Forest Garden 3 x 5ft Small Windowless Overlap Apex Dip Treated Shed with Assembly

In-Depth Review of the Forest Garden 3 x 5ft Small Windowless Overlap Apex Dip Treated Shed with Assembly

When looking for a small garden shed, the Forest Garden 3 x 5ft Small Windowless Overlap Apex Dip Treated Shed with Assembly stands out in its category primarily due to its design and practical features. As part of the mid-range shed market, this product prompts us to thoroughly evaluate its specifications, construction quality, and usability based on comprehensive market data.

Key Features

This shed gains instant attention with its impressive apex roof style, designed to allow rainwater to run off efficiently, preventing the pooling of water that can lead to decay over time. The overlap board cladding presents a traditional look, although it’s worth noting that this style ranks lower in terms of durability compared to other cladding types we’ve evaluated.

With dimensions of 5′ x 3′, this model is compact, making it ideal for small gardens or as ancillary storage. It’s dip treated, meaning it has undergone a process that aids in initial protection against rot; however, it may require ongoing maintenance to ensure longevity compared to pressure-treated options.

Construction and Build Quality

While the shed features a classic design with polycarbonate glazing used for its windows—rated as one of the best options for these features—the overall material quality cannot escape scrutiny. Our experts rated the quality of materials at 2.5 out of 5. The use of 7mm thick overlap cladding is considered sub-par as it is the least robust thickness available for sheds of this size. This is particularly relevant as similar sized sheds often use thicker, more resilient materials.

In contrast, the roofing material is notable; constructed with sand felt, it is rated highly in our assessments, although it’s rare, appearing in merely 1% of the sample. The thickness of roof boarding (at 8mm) is also less than ideal, putting it at the bottom of our rankings for this category.

Ease of Construction

One of the highlighted benefits of this shed is its ease of construction—a perfect score of 5 out of 5 suggests that even novice DIY enthusiasts will find it straightforward to assemble. This excellent rating for assembly may make it a good option if you’re not keen on complex construction processes.

Value for Money

Evaluating the shed in terms of overall value for money, it impressively scores a 5 out of 5. Priced around £559 at BnQ and £600 at Wickes, it falls below the average price for comparable models, which is a compelling factor for those on a budget. However, remember that this low cost comes alongside compromises in construction quality.

Dimensions and Practicality

Aside from its dimensions, which are notably less than the average for similar products, another point for potential buyers to consider is the height of 1570 mm (5′). This height indicates 15% less headroom than average, which may pose a discomfort for taller users or for activities like storing larger items.

The shed is designed with polycarbonate windows that provide adequate light with enhanced durability against breakage, making it a safer choice for families with children. Still, the lack of a more robust locking mechanism may raise concerns for some users.

Market Position and Competition

In the broader market, this product ranks at 2235 out of 5459 sheds, suggesting it occupies a mid-tier position within the competitive landscape. It features in the Small Sheds subcategory among others, but it maintains a lower expert score compared to its peers. With a score of 80 against a competitive norm, it lags slightly behind the average scores.

Comparatively, we found that there are sheds like the Oren 8′ x 2′ Shiplap Pent Bike Shed, which scores much higher (100) and features superior build quality, although at a marginally higher price of £569. For those seriously considering their options, exploring alternatives may yield better long-term satisfaction.

Conclusion

In summary, the Forest Garden 3 x 5ft Small Windowless Overlap Apex Dip Treated Shed with Assembly presents itself as a budget-friendly option for users requiring basic garden storage. It excels in ease of construction and is appealing due to its price, but potential buyers should be cautious about the material quality and construction robustness. Depending on your specific needs, you might find that investing a bit more in a higher-quality shed can prove to be a better long-term decision. Be sure to weigh your options and consider how this shed aligns with your gardening and storage needs.

If you’re in the market for a modest and affordable storage solution, this shed may meet your requirements, but if durability and long-term performance are priorities, exploring the other options may be prudent.