EXPERT REVIEWED 
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INSTALATION AVAILABLE 8′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House
First Added - August 29 2024
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 0 Data Points Updated - 52 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: OPASUM86DDMHDBUN
Size: 8' x 6'
Merchants Checked: 12
In-Depth Review of the 8′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House
The 8′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House offers a unique combination of utility and aesthetic charm, making it an appealing addition to gardens and outdoor spaces. With its classic apex style roof, this summer house is not just a functional investment; it serves as a delightful retreat for relaxation or recreational use. Let’s delve into its features, construction quality, and overall market performance to understand why it stands out.
Key Features
This summer house is expertly designed with several noteworthy attributes:
- Apex Style Roof: The apex design not only adds a traditional touch but also facilitates rain runoff, preventing water pooling on the roof.
- Lockable Double Doors: Featuring a sturdy pad bolt locking system, the double doors enhance security and easy access.
- Shatter-Resistant Acrylic Windows: The four windows are crafted to be shatter-resistant, promoting safety while ensuring ample natural light floods the interior.
- Pressure Treated Wood: The pressure-treated construction helps combat rot and decay, extending the life of this summer house.
- 15-Year Guarantee: Forest Garden offers a commendable 15-year guarantee, reflecting confidence in their product’s durability.
Construction Quality & Materials
When it comes to the quality of materials and construction, our experts have provided scores based on thorough analyses:
- Quality of Materials: 3/5 – While the pressure treatment is a significant plus for longevity, the overlap board cladding used is considered less robust compared to other options available in the market.
- Quality of Construction: 3.5/5 – The overall construction is satisfactory, though it lacks some features found in higher-end summer houses.
- Ease of Construction: 4.5/5 – Users will appreciate the straightforward assembly instructions that make setup a breeze, even for those less experienced.
- Value for Money: 4.5/5 – Given its features and current pricing, this summer house provides solid value, particularly for customers looking for budget-friendly options.
Market Standing
With a total of 1188 summer houses analyzed, the Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House ranks at a notable position of 506, indicating a positive standing among competing products. With a comparable price range, it remains competitive while offering essential features that many summer house buyers look for. Its positioning reflects a reasonable assessment of both its quality and price as it is approximately £127 less expensive than the average in its category.
Comparative Insights
In the landscape of 8′ x 6′ summer houses, the Forest Oakley model stands out for its competitive pricing. Priced from £819 across various retailers such as Sheds.co.uk and ShedStore, it remains an attractive choice for many. Let’s look at how it compares with similar products:
- Best Value Alternative: The Optional extra – Add top coat Highclere 8′ x 6′ model prices at £142, presenting a considerable saving at a much lower price point while maintaining a solid Expert Score of 77.
- Highest Expert Score: The Shire Houghton 7 x 7ft Double Door Summer House boasts an impressive Expert Score of 95, offering exceptional features at a slightly higher price of £840.
Detailed Construction Breakdown
To provide a comprehensive insight, let’s break down specific components of this summer house:
Cladding
The overlap board cladding is the least preferred construction type, falling below standard in comparison to shiplap alternatives. While it is featured on about 4% of all analyzed summer houses, it’s important to note that it isn’t present in any of the top 10% of products in this category.
Roofing
Utilising OSB construction, the roof material is considered above average for this size range, though the 8mm thickness is on the lower end of durability. The mineral felt covering enhances weather resistance, found on 26% of summer houses.
Flooring
The floor is built with 14mm thick boards, reputed as one of the best thicknesses for durability.
Windows
The installation of shatter-resistant acrylic windows is commendable, providing a good balance between safety and functionality, though it’s worth noting that this choice does not rank among the most common in higher-end varieties.
Height and Door Specifications
The height of 2256mm provides a little extra headroom compared to the average, enhancing the spacious feel of the interior, while the double doors are slightly narrower than average, which may slightly limit access but still function well overall.
Final Thoughts
The 8′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House is a solid option, particularly for those on a budget seeking functionality without compromising on style. While it has certain weaknesses, such as cladding type and roof thickness, its advantages like ease of assembly, pressure-treated materials, and a long guarantee provide considerable reassurance for potential buyers. We believe this model is an excellent entry-level summer house that balances quality with affordability, satisfying your garden’s year-round needs.
Before making a decision, we always recommend considering your specific requirements, such as the local climate and intended use for the structure. However, for the cost-conscious buyer looking for a reliable outdoor structure, I would say the Forest Oakley is worthy of strong consideration.
Product Details
Q: What materials are used for the flooring and how does it contribute to durability?
A: The flooring is made from 14mm OSB (Oriented Strand Board), which provides a high level of durability and strength, making it ideal for garden buildings. OSB is known for its robustness, and this thickness ensures the floor can support significant weight. From my experience, this material can withstand the rigours of outdoor conditions if properly maintained, which is a distinct advantage for anyone looking to use their garden building as a workshop or storage space.
Q: How does the choice of glazing material enhance safety?
A: The product features shatter-resistant acrylic glazing, which offers a crucial safety benefit. Unlike traditional glass, acrylic is far less likely to break, making it a safer option, especially in environments where children or pets are present. As an expert, I appreciate that this material not only enhances safety but also provides clarity comparable to glass, thus ensuring you get natural light without compromising security.
Q: What roofing material is used and how does it affect maintenance?
A: The roof is covered with mineral felt, which is a common choice for garden buildings. It’s relatively low-maintenance and provides decent weather resistance. However, from my perspective, the durability of mineral felt can vary based on the elements. Regular inspections and potential re-covering every few years may be necessary to ensure long-lasting protection against leaks. This aspect is something to keep in mind when weighing the overall longevity of the build.
Q: Is the assembly a hassle? How many people do I need?
A: The product's assembly is recommended for two persons, which is fairly standard for garden buildings of this size. Although it may appear a bit daunting initially, having a partner will streamline the process and make it much easier. Speaking from personal experience, tackling it alone might turn into a frustrating effort, so I definitely suggest enlisting a friend or family member to assist.
Q: What is the significance of the eaves height and overall dimensions?
A: The eaves height of 1526mm is advantageous as it offers ample headroom while still allowing the building to integrate well into your garden's layout. The total height of 2256mm ensures that you won’t feel cramped inside, which is a significant consideration for comfort. Additionally, the dimensions (1826mm depth and 2607mm width) provide a reasonable footprint for various uses, whether it’s for storage, a work area, or a leisure space.
Q: What locking system is employed and is it secure?
A: The garden building is equipped with a pad bolt locking system, which provides a basic level of security. While it may not be as sophisticated as modern locking mechanisms, it serves its purpose in keeping the building secure from casual intruders. However, I always advise investing in additional security measures if you plan to store valuable items inside. Being proactive about security is wise.
Q: How does the construction type of overlap affect the building's performance?
A: The overlap construction method used in this garden building allows for effective water run-off, which is crucial in preventing moisture build-up and associated issues like rot or mould. This design is practical for outdoor structures and can improve longevity. However, it’s important to regularly check for any potential gaps that might develop over time to maintain optimal performance.
Q: What are the environmental credentials of this product?
A: It’s worth noting that this garden building is made in the UK and comes with the accreditation of being certified sustainable. This is a significant selling point for environmentally-conscious consumers like me, as it ensures that the materials used have been sourced responsibly. Knowing that your purchase aligns with sustainable practices is a valuable consideration for those looking to make eco-friendly choices.
