Choosing the Right Playhouse: Wood vs. Plastic – A Comprehensive Comparison
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A playhouse is the perfect addition to any garden! Not only does it offer endless possibilities for children’s imagination and creativity, but it is also a place where children can exercise and play outside in the fresh air.
A garden playhouse is more than just a place to play, it is also a place of relaxation and retreat for children. They can create their own little kingdom and have their own adventures. It is also a place where children can learn to take responsibility by keeping the house clean and tidy.
Nevertheless, there are some pitfalls and points to consider if you want to buy such a playhouse. We will now show you what to look out for and what you should think about.
What You Should Look Out for When Buying Playhouses
If you want to buy a playhouse, you should pay attention to a few things to ensure that you can enjoy and have fun with the house for a long time:
Material: Garden playhouses are made from various materials, such as wood or plastic. Wood has the advantage of being natural and durable, but it can also absorb moisture and needs to be painted regularly. Plastic is easier to maintain, but is more difficult to repair and extend.
Size: Before buying, think about exactly where the playhouse is to be built and how much space you have available. Make sure that the house will fit in the designated space and that your children have enough room to play in it. The child’s head should not hit the ceiling when they are upright. Otherwise, the extended stay can lead to a misalignment of the back.
Safety: Make sure that the playhouse is sturdily built and that it has no sharp edges or corners. It should also have non-slip steps and a secure door lock.
Base plate: some models also have a base plate. This makes the house stand even better on the ground and it doesn’t get dirty so quickly inside.
Age recommendation: Make sure that the playhouse is suitable for the age of your children. There are models that are suitable for children aged 3 and over and for children aged 5 and over.
Accessories: Some playhouses come with accessories such as swings, slides and sandboxes. Think about whether you want these things and whether they fit into your budget.
Maintenance: If you buy a wooden playhouse, you should be prepared to paint or oil the house at least every 2 years to protect it from the elements.
Cozy Cottage: A kid's outdoor playhouse allows your kids to engage their imaginations and "play house". This charming cottage features a front entrance, retro windows, two plant boxes, and two adorable planter pots.
Colorful Childhood: This kid's playhouse has bright colors, a fairy-tale appearance, and a wide interior space to create a colorful activity space for children.
Outdoor Use: Crafted from fir wood, this outside playhouse is built to last and won't delaminate over time. Its well-designed roof is tilted to efficiently divert rainwater away, preventing the wood from getting soaked and ensuring a shaded area for your child.
Educational playhouse: Encourage your children to enhance their imagination, socialize, and develop language skills by engaging in imaginative play with friends and family in this delightful outdoor playhouse.
Wooden Playhouse Info: Overall Dimensions: 44.9" L x 49.8" W x 53.1" H. Eave Height: 39" H. Suitable for 3-8 years old. Assembly required.
BUILT FOR OUTDOORS: Made to withstand the weather, this wooden playhouse is pre-treated with a water-based stain that includes UV and mold protection to hold up against the elements.
HOMEY TOUCHES: Fabric curtains, a mailbox and chalkboard help make this outdoor playhouse feel like a real home.
COOK & SERVE MEALS: A BBQ grill has a click-and-turn knob and removable lid so kids can cook up food. Serve it to friends and family at the attached picnic table and benches.
INDOOR SINK: Wash hands and play food at the pretend sink and faucet with moving lever.
EASY ASSEMBLY: Make assembly easier with more help. Two people can set up this item in approximately 2.5 hours or less.
Kids Outdoor Playhouse: Give your kids a place to play outside with this outdoor play house. It includes a door, windows, an open serving station, and flowerpot holders.
Easy Access: The toddler playhouse has an open serving station and three windows to provide air circulation and keep your little ones comfortable. The half-sized door allows your kids to enter and exit the house quickly.
Fun Gift for Your Kid: Your kid can play pretend with this playhouse for kids designed to look like a natural home! Help your child express their creativity, develop their social skills and improve their hand-eye coordination.
Solid Structure: The outside playhouse is made with solid fir wood forms a strong structure for daily use. Suitable for outdoor use.
Kids Playhouse Information: Overall Dimensions: 46.75" L x 38.25" W x 54.25" H. Door Dimensions: 14.25" W x 15" H. Suitable for children 3 to 8 years old. Certification: ASTM F963, CPSIA.
Cozy Cottage: Spark your child's imagination with this adorable wooden playhouse designed like a charming cottage. It includes a left front door, six windows, and a plant box, which provides a cozy space for endless adventures and lasting childhood memories.
