12′ x 6′ Traditional Heavy Apex Shed

Shed Type, Roof Size

Our first impressions were that this is a very attractive timber apex shed that will complement any garden. Whilst adhering to a traditional rustic style, the smooth planed cladding gives it a look of real quality, and the six windows featured on one side panel also give it a unique and contemporary touch, as well as being very practical.

The apex roof at the summit is very effective at keeping water out and the contents inside dry, and that’s because it’s made of tongue and groove cladding and covered in strong roofing felt. It creates a ridge height of 2.34m and an eaves height of 1.85m, meaning there are no difficulties in storing tall items. Keep in mind that the shed is twice as deep as it is wide, with outer dimensions measuring 3.66m and 1.83m respectively, when choosing the best spot in which to position the shed.

Cladding, Frame and Floor

The basic thickness of the tongue and groove cladding is 12mm, which is a measurement we often find on the timber sheds we review. On this occasion, however, we were pleased to see that PAR cladding had been used. This smooth cladding is very tough and equates to a thickness of 16mm in standard cladding. Extra stability and rigidity is also provided by the frame, which at 44 x 44mm is considerably sturdier than most wooden framing we see. This will come in particularly useful in areas that are often exposed to high winds.

Whilst the floor itself was also tough and resilient, thanks to it utilising the same tongue and groove cladding, we have concerns about it being in contact with the ground which is where high moisture contents are often found. For this reason we strongly recommend the purchase of the optional floor bearers, and indeed would have expected to see them included with a shed in this price bracket.

Treatment Requirements and Warranty

Another area in which the shed performed less well than we would have expected is in its warranty. All wooden sheds come with at least a one year warranty, and in this case there is no extension, whereas we commonly see cheaper garden buildings that carry warranties of ten or fifteen years. One reason why the warranty may be so short, despite the high quality rain protection offered by the cladding, is that the timbers have been dip treated but not pressure treated. This means that there’s a requirement for the customer to treat the shed with wood preserver themselves on an annual basis, as well as within six weeks of it being installed.

Doors and Windows

We liked the single hinged door, as it’s both wide and tall enough to move objects in and out without having to bend or twist. In fact, the width of 0.76m is as wide as some double doors we see, and the height of 1.83m is much taller than most doors on wooden sheds. A wider door measuring 4’ can also be purchased as an optional extra.

The windows were the feature we liked most of all. Not only because there are six of them, ensuring that the interior is well illuminated in daytime, but also because two out of the six are opening while the other four are fixed. This makes ventilation control as easy as opening and shutting a window.

Security and Privacy

With thick horticultural glass being used as the glazing, the windows will resist all but a concerted attempt to break them. Further security is provided by the inclusion of a key operated locking system on the door, which we were pleased to see as it’s not something that all manufacturers include as standard.

Customisation Options and Extras

Some people find installing a shed an enjoyable, even relaxing, experience while others find it time consuming and frustrating. The latter group will be pleased to hear that a professional assembly service is available for £144.99, which we think is a very useful service that will broaden the shed’s appeal.

Not all customisation options cost money, however. We welcomed the option to have a fully boarded, and therefore window free shed at no extra cost, as this makes it ideal for use as a security shed.