16′ x 8′ Shed-Plus Champion Heavy Duty Reverse Apex Double Door Shed

Shed Type, Roof Size

At first sight we were struck by the reverse apex which gives this wooden workshop a substantial width. This makes it very easy to manoeuvre objects and equipment in and out. With other workshops in the Shed-Plus Champion range having a standard apex design, this means that they have something to suit all styles and shapes of garden. The apex itself, of course, also ensures that rainwater runs swiftly and harmlessly away, which is just one of the factors behind the longevity of this building.

The roof is made of 12mm tongue and groove, which itself offers excellent weather protection, particularly when covered with the mineral felt which we were pleased to see was thick and easy to install without tearing. The ridge height of the roof is 2.54m and the eaves is 1.96m high which is taller than many other workshops of similar base dimensions. The depth of the base is 2.44m and the width is 4.85m demonstrating the effect of the reverse apex.

Cladding, Frame and Floor

When we review sheds and workshops in this price bracket, we expect to see high quality materials used and thick and durable cladding. That’s certainly what we found on this occasion, and if anything the tongue and groove cladding used was beyond our expectations. It locked together beautifully, so there are no gaps for water to get into, and at a thickness of 12mm, backed by a frame size of 34 X 34mm, it felt anything but flimsy.

Made of European redwood it’s also a sustainable choice of timber, so the slight tinge from the preservative treatment wasn’t the only green thing about it. We were also pleased to see exactly the same tongue and groove cladding used for the floor, so it should be able to support heavy machinery or even vehicles such as motorbikes.

Treatment Requirements and Warranty

We were not surprised to see a lengthy warranty provided with this workshop, after all the pressure treatment used on the substrate was evident throughout. This highly effective means of getting preservative deep into the timber itself inevitably provides long lasting protection, but even so the 15 year warranty provided by the manufacturer is very reassuring. What we especially welcomed is the fact that the warranty isn’t dependent upon the owner re-treating the wood on an annual or biannual basis. It’s still a good idea to inspect the wood annually, of course, and we would also recommend the use of a paint or wood stain as this helps prevent the potentially damaging effect of UV on the wood.

Doors and Windows

If you want to use this shed as a workshop, for either leisure or even light commercial purposes, then wide accommodating doors are a necessity. At 1.78 metres wide, with a height of 1.80 metres, you’ll be able to fit most equipment and machinery inside with ease. When opening and closing the doors it was noticeable how strong and secure they feel, and this is because of the fully braced doors and the thickness of the timber used.

Two windows are positioned to the left of the door; made of safety glass you won’t have to worry about them shattering due to an accidental impact. They also open upon a latch, giving convenient ventilation when needed. We thought this a welcome feature for a building that people will want to spend a lot of time in.

Security and Privacy

Privacy is helped by the fact that three sides of the shed are window free. This also helps with security, as it means that passers by from three directions will be unable to see what’s kept within.

It was also pleasing to see that a strong lock and key system was included as standard. We find that on a workshop of this size, lock and key systems look less incongruous than a pad bolt, and are another indication of the high quality of the building as a whole. Without a key, it’s very difficult to gain access to this workshop, which will help to deter opportune thieves.

Customisation Options and Extras

One optional extra that features across the Shed-Plus Champion range is the professional installation service. If you want the shed or workshop erecting in a hurry, or simply aren’t confident in your own ability to install it, then this is a perfect solution. It costs a little extra, £169 for this workshop, but it can save you time and frustration.

Another intriguing optional extra is the workbench designed to be a perfect match for this shed. It means that you won’t have to worry about finding a suitable work area that will fit in with both the size and style of your new workshop.

We were very impressed with the look of the roof, and its smooth tongue and groove cladding are perfect for preventing water ingress. As another optional extra, however, there is a slatted roof, so if you prefer that style it’s available for £499.