Country Living Flintham 7 x 5 Traditional Summerhouse Painted + Installation Aurora Green

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.