Country Living Hawksworth 10 x 8 Summerhouse Painted + Installation Thorpe Towers

Country Living Hawksworth 10 x 8 Summerhouse: Is It Worth Your Investment?

In the realm of summer houses, the Country Living Hawksworth 10 x 8 Summerhouse Painted + Installation Thorpe Towers presents an appealing addition to any garden space. With a robust 10-year guarantee, it promises longevity and reliability, but does it live up to its promise? In this review, we delve into its features, construction quality, and how it stacks up against competitors. Let’s take a closer look at what this summer house has to offer.

Design and Specifics

Measuring 10′ x 8′, the Hawksworth summerhouse is spacious enough to function as a garden retreat, playroom, or hobby shed. One standout feature is its bi-fold doors, which not only enhance access but also invite natural light into the space. The summerhouse includes two styrene-glazed windows, offering additional light while still providing a level of security. While the shiplap tongue & groove cladding and tongue & groove flooring are commendable choices—which we typically see in 86% of summer houses—they do come with some considerations, especially regarding the treatment used.

Material Quality

Unfortunately, the product is noted to be untreated. This can be a potential drawback as untreated wood requires regular maintenance to prolong its life. This lack of treatment can leave the structure vulnerable to the elements, making it essential for owners to commit to upkeep—regular checks and maintenance are necessary to comply with the manufacturer’s 3-year paint promise.

The quality of materials is reflected in our expert assessment, where the summerhouse received a score of 2.5 out of 5 for material quality and 3 out of 5 for construction quality. These scores indicate a need for improvement, particularly in the durability of materials used. In comparison, other summer houses in the same category consistently showcase materials that yield a higher score, signalling better longevity and customer satisfaction.

Construction and Installation

On a more positive note, if you are someone who values ease of assembly, you will appreciate the 5 out of 5 score for ease of construction given to Hawksworth. The expert team handles the painting and assembly, sparing you the usual DIY hassles. You will need to have a level, solid base ready for installation, but once this is sorted, the process is straightforward.

Value for Money

The Hawksworth summerhouse is priced at £2,940—a figure that positions it as a mid-range option. Our analysis has shown it offers a value for money score of 4 out of 5, indicating reasonable pricing relative to the quality offered. Despite its lower material scores, competitive pricing compared to similar models makes it a viable choice for those prioritising value.

Market Positioning and Competitors

With a position ranking of 868th out of 1,188 products in the summer house category, the Hawksworth is somewhat positioned in the mid-tier segment. Notably, it is 5% better than the average in terms of expert scoring while being £14 cheaper than others in its class, which adds to its allure. However, the competition is tough, and there are options that deliver higher quality at a similar—or even lower—price point.

Alternative Options

If the need arises for something with a more robust build or additional features for high wind or coastal areas, consider alternatives such as the Oren 10′ x 8′ Shiplap Poolside Summer House or the Shire Sandringham 10 x 8ft Double Door Apex Summer House with Bay Window. Both of these options provide additional durability and features that may be beneficial depending on your location and use-case.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Country Living Hawksworth 10 x 8 Summerhouse certainly presents an attractive choice, particularly for buyers focused on cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. The quality of materials and treatment may leave room for improvement, but its design and versatility make it a worthy contender in the summer house market. If you’re willing to invest the time in regular maintenance, the Hawksworth could serve as the charming retreat you seek in your garden.