12’x8′ Shire Aster Combination Wooden Contemporary Summerhouse

In-Depth Review of the 12’x8′ Shire Aster Combination Wooden Contemporary Summerhouse

If you are searching for a versatile garden room that can serve multiple purposes, from a charming summerhouse to a practical garden office, the 12’x8′ Shire Aster Combination Wooden Contemporary Summerhouse deserves serious consideration. With a blend of contemporary design and practical functionality, Shire has crafted a product that caters to various hobbies and work-from-home needs. Let’s take a closer look at its features, performance, and overall market standing.

Design and Structure

The Aster Combination Summerhouse stands out with its pent roof style, which not only contributes to its contemporary aesthetic but also promotes effective water runoff, ensuring durability against the elements. The design features a spacious 12′ x 8′ layout, allowing ample room for various applications, whether you envision it as a garden office, gym, or just a relaxing retreat. We really appreciate how Shire has maximised this space while maintaining a stylish silhouette.

Materials and Build Quality

Constructed using shiplap tongue & groove cladding, the walls provide excellent insulation and resilience. This method is employed in 78% of top-rated garden rooms, instilling confidence in its quality. The walls have a thickness of 12mm, which is about average among similarly sized garden rooms. However, our experts rated the material quality at a 3 out of 5, suggesting there’s room for improvement.

The roof is also made of tongue & groove elements, complemented by a mineral felt covering, which is known for its reliability. This roofing choice is found in 48% of all garden rooms surveyed, and was noted on 89% of high-rated models. Despite this, the construction quality earned a commendable score of 4 out of 5, indicating solid workmanship.

Windows and Natural Light

The summerhouse features two styrene glazed windows, which allow natural light to flood the interior, creating an inviting atmosphere. However, we must mention that while styrene is lightweight and shatter-resistant, it is generally regarded as a lower-quality glazing material compared to glass. The availability of this glazing option in only 13% of garden rooms highlighted its relative scarcity in the top echelon of designs, which is something to consider if you prioritise insulation or aesthetic quality.

Doors and Accessibility

The summerhouse comes complete with lockable bi-fold doors, which add a modern touch. They utilise a secure lock and key system, ensuring safety and peace of mind. The door dimensions are standard, with a height of 1,810mm and a width of 1,900mm, providing easy access without compromising on style. Considering the expansive opening offered by bi-folding doors, this design is an attractive feature for anyone looking to immerse themselves in their garden space.

Assembly and Installation

When it comes to assembly, this summerhouse shines exceptionally with a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of construction. Many customers report that the instructions are clear, and the assembly process is not overwhelming, making it suitable even for those less experienced in DIY projects.

Value for Money and Market Position

The 12’x8′ Shire Aster Combination Wooden Contemporary Summerhouse is currently priced around £2,329, depending on the retailer. In comparison to its peers, it is £156 less expensive than the average for models with similar specifications. Given its overall expert score of 82, this product is positioned well in the market and provides decent value for money considering the quality of materials and features offered.

Expert Recommendations and Comparisons

While the Aster Combination Summerhouse stands firm as a reliable choice, there are a few alternatives if you’re particularly price-sensitive or seeking higher expert scores. For instance, if you’re looking for exceptional value, the Optional Extra – Add Top Coat Shire 10′ x 10′ Summerhouse is significantly more affordable (£239), boasting a higher expert score of 87. Alternatively, if you desire better performance metrics, the Redlands 16′ x 8′ Studio Summer House offers an impressive score of 92, albeit at £5,474—a substantial investment indeed.

Conclusion

The 12’x8′ Shire Aster Combination Wooden Contemporary Summerhouse presents a compelling argument for anyone in need of flexible garden space. Its combination of practical features, stylish design, and straightforward assembly make it a solid contender in the garden room market. While the material quality may not compete with the upper tier, it nonetheless provides a strong value proposition, especially for DIY enthusiasts and those looking to enhance their outdoor living experience. Ultimately, we believe this summerhouse is worth considering if you appreciate a blend of functionality and modern design.