8′ x 3′ Shed Baron Grandale Eight Metal Shed

Shed Type, Roof Size

When we review metals sheds in the Shed Baron Grandale range, we are always struck by the high quality paintwork. This green and cream colour scheme not only helps the shed blend nicely into a garden environment, it also provides a vital extra barrier against rain and snow. What also stood out about this shed is its wide facade as opposed to its narrow depth, emulating the reverse apex design seen in some traditional wooden garden buildings. This makes it a great choice for people whose gardens don’t comply with a standard shape and size.

The shed is topped by an apex roof, painted in contrasting cream. We always like to see this style of roofing on metal sheds as it’s an important aid in the battle against rust formation. It also adds height, giving a ridge height of 1.98m and an eaves height of 1.78m. Other important dimensions to consider, especially when selecting a level area to use as the base, are the overall width of 2.33m and the overall depth of 0.82m, although you should also remember the roof overhang of 0.10m on both sides when selecting this location.

Cladding, Frame and Floor

Cladding is all important in metal sheds, particularly if they are going to be situated in an exposed area. The steel cladding on this shed has a thickness of 0.25mm, which is slightly thinner than some of the cladding we see on similarly priced sheds. This is helped greatly, however, by the hot dipped galvanisation and by the frame, which is also galvanised but twice as thick. The result of this is that it felt strong and secure once we had completed the assembly.

There is no floor included, which is as we’d expect, but there is no anchor kit either, which we would have expected to see. This means that you’ll have to purchase the optional extra set of screws, complete with drill bit, if you want to install it onto pre-existing concrete. Floor kits are also available if you need to construct a level concrete base or prefer a timber floor.

Treatment Requirements and Warranty

We were very impressed with the warranty supplied by the manufacturer. For such an affordable shed, it’s a great reassurance to the consumer to know that they won’t have to worry about perforation damage caused by rust for at least 20 years after purchase. It’s also reassuring, of course, to know that as its metal no time or money will have to be spent on annual treatments.

Doors and Windows

The centrally positioned double sliding doors were one of the features we liked most about this shed, and not only because of their attractive appearance. They’re fitted internally, so have extra protection against impact and the elements, and they slide open smoothly to give a relatively wide and tall opening. With a width of 1.04m and a height of 1.70m it becomes very easy to move even wide objects in and out, and the integrated ramp allows a wheelbarrow to be used to take heavier objects in or out.

There is no window as standard, although we did like the generous ventilation system that kept the interior cool and airy, and which will also help to fight condensation. If you prefer natural light, however, there is the useful option to add either a skylight or a window.

Security and Privacy

With security so important to consumers today, we felt it was a pity that a padlock wasn’t included. It was good to see that the handles were holed and padlock ready, however, so it shouldn’t cost much to boost this shed’s security levels. If the shed is left in its natural windowless state this can also help increase security and privacy by hiding whatever is kept inside.

Customisation Options and Extras

We were please to see that so many optional extras were available for this shed, allowing the customer to customise it to their own liking. Some of these related to storage, with shelving units, wheelbarrows, and portable tool racks being available. Other options related to the shed floor. There are three choices here: Hilti screws for affixing it to an existing concrete base, a steel foundation kit to enable a base to be constructed, and a timber floor kit that, with the addition of timber boards or decking, allows the shed owner to install traditional wooden flooring.

We also liked to see that there was a skylight or window option available. The glazing on these items is made of styrene, giving extra protection when compared to standard glass. If you plan on spending time in this shed, which thanks to its height is certainly an option, then these should be considered.