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In-Depth Review of the 7′ x 7′ Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summerhouse

First Added - January 15 2025
Last Updated - January 15 2025 - 0 Data Points Updated - 54 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

Product ID: SKU: BARC0707DSL-1AA

Size: 7' x 7'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 1

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£829.99
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75
Good Very 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.

Welcome to my detailed review of the 7′ x 7′ Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summerhouse

If you’re on the hunt for a summerhouse that combines style, practicality, and durability, the 7′ x 7′ Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summerhouse is worth a closer look. Nestled in the corner of a garden, this summerhouse aims to offer maximum utility without compromising on aesthetic appeal. With its blend of quality materials and thoughtful design, it seeks to be a valuable addition to your outdoor space.

Expert Overview

This summerhouse boasts a robust shiplap tongue & groove cladding, measuring 12mm thick, providing excellent insulation and weather resistance. I really appreciate how this construction method is prevalent among high-quality summerhouses, being used on 43% of similar structures we analysed. This feature, backed by a 10-year anti-rot guarantee, positions the 7′ x 7′ Shire Barclay as a reliable option for outdoor retreats.

Standout Features

The Shire Barclay has three standout features that I find particularly noteworthy:

  1. The clever use of shiplap tongue & groove cladding, which is well-regarded for its durability.
  2. The mineral felt roofing is rated among the best for weatherproofing, ensuring that your space stays dry.
  3. Using tongue & groove flooring, which is an industry gold standard that performs well in foot traffic situations.

Construction and Cladding

The shiplap tongue & groove cladding is not just a fashionable choice but one rooted in practicality. I noticed that this type of wall construction is used widely, appearing in 439 of the 1,034 summerhouses analysed. When looking at 7′ x 7′ summerhouses specifically, the Manchester Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summerhouse scored a notable 75 on our expert scale, slightly above the average of 72.

The board thickness of 12mm plays a significant role as well, as it’s used on 80% of all summerhouses, providing peace of mind in its strength and durability.

Flooring that Lasts

The flooring on this summerhouse follows the same theme of quality, featuring a tongue & groove construction that is standard across 74% of summerhouses analyzed. Its thickness is also 12mm, matching the best practices identified, thus ensuring longevity. In fact, based on market analysis, Ive discovered that 58% of similar summerhouses use this material and thickness, making it a preferred option.

Roofing Considerations

While the OSB roofing material rated among the lower options for summerhouses, I think that its thickness of 11mm stands out as one of the best in the genre. When considering the roofing average for similar constructions, this products performance remains steady at an Expert Score of 75, meeting market standards.

The roof uses mineral felt, a covering praised for its effectiveness. On our review, its worth noting that this roofing material is commonly found in 48% of 7′ x 7′ summerhouses, so you know its a reliable choice.

Youll Appreciate the Glazing Quality

Another strong feature is the styrene windows. Although rated lower compared to other glazing types, the use of this material for the two full-length windows does not compromise the summerhouses overall standing. I found that none of the top-ranked summerhouses used styrene, yet it’s still a viable choice for added natural light.

Dimensions and Practicality

With a height of 2009mm, this summerhouse offers slightly less headroom compared to the standard. This shortfall might be a consideration if youre taller or plan on using tall furniture. The doors themselves are notably shorter than average, which could present a challenge for some.

Evaluating Cost vs Quality

While exploring the market for summerhouses, I found that the 7′ x 7′ Shire Barclay is priced competitively, standing at £1,159 based on available data from retailers like Sheds.co.uk. Notably, its £49 less than the average of similar products, yet it posts a slightly higher expert score, creating an enticing balance.

Who Should Consider This Summerhouse?

This summerhouse is ideal for those with limited space or those looking to maximise usage of garden corners. Its perfect for casual use, hobbies, or a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, if you anticipate placing heavier demands on its structure–due to high winds or a public-facing environment–you might want to explore sturdier alternatives.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summerhouse

In summary, the 7′ x 7′ Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summerhouse presents a commendable option for those in search of an aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor space. Its strong construction and good-quality materials offer not just beauty but durability, meeting various user needs effectively.

When weighing your options, think about your specific requirements. For those seeking more robust features or advanced security options, other products on the market may fit better, but the Shire Barclay certainly shines where it is intended to.

Product Details

Building Type
7x7 Summer Houses, Corner Summer Houses, Insulated Summer Houses, Pent Summer Houses, Small Summer Houses, Wooden Summer Houses
Metric Size (Meters)
7' x 7'
Material
Wooden
Roof Style
Pent
Number of Windows
2
Door Type
Double Door
Cladding Type
Shiplap Tongue & Groove
Cladding Thickness
12
Treatment Type
Dip Treated
Guarantee
10 Years

What unique features does this product offer?

This summerhouse features high-quality shiplap tongue & groove cladding that provides both insulation and weather resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance. The inclusion of a mineral felt roof covering enhances its durability further, while the tongue & groove flooring signifies excellent construction quality. Its a combination of features tailored for outdoor use, giving you both functionality and style.

How does the 7' x 7' Shire Barclay perform under different conditions?

This summerhouse has been constructed thoughtfully to withstand typical UK weather conditions. While its OSB roofing material is considered average compared to others on the market, its thickness at 11mm gives it a slight edge. Additionally, the dip-treated finish offers protection against rot, allowing it to last longer with appropriate maintenance.

What will assembly be like?

Assembly varies, but youll typically need basic tools and an extra set of hands for support. Follow the included instructions, and you can expect to invest a few hours getting it setup. I appreciated the straightforward instructions, which made the process quicker than expected.

How do I maintain the wooden summerhouse?

The summerhouse comes treated and will need an annual retreatment to keep the protective layer intact. Regular checks for any signs of wear or damage will help catch issues early, ensuring your summerhouse can withstand the elements for years to come.

Is there a warranty provided?

The manufacturer provides a 10-year guarantee against rot, provided the summerhouse is maintained according to the instructions. This demonstrates a tangible commitment to quality and durability, giving you added confidence in your purchase.

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: BARC0707DSL-1AA

Size: 7' x 7'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 1

ShedStore
£829.99
See Deal

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