Mercia 12 x 8ft Large Garden Room including Side Shed & Bi-Fold Doors with Assembly

In-Depth Review of the Mercia 12 x 8ft Large Garden Room with Side Shed & Bi-Fold Doors

The Mercia 12 x 8ft Large Garden Room is a versatile addition to any garden, designed to provide not just extra storage, but a welcoming space for relaxation or face-to-face meetings. With its unique combination of a side shed and stunning bi-fold doors, this summer house encapsulates modern garden living. Let’s dive into its features, quality, and how it stands against competitor offerings.

Product Overview

• Category: Summer Houses
• Subcategories:
  • Wooden Summer Houses
  • 12×8 Summer Houses
  • Summer Houses With Veranda
  • Pent Summer Houses
• Roof Style: Pent
• Cladding: Shiplap Tongue & Groove
• Treatment: Dip Treated
• Door Type: Bi-Fold Door
• Brand: Mercia
• Dimensions: 12′ x 8′
• Windows: 2

Construction Quality

Upon assessing the materials and build of this summer house, our expert panel scored it as follows:

• Quality of Materials: 3/5
• Quality of Construction: 3.5/5
• Ease of Construction: 5/5
• Value for Money: 4/5

The Mercia 12 x 8ft Large Garden Room is constructed using FSC certified European softwood, offering a sustainable option for eco-conscious buyers. The shiplap tongue and groove cladding is a standout feature, known for its effective interlocking design that helps in maintaining warmth and longevity. Measuring at 12mm thick, it is comparable to around 92% of top performers in this category, providing a solid feel and robustness against the elements.

Roofing and Durability

This garden room is equipped with a mineral felt roof covering, which ranks amongst the top choices for summer houses according to our experts. It provides good weather resistance and contributes to the overall durability. The dip treatment offers some protection against rot, ensuring that your investment can withstand the test of time, especially with 70% of similar models opting for this protective treatment.

Windows and Light

Two styrene-glazed windows are integrated into the design, allowing ample light while maintaining a reasonable level of safety. However, while styrene is affordable and lightweight, it does score lower compared to alternative glazing options available in the market. In fact, our analysis shows that only 1% of top-rated summer houses use styrene, making it a point of consideration for potential buyers who may prioritize security and insulation.

Market Positioning

An interesting aspect to note is its position within the wider market of summer houses. This product currently holds the 518th rank out of 1188 similar products, indicating it operates within a competitive sphere but has potential for improvement. The lower-than-average Expert Score of 77, with pricing set at £2,800 from Wickes, places it as a budget-friendly option compared to other summer houses that might offer higher expert scores.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Mercia 12 x 8ft Large Garden Room has many redeeming features, it’s essential to address areas that could be seen as drawbacks. The usage of styrene windows might not satisfy those looking for the highest security. Moreover, the overall quality of materials scored moderately, which might not appeal to buyers seeking luxurious finishes and exceptional longevity.

Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?

In summary, the Mercia 12 x 8ft Large Garden Room including Side Shed & Bi-Fold Doors hits the mark for those looking for a functional, budget-friendly solution in garden architecture. Its combination of a modern aesthetic, practicality, and decent durability places it as a strong contender within its category. With an excellent ease of construction score, it’s also a great option for DIY enthusiasts or those seeking minimal hassle upon setup. However, if you prioritize high security or top-tier materials, you may want to explore other options available.

Ultimately, whether you’re looking for a serene spot to unwind or a versatile workspace, this garden room could be just the solution to enrich your outdoor experience.