Mercia 10 x 8ft Large Garden Office including Side Shed & Bi-Fold Doors with Assembly

Expert Review of the Mercia 10 x 8ft Large Garden Office with Side Shed and Bi-Fold Doors

The Mercia 10 x 8ft Large Garden Office is a versatile addition to any garden, perfectly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. This summer house not only serves as a tranquil workspace but can also double as a hobby retreat or even a cozy garden living space. In this review, we’ll explore its features, construction quality, value for money, and how it stands in comparison to other summer houses.

Key Features

This summer house falls under the category of Summer Houses, specifically within several subcategories like Small Summer Houses and Wooden Summer Houses. Below are some standout features of the Mercia 10 x 8ft Large Garden Office:

• Pent Roof Style: The pent style roofing not only provides a sleek modern look but also ensures better water drainage, reducing maintenance requirements.
• Bi-Fold Doors: These spacious doors allow for easy access and promote natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere.
• Quality Cladding: Made from high-quality shiplap tongue & groove timber, which is among the best for summer houses, it offers durability and insulation.
• Window Glazing: The single styrene window, although not the highest-rated glazing type, contributes to overall design while balancing functionality.

Material Quality

When looking at the material quality, the Mercia model scores a 3 out of 5 for materials and 3.5 for construction quality. The walls are constructed with 12mm thick shiplap tongue & groove cladding, a standard prevalent in 92% of the top summer houses, indicating reliability. Additionally, it features dip treated timber to improve longevity, which is used in about 70% of high-tier summer houses, ensuring that your investment is protected against the elements.

Roofing Performance

The summer house is topped with a mineral felt roof, ranked one of the best roofing materials for similar structures. It has a proven track record, as 43% of top-performing models in this category utilise this type of roofing. The effectiveness is corroborated by the 26% of 10′ x 8′ models that use mineral felt, providing a solid defence against adverse weather.

Windows and Natural Light

The inclusion of a styrene window is a typical feature in this price range, offering some level of safety, albeit at a lower rating compared to glass options. This window type, while not fitting for all, can help in circumstances where safety is paramount.

Dimensions and Usability

At 10′ x 8′, this summer house provides ample space for a small office setup or leisure area. However, it’s worth noting that its height at 2162mm (7′) is 3% lower than the average, potentially impacting headroom for taller individuals. Still, the internal layout is thoughtfully designed, accommodating essential office furniture or garden supplies without feeling cramped.

Ease of Assembly

Scoring an impressive 5 out of 5 for ease of construction, this product comes with comprehensive assembly instructions. Many buyers appreciate how straightforward the setup process is, making it a great choice for DIY enthusiasts who want to achieve professional-looking installations at home.

Value for Money

At a market price of £2,500, available through retailers like Wickes, it presents a decent value for what it offers—a score of 4 out of 5 in terms of cost versus quality. However, it does sit £53 above the category average, so it’s essential to weigh these factors against your specific requirements. For example, if you are seeking higher-performing alternatives, you might consider models like the Redlands 10′ x 10′ Contemporary Summer House, which boasts a higher Expert Score of 87 and is £381 less than this model but may not provide the same size or features.

Market Positioning

Within the larger pool of 1,188 products in the summer house category, the Mercia model currently ranks at a position of 519. This places it in the top 44% of comparable products but does suggest that, while a solid option, it’s not the leader in terms of market reputation.

Conclusion

In summary, the Mercia 10 x 8ft Large Garden Office with Side Shed is a commendable choice for those wanting a functional yet stylish summer house. While its materials and construction quality primarily meet average expectations, its ease of assembly, coupled with the reasonable price, provides a trustworthy option for garden enthusiasts. You will appreciate its feature set, particularly the bi-fold doors, which enhance usability and natural light—a vital element for any ‘office’ environment. Overall, it caters well to users looking for a multi-faceted garden building that does not compromise on style or function.