So we do a lot of our shopping in bulk and store cans, water and dried products etc in bulk, currently they take up cupboard space or sit under our kitchen table and though our kitchen isn’t small, it’s unsightly.

We have toyed with the idea of an outdoor pantry, at first we considered some sort of bike shed but I’m worried about freezing temps in the winter.

Has anyone done anything like this or have any ideas?

Thanks

  • You need a look at preppers subs (I assume there are some!) They will know how to store food without it spoiling. My kitchen is tiny, it's a good idea

    parent

  • Rats and mice will also be a problem so dried food needs to be stored in containers but you will def get more advice in a UK preppers group.

    parent

  • Winter freeze and summer heat are your 2 enemies here. If you use a well insulated structure and factor in some climate control both for low temp and high temp, then it's definitely something you can consider.

    Is power an option in this structure? Mainly for the frost prevention heater, the fan extractor for summertime can be solar powered and some passive ventilation that can be covered up in the winter.

    parent

    Yeah I have external power outlets

    parent root

    Good start, work out how big you need, then look for structure, bearing in mind insulation.

    Thermostat controlled heater, 5C kick in, 8C switch off. Solar fan vent plus other normal vents in the summer. I'm sure you get the idea.

    Thin metal sheds probably cheaper but will need more insulating than a wooden structure.

    parent root

    Thanks!

    Working on building a pergola with a built in grill in the summer so I’ll make sure to include measurements in some sort of way to account for vents/heater.

    I guess my only question would be what to use for internal walls/insulation, I can woodwork so that’s no problem, but this is new territory for me

    parent root

    Foam insulation boards would be my first guess. Never done this mind, just rambling here.

    parent root

    Don't forget to consider humidity if you have anything that's not completely sealed or is in paper packaging.

    Starting point for insulation could be Building Regulations Approved Document L requirements or perhaps even PassivHaus standard U-values (the lower the better). Don't forget to consider floor insulation too.

    You can then calculate the required insulation from a calculator like this: https://uvaluecalculator.ecotherm.co.uk/calculator/walls/timber%20frame/insulation%20between%20timber%20studs%20with%20(insulated)%20plasterboard/140mm/timber%20cladding/0/120/

    Painting the structure in a light colour will reduce solar gain (how much it heats up in summer), but reduce how much it heats up in winter. To control the temperature better it can be worth having darker walls and a light roof, with the roof overhanging the sides to shade them from the midday sun.

    Depending on the size and location of the new structure it may require planning permission so do your research.

    parent root

  • i got my outdoor workshop, just a DIY lean to extension with plastic roof. I keep my bicycle, oat milk and veggies and beer in there, is under a roof but not heated. There is a one or two days around here in a year where it goes below freezing. More trouble over the summer when is actually hot in here.

    parent

  • We've an old detached out building that was half toilet half coal store. We still use it for both, but it has been somewhat modernised. It is the overflow pantry. We use white plastic food grade buckets for anything that isn't a can, bottle etc. It has a little greenhouse tube heater if needed, but it doesn't really get much use. It is useful for drinks, bulk buys and also just because the kitchen cupboards don't need 24 cans of tomatoes, 24 cans of kidney beans, 24 cans of tuna etc pulling them off the walls. Keep one indoors, restock from outside.

    parent