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INSTALATION AVAILABLE Shire Kensington 7 x 7ft Double Door Summer House including Opening Side Windows
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 Review: Shire Kensington 7 x 7ft Double Door Summer House with Opening Side Windows
When searching for a summer house, several essential features can significantly impact your decision-making. I’ve taken a close look at the Shire Kensington 7 x 7ft Double Door Summer House, which impresses with its blend of design, materials, and functionality. As summer houses go, this one stands out and offers a combination of aesthetic appeal and durability. Let’s delve into its features, construction, and market position.
Design and Aesthetics
The Shire Kensington maintains a classic summer house aesthetic, characterised by its apex roof design and two double doors that welcome both light and accessibility. Measuring 7′ x 7′, it offers an inviting space for relaxation or leisure activities. With two opening side windows, you’ll appreciate the enhanced ventilation and natural light. The overall look is both traditional and stylish, making it a fantastic addition to any garden.
Quality of Materials
One of the product’s standout qualities is its construction using tongue and groove cladding made from European softwood. Rated highly by our experts, this construction technique not only enhances durability but also aesthetic appeal. The walls are 12mm thick, which is about average for summer houses of this size, ensuring solid structural integrity.
Additionally, the summer house features high-quality toughened glass glazing for its windows, which provides superior protection against breakage. This type of glazing is noted for its safety and durability, being used in 93% of the top echelons of summer houses, according to our data. You’ll feel reassured knowing that your investment is protected with this robust choice.
Protective Treatments
The summer house is dip treated to protect the wood from moisture and pests, contributing to an expected longevity of several years. This treatment is applied to 70% of the leading summer houses in the market, giving you confidence in its resilience against the elements.
Roofing
It’s worth noting the roofing material – a mineral felt roof covering. This is one of the best materials identified for summer house roofing, offering effective waterproofing and is found on 43% of the top 7′ x 7′ summer houses we analysed. With an Expert Score higher than the average in this category, the roof should stand up well to the British weather.
Ease of Construction
If you’re concerned about the installation process, you’ll find the Shire Kensington incredibly approachable. The assembly process received a perfect score of 5 in terms of ease of construction from our panel of experts. We believe you’ll appreciate the straightforward nature of putting this stylish summer house together, regardless of your DIY experience.
Value for Money
At a price point of approximately £1,110, the Shire Kensington offers impressive value considering its quality. It scores a notable 4.5 out of 5 in terms of cost versus quality. We’ve analysed 11 similar sized summer houses, and this one sits proudly with an expert score that is 2% above the average, indicating a strong offering in the market.
Market Positioning
The Shire Kensington proudly occupies the 135th position out of a large selection of 1,188 summer houses within the market. This doesn’t just reflect quality; it also indicates that it’s a well-rated choice among customers. Whether you’re considering a summer house for leisure or as an extension of your living area, you can trust that the Kensington model has noteworthy commendations and accolades.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Shire Kensington 7 x 7ft Double Door Summer House encompasses everything one could desire in a summer house: solid construction, ease of assembly, and design appeal. This product’s specifications not only meet but exceed many of its competitors. You’re investing in quality and style, making it a wise choice to enhance your garden space.
For those looking for a durable and beautiful summer house, the Shire Kensington should be near the top of your list. You’ll likely find yourself spending many enjoyable days in this charming garden retreat.
Product Details
Q: What advantages do the additional doors provide for this summerhouse?
A: The inclusion of two additional doors significantly enhances accessibility and ventilation in the summerhouse. This feature allows for easy movement in and out of the space, making it ideal for hosting gatherings or simply enjoying a fresh breeze on warmer days. From my experience, having multiple entry points can also facilitate better airflow, reducing the stuffiness that sometimes occurs in enclosed garden buildings. Overall, it adds a layer of convenience that many homeowners appreciate.
Q: How does the use of toughened glass impact the overall durability and safety of the structure?
A: Toughened glass is known for its high strength and resistance to impact, making it an excellent choice for a summerhouse. I personally value this feature because it not only keeps the space secure from potential breakage but also enhances insulation and keeps the interior comfortable throughout the seasons. In my opinion, the added safety of toughened glass is a substantial benefit, especially if children or pets are present.
Q: Is the mineral felt roofing a durable option for this summerhouse?
A: Yes, mineral felt is a commonly used roofing material that offers great water resistance and durability. In my professional opinion, it does an excellent job of protecting the structure from the elements while being relatively easy to install. However, it’s worth noting that although mineral felt is sturdy, it may require periodic maintenance over time to ensure longevity. Overall, it's a good balance of affordability and performance for a garden building.
Q: What are the dimensions of the summerhouse, and how do they affect its usability?
A: The summerhouse boasts dimensions of 2100 mm in height, 2048 mm in width, and 1980 mm in depth. These dimensions provide a comfortable amount of space for various activities, whether you're using it as a relaxation spot, home office, or playroom. Personally, I find the height particularly appealing, as it prevents the space from feeling cramped, which can be a concern in smaller buildings. The width and depth also allow for furniture placement without significant obstruction, making it a practical choice for a variety of uses.
Q: What does the FSC® Certification mean in relation to this summerhouse?
A: The FSC® Certification indicates that the wood used in constructing this summerhouse comes from sustainably managed forests. This is an important aspect for those of us who are environmentally conscious. The certification reassures me that my purchase supports responsible forestry practices, contributing positively to the planet. This not only benefits the environment but can also add value to your property as eco-friendly features are increasingly sought after.
Q: Do I need professional help to assemble the summerhouse?
A: Fortunately, this summerhouse does not require any assembly service, which is a huge plus if you’re looking to set it up yourself. Many garden buildings can be daunting to assemble, but I believe that the straightforward design of this model offers a sense of ease. If you're handy with tools, you should manage just fine, but do ensure you have a friend to help—two sets of hands often make the job easier!
Q: Is there any information available regarding the window sizes in this summerhouse?
A: Unfortunately, the specifications provided do not detail the sizes of the windows. This lack of information can be a drawback if you are considering specific functionality or design aesthetics in relation to natural light and airflow. I recommend contacting the manufacturer or retailer directly for further clarification. Having the right window dimensions can be critical in setting the right mood and environmental conditions inside your summerhouse.
