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INSTALATION AVAILABLE Country Living Premium Ribble 8ft x 12ft Corner Summerhouse with Side Shed Painted + Installation Thorpe Towers Grey
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: 632968
Size: 8' x 12'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 1
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In-Depth Review of the Country Living Premium Ribble 8ft x 12ft Corner Summerhouse with Side Shed Painted + Installation Thorpe Towers Grey
In the world of outdoor living, the Country Living Premium Ribble 8ft x 12ft Corner Summerhouse with Side Shed is positioned as a stylish option for those looking to enhance their garden or outdoor space. With its sleek pent roof design and inviting exterior, it aims to combine utility and aesthetics. However, does it truly deliver on quality, durability, and overall value? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
Category Overview
This summerhouse falls under the broader category of Summer Houses but also nestles neatly in specific subcategories, including Corner Summer Houses and Wooden Summer Houses. These categories offer a wealth of information on the construction types and usability of summerhouses, which can guide potential buyers in their purchasing decisions.
Design and Construction
The Country Living Ribble features a contemporary design characterised by its pent roof, which not only contributes to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures practicality—is designed to facilitate rainwater runoff, hence reducing the risk of leaks.
The exterior is crafted from shiplap tongue & groove cladding, heralded as one of the top choices for summerhouses. It ensures stability and durability, making it a popular choice among top-tier summerhouses—about 49% of the best summerhouses also utilise this construction material. However, the experts rated this product’s material quality somewhat lower, scoring it a mere 2.5 out of 5. This indicates that while the cladding is robust, other materials or construction practices may not meet the same standards.
Roofing and Weather Resistance
The roof is covered with mineral felt, which is a reliable roofing option seemingly favoured for summerhouses, found in about 43% of top summerhouse designs. Yet again, we noticed the Country Living Ribble scored lower than average on this metric, earning a score of 70, compared to the average of 78 for similar models. Nevertheless, its use in other high-performing summerhouses suggests it can provide adequate protection against the elements.
Interior and Usability
Inside the summerhouse, you will find a tongue & groove floor, a feature that ensures a solid foundation and longevity. This material is seen in over 86% of the best summerhouses, and the Ribble is no exception here, rated with a score of 82. This commitment to flooring quality is reassuring, especially in comparison to the cladding’s lower performance rating.
The summerhouse boasts two windows made from styrene. While they provide some natural light, styrene is rated as the least favourable glazing option available, found only in 15% of windowed summerhouses. This lack of quality may result in durability issues down the line, especially in harsher climates.
Value for Money
Pricing for the Country Living Ribble is set at £3,780.00, with a comparative analysis showing that this price is approximately £2 less than the average for comparable models. Scoring a 3.5 out of 5 in terms of value for money indicates that while it’s not the most affordable option, the quality you get aligns reasonably well with its cost, particularly when considering its installation services.
Installation and Guarantee
This summerhouse comes with a 10-year guarantee, providing you with peace of mind about its longevity. Additionally, installation is included—handled by expert teams from Country Living—which is a fantastic feature for anyone not inclined to set it up themselves. However, the buyer must prepare a suitable base before installation, necessitating some prior planning.
Expert Analysis and Market Position
After assessing a total of 1188 products in the summer house market, the Country Living Ribble finds itself ranked at position 1014, placing it in the mid-range tier. This positioning speaks to its average popularity among buyers. In its subcategory, the product has shown to hold its ground but has dropped by 593 ranks recently, indicating a potential decline in market preference.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Country Living Premium Ribble 8ft x 12ft Corner Summerhouse presents a sophisticated addition to any garden space, offering great aesthetics and reasonable value. While the high-quality flooring and construction materials like shiplap tongue & groove contribute to its durability, areas such as window glazing could certainly be improved. Nevertheless, for those seeking a stylish and functional summerhouse with the convenience of installation included, this product merits consideration—especially if its unique features align with your specific needs and space requirements.
Whether you prioritise aesthetics, durability, or convenience, the Country Living Ribble aligns fairly well with diverse preferences and should be on your short list if you’re in the market for a summerhouse.
Product Details
Q: What are the dimensions of the Country Living Ribble garden building?
A: The Country Living Ribble has external dimensions of 2118mm x 2541mm x 2540mm and internal dimensions of 1994mm x 2374mm x 2374mm. This spacious design makes it ideal for a variety of uses, whether it be as a garden office, storage area, or creative space. The generous height also ensures that you won’t feel cramped inside, which I find to be an excellent feature for comfort during use.
Q: Is the timber used for this building environmentally certified?
A: Yes, the Country Living Ribble is constructed from FSC Certified Timber. This means that the wood has been sourced sustainably, ensuring that the manufacturing processes support forest management practices that are environmentally responsible. For eco-conscious buyers like myself, this is a significant benefit as it assures me that my purchase is contributing to a responsible industry.
Q: What maintenance will I need to perform on the building?
A: To comply with the three-year paint promise, regular maintenance is essential. You will receive a small tin of paint for touch-ups, and I recommend keeping an eye on the exterior and making necessary repairs to prevent any long-term damage. While this does require some effort, maintaining the wood will significantly enhance the longevity and appearance of your garden building.
Q: Does the building come with a base included?
A: No, a suitable base is not included with the purchase of the Country Living Ribble. It is crucial to prepare a flat, level solid base—such as concrete or slabs—before installation. I find that this added responsibility can be a drawback for many potential buyers, as it involves extra work and planning, but it ultimately ensures a stable foundation which is critical for the structure's durability.
Q: How many doors does the Country Living Ribble have?
A: The Ribble features four doors, providing excellent access from multiple sides. This is particularly advantageous if you're using the building for storage or as a workshop, as it allows for easy movement of larger items in and out. From my experience, having ample entry points can enhance functionality significantly.
Q: What locking system does this building use?
A: The Country Living Ribble comes equipped with a press lock system. This feature adds an extra layer of security, which I appreciate, especially if you plan on storing valuable items inside. While it might not be the most robust locking mechanism available, it sufficiently deters casual theft, making it a practical choice for garden buildings.
Q: What type of floor does the Ribble have?
A: The floor is made from tongue and groove boards, which is a feature I personally value for its sturdiness and durability. This type of flooring can withstand more weight than typical floorboards and also helps manage moisture, making it ideal for garden settings where the ground can be damp. Just be sure to keep it clean and free of debris for optimal longevity.
Q: How does the glazing material hold up?
A: The Ribble uses styrene glazing. While this material is lightweight and provides good clarity, it may not be as robust as glass. However, it does offer increased shatter resistance, which can be a significant advantage if you have children playing nearby or if your building is in a more exposed area. I would recommend ensuring that any openings are secured to prevent potential breakage.
Q: Is an installation service included with the purchase?
A: Yes, the installation service is included, which I find to be a huge convenience. Knowing that professionals will properly set up your building alleviates the stress of a DIY project and ensures it is done correctly, thereby enhancing your garden building's performance and aesthetics right from the start.
