Forest garden SUMMERHOUSE User manual

Making British gardens great
FIXING PACK CODE: MSUMFP1
FIXING PACK CONTAINS:
Z-Brackets(28mm)
QTY: 8
Barrel Bolts
QTY: 2
Cranked Hinges
QTY: 6
Turn Buttons
QTY: 3
Hotbed Handles
QTY: 2
4 x 50mm Screws
QTY: 44
3.5 x 30mm Screws
QTY: 105
3.5 x 25mm Screws
QTY: 71
Felt Tacks
QTY: 48
4 x 40mm Screws
QTY: 12
1.6 x 30mm Nails
QTY: 12
A
ISSUE: 0122
SUMMERHOUSE
INSTRUCTIONS
SMALL SUMMERHOUSE (SIZE RANGE 6x4, 6x6)
Forest Garden, Oak Drive, Hartlebury Trading Estate, Hartlebury, Worcestershire, DY10 4JB
77 Camden Street Lower Dublin, D02 XE80, Ireland, Tel: [phone]
Thank you for purchasing your summerhouse from Forest Garden. Simply follow these step-by-step instructions
and our top tips, and you’ll be enjoying your summerhouse for many years to come. If you have any questions or
need advice, our friendly team is here to help.
Missing something or need more information?
Call our aftersales team on
0333 321 3142
Visit our website for spare instructions and
more information
www.forestgarden.co.uk

BEFORE YOU START
Please read through these instructions to familiarise yourself with your summerhouse. We recommend that you check
all the components using the lists found on the front and back pages before you start to build.
All of our summerhouses are constructed in the same way. They simply come with different components depending on
the type of summerhouse you have. If you have purchased a summerhouse with a veranda, you will have been provided
additional xings and instructions to use and follow during the assembly.
Please note that your door windows have a coloured protective lm on them. We advise to keep the protective lm
on, until the build is complete to prevent any possible damages to the windows during assembly.
It is vital that you build your new summerhouse on a solid, level base. Timber or plastic bases are
ideal, as are concrete slabs or solid concrete.
We recommend using the following tools (not supplied):
If you have an existing base and think it is suitable for your new summerhouse to be sited on,
it is important that you check it is level and doesn’t deviate by any more than 15mm from edge
to edge. If this is not the case, the building will twist causing gaps to appear in the sections and
causing the roof, doors and windows to misalign.
There is more information on base preparation on our website www.forestgarden.co.uk
Assembly is relatively straightforward if you follow these step-by-step instructions.
We recommend aligning components properly before securing them together and pre-drilling
screw holes to avoid splitting the timber.
BASE PREPARATION
TOOLS NEEDED
Timber Base
Self-constructed/
Buy pre-made
Concrete
Concrete surface/
Concrete slabs
Pro Shed Base
Interlocking
eco-friendly base
Soil
A base of soil or
grass only
Broken Slabs/Gaps
Uneven slab sizes
with no cement
REMINDER
Always pre-drill before
screwing.
IMPORTANT
Assembly requires 2+
adults.
2
PLEASE KEEP PLASTIC BAGS AND SMALL PARTS AWAY FROM CHILDREN
Tape
Measure
Sharp Knife Pozidrive &
Flat-head
Screwdriver
Drill & 2mm
Drill Bit
Hammer Ladder Spirit Level Hand Saw
TO AVOID DANGER OF SUFFOCATION, PLEASE KEEP THIS FILM AWAY FROM BABIES AND CHILDREN

