6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House
First Added - February 27 2022
Last Updated - August 29 2024 - 27 Data Points Updated - 2 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1
Product ID: SKU: OPASUM66DDMHDBUN
Size: 6' x 6'
Merchants Checked: 12
In-Depth Review of the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House. As we step into the world of garden buildings, it’s critical to find a balance between durability, aesthetic appeal, and whether the product truly offers value for money. This summer house, categorically under Summer Houses, has generated considerable interest among potential buyers, and we’ll explore its features, quality, construction, and market position to inform your purchasing decision.
Key Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 6′ x 6′
- Roof Type: Apex
- Cladding: Overlap Board
- Treatment: Pressure Treated
- Door Type: Double Door with Lockable Pad Bolt
- Windows: 4 Shatter-Resistant Acrylic Windows
- Manufacturer: Forest Garden
- Manufacturing Guarantee: 15 Years
- Expert Scores:
- Materials Quality: 3/5
- Construction Quality: 3.5/5
- Ease of Construction: 5/5
- Value for Money: 5/5
According to the manufacturer’s description, this summer house is constructed using high-quality materials sourced sustainably in the UK, giving it an environmentally friendly edge. The pressure treatment method applied helps resist decay, enhancing the longevity of the structure.
Analyzing the Construction Quality
At first glance, the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley summer house presents an attractive offering. The double door is one of its noteworthy features, allowing for easy access and lending a spacious feel to what’s often a compact garden space. It’s lockable, providing a degree of safety for your stored items.
However, when diving deeper into the construction elements, particularly the cladding, you’ll find that overlap board cladding scores low on the quality scale. Registered as the least favourable type in our analysis, overlap boards are known for their limited durability compared to alternatives like shiplap. Consequently, this summer house may not be the ideal selection if you reside in an area that experiences particularly harsh weather.
Roofing and Other Structural Components
The apex roof adds aesthetic appeal as well as functional benefits, promoting efficient water runoff. This model employs OSB for roofing, which is regarded as a reasonable choice but not the best available. Our analysis found that while the 8.0mm roof boarding thickness used here does not stand as the strongest option, it meets average standards in the market. Coupled with a high-quality mineral felt covering, this aspect of the summer house does grant it some resiliency against the elements.
Market Position and Value for Money
As of our current data, the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House is priced around £679.99, competing against 58 others with similar specifications. Impressively, it holds a score that is 3% above the average of this specific size category, placing it in a fairly robust market position. We found the average expert score for this structure to be 82, making it a solid choice for those primarily driven by value.
What really pushes this summer house into the spotlight, though, is its ease of construction, scoring a stunning 5/5. For DIY enthusiasts or first-time builders, this is a crucial factor, indicating that you’ll have a streamlined assembly process with hopefully few hiccups along the way.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While the product does boast commendable scores for ease of construction and value for money, it’s essential to highlight the limitations associated with overlap board walls and the thickness of the roofing material. If you’re someone who anticipates frequent usage or resides in a storm-prone region, seeking alternatives with shiplap or thicker walls could be a prudent choice.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House has its strengths, particularly its ease of use and competitive pricing. At a compromise, it will serve well as a garden retreat or a light storage option. However, we recommend carefully weighing the potential drawbacks regarding its construction materials before making your decision.
If durability and thickness are your primary concerns, explore options like the Shire Haddon Summer House or Oren Binton Summer House, both of which may offer enhancements in these categories.
Where to Buy
You can find the 6′ x 6′ Forest Oakley at the following retailers:
In essence, this summer house could be the perfect addition to your garden if you’re looking for convenience and affordability, balanced against its material limitations. Remember to weigh your unique needs and local environment when considering this purchase.