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INSTALATION AVAILABLE Mercia 7ft x 5ft Premium Shiplap Apex Shed Including Installation
First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 11 Data Points Updated - 3 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: 633069
Size: 7' x 5'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 1
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In-Depth Review of the Mercia 7ft x 5ft Premium Shiplap Apex Shed Including Installation
The Mercia 7ft x 5ft Premium Shiplap Apex Shed is an intriguing option for anyone in the market for a shed. With its apex roof, stylish appearance, and solid construction, it stands out within the crowded category of sheds. This review will delve into its features, performance, and positioning within the market, ensuring you understand what you’re getting for your investment.
Key Features
This shed is designed with several critical features that may interest potential buyers:
- Dimensions: The Mercia shed measures 7ft x 5ft, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or as a storage solution in tight spaces.
- Construction: It features shiplap tongue & groove cladding, known for its robustness. This type of cladding is preferred in 42% of the top 10% of comparable sheds, indicating its popularity among experts.
- Roofing: The apex style roof not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also provides ample overhead space and effective rain runoff, improving durability.
- Protection: The shed is dip treated, offering basic protection against the elements. However, it is essential to treat it with a wood preservative and waterproof top coat post-installation and annually thereafter to maintain its longevity.
- Windows: Fitted with two styrene glazed windows, the shed allows for light while maintaining security. However, it’s worth noting that styrene is the least favoured glazing option according to market analysis.
- Flooring: The tongue & groove floor is a solid choice, contributing to overall sturdiness and is favoured in over half of the top-tier sheds.
- Doors: The shed has a lockable door secured through a pad bolt system, enhancing security—a vital aspect for any garden shed.
- Warranty: Mercia backs this product with a 10-year guarantee, which is always a reassuring feature for buyers.
Installation and Assembly
One primary selling point of this product is the inclusive installation service. Mercia Garden Products provide a two-man installation team to set up the shed, ensuring a hassle-free experience for users. The installation should be on a firm and level base, ideally with a clearance around the shed for maintenance.
Performance in the Market
In a market analysis of similar products, the Mercia 7ft x 5ft Premium Shiplap Apex Shed holds a mixed position. With expert scores indicating a quality of 77, it’s approximately 17% lower than the average for comparable products. Additionally, it’s priced at £1,045—somewhat higher than the average product, making it critical to evaluate whether the features justify the price tag.
Value for Money
When we consider the scores across different evaluation criteria, the shed scored well for ease of construction (4.5 out of 5) and value for money (4.5 out of 5). This indicates that while the materials might not be top-notch, the practicality and guidance provided in assembly do bring significant value to the table.
Analyzing Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The dip treatment provides essential protective qualities, albeit requiring yearly maintenance.
- Secure locking and ample light from windows help improve functionality and safety.
- Good choice of cladding and robust flooring, paired with an apex design, makes this shed a solid candidate for your garden.
Weaknesses:
- Styrene glazing is below the standard for many users, offering less durability and insulation than alternatives.
- Although offering good features, its score relative to other sheds suggests it may not be the best in its class for impressive performance.
- The price is slightly inflated compared to alternatives in the market that offer similar—even better—features at a lower cost.
Comparative Alternatives
If you’re considering alternatives, the market is rich with choices. For instance:
- Adley 7′ x 7′ Premium Double Door Shiplap Corner Shed is a notable contender priced at £634, offering greater space and an Expert Score of 90.
- Redlands 6′ x 8′ Shiplap Modular Pent Bike Shed holds an impressive Expert Score of 100 and is priced at £674, making it a superior option for users wanting standout quality.
Final Thoughts
The Mercia 7ft x 5ft Premium Shiplap Apex Shed is a product with significant appeal thanks to its thoughtful design and practical features. While it may not lead the market in either quality scores or pricing, it does provide a solid option, especially with the convenience of included installation. If you’re prioritising ease of construction and are okay with ongoing maintenance, you might find this shed to be a worthwhile investment for your garden storage needs.
Product Details
Q: What materials are used in the construction of this shed?
A: The shed is constructed using FSC Certified Timber and features a dip-treated shiplap design. This is beneficial as the use of FSC certified timber means the materials come from responsibly managed forests, contributing to sustainability. However, keep in mind that while the dip treatment provides some initial protection, it is essential to treat the shed with a wood preservative and waterproof top coat post-installation and annually thereafter to ensure its longevity.
Q: What are the external dimensions of the shed?
A: The external dimensions of the shed are 2156 mm in height, 1596 mm in width, and 2138 mm in depth. This size is ideal for utilising in smaller gardens or as a compact storage solution. However, ensure you have sufficient space around the shed, as a 2-foot clearance on all sides is recommended for maintenance purposes.
Q: Is assembly included with this shed purchase?
A: Yes, installation service is included in your purchase. Mercia Garden Products provides a two-man installation service, which can greatly simplify the process of setting up your garden building. It’s important to prepare a suitable base beforehand, ensuring it is firm, level, and larger than the shed’s dimensions to facilitate a smooth installation.
Q: What kind of flooring does the shed have?
A: The shed features a tongue and groove floor with a thickness of 12mm. This type of flooring is known for providing good structural strength and durability, which is a significant advantage for storage purposes, allowing for heavier items to be placed without concern for damage. However, always consider protecting the floor from moisture, as water can compromise wood integrity over time.
Q: How secure is this shed?
A: The shed is equipped with a pad bolt locking system, which offers a degree of security for your belongings. While this can help deter casual theft, I recommend considering additional security measures if you plan to store valuable items, as this type of lock is generally basic and may not withstand determined attempts at access.
Q: What roof covering is used, and is it durable?
A: The roof is covered with mineral felt, which provides reasonable protection against the weather. While it's relatively durable, it is advisable to check the roof periodically, especially after storms or heavy rainfall, to ensure that there are no tears or deterioration. Regular maintenance will be key to prolonging the roof’s life and preventing leaks.
Q: Does the shed come with windows for natural light?
A: This shed does not specify its window configurations, as the information provided lacks specific sizes. However, any windows present typically use styrene glazing. This type of glazing is lightweight and shatter-resistant, which can be a safety advantage. While it lets in natural light, consider how many windows are included and their placement if you desire good visibility or airflow in the shed.
Q: Is the shed weight manageable for delivery and installation?
A: The shed weighs 140 kg, which is manageable for the installation team provided by Mercia Garden Products. However, if you’re a DIY enthusiast contemplating self-assembly, ensure you have adequate help, as this weight might be challenging to manoeuvre alone. It’s generally best to rely on the installation service to avoid complications.
