<click here for part 1 of this blog>
Shed Bases:
This is important!! The Asgard unit needs a decent base to sit on – if you put this on grass you may find the uneven ground will make it difficult to open the doors, as the unit has an integral metal floor, so if that floor is wonky the door action won’t be smooth. However, I am lucky as this one sits in a car park – but Asgard supply some levelling blocks in the assembly bag as standard so there is some give and take with the floor. The Asgard base is really heavy and has fixing points in the corners to bolt the unit to the ground – Bolts are supplied free with the unit. I Can’t see the need to bolt it down though – This is a heavy unit. At best you may be able to knock it over – but it’s going no where.
Shed X – Well it doesn’t have a base. So…. I’m not actually sure what you are supposed to keep in a shed with no floor …. I have just locked the shed with my bike in, then picked up the side of the shed to put the spare tyre in with it.
LH Asgard Full Metal Floor RH: Shed X No base
Now it’s assembled.
Looking around both units the difference is remarkable. The Asgard unit is much better looking IMO (the neighbours will be jealous) Nice touches such as the integral rain guard keep driving rain out of the door joints – (I’m told that if you pay for installation Asgard will also apply Silicone around all other joints as well) A series of hidden vents in the underside of the roof reduce condensation. The whole unit is very substantial. A very nice piece of kit.
Shed X
I actually like the grey finish, but am no expert but this is not really not in the same league as the Asgard unit. The whole shed seems to wobble – this may be because there is no base to keep it all together. The panels are paper thin, I can actually push the joints in with nothing buy my finger and thumb.
Shed X – A bit thin
On theplus side the gaps around the door are very forgiving if you don’t have a level base there is plenty of play in the doors.
So that is a plus (I suppose) The finish quality is generally OK the paint is smooth and even. Some joints are sharp and at head height (eves) near the door which is a concern.
Doors:
Shed X:
The doors are made from the same disappointing material as the rest of the shed (low grade, thin metal) The finish is very poor and again the door is attached from the outside. The hinges are tacked on with either glue or weld.
Asgard:
The door is immense. Reinforced folds are everywhere. Warning though!! You must have the shed on a flat base, these doors look as they are precision engineered, so to get them to work properly you must have the shed level. The hinges are internal and screwed on into something called nutserts??? I would again advise a 2nd pair of hands when putting the doors on these doors have some weight in them. – Using a 2nd person would avoid lots of bad language.
Locking:
Shed X has a traditional hasp and staple arrangement for your own padlock – However as I have already mentioned, with all the screws on the outside and the fact you can lift the shed up negates the need for a padlock as it is in effect - useless. There is a benefit to this system though. If I ever lose my key I can lift the shed out of the way to get my lawn mower out.
LH Lock ShedX RH Integral Asgard lock
The Asgard unit has an integral drill and pick resistant lock. Superb locking action! A lovely touch is the ability to unlock from the inside without a key – so the kids won’t get locked inside –(though that is tempting). Inside the unit you will find an integral lock and bolt system giving this shed no less than 3 reinforced steel locking points. These locks will shear off if a breakin is attempted.
Inside:
Shed X:
Inside the shed is absolutly fine. It does what it says in the box. There are no leaks and no sharp corners. A few screws do stick through in the roof though, so look out if you are one of those tall types. The external weather proof coating is also present on the inside, so rust should not be a problem internally.
Asgard.
No leaks and a good quality internal finish. The Asgard does has the benefit of accessory packs of hooks and shelves (at extra cost). These (I’m told) screw into the back at predefined points and are made from the same material as the shed. The integral floor is the winner here, this will keep the moisture out as well as the thieves.
Conclusion:
The Asgard shed is twice as much to buy as Shed X. That you can’t deny. But for twice the money you get a metal shed with a ten year warranty, made in the UK (support local industry), with a recognised reputation (these guys sell to the Police). The shed is of top quality, looks great and will last forever. It is my understanding the Asgard shed is so good that it sells into local government for schools and colleges for sports equipment storage- some 2000 or so School Storage Packs in use across the UK.
Shed X is fine if you want a cheap way of covering up some low cost plastic patio furniture from the rain. In honesty though Shed X really has no security benefit at all. No matter how good your padlock is a potential thief only has to lift the shed out of the way or unscrew the lock. For those of you who are environmentally aware Shed X is made over seas and imported in huge crates, so not great for our carbon foot print or the ailing UK economy.
If you can afford it buy the Asgard shed. If you can’t afford the Asgard shed then save up a little longer until you can.
S.SYZ
Shed X – Sharp And Very Unsecure
Asgard Sheds – Smooth, Safe and Secure
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