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INSTALATION AVAILABLE Shire Barclay 8 x 8ft Double Door Pent Corner Summer House
First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 10 Data Points Updated - 3 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: 147565
Size: 8' x 8'
Merchants Checked: 12
Available From: 1
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In-Depth Review of the Shire Barclay 8 x 8ft Double Door Pent Corner Summer House
The Shire Barclay 8 x 8ft Double Door Pent Corner Summer House is designed for those seeking to enhance their outdoor living space while enjoying the aesthetics of a well-crafted structure. With its corner design, this summer house promises to make optimal use of your garden area. However, in today’s market, where options abound, how does the Barclay hold up? Let’s dive into the details.
Category Overview
This product falls under the main category of Summer Houses. Additionally, it fits seamlessly into various subcategories including:
- Corner Summer Houses
- Small Summer Houses
- Wooden Summer Houses
- 8×8 Summer Houses
- Small Corner Summer Houses
- Pent Summer Houses
Key Features
The Shire Barclay has several standout features that make it appealing:
- Pent Style Roof: The pent roof provides a contemporary aesthetic while allowing rainwater to run off easily, thereby increasing its lifespan. This roof style is a popular choice for modern gardens.
- Double Doors: Emphasising accessibility and ventilation, the double doors make entering and exiting the summer house easy and inviting.
- Quality Cladding: Constructed with 12mm tongue and groove cladding, the walls are robust and provide decent insulation. This thickness is on par with many top-rated summer houses, ensuring a sturdy and reliable build.
- Durable Treatment: The dip-treated finish offers an excellent defence against the elements, allowing you to expect a good few years of usage with appropriate maintenance. This treatment is commonplace and contributes significantly to the longevity of outdoor wooden structures.
- Styrene Glazing: Featuring two styrene windows, this summer house allows for natural light to flood the interior while ensuring safety and low maintenance.
Measurements & Design
Measuring a compact yet functional 8′ x 8′, the Shire Barclay is perfect for smaller gardens or as an addition to a larger space without overwhelming it. With a height of 2200mm (approximately 7′), you’ll appreciate the modest extra headroom it affords compared to other models in the same category.
Performance Ratings
After rigorous evaluation by our experts, here’s how the Shire Barclay scores in critical areas:
- Quality of Materials: 3/5 – While the cladding is commendable, some aspects could be seen as average.
- Quality of Construction: 3.5/5 – The construction meets basic expectations but doesn’t stand out in a crowded market.
- Ease of Construction: 5/5 – The assembly process is user-friendly, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts.
- Value for Money: 4.5/5 – Priced at £1,090 through Wickes, it’s competitively positioned, especially given the features you receive.
Market Position
Currently, the Shire Barclay ranks 466th out of 1,188 products within the summer house category. This positions it among the lower tiers but does not take away from its solid performance metrics. Notably, it competes well in its size class, with a higher value for money proposition compared to similar products.
Comparison with Alternatives
If you’re weighing your options, consider:
- Best Value Option: The 8×8 Mercia Helios Contemporary Wooden Summerhouse at £1,229 offers slightly less expert score but for just £1 more.
- Top Expert Score: The Oren 10′ x 6′ Shiplap Poolside Summer House, priced at £1,369, boasts an impressive expert score of 90.
Ideal Use Cases
The Shire Barclay summer house is particularly suited for:
- Relaxing in the garden during warmer months.
- A quiet workspace away from the distractions of home.
- A children’s play area that ensures safety and fun.
- Storage for outdoor equipment, gardening tools, or seasonal items, given its charming design.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Shire Barclay 8 x 8ft Double Door Pent Corner Summer House serves as a solid investment for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor space without compromising on quality or style. We find its ease of assembly particularly appealing for DIY newcomers, combined with its aesthetic charm, makes it a worthy contender in the garden structure market. While it may not score the highest in all categories, its combination of features and competitive pricing ensure it remains a reasonable choice for homeowners.
Product Details
Q: What is the benefit of having two additional doors on this summerhouse?
A: The inclusion of two additional doors enhances accessibility and ventilation within the summerhouse. It allows for a seamless flow of air on warm days, making it more comfortable to spend time inside. From my experience, having multiple entry points can also facilitate easier movement of furniture and gardening supplies, turning your summerhouse into a versatile space for leisure or storage.
Q: What are the advantages of using Styrene for additional glazing material?
A: Styrene is a lightweight and shatter-resistant material, making it a safe choice for summerhouses, especially if there are children or pets around. While it may not offer the same level of clarity or scratch resistance as glass, its durability and reduced risk of breakage are significant benefits. For those prioritising safety and ease of maintenance, Styrene is a reliable option.
Q: How does the use of Mineral Felt as roof covering impact the longevity of the summerhouse?
A: Mineral Felt is a widely used roofing material that provides excellent waterproofing and protection against the elements. It is relatively easy to install and maintain, contributing to the overall durability of the summerhouse. However, it's important to regularly check for wear and tear, as it may require reapplication over time. From my perspective, a well-maintained Mineral Felt roof can last several years, offering good value for money in protecting your investment.
Q: Can you explain the significance of the summerhouse’s dimensions of 2250mm in width and depth?
A: The dimensions of 2250mm in both width and depth offer a spacious interior, making it suitable for various uses, such as a garden retreat, workspace, or storage. It’s an ideal size for smaller gardens where you still want ample space without overwhelming your outdoor area. I’ve seen that this balanced size enables users to enjoy both functionality and aesthetics in their gardens.
Q: What does the weight of 290 kg indicate about the summerhouse?
A: A weight of 290 kg suggests that the summerhouse is robust and constructed from quality materials. This level of heft usually indicates better stability, especially in windy conditions. However, it does mean that careful consideration is needed for its foundation. As an expert, I recommend ensuring a solid, level surface to support this structure efficiently, enhancing its durability and longevity.
Q: Is assembly service required for this summerhouse, and what are the implications of that?
A: Since the product states that no assembly service is required, it should be relatively straightforward to set up. This can save you money as you won’t need to hire external services, and it also allows for a sense of personal achievement. However, I would advise ensuring you have the right tools and possibly a partner to assist with the assembly to avoid frustrations during installation.
Q: What does FSC® Certification mean for this summerhouse?
A: FSC® Certification indicates that the timber used in this summerhouse has been sourced from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. This not only enhances your outdoor space with quality materials but also means you're making an environmentally conscious choice. In my opinion, this certification adds value to your purchase, as it’s an investment in sustainability.
