over 20cm (across 2m) we recommend that you install a level concrete base or decked/paved area. 

Do you offer a warranty?

We offer a 5-year warranty covering faults relating to manufacture as standard.

Do I need planning permission?

You won’t need planning permission for a typical Stow to be located in your back garden.

Any structure located in a front garden technically requires planning permission. However, every planning officer we have spoken to has advised that in practice, there would only be an issue if there were legitimate complaints from neighbours or if you live in a conservation area. Typically, most local councils are in support of cycling initiatives.

In the event that you do submit a planning application, just let us know and we can supply you with planning drawings.

 

Do I need to carry out maintenance on my Stow?

All Stows are made to the highest standards, using premium grade materials and hardware.  That said, in order to prolong the life and maintain your Stow’s stunning appearance some maintenance is required.   The most important to remember is to keep the sides and base of the Stow clear from debris build-up. Any build-up of leaves, soil, ivy etc against the timber cladding and base will prevent the timber from breathing. This could create a damp environment and cause rot. If the cladding or floor rot prematurely due to debris build-up, this will Invalidate your Guarantee. Other types of maintenance we recommend are as follows: 

  • Walls, doors, cladding: keep clear of debris or invasive plants. Stows are pre-treated with a best-in-class Danish, plant based environmentally friendly wood oil.  This helps ensure the timber on your Stow lasts for many years to come. 
  • Hinges and locks: keep oiled as necessary for smooth operation.