Outdoor Use: This versatile outdoor playhouse lets your kids enjoy the outdoors. Suitable for garden or patio use, it brings the fun and excitement of outdoor play right to their fingertips.
Educational Use: Foster learning and creativity with this kid's playhouse. It encourages imaginative play and helps develop cognitive skills, social interaction, and communication skills.
Internal Flooring: Ensure comfort and safety for your child with internal flooring. They can play, sit, and crawl, knowing they are in a secure, more clean space.
Outside Playhouse Info: Overall Dimensions: 41.1" L x 43.3" W x 53.9" H. Qualified Age: 2+ Years. Recommend Age: 3-8 Years. Qualification: CPSIA, ASTM F963. Assembly required.
HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS - The Evermeadow House is made from quality Fir Wood. It makes a great play space for toddlers and children and all of their adventures. Great for backyards.
EASY SET-UP - No difficult assembly or equipment like other sets. The panels come together easily, with the assistance of easy-to-follow instructions. This listing includes does not include a floor.
FUN AND EXCITING FEATURES - Enjoy the natural beauty of the Evermeadow (but we do recommend you seal/ treat it) or paint it with the whole family for a fun DIY project.
CHILD SAFE AND FRIENDLY - Safe for children aged 18 months+, this house measures 41" wide x 38" deep x 51" high.
FLOOR NOT INCLUDED - Floor available with house in a separate listing.
【KIDS WOODEN PLAYHOUSE】Give your kids a place to play outside with this kids playhouse outdoor This outdoor playhouse includes 1 door, 2 windows, 2 flowerpot holders and 2 serving station. Wooden playhouse is perfect gift for kids boys girls Birthday, Children's Day, Christmas or Special Festivals.
【SAFETY OUTDOOR PLAYHOUSE FOR KIDS】Overall Dimension: The overall dimensions of this playhouse are 39 inches long x 38 inches wide x 55.5 inches high, suitable for children aged 3 to 6.
【1 Door, 3 Serving Station & 2 Windows】The wooden play house has 3 open serving station and 2 small windows to provide air circulation and keep your little ones comfortable. The half-sized door allows your kids to enter and exit the house easily.
【Outdoor Wooden Cottage】The playhouse is made with coated and natural fir wood for a structure that is solid and suitable for outdoor garden, lawn, patio, yard use. You can also paint different colors and show your children the different scenery in the four seasons. Easy to assembly.
【Best Gift for Kids】Your kid can play pretend with this play house wooden cottage for kids designed to look like a real home! This toddler outdoor playhouse can be used for 2-4 kids to play, develop their social skills and improve their hand-eye coordination. Suitable for children kids boys girls 3 to 6 years old.
FUN PLAYTIME: Entertain your little children for hours with pretend sink, fireplace, doorbell, mailbox, and flower boxes, supports role play, develops social skills in children, makes sense of real-life situations
SENSORY PLAYSET: Allows toddlers to engage in activities, develop skills, and acquire important abilities by engaging various senses for holistic development (batteries not included)
FUNCTIONAL STORAGE: Offers abundant storage to keep all toys in order, making clean-up a breeze, assembled dimensions 49.75" H x 53.25" W x 33.75" D
EASY TO CLEAN & ASSEMBLE: Use disinfectant wipes or household cleaners to clean for sanitary play environment, adult assembly required, includes assembly hardware
DURABLE: Built to last, double-walled plastic construction, years of use with colors that won't chip, fade, crack, or peel
IT'S A RED CAPE COTTAGE PLAYHOUSE - Has a sleek and contemporary style. With modern windows, an arched doorway, and brick details this little house will be a perfect first playhouse for any boys or girls who would love to play outdoor and indoor.
IMAGINATIVE ROLE PLAY. Features two working windows and working door. Toddlers will love the fun role-play elements like a working mail slot (mail not included) and flag holder (flag not included) that will spark their imaginations.
EASY TO ASSEMBLE AND STORE - This toddler play house is not difficult or time-consuming to assemble, even your kids can do it with your supervision. Because of its lightweight materials and design, it's easy to move, transport, and store.
HIGH-QUALITY TODDLER PLAYHOUSE - This cute playhouse is sturdy and safely designed for children.
PLAY MATTERS! At Little Tikes, we don't just make toys, we make PLAY! So get out and play! Together, you and your kids can discover a whole wide world around you, unlocking their full potential up until before bedtime. Quality time well spent.
