Preparation, Foundation & Product Information
Access to your garden
Please bear in mind that not all building sections will fit through a standard doorway or go round sharp corners. Please check site access with your us if you are unsure. Larger sections may be manufactured in more than one piece for handling purposes.
Foundation and base info
See our dedicated page here.
Key Points to remember
- Make sure there is sufficient room around the building for assembly and maintenance
- You need to make sure you have suitable access for the panels to get to the base
- Consider rainwater run-off
There are alternative bases you can prepare independently such as a paving slab base with tanalised timber bearers (see further information below) that will help prolong the life span of your floor. The direction of floor joists will vary depending on model and size. Floor plans are available for all of our standard models, which can sometimes help in constructing the base. Please specify on order if your base requires the direction of the floor joists to adhere to the floor plan as this can be subject to change
Suitable bases
For larger buildings, we recommend paving slabs or concrete, especially. Some landscapers may recommend putting a slope on the base for drainage, but the base itself needs to be completely level – the base does not necessarily have to be any larger than the floor of the shed. Paving slabs must be laid properly and not just put straight onto soil or grass.
Decking is also usually suitable provided it is strong enough. On small to medium-sized buildings, bearers/sleepers on a level gravel/shingle area can be suitable – see information on bearers below.
A paving slab in each corner is not enough, even if they are level; the floor must be sufficiently supported throughout. Other examples of unsuitable bases include soil, grass, loose bricks, pallets, and any uneven surface.
Positioning of your building
Sizes listed are approximate and do not allow for the roof overhang. It is normally best to allow plenty of room around the building – the minimum space required is usually 300mm (1ft) all the way around although 500mm is preferable. This is important and can make assembly easier as well as future re-treating and maintenance.
Bear in mind the roofs do overhang the main body of the building so this must be taken into account, for example when a building is going into a more enclosed area.
We understand that not everyone is looking to locate their shed in a large open area. With advice from us, usually, a suitable solution can be found.
Bearers
We can supply bearers (timber posts) with your building if you wish to further raise the floor off the ground. If the floor of the shed is likely to come into contact with a lot of rainwater then bearers could significantly increase its life. The bearers would run in the opposite direction to the floor joists of the shed – if you are supplying your own bearers or sleepers then please check which way they will run and then specify on the order that they must adhere to the stated direction as it can be subject to change.
Normally bearers are not essential if you have a solid, flat, level base (other than for the reason previously mentioned), as the floor is on floor joists, which allow air underneath and keep the floorboards off the base. If your base is gravel/shingle then you should sit the shed on bearers/sleepers to give it a solid foundation and support the floor evenly. The gravel/shingle still needs to be level and shouldn’t be too loose.
Building Sizes
All sizes are approximate, based on external measurements (unless stated otherwise). Please allow for any overhangs when choosing the size of your building such as the roof overhang as this is not included in the measurements. Also, allow the space required for installation and maintenance. We strongly advise you check internal and external sizes if buying a building for a specific purpose and the sizing is crucial. Depending on the size and location for some buildings planning permission can be required. If you are unsure please check with your local council
L x W x H = Length x Width x Height.
FW x D x H = Front Width x Depth x Height.
Treatment
Buildings supplied factory-treated are stained with a base coat of the manufacturers light brown water-based treatment. The treatment process can result in some colour variation or drying marks, this will not affect the performance of the treatment or building.
Doors
Standard doors on apex sheds are hinged on the left-hand side. Right-hand hinge doors are available on request. Double doors on sheds are supplied with a galvanised pad-bolt or black japanned slide bolt instead of a lock and key. Double doors can only be fitted in sections at least 600mm larger than the doors. All summerhouses are supplied with hardwood doors, which are slightly darker than cladding in appearance. Summerhouse doors are 44mm thick
Windows
Quantity of windows refers to standard buildings only. The number of windows on pent roof sheds depends on the door position. All windows are fixed unless otherwise stated. Glass supplied is 3 mm horticultural (except children’s playhouses) fixed with beading. Safety glass or perspex can be ordered at extra cost on most buildings. Buildings can be supplied without windows at no extra cost. All summerhouses except for Devon and Rosedale are supplied with hardwood windows- which will be slightly darker than cladding in appearance- and toughened glass as standard.
Maintenance
Buildings supplied untreated should be treated as soon as possible after delivery using a good quality timber preservative. Buildings supplied with a factory base coat of treatment should be re-treated within the first six to twelve months and from then on annually. It is advisable to fit guttering to larger buildings – If you are having a side door fitted in a Warwick Plus, Major or some pent roof buildings you will need to specify extra height if you plan to fit guttering above the door.
Specification
All buildings are supplied complete with the floor (unless otherwise stated), polyester-based green mineral felt, glass, trims and fixings. Roof purlins and trusses are supplied where necessary. Timber sizes stated are finished size after machining.
Our supplier is continually looking for ways to improve our products, we therefore reserve the right to alter specification at our discretion. All timber used is from well managed sustainable sources.
Delivery Time
Many of our products are made to order so please allow sufficient time when ordering if you require your building for a certain date. Our busiest time is spring and summer so please allow extra time if ordering during this period, we will advise delivery date on receipt of a 50% deposit.
Guarantee
Buildings are supplied with a standard 12 months guarantee against faulty parts and labour. We recommend you check if your building is covered by your household insurance in case of storm damage etc.
Removal of old sheds
See our dedicated page here.
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