When choosing the right two-tier bike parking solution for your property, the conversation typically starts with what kind of rack it should be, whether you need a shelter for it, and at some point, whether your chosen product should be galvanised or powder-coated. Both finishes are good in their own right and offer unique benefits, and there isn’t necessarily a wrong choice here. The right choice will depend on your situation – on where your racks will be used, who will be using them, and the overall look and feel you’re going for. What fits like the correct puzzle piece in your property might just be overkill for Mr Johnes down the road, and vice versa.
In this post, we’ll take a peek at the key differences between the two, helping anyone who is a property manager, facility planner or developer to choose the right finish for their site.
What Is a Galvanised Finish?
A galvanised finish involves dipping steel components into molten zinc – a process called hot-dip galvanising. The zinc bath makes the two metals bond metallurgically, forming a protective barrier that guards against rust and corrosion. Our racks and shelters are hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461, a recognised UK standard for long-lasting corrosion resistance.
All of our shelters come with the option to have them galvanised, powder-coated or both galvanised and powder-coated. This allows you to choose your preferred finish, or alternatively, not choose at all and have both.
Benefits of Galvanised Racks and Shelters
Galvanising offers you extended durability, which you might become very fond of, especially in tougher environments. It is a tough material with a very long life and excellent corrosion resistance. It is the choice for outdoor use or high-moisture areas – think coastal towns or exposed urban locations.
Galvanised steel is also famous for its low maintenance. The zinc coating resists rust for decades without the need for repainting or recoating. This, alongside saving on the added expense for colour, makes it cost-effective, especially if you’re working on a large project and doing a bulk installation.
Things to Consider
As with anything in life, there are some things you might want to consider before giving your vote to a galvanised finish. One of the signature elements of galvanised steel is its look – the raw, matte, silvery mottled appearance. Some love the industrial look, but others might find it a little less than refined and a tad too utilitarian to look at. If you fall in the first camp, then that won’t be an issue but a plus.
The other thing to think about is that silvery colour is what you get. If you want to change its visual appearance, you’ve got to do a colour treatment yourself. This can be tricky and is best done by a professional to get an even and strong finish. To save yourself the hassle later, you should think about colour choices before ordering.
Best for: outdoor locations, industrial or commercial settings, schools, stations, public areas with high traffic, and anywhere which might be prioritising long-term performance over aesthetics.
What Is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a dry finishing process that involves electrostatically applying a coloured powder to metal, which is then cured under heat to form a smooth, vibrant and durable finish. Both our regular two-tier racks and our electric two-tier racks can be powder-coated in any RAL colours of your choice, giving you the reins on creative control.
Benefits of Powder-Coated Racks
Powder-coating gives you the chance to customise, which isn’t a small thing. Some locations might want to brand their bike storage in company colours, there might be a local authority colour scheme which you should fit in, or you might just want your racks and shelter to go with the building palette and not stick out like a sore thumb.
Like we said above – think about colour before buying. We guarantee a smooth and professional finish, which will last you a long time, and it will be evenly applied. Our work lives up to the standards of premium offices, selective architects and anyone with an eye for details.
The durability that the colour layer adds is another bonus which shouldn’t be underestimated. It makes the surfaces even more resistant to chips, scratches and fading, especially when racks are kept under cover.
Things to Consider
The obvious thing here is cost. Taking up the offer of any add-on does add up, and powder-coating is no exception. Your initial investment will be slightly higher.
Our paint has excellent performance even over time, but like any colour layer, in the long run, it can be damaged. This might mean occasional touch-ups and some maintenance, unlike when a metal is just galvanised. This can be more of an issue for heavy-use areas and coastal places with harsher weather.
Best for: office buildings and workplaces, mixed-use developments, schools or universities with brand colours, covered or indoor cycle store, projects with aesthetic or branding requirements.
So, Should You Choose One Over the Other?
In most cases, you don’t actually have to. Many property managers go for a galvanised base with a powder-coated finish on top, which gives them the best of both worlds—long-lasting rust protection plus the freedom to choose a colour that fits their space.
Take a workplace in central London, for example. They might pick a sleek charcoal powder coat to blend in with a modern office design. A busy railway station down in Brighton, on the other hand, might stick with full galvanisation to handle salty sea air and constant daily use. Then you’ve got universities, which often ask for racks in their school colours to bring everything together across campus and add a bit of personality.
It really comes down to the environment, how the racks will be used, and the look you want to achieve.
Still not sure? Here are a few quick questions you can ask yourself:
Is the rack being installed indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors = galvanised or galvanised + powder coat
Indoors = either finish works well
Is appearance important to your site users or branding?
Yes = powder coat
No = galvanised
Will the racks face extreme weather or high public use?
Yes = galvanised
No = both finishes are fine
Is minimal upkeep a top priority?
Galvanised is your go-to
Ultimately, the best finish for your two-tier bike rack depends on your location, your users, and your priorities. If durability and cost-effectiveness are key, galvanised racks are hard to beat. But if you’re looking for style, branding or architectural harmony, powder coating will give you that sleek, custom edge.
