7′ x 7′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House

In-Depth Review of the 7′ x 7′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House

When considering adding a summer house to your garden, it’s essential to assess the various options available in terms of design, durability, and overall value. The 7′ x 7′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House stands out as an attractive choice for those looking to enhance their outdoor living space. With a combination of functional design and decent construction quality, let’s dive deeper into what this summer house offers.

Key Features

This summer house, featuring an apex style roof, provides a classic aesthetic that complements various garden styles. The dimensions also make it versatile enough for small backyards or larger gardens without overwhelming the space. Below are some standout features that we were particularly impressed with:

• Doubly Secure Entrance: The lockable double doors employ a pad bolt locking mechanism for extra security, allowing you to store your belongings with peace of mind.
• Natural Light: With four shatter-resistant acrylic windows, the design ensures ample light while keeping the interior bright and inviting.
• Pressure-Treated Durability: The summer house has received pressure treatment – one of the best processes to combat rot and enhance longevity.

Materials and Construction

The Forest Oakley Summer House is constructed with overlap board cladding, which, according to our analysis, is considered below average in strength among summer house materials. In fact, it ranks as the least sturdy of three identified cladding types for similar-sized summer houses, appearing on only 4% of all models analysed. Its walls also measure just 7mm thick, which is again on the lower end of acceptable standards.

Meanwhile, the roofing employs an OSB (oriented strand board) construction, rated more favourably than the walls. The apex roof style is complemented by quality mineral felt, a top-tier choice noted for its effectiveness in weatherproofing. We appreciate the fact that this roofing style is well-represented among the top 10% of products in this category.

Pricing and Value for Money

Priced between £839 and £844.99 at various retailers, the 7′ x 7′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House offers a relatively competitive entry point into the summer house market. Given its lower Expert Score of 77 out of 100, which is about 6% below the average for similar models, some may wonder about the value versus quality.

However, it’s important to note the cost savings you could enjoy relative to other options. For those looking for more value, the Shire Houghton 7 x 7ft Double Door Apex Dip Treated Summer House with Veranda is available for £840 and garners a superior Expert Score of 95.

Construction Ease

One positive characteristic of the Forest Oakley Summer House is how easy it is to construct; our experts rated it at 4.5 out of 5 for ease of assembly. This feature is ideal for novice builders and those seeking a quick setup enjoy the benefits of this charming garden addition without the stress often associated with assembly.

Window and Door Considerations

This summer house provides a door height of 1,652mm and width of 1,156mm. While the heights exceed the average in its category, the door width is a touch narrower. The installation of shatter-resistant acrylic windows, although common, does provide a sufficient barrier to weather while allowing for natural illumination.

Conclusion

Overall, the 7′ x 7′ Forest Oakley Double Door Apex Summer House delivers a good aesthetic and features that are appropriate for casual use as a garden retreat. While there are some shortcomings in terms of material durability, the investment still results in a charming feature for your garden. We recommend it for individuals looking for a straightforward summer house solution, especially those who prioritize ease of setup over robust construction materials.

If you’re considering this model, it’s advisable to explore your options further and maybe weigh it against some higher-scoring alternatives. You will appreciate the balance of value and design that comes with the Forest Oakley—and if you’re cautious about budget, it still holds merit in the market for summer houses.