Shelters

Canopy shelters - durable, versatile cover solutions for outdoor projects

Canopy shelters are increasingly popular in commercial, residential, and educational builds - maximising outdoor space all year round.

Sub-contractors are increasingly expected to deliver high-quality canopy solutions that are compliant, durable and easy to install. Whether it is a cycle shelter outside an office building, a smoking shelter on a busy site, or a waiting shelter on a school playground.

At Street Furniture Direct, we have helped sub-contractors for over two decades specify and install the right canopy shelters for their projects.

We are not just a product supplier, we act as an extension of your team. Our shelters are designed to make your life easier, from galvanised finishes and modular systems to fast delivery and straightforward installation requirements.

What are canopy shelters?

Canopy shelters are outdoor structures that provide protection from the weather, for people and objects. They are specified in outdoor areas where cover is required, such as canopies for bike parking facilities or shelters for waiting areas at bus stops. Canopies shelters are built using robust materials such as galvanised steel frames with polycarbonate or steel roofs; to withstand heavy use and UK weather conditions.

Their role is functional but also increasingly aesthetic, helping contractors deliver attractive, compliant environments that enhance the user experience and add value to the overall project.

Types of canopy shelters and applications

Cycle shelters
Ideal for commercial buildings, public transport facilities, university campuses, and public spaces; modular cycle shelters provide stylish and practical shelter for cycle parking.

Smoking & vaping shelters
Designed to offer safe, designated external smoking areas for commercial developments.

Waiting shelters & entrance canopies
Perfect for public buildings such as transport facilities or schools, these provide cover for waiting pedestrians or over walkways to keep people dry.

Shelter accessories
Handy accessories to integrate into canopy and shelter installations to increase functionality, for example a bike repair station or cigarette bins.

Key considerations when specifying canopy shelters

When choosing a canopy shelter, it is important to balance practicality with long-term value. Sub-contractors should prioritise durability and a shelter built with galvanised or powder-coated steel will resist corrosion and reduce maintenance over time, even in exposed environments.

Ease of installation is also critical for sub-contractors working to tight programmes. Most canopy shelters are surface mounted, therefore installers position the units in place then fix to the floor using suitable bolts.

Regulatory compliance is another key factor for sub-contractors. Many projects require shelters that meet planning conditions, health and safety requirements, and accessibility standards, so selecting products that are manufactured in accordance with regulations help towards compliance.

Choosing a cost-effective canopy shelter isn’t just taking into account the initial price. It can be tempting to go for the cheapest option available as budgets are squeezed towards the end of most build projects, however sub-contractors should always consider the whole-life performance. You should choose a robust shelter that will last for many years and require minimal upkeep for clients.

Finally, aesthetics or the appearance of the shelter should be considered. A well-designed canopy that complements the surrounding architecture improves the overall look of the space and creates a positive impression for end users.

Benefits of buying your canopy shelters from Street Furniture Direct

• Robust: you can be guaranteed the shelter will stand the test of time.
• Cost-effective: high-quality shelters at reasonable prices.
• Easy to install: many are surface mounted and fixed using simple bolts.
• Aesthetically pleasing: modern designs will enhance any outdoor area.
• Bespoke for your project: available in a wide range of customisations e.g. colour, coating etc.
• High quality: all our products undergo rigorous testing and quality control.
• Easy selection: our team is here to help with your product selection.

Featured canopy shelters

Hennessy Shelters - 4m and 8m sizes

The Hennessy Shelter is the most popular external shelter here at Street Furniture Direct. It comes in two lengths of either 4m or 8m, depending on the space available and the requirements of your project.

As standard, it comes in 4m bays. And the modular design means you can easily extend the shelter in multiples of 4m. You are able to customise the finish, where it is available in a galvanised finish or any RAL colour (carries an additional cost).

For your convenience, if you require the Hennessy Shelter as cycle storage, you can order cycle stands easily at the same time - the Sheffield Toast Rack and Sheffield Cycle Stands are ideal and each 4 meter bay can securely accommodate 10 bicycles.

You can find the product pages by clicking the links below:

Hennessy Shelter 4m - https://www.streetfurnituredirect.co.uk/hennessey-4m-shelter.html

Hennessy Shelter 8m - https://www.streetfurnituredirect.co.uk/20-bike-hennessy-cycle-shelter.html

Torres Shelter

The Torres Shelter is a contemporary steel frame and timber external shelter. The slatted timber design offers excellent protection from the wind and rain.

It has a PET roof with guttering to the rear with one outlet to offer great drainage facilities, ensuring water runs off and away from the shelter.

Each Torres Shelter unit can provide cover for up to 8 bikes or alternatively can provide cover for scooters or motorbikes. The shelter is also a great option for a smoke/vape shelter, where you can add cigarette bins and seating from our range of street furniture.

As with our shelters, this product arrives flat-packed and will require experience to build and install. Appropriate groundworks and foundations must be prepared before installation. Contact our team for more information and installation guides.

Canopy shelter testimonials

"From the initial enquiry to Street Furniture Direct, right through to installing our Hennessy Shelter, the service we received was outstanding. The team helped us to customise our shelter and were then able to ship it straight to site. Highly recommended." P.Smith, Kent

"The Hardy Shelter we ordered was a really high quality. It was straightforward to install too where it only took our team 3 hours to put together."

D.Taylor, Manchester

"We are absolutely thrilled with our Torres Shelter. We wanted a shelter that enhanced our outdoor space adjacent to our office, and now gives our staff a safe place to store their bikes. Street Furniture Direct were a pleasure to deal with, and we found their team to be helpful and knowledgeable. We are glad we recommended Street Furniture Direct to our contractor on site, who were able to work together causing minimal disruption while onsite." K.Davies, Leeds

Why buy your canopy shelters from Street Furniture Direct?

If you are currently working on a project that has a requirement for an external shelter, here at Street Furniture Direct we have the right product for you, with the service to match.

We have a wide variety of canopy shelters for you to choose from, including cycle shelters, smoking and vaping shelters, entrance canopies and covered walkways, and waiting shelters.

They are available in a wide range of designs and finishes, to ensure it compliments your outdoor space.

Our range of external shelters are available with a 48 hour delivery, and can even ship straight to site for your convenience.

Feel free to browse the collection of canopy shelters above. Or if you would like some assistance contact our team on telephone 01625 879 442 or email us at enquiries@streetfurnituredirect.co.uk and we will be happy to help you find your perfect bollard.