Apex vs Pent vs Combi Potting Sheds
Written by Matt W on 7th Aug 2026.
2,288mm example
One controlled fall
Two locked sections
1,814mm at 6ft
An apex potting shed gives the most headroom along a central ridge. A pent shed uses one roof slope, making it easier to position beside a wall. A combi adds a partitioned store to either roof style. Power's 6ft Apex and Pent share a 1,814mm width and 500mm staging. Roof position and storage therefore decide the choice.
Key takeaways
- The Power 6ft Apex ridge reaches 2,288mm.
- The Power 6ft Pent lists high and low points near 2,028mm and 1,913mm.
- Both 6ft examples use a 1,814 x 2,492mm external footprint.
- Both include 500mm two-tier staging and 457 x 610mm toughened glass.
- A 12x6 Combi measures 3,682mm deep and adds a nominal 4ft store.
- Door and high-side orientation should be settled before the base is built.
View the apex shed | View the pent shed | View the combi shed
Matt's design note
Choose from the plot backwards. An apex looks balanced in an open garden. A pent earns its place beside a wall. A combi works when a separate shed would consume more space. Roof shape should solve a practical problem.
What is the difference between apex, pent and combi sheds?
The difference is roof geometry and internal division. An apex has two slopes meeting at a ridge. A pent has one continuous slope. A combi can use either roof, but adds a partition and separate storage door.
The Power examples make the comparison clean. Its 6ft Apex and 6ft Pent both measure 1,814mm wide and 2,492mm deep. Both use 12mm shiplap boards, 44 x 28mm framing and 500mm two-tier staging.
This means the roof changes placement and headroom more than the basic working bench. A Combi changes the floor plan as well. Use the buying guide when other decisions remain open.
See this wider fitted potting shed
| Feature | Apex | Pent | Combi | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | Two slopes | One slope | Apex or pent | Plot decides |
| Headroom | Highest centrally | Highest at one side | Follows roof choice | Apex for central height |
| Wall-side use | Needs space around both eaves | Fall can face away | Pent version works well | Pent wins |
| Storage separation | Open interior | Open interior | Partitioned bay | Combi wins |
| Doors | One standard | One standard | Two locking doors | Combi separates access |
 |
Matt's pick for a fitted apex shedBest for: Buyers wanting delivery and professional installation included. Why we rate it: ThermoWood, roof vents and full-length staging create a complete growing workspace. Live price: £3,751 |
When is an apex potting shed best?
An apex works best on an open plot where central headroom matters. The Power 6ft Apex reaches 2,288mm at the ridge and 1,869mm at the eaves. That gives a taller central line for walking, carrying trays and fitting overhead storage carefully.
Two roof slopes shed water to both sides. Leave room for run-off, gutters and maintenance. Avoid placing an eave hard against a fence where trapped leaves remain wet.
The 6ft example has a 750 x 1,630mm door aperture. The panel can go at either end during construction. Its listed roof size is 1,914 x 2,652mm, wider than the 1,790 x 2,468mm base.
Choose Apex when the building will be seen from several sides. Browse the current apex range after checking the available ridge height.
When is a pent potting shed best?
A pent works beside a wall, fence or low eave when its high side is planned correctly. The roof sends water in one direction. Face that fall towards a gutter or open drainage route.
The Power 6ft Pent uses the same 1,814 x 2,492mm external footprint as the Apex. Listed high and low points sit around 2,028mm and 1,913mm. Confirm the diagram because supplier labels can reverse ridge and eaves terms.
The working specification remains familiar. It has 500mm staging, 457 x 610mm toughened-glass windows and a 750 x 1,630mm door aperture. An optional double door widens the aperture to 1,034mm.
Choose Pent when a single roof fall solves a real siting problem. See the pent range for current sizes.
When is a combi potting shed worth choosing?
A Combi is worth choosing when growing and dirty storage need separate rooms. The Power 12x6 Apex Combi measures 1,814mm wide and 3,682mm deep. It includes a nominal 4ft storage bay.
Both sections have locking doors. The potting bay keeps 500mm two-tier staging and toughened-glass windows. The store can hold tools, chemicals and compact machinery away from plants.
The partition costs uninterrupted length. Check each bay rather than treating the total footprint as one room. Door swing and access also need planning twice.
Choose Combi when the alternative is buying two separate buildings. The storage guide explains the capacity decision.
View this potting shed with storage
Does roof shape change the base?
Roof shape does not remove the need for a flat, dry base. The Power 6ft Apex and Pent examples share a 1,790 x 2,468mm listed base. Their roof overhang dimensions differ slightly.
A wall-side Pent still needs maintenance access. The roof fall also needs somewhere to discharge. A Combi needs support under the entire footprint, including the partition and both door thresholds.
Build the base from the manufacturer's millimetre dimensions. Do not use the rounded 6x8 label. Read the base comparison before choosing concrete, slabs or a floor kit.
Roof-fall warning: Never place a Pent first and work out drainage afterwards. Decide the high side, fall and gutter route before laying the base.
Which design costs less?
Comparable Apex and Pent sizes often share a price. The current 6ft Power group products use the live prices below. Adding a store raises the cost because the building becomes longer and gains a partition and second door.
| Example | Footprint | Included layout | Live price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power 6x8 Apex | 1,814 x 2,492mm | Open potting room | £973 |
| Power 6x8 Pent | 1,814 x 2,492mm | Open potting room | £973 |
| Power 12x6 Apex Combi | 1,814 x 3,682mm | Potting room plus store | £1,428 |
The cost guide adds bases, treatment and installation to the building price.
Compare three Power designs
Why we stock all three: Apex, Pent and Combi solve different plots. Carrying each shape lets the site recommend around the garden instead of forcing one roof onto every buyer. - Matt W, Potting Sheds
Frequently asked questions
Is an apex potting shed taller than a pent?
An apex usually has more central headroom. Compare exact ridge and eaves heights because sizes differ between models.
Can a pent potting shed go against a wall?
Yes, if drainage and maintenance access remain clear. Face the roof fall away from the wall where possible.
Does a combi shed have two doors?
Power Combi models have separate locking doors for both bays. Check each door position against the garden route.
Do apex and pent sheds use different staging?
Comparable Power models use the same 500mm two-tier staging. Roof choice changes headroom and placement more than bench depth.
Which design is best for a narrow garden?
A 6ft Pent often suits a carefully planned narrow plot. Measure the true 1,814mm width plus working clearances.