Shed Type, Roof Size
Whilst we love the practicality of PVC and metal garages, and some of the ones we’ve reviewed have been attractive in their own way, none of them have the eye catching good looks of this large timber apex roof garage. It boasts traditional wooden cladding, and yet by using cutting edge PAR tongue and groove it brings all the advantages of modern shed and workshop design as well.
Conceived for use as a garage, a task that it’s very suited to, we feel this could also be an ideal workshop for either a hobby or small business operation. One reason for this is the excellent headroom provided by the apex roof. Made of the same tongue and groove cladding as the walls, and then covered in a tough mineral felt, it gives a ridge height of 2.67m and an eaves height of 1.85m. The overall width is 3.05m and the overall depth is 4.88m, so the base size will have to match these dimensions plus an extra foot on either side which the manufacturer recommends leaving so that retreatment is easy.
Cladding, Frame and Floor
We were very pleased to see that PAR tongue and groove cladding had been used throughout, as this means that although the cladding used has a standard thickness of 12mm it performs as if it’s 25% thicker and stronger. It also has rounded edges on the corners, giving it added strength when combined with the heavy duty 44mm2 framing. The end result is a building that both looks and feels stable. As with most large garages there is no floor included, as it is simply fixed onto a pre-existing area of level concrete.
Treatment Requirements and Warranty
We found lots to like about this large timber garage, but unfortunately it could have done better in terms of the warranty supplied, and the treatment requirements passed on to the customer. In fact, only a one year warranty against rot is supplied by the manufacturer, which is the minimum statutory requirement. One reason for this less than generous provision, especially given how effective the tight interlocking cladding is at keeping water out, is that the timbers have only been given a dip treated basecoat rather than the more effective pressure treatment that we often see used.
Another result of this is that the customer will have to treat the shed themselves, not only on an annual basis but also just six weeks after installation. On smaller sheds this may not be too onerous a task, but on a garage of this proportions we can imagine it taking a lot of wood preserver and a lot of time.
Doors and Windows
One feature we particularly liked is the set of doors included with this garage. We liked the single access door that gives access to the rear of the garage, especially as it can be situated on either side of the building so that it can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Equally impressive were the double hinged doors that dominate the front of the garage, which with a width of 2.13m and a height of 1.88m are some of the most generously proportioned that we’ve seen.
Whilst many garages are window free, if a building is to be potentially used as a workshop it should ideally have some natural light, so we were pleased to find that the three windows let light flood in. We were also glad that the middle of the bank of windows can be opened, so that it’s easy to control the temperature and ventilation.
Security Features
Windows can potentially be a weak point on any timber building, so we were pleased to find that all three windows feature tough horticultural glass. This is much more resilient than standard glazing, so in itself can deter passing thieves who may try to gain access but quickly give up if the attempt proves difficult. On the negative side, however, we were disappointed to find that while both doors are padlockable, no lock is included. It means that the emphasis is being placed onto the consumer when we feel security features should be included as standard.
Optional Extras
We always like to see optional extras being offered to customers, and appreciate them even more when they’re free. That’s why we were glad to see that for no extra charge customers can opt to have a fully boarded building without any windows. This creates a much more secure environment, although it also means that an artificial light source will have to be installed. There’s also the option, at a cost of £31.99, to change one of the fixed windows to another opening window.
We know that many people who are inexperienced in assembling wooden buildings such as this may be offput by the thought of the installation process. They can put their worries aside thanks to the availability of a professional installation service. Even though it costs £269.99, we imagine that many customers will find it very useful.
We rarely see buildings of this size that feature both PAR cladding throughout and chamfered edges, both of which are marks of quality.
Longevity of Materials 8/10
This should be a long lasting building if the preservative treatment schedule is adhered to, but this could have been improved with the use of an initial pressure treatment.
Whilst we have reviewed much larger garages this still has more than enough room for a standard family car.
Ease of Installation 8/10
As you’d expect with a large timber building, installation can take some time and therefore we advise that two people should allow a full day for the job. Alternatively the installation service is available.
Whilst the garage is both spacious and very well built, we do see cheaper buildings of a similar size that also offer longer warranty periods.
Final Thoughts: If you want a garage that will complement a traditional garden, then this timber building could be just what you’re looking for. The large double doors make it easy to get a car into, but of course it’s vital to add a padlock which unfortunately isn’t included. Also missing is a long lasting preservative treatment from the manufacturer, which will mean that the owner will have to spend a lot of time and money doing it themselves. Having said that, this building has a lot of very welcome features, such as its use of high quality tongue and groove cladding and the inclusion of three tough windows.
Prices around: £2099.00
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