12x7: The Singles

Product Information

In March 2014, we showed the world what we had been working on: an improved edition of our industry-leading CorelDRAW, this time CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7. With RAW file support for over 300 types of cameras, PHOTO-PAINT was striving to become the go-to photo editing software for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Slide aboard an X7 and you will find it feels much more the super-sized, lifted-up BMW 5 Series than an out-and-out, stand-alone luxury SUV. This comes with the territory because, unlike any Range Rover or Bentley Bentayga, the X7 derives from an established family of executive cars, so an element of homogeneity should be expected.

Our experts say this has 5 stand out features. A stand out feature is something found on over 70% of the top 10% of products in a particular category or is an exceptionally good feature as rated by our panel of experts. The broad, curved display is, however, superbly sharp and versatile, accommodating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as though the software was native. The 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround audio system fitted as standard to the M60i also stands out for its clarity and depth.

The tongue & groove cladding used on this shed is one the best available for sheds rated by our experts. There is normally a choice of summerhouse doors which will reflect the usage of the building. As standard there would be a single hinged door but maybe double doors on the larger buildings. Stable doors will allow the door to be open but allow air in the top half. These doors would also allow the building to be used for your animals. Doors with glass in is another variation, and is normal on 12×7 summer buildings, and also allows light into the building and for you to see out whilst keeping you warm and dry from the weather. Garden buildings and timber summerhouse are reasonably straightforward buildings consisting of four walls, a roof and, usually from the better manufacturers, a solid substantial floor. The height will vary – maybe just enough room to walk in on the sheds but definitely good head clearance on the summer buildings as this will make it more comfortable to work in. Size again varies greatly from maybe as small as 4 ft x 3 ft for a little storage unit and up to 20 ft x 12 ft for a fully functioning, all singing summerhouse. A summer building 12×7 is a good choice as far as size is concerned. Add in the different styles of roof and you can see there is a building to suit everyone including you. The door height is 1,433.00mm (5′) tall which is 12% or 174.22mm (0.6′) shorter than the average 12′ x 7′.The BS 8417 code of practice (this advises on the choice of timber species and the use and application of wood preservatives) and BS EN 350:2016 (this advises on methods for determining and classifying the durability of wood and wood-based materials against biological wood-destroying agents) says the natural durability class of such European softwoods is between 3 and 5. With class 3 listed as moderately durable, class 4 listed as slightly durable and class 5 listed as not durable. All three classes have a service life of less than 15 years in a frequently wet environment (such as a UK garden). Yet the application of a preservative treatment or modification of lower durability species is designed according to BS8605 part1 (this is the British standards specifications for external timber cladding) to extend service life to 15/30 years or more.

Coastal Consideration – If you live in a particularly wet or harsher environment such as by the coast then you might want to consider something with a more robust pressure treatment or something made from metal or plastic, both materials that are particularly suited to such harsh environments. We’ve found at least 3 sheds that have a combination of features that can make them more suited to higher wind areas. Our experts say this the tongue & groove floor material used here is one of the best available on all sheds.

Dunbar - Edinburgh

The height of this shed is 2103mm (7′) which is 10% more than the average 12′ x 7′ shed, giving you 192.0mm (0.6′) extra headroom. Garden buildings can come with or without windows depending on the use of it. On most of the cheaper buildings horticultural glass is used. This glass is likely to have imperfections in it but it’s OK as you can see out. The far better option is to have windows which utilise toughened glass as standard. This is far safer for your family, especially where children are involved, as it is specially treated to ensure that IF it breaks it will break into small granules of glass rather that jagged shards which horticultural will do. Other options include laminated or wired glass. Rather more expensive and would not normally be required except in high risk areas. As a breath of fresh air both the Diamond and Platinum range of buildings come complete with toughened glass as standard.