MOVEMENT, TWISTING & WARPING
Wood contains a natural level of moisture so decreasing humidity levels in the surrounding air may cause panels to change their
shape as the porous bres shrink. This can be exaggerated during prolonged periods of dry weather. Movement and gaps in
timber products are normal. In most cases, the wood will revert to its original form once the high temperatures subside and there
is more moisture content in the air. Similarly, in winter months, the opposite may occur with wood swelling.
CARE & ATTENTION
To help you get the most out of our products, it is useful to know a little more about the properties of timber, what
is normal and how your summerhouse may behave as the seasons change. Wood is an extremely durable material
for construction but, as a natural product, when used outdoors it is susceptible to changes in the environment.
3
EXPANSION, CONTRACTION, SPLITS & CRACKS
All timber will expand and contract according to its environment. As a result of this expansion and contraction, it is very common
to see splits and cracks developing in the wood. Splits are common during the spring and summer months as the wood begins to
dry out. The outer surface dries rst and contracts over the still expanded core of the wood. The result is that splits and cracks
appear along the grain of wood. These splits are not a fault and do not affect the structural integrity of a product.
MOULD & BLUE STAIN
Mould is a surface-dwelling fungus that feeds on the nutrients and debris contained in the surface cells of timber. The most
common problems associated with mould are discoloured timber and an increase in permeability of the timber. Blue stain is part
of the same family but penetrates deeper into the surface layers of the timber. It stains the timber a dark blue, whereas mould is
usually black. These do not cause the timber to rot. Keep the building well ventilated to avoid mould.
POSITION YOUR SUMMERHOUSE IN THE BEST LOCATION IN YOUR GARDEN
Avoid areas where water pools and which are constantly wet. Position away from trees and cut back any overhanging foliage which can
cause moisture to be trapped against the summerhouse walls and debris to collect on the roof.
1
RAISE YOUR SUMMERHOUSE OFF THE GROUND
Ideally, any concrete base should be the same footprint as the summerhouse to allow surface water to run off without pooling. A timber
base can also be used. Raise your summerhouse 50mm above ground level.
2
SEAL THE BEARERS
If using a wooden base, we recommend treating it with a treatment containing wax or oil. Also coat the bearers that come into contact
with the ground to prevent moisture rising.
3
USE AN END-GRAIN PROTECTOR
To protect the corners and panel joins, an end grain treatment can be applied.
4
SEAL THE PANELS & WINDOWS
Use a exible silicone sealant around windows to prevent water ingress. This can also be used where two sections of the summerhouse join
together. Apply internally.
5
Treat your building annually. We advise the application of a high-quality preservative that contains a
mildewcide. For more information on the conditions of our guarantee see forestgarden.co.uk.
CONSIDER ADDING GUTTERS
Adding guttering around the fascia of the summerhouse will redirect rain water away from the summerhouse’s foundation.
6
KEEP VENTILATED
Good airow around the perimeter of the summerhouse and regular ventilation inside the summerhouse will help prevent mould and
mildew.
7
CONSIDER A WEATHERPROOFING STAIN OR CLEAR TREATMENT
We recommend you painting your summerhouse with a weatherproong treatment at least once a year. This will help maintain the wood,
stabilise timber movement and help prolong the life of your summerhouse.
8
THINGS THAT YOU MIGHT SEE IN YOUR PRODUCT
8 TOP TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR SUMMERHOUSE IS FULLY WATERPROOF
THE ROOF OF THIS BUILDING IS NOT A LOAD BEARING STRUCTURE
ADVICE ON FELT HANDLING & USAGE
Roof felt is exible at temperatures above 5°C. In cold temperatures, extra care must be taken when handling and installing to prevent cracking
and damage to the felt. The felt should not be rolled, folded or used in temperatures lower than 5° C. In cold temperatures, the felt should be
stored indoors above 10°C for 24 hours prior to use. Felt must be lifted, not dragged, and should be stored on its end on a dry surface.
HEALTH & SAFETY
We strongly recommend that PPE
(Personal Protective Equipment) is
used throughout your build to ensure
you are protected from any potential
health and safety risks. Do not
exempt yourself from wearing PPE.

APEX
6’
4’
AA
B
B
C
CAPEX
6’
6’
AA
B
B
C
C
A1ft Panel (295 x 1603mm) B3ft Panel (885 x 1603mm) C4ft Panel (1180 x 1603mm)
(Window)
KEY
Indicates the panel orientation during construction. This will
apply to all of the corners for your chosen summerhouse.
4
IDENTIFY YOUR SUMMERHOUSE
Use the oor plan below, to identify the side panel positions before assemblying your summerhouse.
Use the key and visuals below as a guide.
PANEL POSITION
When assemblying your wall panels, ensure the timber framing on the panels are
ush at the corners. The space left next to the board is for the cover strip to sit into.
Ensure to apply the same panel position to all corners.

PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
5
1a FLOOR & PANEL LAYOUT
1c FRONT & BACK APEX SECTIONS
1b SIDE PANELS
Position the oor in your desired location. Layout the panels around your summerhouse
base.
We recommend to start in a back corner then
work from the back panels to the front
panels for assembly.
Position and screw the Door Batten down. Attach the Back Apex Section by screwing to
the wall panels as shown below.
Attach the Front Apex Section by screwing to
the wall panels as shown below.
Start at a back corner. See the section layout
on page 4 to conrm position. Secure the
corner as shown below.
Repeat the process for the remaining panels
and secure the panels together. Make sure
that the bottom frame of the wall panel rests
on the outer edge of the oor.
Secure the panels into place by screwing into
the oor bearers.
EG. INSIDE CORNER
SIDE PANEL
BACK PANEL
EG. BACK PANELS
DOOR BATTEN BACK APEX SECTION FRONT APEX SECTION
EG. INTO FLOOR BEARERS

