Shed Type, Roof Size
We liked this shed’s traditional good looks from the moment we saw it, and yet it surpasses standard rustic sheds by having a smooth planed and elegant appearance rather than typical rough sawn sheds complete with splinters. If a shed’s appearance is one of the most important factors to you, then this is sure to score highly.
One of the traditional features is the pent roof, which is an effective way to carry water away without looking too obtrusive like some apex roofs can do. Unlike some pent sheds we review, it was good to see that vertical storage space hadn’t been compromised thanks to a ridge height of 1.99m and an eaves height of 1.75m. Also take note of the overall width, 2.44m, and the overall depth of 3.05m as you’ll need these dimensions plus at least a foot on each side, to make retreatment easier, on which to site the shed.
Cladding, Frame and Floor
Once assembled this is one of the strongest feeling and most stable wooden sheds we’ve reviewed, and that’s largely due to the heavy duty frame. At 44 X 44mm, it’s noticeably thicker than most frames we see, and the tongue and groove cladding itself, whilst a standard 12mm, is given added toughness as its planed all round rather than being rough sawn.
We were pleased that the floor was made of the same shiplap cladding as the walls, which would ordinarily give it a good level of protection against moisture. This could potentially be compromised, however, as the floor is not raised above ground level by floor joists. This puts in contact with the excessive moisture typically found on the ground, so we highly recommend buying the optional floor bearers to combat this.
Treatment Requirements and Warranty
With a shed costing approximately a thousand pounds, we would like to see a long lasting preservative treatment being applied. We were disappointed, further, to find that a basic dip treatment of one coat of preservative is all that’s been applied prior to delivery. That’s why the customer has to apply a treatment of their own after six weeks, and again on a yearly basis. It’s also one reason why this shed only comes with a one year warranty, even though the combination of tongue and groove cladding with a pent roof should allow for a much longer rot free period.
Doors and Windows
There are two things we like most about this single hinged door: one is that the position is interchangeable, and the other is its generous dimensions. It has a width of 0.76m and a height of 1.75m, which makes it more accommodating than many single doors we say, ensuring that moving objects of any size or shape in and out is easy.
We were also pleased with the windows. There are three included, which means that there is enough natural light inside the shed to work on a hobby. It was good to see that one of the windows is opening, as opposed to fixed, this aiding ventilation. If required, there is the option to convert one of the fixed windows to an opening window, although this costs an extra £31.99.
Security and Privacy
The windows light up the shed’s interior, but they could also potentially be a security risk, which is why we welcomed the use of tough and shatter resistant horticultural glass. There’s even the option to have a fully boarded window free design for customers who are planning on storing valuable items, which we feel is a good touch. Security is further enhanced by the inclusion of a key operated lock on the door, which is something we always look for but don’t always find on garden buildings.
Customisation Options and Extras
We were pleased to see that there are lots of ways for the customer to personalise their shed, so that it fits in with their particular garden layout. One of the options is to change the siting of the door to one of three positions, and this can also have an effect upon where the windows are situated. If required, the door itself can also be upgraded to a double door that opens to a width of five feet.
People have increasingly busy lives, so it was good to see that the manufacturers had catered for people with hectic lifestyles by offering a professional installation service. For a cost of £159.99, assembly can be left in expert hands.
We were very impressed by the quality of components used across this shed, from the PAR cladding to the chamfered edges on the frame.
Longevity Of materials
8/10
The cladding should be very rain resistant, but durability is let down somewhat by the basic preservation process used and the lack of floor joists.
This is a mid sized garden shed, but thanks to its taller than average eaves height it’s possible to fit more inside than we first thought.
Ease of installation
9/10
As always with timber sheds, it’s important to read the instructions thoroughly before commencing installation, but once this is done, and with a friend’s help, you should be able to complete the assembly in around five hours.
For its price tag we were disappointed at the lack of an extended warranty, amongst other things, but it does still boast some very useful features.
Final Thoughts: With our climate seemingly becoming ever wetter and windier it’s essential that a wooden shed is tough enough to withstand the weathering. We don’t have any qualms about this tough shed, thanks to its high quality cladding and heavy duty frame, as long as floor joists are installed to lift it above ground level and as long as the retreatment program is adhered to. These both add to the initial expense of a shed which already costs more than many of a similar size. Its good looks, three tough windows, and integrated locking system will, we feel, still make it worthy of consideration by those whose budgets stretch to over a thousand pounds.
Prices around: £999.95
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