FUN PLAYTIME: Entertain your little children for hours with pretend sink, fireplace, doorbell, and flower boxes, supports role play, develops social skills in children, makes sense of real-life situations
SENSORY PLAYSET: Allows toddlers to engage in activities, develop skills, and acquire important abilities by engaging various senses for holistic development (batteries not included)
FUNCTIONAL STORAGE: Offers abundant storage to keep all toys in order, making clean-up a breeze, assembled dimensions 58" H x 58.75" W x 50.13" D
EASY TO CLEAN & ASSEMBLE: Use disinfectant wipes or household cleaners to clean for sanitary play environment, adult assembly required, includes assembly hardware
DURABLE: Built to last, double-walled plastic construction, years of use with colors that won't chip, fade, crack, or peel
Indoor and Outdoor Playset for Kids: Portable, roomy, and folding playhouse offers kids endless adventures in the comfort of your own backyard or inside your home
Realistic Play House Feel: Cottage features bright colors, tiled roof, open windows, uneven wall textures, and a lockable door with rounded corners and open design to protect your kids as they play
Safe Materials: Kids playhouse is made with high-quality, environmentally friendly plastic that is odorless and durable while maintaining a safe and odor-free environment for your kids
Toddler Playhouse Easy Assembly: Foldable playhouse is easy to assemble inside or out with detailed assembly instructions and a screw-less design; Easily folds down for storage or travel
Kids Cottage Playhouse Specs: Kids plastic playhouse dimensions (L x W x H): 38.5 x 36 x 45.5 inches; Weight: 21 pounds; Recommended for kids ages 2 years old and up
CANOPY COVERED PLAYHOUSE: Kiddos can have their own backyard party with the Step2 All Around Playtime Patio and Canopy. It’s a shaded, open pavilion-style toddler playset with neutral colors and realistic stacked stone detailing for an attractive design.
INTERACTIVE, 360 DEGREE PLAY: Kids can use the grill playset and enjoy a meal at the table. They can wash dishes at the molded-in sink or play in the built-in sand and water table. A 16-piece accessory kit included for enhanced pretend play.
ROOM FOR MULTIPLE KIDS: Friends can play together inside or outside of the pavilion-style backyard playhouse. The working doors let little ones in and out, while the canopy cover keeps them out of the direct sun. Assembled dimensions: 60" H x 47.5" W x 47.5" D
UNMATCHED DURABILITY: This kids’ playset is made with durable, double-walled plastic construction with molded-in colors that won’t chip, fade, crack, or peel so it will last through generations. Plus, it’s low maintenance – just wipe down as needed.
SKILL-BUILDING FUN: A kids outdoor playset provides hours of fun for toddlers and preschoolers, encouraging little ones to develop fine motor skills, role-playing, language skills and critical thinking.
Spacious Design: Big playhouse for boys and girls from 24 months and up, offering a great play space for kids to invent and create fun stories with all their friends.
Imaginative Play: This playhouse helps children establish their own roles by emulating their environment and practising imitation games important for their upbringing.
Durable Construction: Made of strong, durable plastic, it ensures long-lasting use and can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors for versatile play options.
Easy Assembly: Features an easy click clack assembly system without requiring any tools. House dimensions are 122 cm x 103 cm x 104 cm, providing ample space.
Interactive Elements: Includes folding windows, a letter box, barbecue at the back, and a cat flap, making the playhouse even more engaging for kids and their pets.
COZY COTTAGE: Showcasing a country half front door, country style details in the design of the playhouse. The Sweetwater includes custom style flower pots on each side of the front door, kitchen with pots, pans, sink, phone, and a working doorbell.
LONG LASTING, WITHSTANDS IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS: Why Cedar? Cedar thrives in damp climates, enabling it to withstand many conditions. Our durable cedar wood is rot resistant from the elements.
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR: The Sweetwater playhouse is sturdy and small enough to fit in any size outdoor or indoor area. So when the weather changes, you can keep your child entertained and bring the playhouse indoors.
SAFETY FEATURES: The Sweetwater playhouse provides hours of fun for your little one. The Sweetwater playhouse is made with quality, safe materials. The cedar is pre-cut and built safely, windows are made without any glass, indoor tools are plastic.
ASSEMBLED DIMENSIONS: Box 1: 46 1/2" x 14 3/4" x 15" Weight: 88 lbs. Small and light enough to enjoy outdoor or indoor.
