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In-Depth Review of the 7′ x 13′ Shire Westminster Summer House

First Added - January 15 2025
Last Updated - January 15 2025 - 0 Data Points Updated - 41 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

Product ID: SKU: WEST1307DSL-1AABUN

Size: 13' x 7'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 2

ShedStore
£1,139.00
See Deal
ShedStore
£1,139.00
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.

68
Average Average but solid.
Quality of materials
Construction quality
Ease of construction
Value for money

See how our panel of industry experts helped create the impartial judging criteria used to calculate the Expert Score.

Making Your Garden Dreams Come True

The 7′ x 13′ Shire Westminster Summer House is an inviting feature that could potentially transform your garden into a luxurious retreat. I recently had the pleasure of examining this charming structure, crafted from quality materials right here in the UK, and I am excited to share my insights.

Expert Overview

This summer house is constructed using 12mm shiplap tongue & groove cladding, which our experts rank amongst the finest in the industry. Its robust build, thanks to a 34mm frame and 12mm tongue and groove floor and roof, indicates a durability thats hard to surpass. The use of a mineral felt roof covering–a component rated highly by our panel–only solidifies this products standing in the market. So, if you’re after a space that combines aesthetics with functionality, this could be your ideal choice.

Standout Features

The Shire Westminster boasts five standout features that highlight its quality:

  1. Tongue & Groove Roof: Close inspection reveals this high-quality roof material is just one of those found in 87% of the top 10% of summer houses. Its sturdy, yet offers a charming look.
  2. Exceptional Cladding: Featuring 19.0 thick walls, the shiplap tongue & groove cladding on this summer house is utilised by 43% of competing models, thus showcasing its market credibility.
  3. Mineral Felt Covering: This material not only looks good but is one of the best available for roof covering and is most common in this category, lending the structure a weather-resistant quality.
  4. Expertly Crafted Flooring: With a solid tongue & groove floor, I found that this product delivers unmatched durability and upscale aesthetics.
  5. Stylish Glazed Windows: The summer house features double doors and five additional windows–three of which are operable–allowing abundant light and ventilation.

Durability and Maintenance

What caught my attention was the 10-year anti-rot guarantee provided, alongside a 1-year parts guarantee. This level of assurance indicates that Shire is not only confident in their product but also encourages proper maintenance following the provided guidelines. Remember, adequate assembly is crucial, especially preparing a solid level base–this will ensure the longevity of your new investment.

Its also noteworthy that to retain its pristine condition, applying a high-quality wood preservative upon assembly and annually thereafter is highly suggested. Following these practices means you’ll be able to enjoy your summer house for years to come, worry-free.

Market Standing

This summer house holds a significant spot in the competitive garden building market. Out of a total of 1,034 summer houses analysed, the 7′ x 13′ Shire Westminster ranked among the top, showing a high level of expertise and preference from users. However, it has a slightly below-average expert score, which is interesting given its reasonable pricing in comparison to competitors. At just £1,165–a price lower by £76 compared to the average–this model offers sound value.

Who Should Consider This?

The Shire Westminster Summer House is ideal for families wanting a relaxing garden retreat, hobbyists seeking dedicated workspaces, or anyone looking to add charm to their outdoor areas. Its aesthetic appeal combined with functionality makes it versatile for various purposes–whether as a play area, studio, or simply a lovely space to unwind.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
* Elegant design enhances garden appearance. * Door height is shorter than average, which may affect taller individuals.
* High durability with quality materials. * Maintenance required may deter some buyers.
* Offers natural light, promoting a pleasant atmosphere. * Slightly lower expert score compared to the market average.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 7′ x 13′ Shire Westminster Summer House is a product that combines style, durability, and functionality. My analysis not only reaffirms the high quality associated with the Shire brand but also provides thoughtful considerations for potential buyers. If youre looking for a charming addition to your garden that encapsulates both beauty and practicality, this summer house might just be what youre after.

Have further thoughts? I encourage you to explore alternative options based on your specific requirements, especially concerning durability in high wind areas or for public-facing placements. I hope you find the perfect structure that meets your needs!

Product Details

Building Type
Garden Rooms, Insulated Summer Houses, Luxury Summer Houses, Modern Summer Houses, Summer Houses, Wooden Summer Houses
Metric Size (Meters)
13' x 7'
Roof Style
Apex
Number of Windows
5
Door Type
Double Door
Cladding Type
Shiplap Tongue & Groove
Cladding Thickness
19
Treatment Type
Untreated
Guarantee
10 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are typically used for summer houses?
The 7' x 13' Shire Westminster Summer House utilises shiplap tongue & groove cladding, which is preferred for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Most summer houses use similar materials, and our experts rate this option highly.

How does the 10-year guarantee work?
The summer house comes with a 10-year anti-rot guarantee, alongside a 1-year parts guarantee. To maintain validity, follow the assembly and maintenance guidelines provided, which include annual preservative treatments.

Is assembly straightforward?
Yes, the summer house is designed for straightforward assembly. However, ensure you prepare a suitable solid base beforehand, and follow the included instructions for best results.

What if I live in a high wind area?
You may want to explore options that feature thicker cladding for enhanced stability. The 7' x 13' Shire Westminster, while durable, may not be the best fit if youre concerned about harsh weather conditions.

Are there child-friendly options available?
Yes, there are alternatives with features better suited for families with children. Consider summer houses with tougher glazing or more robust materials for added safety.

Joel Bird

Joel Bird

Profile

Joel, our shed expert, won Channel 4’s Shed of the Year in 2014 and is the author of The Book of Shed. Click ‘Meet the Experts’ to learn more.

Meet the experts

Product ID: SKU: WEST1307DSL-1AABUN

Size: 13' x 7'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 2

ShedStore
£1,139.00
See Deal
ShedStore
£1,139.00
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.