Shed Type, Roof Size
We’re used to reviewing metal sheds, some of which adhere to a simple metallic look and some of which opt for green cladding to blend in with a garden, but we rarely see ones that look as attractive as those in the Arrow Woodvale range. Quite simply, the cladding looks like timber whilst being made from metal, thereby bringing the best of both worlds. This apex shed is perfect for people wanting wooden look shed, without the time consuming retreatment requirements that such sheds have.
The apex roof is made of the same wood effect metal, and effectively channels water away. It also adds storage space, with a peak height of 2.01m and an eaves height of 1.80m. The external width on the door side is 1.94m, with an external depth of 1.51m. These latter two dimensions are the ones you’ll need to consider when looking for a level are of concrete on which to install the shed.
Cladding, Frame and Floor
Whilst we found the cladding very light when in its initial flat packed form, once fully assembled it was reassuringly solid to the touch, and should withstand strong windows. This enhanced toughness and durability is because of the three layers that make up the cladding. First comes the steel itself, which is then coated with rain resistant zinc through the use of an electro-galvanisation process. This creates a thinner layer than hot dip galvanisation, but it means that it’s very resilient. The final layer is the woodgrain effect paint, and this too helps to stop rain reaching the metal at the heart of the cladding, as does its shiplap nature that makes water bounce off the surface.
No floor is supplied with this shed, and although other fixtures and fittings are supplied the base screws are not. For this reason, you’ll need to purchase a suitable set of screws such as rust resistant Hilti expansion screws to affix the shed to a suitable concrete base.
Treatment Requirements and Warranty
Despite having the appearance of wood, this shed has one major advantage over timber in that it doesn’t require an annual top up of wood preserver. It also comes with a 10 year warranty against rust and corrosion. This is in line with many other metal sheds that we review but it would have been nice to see a leading manufacturer like Arrow offer a longer warranty period.
Doors and Windows
We were very impressed with the sliding double doors of this shed. With the mechanism situated in the interior, giving extra security, they felt very smooth in operation without being flimsy. The best thing of all about them was their size, giving a width of 0.71m and a height of 1.72m. The width is only slightly greater than some single doors we’ve seen, although every inch makes it easier to get long or wide goods inside, but the height was considerably more than many metal sheds. An entrance and exit ramp is included as standard, and it felt solid under our feet making it perfect for use with a wheelbarrow or trolley. There are no windows included, so you’ll need to bring a torch or keep the doors open when inside.
Security and Privacy
The lack of windows helps to keep prying eyes away from your shed’s contents, which we think is a positive feature in today’s climate of increasing thefts from garden buildings. For this reason, we would also recommend purchasing a padlock. Whilst one isn’t included as standard, the handles are holed so that it’s easy to fit one, and they needn’t be an expensive addition to your initial outlay.
Customisation Options and Extras
Although not included as official optional extras at the time of purchase, we would consider a padlock an essential purchase, as is a set of screws for use in anchoring the shed. Both of these can be bought for a total cost of under thirty pounds, so it doesn’t impact on the overall value for money too much.
One optional extra that we think is especially relevant to this shed is a Bull Picador wheelbarrow. Thanks to the entrance ramp it’s easy to manoeuvre it into and from the shed itself, which is a great help when transporting heavy loads such as logs or bags of topsoil.
This is a shed that puts quality first, and it was evident from the very start thanks to the highly attractive and natural looking wood effect. People will certainly stop to ask you where you bought it from.
Longevity Of materials
8.5/10
By using electro-galvanisation, Arrow have made a shed that’s lightweight and yet strong and resilient. We’d hope it to remain free from rust damage for longer than the 10 year warranty period.
For a small to mid size shed, we were pleased at how much fitted inside, helped by the well sized doors and high eaves.
Ease of installation
8/10
Between two of us, we installed this from start to finish in four hours. Bear in mind, of course, that you’ll need a suitable area of flat concrete and a set of screws to attached the shed to the base.
We’ve rarely seen such an attractive metal shed offering so much storage space at this price, even though some extra elements will need to be purchased.
Final Thoughts: Arrow are one of America’s biggest and most famous shed manufacturers, and proudly market themselves as ‘the world’s leading manufacturer of storage buildings’. With this shed, we can see why they deserve their reputation and accolades.
It’s a shed that should appeal to two kinds of people - those looking for a low cost and long lasting storage facility that isn’t compromised by a low roof and headroom, and those who would love a shed that replicates the traditional good looks of wooden shiplap but doesn’t need to be treated again once it’s been installed. This is the smallest shed in the Arrow Woodvale range, but it’s still surprisingly spacious.
Prices around: £269.99
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