EXPERT REVIEWED 
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INSTALATION AVAILABLE 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House
First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 27 Data Points Updated - 2 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: OPASUM66DDMHDBUN
Size: 6' x 6'
Merchants Checked: 12
In-Depth Review of the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House. As we step into the world of garden buildings, it’s critical to find a balance between durability, aesthetic appeal, and whether the product truly offers value for money. This summer house, categorically under Summer Houses, has generated considerable interest among potential buyers, and we’ll explore its features, quality, construction, and market position to inform your purchasing decision.
Key Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 6′ x 6′
- Roof Type: Apex
- Cladding: Overlap Board
- Treatment: Pressure Treated
- Door Type: Double Door with Lockable Pad Bolt
- Windows: 4 Shatter-Resistant Acrylic Windows
- Manufacturer: Forest Garden
- Manufacturing Guarantee: 15 Years
- Expert Scores:
- Materials Quality: 3/5
- Construction Quality: 3.5/5
- Ease of Construction: 5/5
- Value for Money: 5/5
According to the manufacturer’s description, this summer house is constructed using high-quality materials sourced sustainably in the UK, giving it an environmentally friendly edge. The pressure treatment method applied helps resist decay, enhancing the longevity of the structure.
Analyzing the Construction Quality
At first glance, the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley summer house presents an attractive offering. The double door is one of its noteworthy features, allowing for easy access and lending a spacious feel to what’s often a compact garden space. It’s lockable, providing a degree of safety for your stored items.
However, when diving deeper into the construction elements, particularly the cladding, you’ll find that overlap board cladding scores low on the quality scale. Registered as the least favourable type in our analysis, overlap boards are known for their limited durability compared to alternatives like shiplap. Consequently, this summer house may not be the ideal selection if you reside in an area that experiences particularly harsh weather.
Roofing and Other Structural Components
The apex roof adds aesthetic appeal as well as functional benefits, promoting efficient water runoff. This model employs OSB for roofing, which is regarded as a reasonable choice but not the best available. Our analysis found that while the 8.0mm roof boarding thickness used here does not stand as the strongest option, it meets average standards in the market. Coupled with a high-quality mineral felt covering, this aspect of the summer house does grant it some resiliency against the elements.
Market Position and Value for Money
As of our current data, the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House is priced around £679.99, competing against 58 others with similar specifications. Impressively, it holds a score that is 3% above the average of this specific size category, placing it in a fairly robust market position. We found the average expert score for this structure to be 82, making it a solid choice for those primarily driven by value.
What really pushes this summer house into the spotlight, though, is its ease of construction, scoring a stunning 5/5. For DIY enthusiasts or first-time builders, this is a crucial factor, indicating that you’ll have a streamlined assembly process with hopefully few hiccups along the way.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While the product does boast commendable scores for ease of construction and value for money, it’s essential to highlight the limitations associated with overlap board walls and the thickness of the roofing material. If you’re someone who anticipates frequent usage or resides in a storm-prone region, seeking alternatives with shiplap or thicker walls could be a prudent choice.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House has its strengths, particularly its ease of use and competitive pricing. At a compromise, it will serve well as a garden retreat or a light storage option. However, we recommend carefully weighing the potential drawbacks regarding its construction materials before making your decision.
If durability and thickness are your primary concerns, explore options like the Shire Haddon Summer House or Oren Binton Summer House, both of which may offer enhancements in these categories.
Where to Buy
You can find the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley at the following retailers:
In essence, this summer house could be the perfect addition to your garden if you’re looking for convenience and affordability, balanced against its material limitations. Remember to weigh your unique needs and local environment when considering this purchase.
Product Details
Q: What is the flooring material used in this garden building, and how does it perform?
A: The flooring is made from OSB (Oriented Strand Board) with a thickness of 14mm. OSB is a durable material that can handle regular foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for a garden building. I find that this thickness provides enough stability and strength for various uses, from storage to a small workspace. However, if you're planning to place particularly heavy items, consider adding extra support underneath.
Q: Can you describe the glazing material used for this building?
A: The additional glazing material is shatter-resistant acrylic. This is a fantastic feature, as it significantly enhances safety, especially for households with children or pets. Unlike traditional glass, shatter-resistant acrylic is less likely to break upon impact. It also offers decent insulation properties, which can be beneficial if you plan to use the space year-round.
Q: What does the roof covering consist of, and how might that affect durability?
A: The roof is covered with mineral felt, a reliable choice that is both lightweight and waterproof. This covering aids in protecting the building from the elements, especially during heavy rains. In my experience, mineral felt can last several years, but it may require periodic maintenance or replacement. Ensure proper installation to maximise its lifespan and effectiveness.
Q: How high is the eaves and ridge of this building? Does it affect usability?
A: The eaves height is 1560mm, and the ridge height is 2133mm. This height is quite ample for most activities within the space. I appreciate the generous height as it allows for storage on shelves and provides a comfortable environment for standing activities. If you are particularly tall, the ridge height also ensures that you won’t feel cramped inside.
Q: What type of door and locking system does this garden building have?
A: The building features a pad bolt locking system on a door measuring 1652mm in height and 1156mm in width. The pad bolt is a straightforward yet effective locking mechanism, providing adequate security for less valuable items. However, if this building will house more expensive items, I recommend additional security measures, as a more robust locking system may be preferable.
Q: How many people are required for assembly? Is it difficult?
A: The product recommends two people for assembly. From my experience, assembling a garden building can be a daunting task, especially if you're not particularly handy. Having a partner makes it much more manageable and can significantly speed up the process. Be prepared with the right tools and possibly a DIY guide to help facilitate the assembly.
Q: What are the building's dimensions, including overhangs, and why are they important?
A: The building measures approximately 1836mm in depth including overhangs and 1987mm in width. These dimensions are crucial as they dictate the space available for use, whether for storage, a hobby workspace, or even a small retreat. Keep in mind that proper placement in your garden is essential for both aesthetics and function—consider how these measurements will work with your yard layout.
Q: Is the building eco-friendly?
A: Yes, this garden building comes with the accreditations of being made in the UK and certified sustainable. This is an essential factor for environmentally conscious buyers. Knowing that the materials sourced are sustainable adds peace of mind, and it’s a step towards reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying a functional outdoor space.
Q: Are there any opening windows in the design, and how does that affect ventilation?
A: This particular model does not include opening windows. While the absence of windows can be a drawback for ventilation, it also allows for a simpler structure that might be more robust against external weather conditions. If you're planning to use the space for activities that may generate heat or require fresh air, I recommend considering ventilation options or creating a small opening to enhance air circulation.
