Forest Garden 8x6 Shed Review
Well, hello there! Today, I’ll give you my review of my third shed (yes, you heard me right) – Forest Garden 8×6 shed.
If you read any of my posts, you’d know that I live in Scotland, where having a decent shed is a must (hence getting the 3rd one).
Let me give you my opinion on the forest garden 8×6 and what this shed is all about.
I’ll go through storage, durability, security, assembly, plus pros and cons.
Let’s start with the storage.
QUICK VERDICT: Amazing for the price. Get ready to spend some time assembling.
Forest Garden shed Pros
As with everything, there are pros and cons. Let’s focus on a good aspects of this Forest Garden shed.
Storage
Storage – the bane of every homeowner’s existence. But fear not, my fellow clutter-phobes, for the Forest Garden 8×6 shed has got you covered (literally).
With its spacious interior and big headroom, this shed can store all your gardening tools, equipment, and even a few bicycles if you’re feeling adventurous.
And if you’re like me and tend to hoard more than you need, the Forest Garden 8×6 shed will be your saving grace.
The walls are high enough to stack shelves and hooks for storing items, and the double doors allow easy access. You could even turn it into a man (or woman) cave if you fancy – just make sure to bring a heater for those chilly winter days.
Now, I must admit, the shed is not without its limitations. If you’re planning to store larger items like lawnmowers or wheelbarrows, you may want to opt for a larger shed. And while the 8×6 size is perfect for most gardens, it may be too small for those with bigger visions.
Overall, the storage capacity of the Forest Garden 8×6 shed is a winner in my book. I can finally reclaim my garage and make space for the car, and my partner will no longer threaten to throw out my ‘unnecessary stuff’.
Durability
Ah, durability – the unsung hero of any good shed. And let me tell you, the Forest Garden 8×6 shed does not disappoint in this department either.
First of all, let’s talk about the materials. The shed is made from high-quality timber that is pressure-treated to withstand winter days. This means it can handle the harsh Scottish weather (trust me, I know) and won’t rot or decay anytime soon.
The felt that comes with the shed isn’t super top quality, and it could be better but that’s fine. Not a biggie.
Now, I must confess, being the sceptic that I am, I was a bit worried about how the shed would hold up over time. But after a few months of use (and a few accidental bumps with the lawnmower), I’m happy to report that it’s still standing strong.
The walls are sturdy enough to hang shelves and hooks without fear of collapse, and the doors close securely to keep out unwanted visitors (I’m looking at you, pesky squirrels).
Of course, as with any product, there are a few downsides to the Forest Garden 8×6 shed’s durability. The walls are a bit thin, which may be a concern for those in areas with strong winds. And if you’re particularly rough with your tools (guilty as charged), you may need to reinforce the shelves to prevent sagging.
Overall, I’m impressed with the Forest Garden 8×6 shed’s durability. It’s held up against the Scottish elements and my clumsy tendencies, and I’m confident it’ll be a long-lasting addition to my garden
Security
Security isn’t a big issue here in my village, so I wasn’t that bother about it, but I know for some people, security is a top concern so I’ll cover that too. I mean, who wants to wake up to find their beloved gardening tools stolen? Not me, that’s for sure.
Luckily, the Forest Garden 8×6 shed comes with some pretty nifty security features.
The doors are lockable, so you can keep out any curious creatures (or nosy neighbours).
And the windows are made from tough, shatterproof plastic that won’t give in to any potential intruders.
Of course, you can always add some extra security measures like a motion sensor light outside the shed or install a CCTV camera.
Now, I must admit, the shed isn’t completely foolproof. If someone really wants to break in, they probably could. But take some basic security measures and you’ll be fine. And let’s be real, if someone is desperate enough to break into a shed, they probably have bigger problems to worry about than my trusty old trowel.
Overall, I’m happy with the Forest Garden shed’s security features. It should give you peace of mind knowing your gardening tools are safe and sound (for the most part, anyway).
Forest Garden 8x6 shed Cons
With this particular shed, the cons are minor but its worth mentioning them.