OUTSIDE INSIDE
15x12
Beading
Plastic
Z-Strip
Window
Sits onto
Z-Strip
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO HIT
THE WINDOW WHEN
NAILING THE BEADING
INTO PLACE.
30MM
NAILS
30MM
NAILS
6
2a WINDOWS, Z-STRIPS & BEADING
3a COVER STRIPS & DOOR STRIPS
2b INTERNAL WINDOW STRIPS
Place the Z-Strip into position. Trim the
Z-Strip to the window opening measurement.
Position the Window onto the Z-Strip.
Place the 15x12mm Beading onto the Z-Strip
and up against the Window. Secure in place
with 3 x nails per window.
Remove any protective lm after the assembly
is complete.
Attach the Cover Strips to the corners. Ensure
they are ush to the bottom edge of the
panels as shown below.
Attach the Cover Strips to the adjoining
panels. Ensure they are ush to the bottom
edge of the panels as shown below.
Secure the Door Weather Strips. Ensure they
are in contact with the oor and against the
inside face of the wall panel frame.
Secure the Window into position by sliding the
Top and Bottom Strips into the frame and
screwing in place.
Further secure by sliding the Side Strips into
the frame and screwing in place.
Repeat the same process for the other
Windows. Ensure all Windows are xed into
place.
WINDOW BEADING Z-STRIP
INSIDE OUTSIDE
TOP/BOTTOM WINDOW STRIPS SIDE WINDOW STRIPS
WALL
PANEL
FRAME
DOOR
WEATHER
STRIP
COVER STRIPS
COVER STRIPS
DOOR WEATHER STRIPS
WINDOW POSITIONING

392mm 429mm
28mm
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
7
3b DOOR STRIPS
4b ROOF ASSEMBLY
4a ROOF ASSEMBLY PREPARATION
Centralise the Top Weather Strip onto the
Door Weather Strips. Screw into place. All 3
strips will overhang into the door way.
Secure the Door Hinge Strips. Ensure they are
in contact with the Door Batten and against
the Door Weather Strips.
Attach the Kick Plate Strip as shown below.
Ensure it is ush to the Door Batten.
Screw the Z-brackets onto both of the Apex
Section frames to secure the Beams into
place.
Screw the OSB Roof Sheet to the Beams and
Apex Section frames as shown below.
Repeat the process for the other OSB Roof
Sheet. Ensure both OSB Roof Sheets meet at
the centre of the apex.
Before placing the OSB Roof Sheets onto the
roof, screw the Roof Strip along the edge of
the OSB Roof Sheet as shown below. Add one
strip onto each sheet.
Attach the Z-brackets onto the face at both
ends of all the Beams as shown below. The
Beam should be ush to the Z-bracket.
Position the Beams. Use the measurements as
shown below before securing into place.
TOP WEATHER STRIP DOOR HINGE STRIPS KICK PLATE STRIP
ROOF STRIP ROOF BEAM
If you have purchased the 6x6 summerhouse with the veranda, please use the additional xings
and instructions now for your veranda and roof assembly. Once complete, skip to Step 5.
CAUTION
Ensure you screw into
the beam underneath.
TOP TIP: Mark the OSB sheet and draw a line to
ensure you drill and screw into the frame/beams.

50mm
50mm
150mm
5mm
Allow a 5mm gap at the top
when tting the door.
150mm
150mm
DOOR FACE
PIN IN LINE
WITH DOOR
FACE
DOOR
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
8
6a DOOR HINGES
5ROOF FELT, FASCIAS & FINIAL
Attach 3 hinges to the door frame. Use the
measurement provided below for positioning
the bottom hinge. Please take note of the
hinge position.
Place the door into the opening, ensuring it
is level. Make sure the hinges are up against
the Door Weather Strip face. Secure the hinges
in place.
Measure out 3 equal lengths of felt. Overlap
it on the top and around the edges. Fold at the
corners. Tack to keep secure. Ensure 50mm
of the felt covers the Roof Strips. Tack from the
bottom to the top.
Secure the Fascias with screws as shown
below.
DOOR
6b INTERNAL DOOR FIXINGS
Secure the Slamming Strip. Screw the
Slamming Strip to the door you want to be the
‘closed’ door.
Fix the Barrel Bolt as shown below, using its
own xings provided. Secure the Barrel bolt to
the top of the Slamming Strip.
Fix the other Barrel Bolt to the bottom of the
door with the Slamming Strip. Secure a Turn
Button to the bottom of the other door.
SLAMMING STRIP
Secure the Finial with screws as shown below.
FINIAL
TOP TIP: Use a measuring tape to measure out
3 equal lengths & cut with a sharp knife. Hammer the
tacks into the felt. Add the tacks at 150mm intervals.
INSIDE INSIDE
Make sure the inner edge of the pin on the
hinge is in line with the door face.
HINGE POSITION
FASCIAS

