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INSTALATION AVAILABLE Country Living Flintham 7 x 5 Traditional Summerhouse Painted + Installation Aurora Green
First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 12 Data Points Updated - 3 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: 598260
Size: 7' x 5'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 1
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In-Depth Review: Country Living Flintham 7 x 5 Traditional Summerhouse Painted + Installation Aurora Green
The Country Living Flintham 7 x 5 Traditional Summerhouse, painted in a charming Aurora Green, is a delightful addition to any garden space, offering both aesthetics and functionality. This summerhouse is designed to suit various purposes, from a serene retreat for relaxation to a practical space for hobbies. With a promise of quality backed by a 10-year guarantee, this summerhouse merits closer inspection.
Construction and Materials
One of the standout features of the Flintham summerhouse is its shiplap tongue & groove cladding. This cladding type is a trusted choice in the market, featuring prominently in over 50% of similar-sized summerhouses. It provides excellent durability and a visually appealing finish. However, our experts scored the overall material quality at a middling 2.5 out of 5, indicating that while the materials are generally reliable, they may lack the robustness found in more premium offerings.
Underfoot, the summerhouse is built with OSB flooring, which is considered average compared to other materials. This flooring is currently used in 4% of assessed summerhouses, and it does not stand out for its durability or water resistance. In particular, if you’re planning to use your summerhouse intensively, you may want to consider enhancing this particular element.
Windows and Doors
The product features two windows made of styrene glazing, which is rated as the least favorable out of the available five glazing types. This type of glazing accounts for only 15% of windowed options in the category, and only 1% of the top 10% of products. This subpar glazing could potentially affect the thermal insulation; however, it does lend itself to a lighter, brighter internal environment compared to darker materials.
Moreover, the inclusion of lockable double doors ensures enhanced security and accessibility. This thoughtful design consideration places you in control, allowing for easy entrance and exit, making it a practical choice for frequent use.
Roofing and Weatherproofing
The roofing is constructed with mineral felt, which ranks high in terms of roofing materials on the market, being used in 26% of summerhouses. Despite our findings suggesting that the Flintham’s score in this area is below average (72 vs. the average of 81), it is nonetheless reassuring that it’s part of the 43% of top-rated summerhouses that implement mineral felt. This roofing should provide adequate protection against the elements, although regular maintenance and checks will be necessary to uphold its integrity over time.
Installation and Maintenance
The Flintham summerhouse comes with a professional installation service, which is a notable plus for those who might not be handy or lack the time for complex assembly. However, potential buyers should be aware that a suitable base is required prior to installation, favouring a flat, level surface such as concrete or flagstones. Additionally, maintenance is crucial to meet Country Living’s three-year paint promise, ensuring that the product remains visually appealing and protected from the elements.
Price and Value
With a retail price of approximately £1,680, sourced solely from HomeBase, this summerhouse sits on the higher end of the market. Despite its limitations in certain quality aspects, its affordability is rated exceptionally well at a strong 4.5 out of 5 for value for money. If you’re looking for something that balances decent quality with an accessible price point, this still might suit you.
However, keep an eye on alternatives. Our evaluation indicates that products with better scores and prices can be found. For instance, the Shire Haddon 7 x 5ft Double Door Apex Dip Treated Summer House offers a higher expert score but at a lower price of £675. In terms of pure value, you might want to explore these options to see how they compare.
Overall Assessment
In terms of performance and market standing, the Flintham summerhouse has shown some potential but sits at 871 out of 1,188 in its category. While the use of shiplap tongue and groove cladding and mineral felt roofing lends credibility to its construction, the average score for materials and the less desirable glazing type are distinct drawbacks. That being said, the ease of construction and considerable value for money make it a unique choice for those prioritising budget-friendly design solutions.
Ultimately, if you are in the market for a modest summerhouse that enhances your garden space without breaking the bank, the Country Living Flintham 7 x 5 Traditional Summerhouse offers a balanced option. However, for those seeking high-end materials and performance, exploring further afield may be warranted.
Product Details
Q: What are the external dimensions of the Country Living garden building?
A: The external dimensions of the Country Living garden building are 2168 x 2291 x 1768 mm. These dimensions provide a compact yet functional space that can fit into relatively smaller gardens while still offering ample room for your gardening tools, equipment, or as a tranquil retreat. This size makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maximise their outdoor space without overwhelming it.
Q: How important is the FSC Certification for the timber used in this building?
A: The FSC Certification indicates that the timber used in the construction of this building has come from responsibly managed forests. This not only ensures that the materials are sourced sustainably but also reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship. In my experience, choosing FSC-certified products contributes to the preservation of forests for future generations, making it a significant benefit for environmentally-conscious buyers.
Q: What is included in the maintenance of the Country Living garden building?
A: To uphold the three-year paint promise, regular checks and maintenance are essential. This includes periodic touch-ups with the complimentary small tin of paint that comes with your purchase. It’s a straightforward process, but it does require a level of commitment from the owner to ensure the building maintains its aesthetic and structural integrity, which is a common expectation for quality garden buildings.
Q: Why is a suitable base crucial for this garden building?
A: The Country Living garden building requires a suitable base, preferably a flat, level solid base such as concrete or slabs. This is critical as it ensures stability and longevity. Without a good foundation, you might face issues like water pooling or uneven settling, which could compromise the structure over time. This requirement highlights the importance of upfront preparation, which ultimately leads to a well-performing garden building.
Q: Does the installation service include everything needed for assembly?
A: Yes, the installation service is included with your purchase, which alleviates the stress of assembly. However, bear in mind that you're still responsible for preparing a suitable base before installation. Having professionals handle the assembly can save time and ensure that everything is set up correctly, so I see this as an invaluable aspect of the purchase, especially for those who may not be handy with tools.
Q: What type of locking system does the Country Living garden building have?
A: This model features a secure lock and key system, providing peace of mind that your items stored inside are safe. Security is often a concern with garden buildings, and having a reliable locking mechanism is a vital selling point. It's something I would personally look for, especially when storing valuable equipment or using the space as a workshop.
Q: Can I return or cancel my order after the building has been painted?
A: No, once the building has been painted, it becomes a bespoke item, and returns or cancellations cannot be accepted. This is an important consideration if you're unsure about your colour choice or other preferences. I recommend taking your time to confirm all details before finalising your order to avoid disappointment later.
Q: What materials are used for the flooring and roofing?
A: The floor is constructed from OSB (Oriented Strand Board), which is durable and cost-effective, making a solid base for your activities. The roof is covered with mineral felt, which provides adequate weather resistance. While these materials are standard in garden buildings, I would advise checking for longevity, as the quality of the roofing can significantly affect maintenance needs over time.
