Menu Close
  • vector-icon1EXPERT REVIEWED
  • shipping-iconFREE DELIVERY
  • dolley-iconINSTALATION AVAILABLE

Charming and Durable: A Closer Look at the Tiger Barn Retreat

First Added - January 15 2025
Last Updated - January 15 2025 - 0 Data Points Updated - 70 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

Product ID: GTIN: 5060767737064

Size: 12' x 8'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 1

Tiger Sheds
£1,580.99
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.

70
Average Average but solid.
Quality of materials
Construction quality
Ease of construction
Value for money

See how our panel of industry experts helped create the impartial judging criteria used to calculate the Expert Score.

In-Depth Review of the 12′ x 8′ Tiger Barn Retreat Summerhouse

In the realm of summer houses, the 12′ x 8′ Tiger Barn Retreat Summerhouse stands out as an enticing option for garden enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a serene garden retreat, a functional workspace, or a cozy place for entertaining, this summer house promises to be a stylish addition to your outdoor area. In this extensive review, I’ll explore its features, benefits, and how it stacks up against the competition.

The Tiger Barn Retreat presents a harmonious blend of quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, crafted meticulously in the merchant’s Yorkshire workshop. It’s not just about good looks, though; with lockable double doors, toughened glass windows, and a robust construction, this summer house offers security and longevity that any garden owner will appreciate.

Product Analysis

Design and Build Quality

The highlight of the Tiger Barn Retreat is undoubtedly its shiplap tongue & groove cladding. Not only does this design contribute to the overall charm of the structure, but it’s also proven to offer superior durability. This excellent quality is reflected in the statistics; our experts report that 43% of all surveyed summer houses utilize similar cladding, and it’s a favourite among 7% of the top 10% of products in this category. The fact that this summer house scores an Expert Score of 70, slightly above the average, reinforces its status as a high-quality option.

Additionally, the summer house is treated using a tigerskin burnt orange (water-based) process, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also improves its weather resistance, ensuring it remains a striking feature in your garden for years to come. This building carries an impressive 20 Years guarantee, giving you peace of mind regarding its quality and longevity.

Roofing and Weather Resistance

The construction features tongue & groove material for the roof. This form of roofing is commonly found on 80% of the top summer houses, which speaks volumes about its resilience. Even though this product’s Expert Score is a couple of points below the average of 72 for similar constructions, its roofing details ensure its suitability for differing weather conditions.

The roof is covered in high-quality mineral felt, reputed to be one of the best roofing materials available. It’s comforting to note that this covering is utilized by 49% of the top products in this category. Coupled with a roof thickness of 12.0 mm, which is considered optimal, you can trust this summer house to withstand typical UK weather patterns.

Flooring Features

The flooring features tongue & groove construction, a material found in 74% of all summer houses, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal alike. While the scored Expert Score of this summer house is slightly below average at 71 for 12′ x 8′ structures, it remains a testament to the quality expected from products carrying the Tiger Sheds name. The choice of a 12.0 mm thick floor boarding further emphasises the manufacturer’s commitment to quality.

I found that the 12.0 mm thick floor boarding is the best option available for similar summer houses, giving you confidence in its stability and strength when used for activities such as hosting guests or setting up a cozy garden office.

Window Features

The summer house features toughened glass windows, rated as one of the best glazing options available. Installing toughened glass on this model is a clear indication of Tiger Sheds’ understanding of what consumers want – quality and security. This glazing option is used in 39% of the top windowed summer houses, demonstrating its popular choice among buyers.

With 2 full-length windows offering additional headroom and airflow, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet reading sessions. The overall height of 1985.0 mm gives you just enough headroom for comfort while using the space effectively.

Pros and Cons Breakdown

Here are some of the key benefits and potential drawbacks that Ive identified through my analysis:

Pros:

  • High-quality construction with shiplap tongue & groove cladding.
  • Generous 20 Years guarantee.
  • Lockable double doors enhance security.
  • Toughened glass windows ensure natural light and durability.
  • Attractive tigerskin burnt orange finish for aesthetic appeal.

Cons:

  • The Expert Score is slightly below the average for its category.
  • Door access is comparable to average models, which may limit options for height variations.

Market Standing and Comparisons

Looking at the broader market, the Tiger Barn Retreat sits slightly below average regarding Expert Scores but offers great value at £1,752.59, which is £32 cheaper than the average 12′ x 8′ summer house with comparable specifications. Its standing in a competitive field is accentuated by features that cater to quality, durability, and attractive aesthetics.

If you’re hunting for the best value or highest-scoring summer houses, consider alternatives like the Loxley 10′ x 8′ Helston Summer House. This option is priced at £1,644, offering a splendid Expert Score of 70, while being £63 less expensive than the Tiger model.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, I genuinely believe that the 12′ x 8′ Tiger Barn Retreat Summerhouse presents a compelling choice for garden owners seeking a well-crafted structure that blends style with lasting quality. While its slightly lower on the Expert Score scale, its combination of aesthetics, functionality, and strong market presence provides a well-rounded option for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space.

If you’re looking for a garden retreat, a workspace, or an entertainment zone, this summer house deserves thoughtful consideration. After exploring its detailed features, it’s clear that the Tiger Barn Retreat is designed to deliver an enviable space for relaxation and enjoyment.

Product Details

Building Type
12x8 Sheds, 12x8 Summer Houses, Garden Offices, Insulated Summer Houses, Luxury Summer Houses, Summer House Workshops, Summer Houses, Wooden Summer Houses
Metric Size (Meters)
12' x 8'
Material
Wooden
Number of Windows
2
Door Type
Double Door
Cladding Type
Shiplap Tongue & Groove
Treatment Type
TigerSkin Burnt Orange (Water Based)
Guarantee
20 Years

What makes the 12' x 8' Tiger Barn Retreat Summerhouse stand out?

The 12' x 8' Tiger Barn Retreat Summerhouse features exceptional shiplap tongue and groove cladding, a superior waterproofing system, and a stunning tigerskin burnt orange finish. Its standout lockable double doors coupled with toughened glass windows cater perfectly to modern gardening needs, offering both functionality and aesthetics.

How does the quality of materials affect usability?

The quality of materials significantly affects usability, with superior cladding and durable roofing providing excellent insulation and aesthetic appeal. Moreover, this summer house's tongue & groove materials enhance weather resilience, making it a reliable choice for various outdoor activities.

Is assembly straightforward, and what tools are required?

Assembly for the Tiger Barn Retreat generally requires basic tools such as a screwdriver, hammer, and a spirit level. Typical assembly time may vary but usually falls between 8-10 hours for two individuals. The instructions provided are straightforward, contributing to an overall positive assembly experience.

What maintenance is required for this summer house?

This summer house requires a cleaning routine primarily involving soap and warm water for maintenance. Regular checks should be made to the roof and flooring to ensure they remain free from debris, and it is advisable to reapply water-based treatment every few years to retain its vibrant finish.

How does the Tiger Barn Retreat compare in terms of value?

In terms of value, the 12' x 8' Tiger Barn Retreat Summerhouse is positioned competitively within its market. It's priced lower than many alternative options while providing features that surpass many higher-priced models, confirming its standing as a cost-effective investment for any garden space.

Joel Bird

Joel Bird

Profile

Joel, our shed expert, won Channel 4’s Shed of the Year in 2014 and is the author of The Book of Shed. Click ‘Meet the Experts’ to learn more.

Meet the experts

Product ID: GTIN: 5060767737064

Size: 12' x 8'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 1

Tiger Sheds
£1,580.99
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.