PRE-DRILL
WITH 2MM BIT
FOR ALL STEPS
BELOW.
9
6c EXTERNAL DOOR FIXINGS
Fix a Turn Button to the top of the ‘closed’
door. Ensure to secure this onto the front of
the door.
Fix a Turn Button to the bottom of the same
door. Ensure to secure this onto the front of
the door.
Fix the Handles with the screws provided to
the front of the doors. Ensure to position the
handles to your desired height.
OUTSIDE OUTSIDE OUTSIDE
REMOVING THE PROTECTIVE FILM FROM YOUR DOOR WINDOWS
1
2
PEEL THE PROTECTIVE FILM OFF BY HAND
Simply nd a loose edge or corner around the frame and peel back to completely
remove the lm on that surface. There will be protective lm on the front and back
surface of each window.
APPLY WARM SOAPY WATER
We recommend applying warm soapy water to the surface to help loosen the lm and
rub rmly with a sponge or cloth to remove the adhesive residue. We advise warm
soapy water as many solvents and harsh chemicals can damage the styrene windows.
3STANLEY KNIFE
If the previous options are unsuccessful, we advise to carefully use a Stanley Knife in
a corner of the frame to provide a starting point to peel the protective lm. Use the
window frame as a guide. Be careful not to scratch the windows surface. We strongly
advise to use cut-resistant gloves to prevent any harm to yourself. Remove the rest
of the protective lm by hand.
We cannot be held responsible for damages incurred when not following the outlined
procedure.
CHECK & TIGHTEN ALL FIXINGS APPLIED TO THE PRODUCT ON A REGULAR BASIS

10
ABCDE
F
G
CHECK YOU HAVE ALL YOUR PARTS.
(The parts do not have codes on them. They are listed below should you need to order one.)
The components provided may be heavy. Please lift with caution and with a minimum of 2 people.
Use the labelled components to help identify the part code and description.
Label Part Code
Description No.
AOPM295PP
Section A - 1ft Panel (295x1603mm) 2
BOPM885PP
Section B - 3ft Panel (885x1603mm) 2
COPMS1180WP
Section C - 4ft Window Panel
(1180x1603mm)
2
DMSBFL46
Floor (1180x1826x72mm) 1
E28281180PT
Door Batten (28x28x1180mm) 1
FOPAMSDDDEA6
6ft Apex Section - Front
(1828x479mm)
1
GOPAMPEA6
6ft Apex Section - Back
(1828x479mm)
1
HXT5451087
Window (545x1087x2mm) 4
I85009
PVC Z-Strip (30x12x610mm) 4
J15120498PPT
Window Beading (15x12x498mm) 4
K26120545PPT
Top/Bottom Window Strips
(26x12x545mm)
8
L26121065PPT
Side Window Strips
(26x12x1065mm)
8
M44161583PT Cover Strip (44x16x1583mm) 5
N50121667PPT
Door Weather Strip (50x12x1667mm) 2
O40121237PPT
Top Weather Strip (40x12x1237mm) 1
P45121650PPT Door Hinge Strip (45x12x1650mm) 2
Q45121180PPT
Kick Plate Strip (45x12x1650mm) 1
ROSB119611058 OSB Roof Sheet - (1196x1105x8mm) 2
S28281196
Roof Strip (28x28x1196mm) 2
T37281124KD
Roof Beam (37x28x1124mm) 4
U59121145PAII63PT Fascia (59x12x1145mm) 4
VFIN20010512PT
Finial (200x105x12mm) 1
WSDR575X1645PTBI Door (1645x575mm) 2
X40121635PPT
Slamming Strip (40x12x1635mm) 1
Y 1
6' x 4' Summerhouse (OPASUM64DDM) &
6' x 6' Summerhouse (OPASUM66DDM)
Felt - Please contact our aftersales team with your product code if you
are missing your felt.

H
TREATED TIMBER CONTAINING A BIOCIDAL PRODUCT
CONTROL OF WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISMS
Active Ingredients - Propiconazole, Tebuconazole, IPBC, Permethrine, Benzyl-C12-16-Alkyldimethyl Chlorides. (Dip Treated)
Basic Copper Carbonate, DDA Carbonate, DDA Chloride. (Pressure Treated)
Wear gloves when handling. Avoid inhalation of sawdust. Do not use in contact with drinking water or food. Do not use for animal
bedding or in sh ponds. Dispose of treated wood responsibly.
I J K L M N O P Q
R
S T
U V
W
X
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