Imaginative play: The playhouse includes 2 hinged windows, 1 letter box, 1 cat flap, and various stickers to decorate the home, fostering creativity and pretend play.
Durable construction: It is made of high strength plastic, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, ensuring long-lasting fun and durability.
Easy assembly: Assembly is very simple with included tools and an instruction manual, allowing you to set up the house quickly and effortlessly.
Perfect for young children: Recommended for boys and girls from 2 years of age, providing a safe and enjoyable play environment that suits young imaginations.
Veterinary kit included: The playhouse includes a kit of 11 veterinary accessories, adding an extra layer of fun and educational role-play opportunities for your child.
BUILT FOR OUTDOORS: Made to withstand the weather, this wooden playhouse is pre-treated with a water-based stain that includes UV and mold protection to hold up against the elements.
HOMEY TOUCHES: Fabric curtains, a mailbox and chalkboard help make this outdoor playhouse feel like a real home.
COOK & SERVE MEALS: A BBQ grill has a click-and-turn knob and removable lid so kids can cook up food. Serve it to friends and family at the attached picnic table and benches.
INDOOR SINK: Wash hands and play food at the pretend sink and faucet with moving lever.
EASY ASSEMBLY: Make assembly easier with more help. Two people can set up this item in approximately 2.5 hours or less.
FUN PLAYTIME: Entertain your little children for hourswith pretend sink, window shutters, flower pot, doorbell, and skylight, supports role play, develops social skills in children, makes sense of real-life situations
SENSORY PLAYSET: Allows toddlers to engage in activities, develop skills, and acquire important abilities by engaging various senses for holistic development (batteries not included)
FUNCTIONAL STORAGE: Offers abundant storage to keep all toys in order, making clean-up a breeze, assembled dimensions 58" H x 47" W x 53" D
EASY TO CLEAN & ASSEMBLE: Use disinfectant wipes or household cleaners to clean for sanitary play environment, adult assembly required, includes assembly hardware
DURABLE: Built to last, double-walled plastic construction, years of use with colors that won't chip, fade, crack, or peel
The Most Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ About Playhouses
Why Do I Need a Playhouse?
A garden playhouse has many advantages! Here are some of the reasons why you should consider a garden playhouse:
Encouraging child development: playhouses offer children the opportunity to exercise their imagination and creativity and develop their motor skills by climbing in and out, playing and moving around.
Creating a retreat: Children need a place where they can retreat and have their own adventures. A garden playhouse can provide this place and give children a sense of independence and autonomy.
Encouraging family time: A garden playhouse can also be a place where families can come together and spend time together. Parents can watch their children play and join them to spend quality time together.
Enhancing the garden: A garden playhouse can also help to make the garden more attractive and varied. It can become a focal point for the garden and help children learn to appreciate nature and the environment.
Entertainment: A playhouse can keep children entertained and occupied, offering them an alternative to electronic devices and TV. It can also be used to invite friends over and encourage children’s social skills.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of wooden garden playhouses?
Advantages:
Natural: Wood has a natural beauty and can fit well into a garden. It also has a pleasant smell and can provide an enjoyable play experience for children.
Durable: Wood is sturdy and long-lasting when properly cared for. A wooden garden playhouse can last for decades.
Customizable: Wood can be easily painted or varnished, making it easy to customize the playhouse to the child’s or garden’s wishes.
Easier to repair: Broken or worn wooden slats can be replaced quickly and inexpensively.
Disadvantages:
Maintenance-intensive: Wood requires regular care to stay in good condition. The playhouse must be painted or oiled annually to protect it from the weather and pests.
Sensitive to moisture: Wood can absorb moisture and become moldy. You should make sure that the playhouse is well ventilated and dry.
Difficult to transport: Wood is heavier than other materials and can be difficult to transport, especially larger models.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Playhouses?
Advantages:
Easy to maintain: plastic requires little maintenance and does not need to be painted or oiled. It is easy to clean and has a long service life.
Easy to transport: Plastic is lighter than wood and can be transported more easily, especially with larger models.
Weatherproof: Plastic is resistant to moisture, rain, snow and sunlight.
Disadvantages:
Appearance: plastic does not have the natural beauty of wood and can look out of place in some gardens.
Unsafe materials: Some cheap models can be made from toxic and unsafe materials and may not meet health requirements.
Less durable: A plastic garden playhouse may not last as long as a wooden one. It can fade and become brittle if it is exposed to a lot of sunlight or if it is affected by extreme temperatures.
