Garden Sheds

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has recently bought, or is thinking of buying, a garden shed via the internet. I am interested to know how the experience went for those who did take the plunge, and if the product came up to expectations. Eight months ago I ordered, and took delivery of a 10'x12' Wooden Groundsman Workshop manufactured by 'Walton' and sold through 'gardenbuildingsdirect.co.uk'. Not very impressed by the whole experience.

 

In what way were you not impressed?

A couple of years ago I bought a Conniston summerhouse from Waltons via the internet, and I was generally happy about the process, though it was not perfect. As the cost was over �£1000 I visited Waltons ( 2 hour drive) where they have a display of virtually all their products. So I saw the shed before I bought it, and whilst it was not as solidly built as the old shed that it replaced, I assumed that that was the modern trend with all manufacturers.

There were at least two internet sites that offered a sizeable discount on the Walton factory price. And one of these (I forget the name now) was in fact Waltons own site, thought it did not say so on the site itself. I tried to order from the factory at the discounted price, as I was already there, but they would only accept the list price. So I ordered from their internet site. The factory explained that there would be a delay of 6 to 8 weeks at the factory, as they were made in batches, and that this would apply irrespective of where I bought it from.

The shed was duly delivered but some panels were the wrong size. This was corrected reasonably quickly. I took this as par for the course. One small pane of glass was cracked and a couple of glazing bars were not properly secured, but nothing serious. The delivery bloke said that the factory would send any replacements that were needed free of charge. But I did not bother.

I was very happy that eventually I got the model that I wanted, which I could not have got from anywhere else.

I erected it myself, with a friend, which was not too difficult. Overall I was quite satisfied with the process, though it was not absolutely perfect. As far as the product is concerned I am absolutely delighted. The Conniston is an unusual design, with a front which is all glass. I think it looks good and it certainly makes a good summer house.