Oren 12′ x 4′ Shiplap Contemporary Poolside Summer House Review

In-Depth Review of the Oren 12′ x 4′ Shiplap Contemporary Poolside Summer House

The Oren 12′ x 4′ Shiplap Contemporary Poolside Summer House stands out as a vibrant and functional addition to any garden space, particularly in settings with pools or extensive decking. Crafted from high-quality 12mm thick shiplap tongue and groove timber, it offers both durability and a visually appealing aesthetic. With a 10-year guarantee, you can rest assured that this summer house is built to last.

One of the features that immediately catches your eye is the double door and the full-length windows, which flood the interior with light, creating a warm atmosphere ideal for relaxation or entertaining.

Key Features and Benefits

This summer house is notable not only for its attractive design but also for five standout features highlighted by our experts:

1. Tongue & Groove Construction: This is consistently found in 87% of the top 10% of summer houses, indicating its quality and reliability.
2. Durable Cladding: The use of tongue & groove cladding is rated as one of the best available. This high-quality material enhances both strength and aesthetics.
3. Polyester Felt Roof Covering: Our experts deem this covering as superior, providing added weather resistance.
4. Tongue & Groove Flooring: The floor construction matches the high standards set by the walls and roof. It gets high marks for durability.
5. Toughened Safety Glass: This glazing option is rated as the best for windowed summer houses, enhancing both safety and insulation.

The walls are constructed with 12.0mm thick panels, a common and dependable thickness among similar products. Although this model’s expert score falls slightly below the average, it is essential to note that this thickness is employed by 80% of summer houses on the market, and 77% of the top-rated models.

Assembly and Installation

While the assembly of garden buildings can often be a daunting task, the Oren 12′ x 4′ summer house has been designed with the DIY enthusiast in mind. I appreciate that this model utilizes tongue & groove cladding, which fits seamlessly together, making the setup straightforward and manageable. The steps are clearly outlined in the provided manual, allowing for a potential assembly time of only a few hours, depending on your tools and previous experience.

Durability and Maintenance

Maintaining this summer house is relatively simple, primarily because of its dip-treated finish which enhances resistance to the elements. This treatment is a smart investment as it helps prolong the life of the timber, ensuring that the building continues to look fresh and withstand decay. Although little maintenance is required, I recommend checking the roof felt periodically, especially after severe weather, to ensure it remains intact.

Performance in Various Conditions

Designed with a pent-style roof, this summer house effectively sheds rainwater, minimizing pooling and damage. For those concerned about wind conditions, the Oren model features robust framing combined with thick cladding, matching the stability one would seek in gusty environments. While I did notice some concerns about headroom, measuring at 7′ (2028mm), you still gain valuable floor space where it matters most.

Market Position and Value for Money

In terms of pricing, the Oren 12′ x 4′ Shiplap Contemporary Poolside Summer House is currently available for £1,424 at Sheds.co.uk, which is slightly below average compared to other models with equivalent specifications. Notably, it boasts an Expert Score of 72, exceeding many comparable summer houses. In my opinion, this highlights Oren’s dedication to delivering value through both quality materials and craftsmanship.

Alternatives and Recommendations

If you feel that this summer house may not fully meet your needs, I suggest considering alternatives that align more closely with your specific requirements. For those looking for more robust options in high-wind areas, I recommend models with thicker cladding. Furthermore, if safety is a priority–perhaps for families with young children–consider summer houses with tougher glazing options.

Here are a couple of alternatives worth exploring:

• Oren 8′ x 6′ Pent Combi Summer House with Side Store – Priced at £1,349, it offers excellent value and has its own unique features.
• Oren 6′ x 8′ Shiplap Alcester Summer House – Best Expert Score within comparable specifications, priced at £1,064.

Conclusion

In summary, the Oren 12′ x 4′ Shiplap Contemporary Poolside Summer House is a well-constructed, durable option for anyone seeking to enhance their garden area, especially near pools or extensive decking. Its combination of aesthetically pleasing design, standout built quality, and versatility for various uses all point to a product that truly delivers on its promises. If you’re looking for a garden building that balances value and quality, you may find this summer house meets–and perhaps exceeds–your expectations.