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In-Depth Review of the 8×8 Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summer House

First Added - January 15 2025
Last Updated - January 15 2025 - 0 Data Points Updated - 59 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

Product ID: SKU: BARC0808DSL-1AA

Size: 8' x 8'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 1

ShedStore
£949.99
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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.

8×8 Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summer House Review

The 8×8 Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summer House is an enticing option for those seeking a versatile and stylish garden retreat. With its unique corner design, it maximizes space without sacrificing aesthetics, allowing it to harmonize beautifully with any garden layout. This review is set to delve deep into its features and performance, so lets get started!

Introduction

Your garden should be a sanctuary, a place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Barclay Corner Wooden Summer House brings this vision to life while also providing a practical space for gardening activities, hobbies, or entertaining. With a sophisticated layout that includes a pent roof and an airy interior, its sure to charm anyone who steps inside.

Construction and Durability

High-Quality Materials

I am impressed by the quality of materials used in constructing this summer house. The 12mm shiplap tongue and groove cladding is notably one of the best choices available in the market today, as reflected by our expert reviews. Its robust 34x34mm framing adds additional strength, ensuring that the structure can withstand whatever the weather throws at it.

Weather Protection

This product is dip treated which not only enhances its longevity but also provides a reassuring 10-year guarantee against rot. This durability means that with a little annual maintenance, you can enjoy this summer house for years to come, making it a sound investment for avid gardeners and casual users alike.

Roofing and Floor Assessment

Roofing Quality

As we explore the roofing of the Barclay Summer House, the 8mm OSB sheet covered with felt stands out as a commendable roofing option. While OSB isn’t everyone’s first choice, its prevalence among top-rated models can’t be denied; it appears on 22% of high-level summer houses. While this product holds firm at 75 on our Expert Score chart, it remains characteristic of what customers can expect from robust models.

Flooring Excellence

The summer house also incorporates a 12mm tongue and groove floor, which is again hailed as the best construction type. With nearly 74% of summer houses utilizing this design, its validated through consistent data that backs its durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to withstand heavy use.

Glazing and Doors

Your Natural Light Solution

Light plays a vital role when decorating spaces within your garden. The double entrance doors not only enhance accessibility but allow abundant natural light to flood the interior alongside the two styrene windows. However, while styrene is lightweight and shatterproof, it is generally considered the least preferable glazing option available. Yet the perfect symmetry offered by this design ensures an unmarred view of your garden.

Height and Access

With a total height of 2009mm (7′), you gain access to a pleasant and spacious interior, even if the door heights do leave something to be desired–theyre 32% shorter than the average. Although I find this can pose a slight inconvenience, I firmly believe its a minor drawback compared to the overall experience.

Expert Commentary: What Sets It Apart

This summer house features three standout attributes that significantly elevate its appeal:

  • The shiplap tongue and groove cladding used, which is rated as one of the best available.
  • The mineral felt roofing material, widely accepted by experts as superior among its counterparts.
  • The already discussed tongue and groove floor, known for its robust performance.

Market Position and Value for Money

Positioned among other 8′ x 8′ summer houses, the 8×8 Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summer House boasts an Expert Score thats 3% above the industry average while being £67 less than that average. Priced at £1,219, it strikes a balance between value and quality, making it an attractive proposition in the market.

Pros and Cons

Heres a succinct overview:

  • Pros:
    • Excellent build quality due to superior materials.
    • Generous warranty period with proper maintenance.
    • Stylish design that fits snugly into any garden style.
  • Cons:
    • Shorter door height may hinder accessibility.
    • Styrene windows offer less security than tougher alternatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 8×8 Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summer House combines elegant design with durability and functionality, making it a noteworthy contender for those looking to enhance their outdoor lifestyle. While there are minor considerations when assessing doors and glazing types, the overall benefits significantly outweigh these concerns.

Who is it for? If you value a great aesthetic while maintaining functionality and durability, this summer house could very well be the right choice for you. For those seeking sturdier options in high wind areas or those needing public-facing security, alternative models are recommended.

Product Details

Building Type
8x8 Sheds, 8x8 Summer Houses, Corner Summer Houses, Luxury Summer Houses, Pent Summer Houses, Wooden Summer Houses
Metric Size (Meters)
8' x 8'
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

FAQ: 8x8 Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summer House

What makes the 8x8 Shire Barclay Corner Wooden Summer House a good investment?

The high-quality materials such as shiplap tongue & groove cladding not only contribute to a stylish aesthetic but also ensure long-term durability, making it a sound investment for your garden.

How does this summer house perform in various weather conditions?

The dip treated finish provides substantial protection against the elements, which along with the 10-year guarantee, ensures youre making a worthwhile purchase with confidence.

Is it easy to assemble?

The summer house boasts a user-friendly assembly process, though I would highly recommend having two or more people on hand to streamline the procedure--better to be safe than sorry!

What are the main benefits of the flooring?

The tongue and groove floor construction coupled with a remarkable thickness of 12mm contributes to an inviting and robust space. This design is used widely, indicating its popularity among users.

How do the windows compare with other options?

While the styrene windows do present some concerns in terms of durability and security compared to tougher glazing options, their affordability and lightweight nature should appeal to varied user needs.

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: BARC0808DSL-1AA

Size: 8' x 8'

Merchants Checked: 10

Available From: 1

ShedStore
£949.99
See Deal

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