8′ x 5’3″ Saffron Plastic Vinyl Apex Shed

In-Depth Review of the Saffron 8′ x 5’3″ Plastic Vinyl Apex Shed

When it comes to choosing a shed, factors like material, design, functionality, and price are key considerations. The Saffron 8′ x 5’3″ Plastic Vinyl Apex Shed enters the market with certain promises but does it deliver? Let’s dig deeper into its features, construction quality, and overall value for money.

Product Overview

Featuring an apex style roof, this shed benefits from enhanced durability and allows rainwater to run off efficiently. Perhaps most appealing is the 10-year guaranteed assurance from Saffron, suggesting that the company has a fair level of confidence in the shed’s longevity. The shed is comprised of plastic cladding and boasts double doors that not only provide easy access but also come with a secure locking system.

Design and Construction

Weighing in at an average Expert Score of 75 for its class, the materials used are moderately rated. Our evaluation scores specifically highlight: a 2.5/5 for material quality and a 3/5 for construction quality. While the plastic cladding offers decent resilience, it is important to mention that it only ranks in about 2% of similar sized sheds we’ve analyzed, signalling that alternatives may outperform it in terms of sturdiness.

Interestingly, the shed’s PVC roofing is unique, as it does not appear in any other comparable 8′ x 5′ sheds, a factor that may be a double-edged sword. While it suggests novelty, it also raises questions about its durability relative to more common roofing materials.

Dimensions and Usability

The shed’s dimensions—8′ x 5′—provide adequate room for garden tools and seasonal storage, making it suitable for both garden enthusiasts and casual users. The double doors are an excellent feature, offering an ample door width of 5′ and height of 5′, which is 44% wider and 7% taller than the average 8′ x 5′ shed. This roomy entry makes it easier to store larger items without the hassle of manoeuvring through narrower doors.

However, the overall height of the shed is 1860 mm (6′), which falls 18% below the average height in its class. This reduced height may be a drawback for taller individuals who may find headroom limited.

Market Comparison

Positioned at £599.99, the Saffron shed isn’t the cheapest in the market—but it offers remarkable value for money with a score of 5/5. When we analysed 312 comparable 8′ x 5′ plastic sheds, we found that this shed’s price is lower than the average, which can certainly appeal to those managing a budget.

In our review of comparable models, the shed is uniquely affordable while scoring lower in overall quality, as only 36% of plastic sheds offer a similar 10-year guarantee. Options with higher expert scores like the Rowlinson 6′ x 8′ Skylight Plastic Grey Deco Shed, priced at £669, may provide better construction quality but at a premium.

Ideal Usage and Recommendations

This shed is well-suited for those in regions with mild weather patterns or users looking for basic storage solutions. Its plastic materials make it an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid rust, unlike metal options, especially in wet areas.

However, if you live in a particularly harsh environment or are expecting to store valuable equipment, consider alternatives with sturdier cladding and enhanced durability for safety. For those looking for sheds better equipped to handle windy areas, the Oren 8′ x 6′ Shiplap Pent Bike Shed could be a solid alternative.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Saffron 8′ x 5’3″ Plastic Vinyl Apex Shed performs well for what it is—a budget-friendly and reasonably functional outdoor storage solution. While it offers ample space and features appealing for occasional users, more frequent and dedicated gardeners might find it lacking in material quality and sturdiness. With a solid price point and that 10-year guarantee, it can fulfill casual requirements quite well.

If you’re in the market for a simple yet efficient storage shed, our recommendation leans towards the Saffron model, but always weigh your specific needs and local environmental conditions before investing.