2.4x1.8 Ashcroft Playhouse

For delivery times please contact your local retailer. General lead time varies throughout the year but we are busiest in the summer so please allow extra time when ordering. Assembly guides are available in the table above, but most retailers offer an assembly service or can recommend someone.

Will this building fit into my garden?

You should consider whether you have any height restrictions (doorways, archways, gates within walls or with bars across the top) or sharp turns. Some panels can be quite large, especially on larger sizes, so if you have any concerns please check before ordering. Generally, if you have a side entrance to your garden with no height restrictions or turns, it is unlikely there will be any problems.

What sort of base do I need?

We cannot stress enough the importance of putting your new Albany building onto a solid, flat, level foundation. Get it right and your building will fit together properly and last for years. Get it wrong and you could have problems with assembly, the shed will not last nearly as long and the doors may not close properly. Your local retailer may be able to offer a base-laying service or recommend someone who can.
See Base Requirements for more details.

Treated versions of this building are sprayed inside and out with a water-based base coat of treatment in a light brown colour. To keep this building in best condition, we recommend giving it a top coat of treatment within 6 months of assembly, or as soon as you like (normally possible straight away). Treating your shed is an important part of keeping the building weatherproof as it helps to seal the timber and repel water. Please note small areas such as the inside of doors may not be reached by the spray and it is normal to have some irregularities and drying marks from the treatment process. Untreated buildings should be treated as soon as possible. We recommend buildings are re-treated every year, though the higher the quality of wood preservative, the longer the protection should last.

What should I use to treat my building?

The two main categories of timber preservative are water based and spirit based (which is also known as oil or solvent based). Spirit based treatments are traditionally considered to give better protection, however, improvements in water based treatments mean some now give as good protection whilst being more environmentally friendly. Timber preservatives are available in many colours so finding a colour you like may be a large factor in choosing your treatment. Cuprinol, Ronseal and Barrettine are all well known and widely available brands with a large choice of colours. A high-quality treatment we have experience of using is Sadolin Classic, which is used as a base coat on untreated timber, and Sadolin Extra as a top coat on treated timber. Or for a wide range of colours, consider Sadolin Beautiflex.

Can I keep my shed exactly the same colour?

The colour of the shed will gradually fade over time. If you like the colour it is currently, your best bet is to find the nearest match at your local store. Please note the colour may darken slightly with every extra coat. The treatment we use in the factory is not available to buy in exactly the same form as it is specially made for us and not a branded product you can buy in a shop. Some of our retailers stock our Albany Brown treatment, but this is a slightly darker colour than the one applied in our factory. We do not recommend clear treatment.

Why are your sheds not tanalised?

We believe tanalised or pressure treated sheds are frequently misrepresented as being maintenance-free, whereas in our experience the best and only proper way to keep a shed in good condition is a regular coat of treatment. Pressure treatment is necessary for timber that has to go in the ground, but although it sounds like a good 'selling point', many in the shed industry agree that it can lead to more shrinkage and cracking than would otherwise occur. If left untreated, any tanalised shed would soon become an eyesore as it begins to look grey and unmaintained; it would also be more likely to leak in wet conditions.

Buildings are supplied with a standard 12-month guarantee covering faulty parts and workmanship. In the unlikely event you have a have a problem that needs addressing please contact the company you ordered the building from. Photos may be required so the problem can be assessed. Timber is a natural product subject to shrinkage and expansion throughout its lifespan. Cracks, splits, loose knots, resin pockets and general movement are beyond our control and not considered a fault. Most buildings are made to order and cannot be cancelled once the manufacturing process has commenced. The guarantee covers the cost of replacement goods only. Components should be inspected for problems before assembly to allow for replacement parts to be supplied if required. Albany Shed Co Ltd are not responsible for any costs incurred due to the incorrect manufacture of products, missing items or delayed delivery. We do not recommend storing items in outdoor buildings that could be adversely affected by damp air. We recommend not leaving items unchecked for long periods and to regularly open the shed door to allow fresh air to circulate. Failure to do so will increase the risk of mould developing. Items should be dry prior to storing in your shed. Please consider whether items are suitable for storage in an outdoor building before putting away. We recommend you check if your building is covered by household insurance in case of storm damage etc.

Why do you not offer a 10 year guarantee like I have seen on other websites?

This is used as a selling point by some other suppliers. However, if you look into the details of these guarantees you will discover that this is essentially only an “anti-rot” guarantee that is void if you do not treat the building every year with a high-quality wood preservative, as well as a long list of other terms & conditions, so does not really mean anything. We agree that a regular coat of quality treatment is the best way to keep your building in good condition – if you do this your building should not rot for a long time!