Children's playhouse buying guide

Each playhouse has been designed for a specific age range which will be marked on the instructions and on the box; for example, 1 to 4 years, 3 to 8 years, 3 to 12 years, and so on. The option you choose will depend on how old your children are and whether or not you plan to replace the toy over time.

There are various types of playhouse with different parts to match your children's motor skills and level of development. The older the child, the more features the playhouse will have to encourage imaginative play. Some flatpack playhouses can be personalised – the perfect option for budding builders.

As a safety precaution, do not let young children play unattended. When it comes to children aged under eight, falls can happen quickly so vigilance is key. Wooden also ensure that the appropriate BS standards are marked on the product.

There are many different types of children's playhouses designed for outdoor use (in the garden or on a patio). Your decision of play equipment will be based on the following criteria:

• the number of children who will be playing in it;

• whether you want a basic model or one fitted with play equipment (slides, ropes, etc.);

• whether you want moveable parts (doors, shutters, picnic sections, stairs, etc.) or the option to extend (canopies, awnings);

• the option for multiple storeys.

In addition to the space required for the playhouse itself, you will have to plan out clearance around the structure to allow children to move around it easily.

If you do not have a garden, it is absolutely possible to kit out your decking with a playhouse. However, you should be careful where you install your playhouse (not too close to a handrail, for example) and you should opt for one-storey models to limit the risk of falls.

Wooden playhouses are made to look like mountain chalets or little cabins perched in the forest! Aesthetically speaking, these playhouses blend into garden landscapes very well.

However, if not properly cared for, wooden playhouses will have a limited service life. As the material is exposed to threats like moss and other lichens, be sure to choose a pre-treated wood and reapply products according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

In very poor weather conditions, feel free to place a protective cover over the house to keep it safe.

Wooden playhouses can be difficult to set up and can take up to two days to install if you’re working alone.

Caring for a wooden playhouse

It is advisable to treat your wood with specialist products (such as wood paint, varnish or oil, according to wood species) every two years to ensure your playhouse has good weather resistance.All products should be applied to dry surfaces. You may need to wash the surface (to get rid of bird droppings, for example), remove moss or sand it down before application.

Wooden playhouses may develop splinters over time. You just need to keep an eye on all edges and flooring and sand down if necessary.

Available in a range of colours, plastic playhouses are always a big hit whether they’re built to look like little huts or cottages.

The quality of the playhouse depends entirely on the type of plastic used to make it. Pay close attention to the density of the material, its resistance to UV rays and of course the price as this will indicate how well it is built.

Optional extras can help to make the playhouse feel more realistic. Some models even feature doorbells! Most plastic playhouses are easy to assemble and are made up of large parts. However, an impact driver must be used to ensure your hardware is secure.

Maintaining a plastic playhouse

While these playhouses require less upkeep, you should still clean them with a pressure washer on a regular basis to keep them looking fresh. Bird droppings on the outside of the structure can lead to discolouration, so it is best to remove stains quickly.

Over the winter, plastic playhouses should also be protected. You can either store it indoors or use a protective cover– if your kids will let you, that is!

Please note: you should inspect the structure regularly to check that all parts are in good condition and fixed securely in order to avoid accidents. If you run into issues, make a warranty claim!

Whether you’re looking at realistic or colourful designs, or one or multiple storeys, all that’s left to do is pick the playhouse of your children's dreams. To weigh up your options, line up several products to compare style, price, assembly time and play options. One final tip: ask your kids for help – they'll be delighted to have a say!

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