Building Type
This is a specially designed tool shed from the Treetops Tradition collection, built with heavyweight tool storage in mind. Though it is a compact building, it will still comfortably store taller items such as shovels, rakes and fishing poles. It can only be used to store a small amount of items and it is an especially great choice for smaller gardens.
Measurements
- External ridge height – 5’7”
- Eaves height – 5’3”
- Door height – 4’9”
- Door width – 2’6”
- External depth – 5’0”
- External width – 3’0”
The measurements which mainly stick out are the ones for the door. Both the height and the width are different to a lot of tool sheds on the market. The height is a little shorter than you might expect, but this is because you don’t actually need to walk inside. Remember, it is a small shed which means everything you need can be transported directly via the doorway.
Roof and Floor
The leading benefit of this tool shed is definitely its full tongue and groove construction. It is even featured on the roof and floor. Measuring 12mm thick, you have excellent reassurance that it is built to withstand daily wear and tear.
The pent roof as shown on the picture has a reverse design. Typically you’ll find pent roofs run from the front, down to the rear. You could still choose this design thanks to its unique customisable option, however we feel this reverse style is worth keeping. It is covered with a mediocre felt covering. This is the only part of the building we’d really recommend you change. However you will need to find a stronger felt elsewhere as Shed Store don’t provide one themselves.
The tongue and groove floor is particularly beneficial as it ensures you can store really heavy items such as toolboxes and big bags of compost. There may not be a lot of floor space, but its strength makes sure that you can store whatever you want in the little space you do have. It also makes the shed more rigid, increasing its lifespan.
Cladding and Frame
This tool store shed uses unique Redwood tongue and groove cladding. Not many buildings use Redwood timber and it offers a beautiful, warm and elegant style which will look great in any garden. Tongue and groove is a popular style of cladding thanks to its strong interlocking design, weatherproof features and ease of assembly. It is stronger than overlap and is therefore more durable.
What is a little surprising is that Shed Store don’t make it overly clear that the shed is actually built with Shiplap tongue and groove. Shiplap comes with its own fantastic features that are worth noting. For example, on the panels there is a sloping channel situated in the middle of the timber. This doesn’t just give the walls a unique design; it also really helps to protect the shed from rot and fungus. As rainwater falls down onto the walls, it is instantly channelled away. This means it doesn’t have time to remain stagnant and seep through the walls.
The interlocking panels slot together via the unique ‘tongue and groove’ edges. This is commonly seen on laminate flooring and it doesn’t just make the panels easier to fit together, but it also ensures the walls form a tight, weather-resistant build. Both drafts and rainwater will find it difficult to get through to the inside of the building. However, it does still need treating to guarantee maximum weather resistance.
Considering this is a small unit, the framing used is incredibly thick. Measuring 44mm x 27mm, it is thicker than standard framing and therefore offers an extremely strong support. The corners of the shed also benefit from a rounded frame which is typically used to enhance water resistance.
Treatment Requirements
The shed will require treatment despite its fantastic weatherproof features and prior dip treatment. Dip treatment is a common extra that the Shed Store often provide. It works in a similar way to water treatments, though the process is a lot more complicated. The timber is soaked in a high quality preservative before being dried and shipped. As the quality of this dip treatment is pretty good, you can choose to skip treating the shed after it has been erected. This isn’t recommended however; especially if buying the shed in the colder, wetter months. Treating it after you have built it will give you reassurance that no matter what type of weather it is exposed to, it will fight the elements and maintain its strong and rigid design.
Doors and Windows
You have a number of options when it comes to the shed’s door. You can keep the door the way it is shown on the picture. Or you can have it placed on the other gable which might better suit your needs in terms of where you want to install the shed. Then there’s a double door option. Really it is mainly down to your own preference as to which option you choose. Whichever you do opt for, the door comes fully braced and has a high quality tongue and groove clad design. There is also a built in lock which is quite unusual for this type of shed. The quality of the door shows just how much attention to detail has gone into this building.
The tool shed doesn’t feature any windows so this means it doesn’t receive any natural lighting. However, it is a small shed and the only lighting you need is provided when you open the door. You’ll be able to clearly see your storage as its depth isn’t very big. As mentioned earlier, all of your tools can be reached from the door so it doesn’t require a lot of lighting anyway.
Security and Privacy
The tool shed is primarily designed to hold expensive tools which means privacy and security are the main things the manufacturer has focused on. No windows are added to the building which both makes it more secure, as well as maximises privacy. All of the tools you store are not in view and this reduces temptation for anyone to break in. However, on the off-chance somebody does try to gain access to the shed, a lock and key have been added.
The lock is built into the actual door and it is fully secured with a key. So unless the potential thieve us skilled at picking locks, they won’t be able to get in.
Customisation Options and Extras
You’re not exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to customisation options. However, the one choice you do have is actually pretty great. You get to customise the door. This isn’t something you are able to do with a lot of sheds so it’s definitely one of the more unique benefits of this model. So what exactly can you do? There are two free options available. The first is to have the door exactly how it is shown on the picture. The second is to move it to the opposite gable, or in other words, add it to the side of the shed. Then there’s another option which will cost a little more. If you’d prefer, you can opt for small double doors. These aren’t usually provided on buildings of this size, but it can give the shed a more unique look.
There’s also an extra in the form of a professional garden building installation service. This would be a very useful extra if you were erecting a larger building. However, as it’s pretty small you could feel it is a waste of money. Though the walls may be a little heavy, the installation itself isn’t difficult; especially as there aren’t any windows.
Everything about this tool shed from the door to the superior cladding, is built with outstanding quality. In fact, it’s one of the highest quality tool sheds we’ve reviewed.
Longevity Of materials 8/10
Tongue and groove construction is longer lasting than overlap, but it does still need to be treated. The good news is thanks to the dip treatment, you can potentially skip the first year’s treatment. We would advise you to upgrade the felt in order to really boost its longevity.
There is very little space to store your tools, but that’s because it isn’t designed with large storage in mind. It will easily accommodate your rakes, spades, buckets and any other small tools. However, if you have quite a lot of equipment you need to store away, this wouldn’t be the best choice.
Ease of installation 8/10
This is pretty easy to put together and the instructions are great. As mentioned, there is an installation service available, though we don’t think you really need this due to the small size of the shed. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours to assemble.
The quality and security of this shed ensures you are getting absolutely outstanding value for money. It requires very few upgrades and its super-strong design means it will really last the test of time.
Final Thoughts: This isn’t your average tool shed. Built with some pretty amazing features, this Traditional pent tool shed is designed to keep your gardening equipment safe, dry and secure. Every detail of the building has been created to an extraordinary standard. Take the door for example. Not only is it hinged, but it is also braced for extra rigidity. Then there’s the secure lock and key that ensures nobody else can gain access if you don’t want them to. Tongue and groove construction is even used on the roof and floor ensuring it can hold heavyweight tools if required. If you’re looking for a pent shed that really stands out, this is definitely a good one to invest in.
Prices around: £389.99
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