Frequently Asked Questions

About Mercia

Q. What is Mercia's Vision?

A. Our vision is to design and manufacture quality, innovative and value for money garden buildings that meet our customers' space aspirations, whilst providing a stimulating environment for our employees, and sustainable rewards for all of our stakeholders.

Q. What is Mercia's Mission Statement?

A. We will provide a comprehensive range of products manufactured from sustainably sourced materials, direct to the customer. Our proposition includes delivery to customers' premises and the option to have the product installed. Our prime route to market is via our direct and third party web retailers, as well as, major store retailers. Where we will position ourselves as the customers' fulfilment arm. We will value the contribution of all of our members of staff and endeavour to provide opportunities for personal growth in a stimulating work environment.

Q. Where can I find Mercia Garden Products' Quality Policy?

A. Mercia fully commits to adhere to the Quality Management System ISO9001, and ensures that all staff are fully trained.Mercia Garden Products' Quality Policy

Q. Where can I fine Mercia Garden Products' ISO Certificate?

A. This can be found via the following link: Mercia Garden Product's ISO Certificate

Environment

Q. What is FSC?

A. FSC® is the Forest Stewardship Council's trademark label on timber and wood products that indicates its timber content comes from well managed forests. The FSC® Trademark enables customers to buy timber and other wood products, such as paper, with the confidence that they are not contributing to the destruction of the world's forest. We are pround to be a member of FSC® since 1999.

Q. What is PEFC?

A.The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification. PEFC works throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber is produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards.

Q. What is Chain of custody?

A. Chain of custody is the unbroken path which products take from the forest to the consumer, including all stages of manufacturing, transportation, and distribution. Mercia maintains a certified chain of custody for both FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). Chain of custody proves that our certified wood comes from either proven, well-managed forest or recycled material according to the requirements of the FSC® or PEFC schemes.

Products

Q. Are doors and windows supplied with glazing?

A. Yes, our buildings are supplied with styrene plastic glazing except for our Log Cabin range, which are fitted with glass glazing.

Q. Is everything supplied to construct the building i.e. scews, nails, felt?

A. Yes all parts are included as are instructions.

Q. Are buildings pre-treated?

A. Yes, all buildings are treated with a factory (water based) base coat, apart from our log cabins, which are left untreated. The treatment used on all other buildings is only for protection during storage and transit, we recommend that your treat your building with a high quality preservative prior to construction.

Q. Will I need planning permission?

Applications for approval normally involves a fee, normally related in some way to the value of the development. Where the development is more than just a simple extension, it is worth employing an architect to draw up the plans, submit them to the Local Authority, obtain approval and once approved oversee the work. A licensed architect will have professional insurance in case anything should go wrong.

Every application for Planning Permission or Building Regulations is unique. It is always a good idea to consult your local planning/building control officers early to avoid any problems.

If work is carried out without then necessary approvals, the local authority can issue an enforcement notice requiring (best scenario) retrospective approval or (worst scenario) demolition of the work completed. Normally Planning Permission or Building Regulation approval is not required provided that:

• Garden Shed and Greenhouses do not cover more than half of the area of the garden; not including the area occupied by the house.
• It contains no sleeping accommodation and the floor area does not exceed 15 square metres.
• No point is less than one metre from a boundary.
• It is not more than 3m high for a flat roof, or 4m with a ridged roof.
• Overall height from ground level to ridge must not exceed more than 2.5 metres within 2 metres range of any boundary. A building with an overall height exceeding 2.5 metres and placed within 2 metres of any boundary will require planning permission.
• The outdoor build should only be used by those who occupy the house.
• Log Cabins should be more than 5 metres from the main dwelling and only up to 50% of the garden can be used to house this building.
• Verandas must not be higher than 30cm from ground level.
• Building Regulations do state that structures built of combustible material (i.e. wooden shed) must be at least 2 metres away from the main house.

If at all in doubt contact your local authority for clarification. No charge will be made if planning permission is not required.

Q. Is the wood treatment supplied?

A. No, it is recommended that you use a wood preservative prior to installing your garden building and re-apply as and when needed. we do not recommend that you use varnishes or creosol.

Q. What tools will I need to install my building?

A. All our buildings differ, but in general, we advice you to obtain the following:

• Hammer
• Scewdrivers (both flat head and Philips)
• A drill with 2mm drill bit
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Step ladders
• Stanley knife
• Wood saw

For a guide on how to build a garden shed click here!

Q. What sizes are shown on the website - Internal or External?

A. All sizes shown on our website are external sizes. Internal sizes are available in a drawing added to every product page Should you require any other sizes or further information about these please contact our Customer Service Team

Q. How many people will it take to build a Mercia's garden building?

A. We recommend two people. Please check product details on the individual product pages.

Q. How long will it take to erect a Mercia's building?

A. This will depend on the size of the building, the number of people helping you and the level of experience. In general one of our smallest buildings will take two people approximately 2 hours. Whereas, one of our larger and more complicated buildings may take longer.

Q. Do I have to do any preparation before installing my garden building?

A. It is essential that the building is installed on a firm and levelled base. There are several options available, for more information on choosing an appropriate base take a look at our How to Choose the Right Base guide.

Q. What size should I build the base for my garden building?

A. We recommend for the solid base should be the same size as the floor of your building. This will allow for water to run off the sides and drain away, rather than collecting at the case and running under the building.

Q. Where should I place my garden building?

A. The building should be built in a clear space, allowing for roof overhang. If possible, place your building in a sheltered position.

Q. Which direction do the bearers go?

A. The bearers will go perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the floor joists.

Q. Can Mercia install my garden building for me?

A. Yes, we offer an installation service to various parts of the UK. Please contact our Customer Service Team for more information.