Assemble
Assembly – usually the weakest point of any shed project. As someone who’s had my fair share of frustrating shed experiences, I was definitely nervous about putting together the Forest Garden 8×6 shed. But surprisingly enough, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
The instructions were pretty clear (as far as DIY instructions go), and I was able to put the shed together over a weekend with the help of a mate. Of course, there were a few hiccups along the way – like the time we accidentally put a roof board on upside down (whoops). But overall, it wasn’t too difficult.
That being said, I wouldn’t recommend attempting to put the shed together alone. You’ll definitely need an extra pair of hands, and maybe even a few extra beers to get you through the process. And make sure to set aside plenty of time – this isn’t a project you want to rush.
One thing I will say is that the shed does come in a lot of pieces. Like, a LOT. So if you get overwhelmed easily, you may want to get the help of a more experienced DIYer.
Overall, I’m happy with how the assembly of the Forest Garden 8×6 shed went. It wasn’t a walk in the park, but it wasn’t a complete disaster either.
Pros
- Durable construction with pressure-treated timber and tough mineral felt roof
- Secure lockable doors and shatterproof windows
- Provides ample storage space for gardening tools and equipment
- Reasonably priced for the size and quality of the shed
- Double doors make it easy to access items inside
Cons
- Assembly can be challenging, especially for those without DIY experience
- Walls may be a bit thin for areas with strong winds
- Roof truss may require reinforcement for added safety
- Doors are a bit low and may require ducking to enter or exit
- Roofing felt included in the kit is not of the highest quality and may need to be replaced for longer-lasting protection
My own experience with Forest Garden 8x6 shed
Well, I must say, I’m pretty chuffed with my purchase of the Forest Garden 8×6 shed. It’s been a great addition to my garden and has solved all my storage woes (at least for now).
As I mentioned before, assembly was a bit of a challenge, but I’m proud to say I managed to put it together (with the help of my friend) over the weekend. And once it was up, it looked pretty darn good. The wood is a nice natural colour that blends in well with the garden, and the double doors make it easy to access everything inside.
The shed has held up pretty well against the Scottish weather so far (and let’s be honest, that’s saying something). It’s stayed nice and dry inside, and the roof hasn’t leaked at all. And while the walls may be a bit thin, they’ve held up against the winds and haven’t shown any signs of damage.
The only minor gripe I have is that the doors are a bit low. I’ve definitely hit my head a few times going in and out, which is less than ideal (I’m 6’1 so that’s not a new thing for me).
But hey, I guess that’s the price you pay for a compact shed.
Overall, I’m happy with my purchase of the Forest Garden 8×6 shed. It’s solved my storage issues and looks pretty darn good to boot. And who knows, maybe I’ll even turn it into a man cave one day (if my partner lets me).
Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 241.6 x 198.7 x 213.3 cm; 217.1 Kilograms |
|---|---|
| Part number | OPA68DDMHD |
| Material type | Wood |
| Power source type | Hand Powered |
| Manufacturer | Forest |
| Item model number | OPA68DDMHD |
| ASIN | B085521ZT5 |
Alternatives
The shed features a galvanized steel frame and subframe, with wall panels made of twice baked enamel steel sheets. It has 2 hinged doors with a sliding latch and holes for a padlock (not supplied), along with an entry ramp across the bottom of the door.
The UK's most adaptable shed, the Power Pent, can be configured how you want by allowing you to place the doors and windows in any position on any side, which you can do as you assemble it. We have redefined the garden shed.
If you’re looking for alternatives, I’ve listed a couple above. Those sheds are similar in size, a bit different in look but also really good (tested both, you can read my reviews here).
Should You Get Forest 10x8
All in all, the Forest shed is a solid choice for anyone needing extra storage space. It’s durable, relatively secure, and looks very decent. It’s also very cheap for what you get. Just be prepared to get the help of a friend (and maybe crack open a beer or two) when it comes time to assemble it.
Does it come with the plastic shed base?
How high and wide is the door please
Could the window be on the opposite side of the shed
Does it come with the plastic shed base?
No, it has a 2 part wooden base.
How high and wide is the door please
The door opening is (HxW)164cm x 118cm
Could the window be on the opposite side of the shed
Yup, that’s not a problem.
Hey, I’m Dale, I live in Scottish Highlands with my family where we looks after our farm and do some DIY projects together with my two sons.
I love to share my knowledge about putting up sheds (I owned 3 already and helped all my pals with theirs). Hope you find my writing helpful.