Apex Overlap Garden Shed > Reviews (2)

When myself, my husband and our two children moved into our last house, our second home together, ( in 1986) the place needed extensive modernisation. It was quite a jump up from our previous small two bedroomed terrace, and we only managed to purchase this house due to it needing so much work done to it. We obtained permission for rewiring, and central heating to be installed before moving in on the completion date, as it really wasn't in a liveable state When we did move in there was still much to be done ut at least it had heating and safe electrical wiring,but it still needed much work.

Gradually, we managed to repair, modernise and decorate the interior but the garden was another matter.

As soon as we had the house hospitable, and spring had sprung, we turned our attention to the garden, or jungle would be a better word. Only the first few feet of garden could be accessed before the bushes became too dense for entry.

It wasn't a huge garden, although we had to take the estate agents measurements as being correct. One couldn't see to the end of it. There was a massive rose bush smack bang in the middle. It wasn't in great condition and was in a terrible spot. A very large hydrangea bush competed with it for space, alongside nettles and brambles.

My parents came around with a scythe and so, armed with this and shears, trimmers and secateurs, the battle commenced. Quite soon, and after much hard labour, a garden of sorts began to appear. It was interesting really, with crazy paving trailing haphazardly around the garden and plants growing through the earth in unusual places. It certainly couldn't be called a uniform garden.

What did emerge through the undergrowth, was very interesting, but immediately showed up as being dangerous. What we had previously only been able to spy the rooftop of, and believed to be a concrete and wooden shed, was indeed, part of a barge, but a very old one. The glass was smashed from the windows and the walls seemed to be hanging perilously. A real hazard to children. So, although of interest it was pulled down with much haste.

So we needed a shed. At that time we didn't need a large shed just somewhere to keep the gardening tools, a couple of garden chairs and a a few bicycles and outdoor toys belonging to a three and five year old. We thought a shed of about six by four would be adequate.

We chose to buy an overlap wooden shed with a window. While we waited for delivery hubby laid a concrete base for the shed.

The shed came and the children wanted it for a playhouse. Hubby opened up the pack and built the shed. It looked good. We were proud of our garden shed. The rest of the garden wasn't exactly beautiful, but a start had been made.

The shed was basic but served our needs for a few years. Then we realised it was just too small. Of course, the amount of outdoor toys had increased, especially as we had two more added to our brood. We had also added more tools to our supply. And, I've got to admit it, we do tend to be hoarders.

Then mum and dad had a clear out of their wooden garden shed and realised that they didn't need a ten foot shed and would rather have more garden space. Did we want to swap? Yes, we said, seems a good idea if the sheds will transport without falling apart. Luckily my dad and hubby are both good at these sort of jobs and the transplanting of sheds went ahead successfully. Hubby had to extend the concrete platform base though for this larger shed. The panels and door all came apart easily enough and were fitted back together securely and with very little fuss.

The reason I thought of reviewing this shed is because,when visiting my dad recently (I visit most weeks) he asked me to have a look at his garden she had been trying to cut down some vine from his neighbour's garden which had been covering much of his land. He had cleared the area around his shed, formerly mine. Now my dad's quite good at remembering to do jobs that maintain things so often creosotes his fences and this shed. I remarked that the shed was old now and hadn't it lasted well? Dad agreed, saying it was in good shape.

We left the shed that was swapped with my parents on moving to our current home, but the overlap wooden shed has lasted around eighteen years, and still looks to be going strong.

This type of shed is available from many places, but please note that many do not have the window, which I believe is nice touch and useful for plants and just to let some air and light into this shed which can be used as a small working space or storage area.

Argos currently sell this shed for, £159.95. I cannot remember how much I paid.

Here is some further information concerning this garden shed as taken from the Argos website. www.argos.co.uk: FCS certified timber.

Mixed softwoods.

Tongue and Groove depth 7mm.

Dip treated.

Solid sheet roof and floor.

1 styrene window (61.4 x 61.4cm).

Door (single) frame size (H)163, (W)66.5cm / (H)5ft 4in, (W)2ft 2in.

Height/pitch (H)167, (W)66.5cm / (H)5ft 5in, (W)2ft 2in.

External size (H)198.1, (W)133.4, (D)183.6cm / (H)6ft 6in, (W)4ft 4in, (D)6ft 0in (including roof overhang).

Internal size (H)186.4, (W)113.4, (D)174.8cm / (H)6ft 1in, (W)3ft 8in, (D)5ft 8in.
Overhang size (W)1.12, (D)0cm.

Hasp and staple lock.

Kerbside delivery only.

Packed and strapped flat for home assembly.

Manufacturer's 10 year anti-rot guarantee.

Summary: This is a good shed for a small garden/family or as a second storage/work area