A playhouse is more than just a toy — it's a gateway to imagination, a personal space for children to call their own, and a feature that adds charm and character to your garden. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing a timber playhouse that will provide years of enjoyment.

Why Choose a Timber Playhouse?

Timber playhouses offer several advantages over plastic alternatives:

• Durability — a well-built timber playhouse will last for years and can be passed down to younger siblings
• Appearance — timber blends naturally into the garden, unlike brightly coloured plastic
• Customisation — timber can be painted, decorated and modified as your child grows
• Insulation — timber is naturally warmer than plastic, making the playhouse usable in cooler weather
• Value — a quality timber playhouse adds a feature to your garden that plastic can't match

Safety Considerations

Safety is the most important factor when choosing a playhouse. Look for:

• Rounded edges — all corners and edges should be sanded smooth to prevent splinters and bumps
• Non-toxic treatment — the timber treatment must be child-safe. All our playhouses use non-toxic, child-friendly preservatives
• Secure windows — windows should be made from styrene (a safe, shatter-resistant alternative to glass) rather than real glass
• Stable construction — the playhouse must be solid and stable, not wobbly or prone to tipping
• Safe door clearances — doors should have gaps to prevent finger trapping, and should not lock from the inside
• Smooth hinges — door hinges should be the type that won't trap little fingers

Choosing the Right Size

Playhouse sizes are typically measured in feet, and the right size depends on the age and number of children who'll use it:

• 4×4 — suitable for 1–2 young children (ages 2–5)
• 5×4 — slightly more room; good for 2 children up to age 7
• 6×4 — comfortable for 2–3 children; the most popular size
• 6×6 — spacious; can accommodate a small table and chairs inside, suitable for older children too
• 8×6 — large enough for multiple children and years of use; can double as a den for older kids

Consider how long you want the playhouse to last. A larger playhouse will still be usable as your children grow, while a very small one may be outgrown quickly.

Popular Playhouse Styles

Cottage Style

The classic playhouse — a miniature house with an apex roof, a single door and small windows. Cottage-style playhouses look like tiny versions of real houses and are endlessly charming. Models like the Wickenbury and Herne Bay are our cottage-style options.

Chalet Style

Chalet playhouses have a more substantial, alpine appearance with a steeper roof and often a small veranda or canopy. They look like miniature mountain chalets and offer a bit more architectural interest. The Henley is a chalet-style playhouse.

Mansion Style

For the grandest playhouse experience, mansion-style playhouses are larger and more elaborate, with multiple windows, decorative features and sometimes an upstairs loft area. The Walcote is our mansion-style playhouse.

Tower Style

Tower playhouses are elevated on stilts, with a play area underneath accessed by a ladder or steps. These are ideal if you want to combine a playhouse with a climbing frame. The Ascot is a tower playhouse with an integrated slide.

Positioning Your Playhouse

Safety First

• Position the playhouse where you can see it from the house — supervision is important
• Ensure the ground is level and stable
• Avoid positioning under trees that drop branches or heavy leaf fall
• Leave space around the playhouse for children to play safely

For Maximum Enjoyment

• Face the door toward the house or main garden area so children feel connected
• Consider adding a path or stepping stones to the playhouse entrance
• A small patio or deck in front of the playhouse extends the play area
• Position in partial shade if possible — a playhouse in full sun can get very hot inside

Features to Look For

Windows

Look for playhouses with opening windows for ventilation. Styrene glazing is standard on quality playhouses — it's safe, shatter-resistant and won't break like glass.

Verandas and Canopies

A small veranda or canopy adds charm and provides a sheltered outdoor play area. Children love having a front porch on their playhouse.

Internal Features

Some playhouses include internal features like:

• A small loft or upstairs area (accessed by ladder)
• Built-in shelving
• Window boxes (for flowers or herbs — a lovely gardening activity for children)

Decorative Touches

Look for playhouses with charming details like:

• Georgian-bar windows
• Decorative door furniture (handles, hinges)
• Window shutters
• Flower boxes

Base Preparation

Like any garden building, a playhouse needs a level base. For lighter playhouses, options include:

• Paving slabs — solid, level and permanent
• Timber bearers — quick and cost-effective for smaller playhouses
• Plastic grid base — good drainage, child-friendly surface

The base should be the same size as the playhouse footprint or slightly larger. Read our base preparation guide for detailed instructions.

Planning Permission

Playhouses are classed as outbuildings and fall under the same permitted development rules as sheds. In practice, most playhouses are small enough that planning permission is never an issue — but if you live in a conservation area or listed building, it's worth checking. Read our planning permission guide for full details.

Maintenance

Timber playhouses need the same basic maintenance as adult garden buildings:

• Annual treatment — apply a child-safe wood preservative each year
• Check for splinters — sand any rough spots that develop
• Inspect the roof — check felt is secure before each play season
• Clean the exterior — wash down with mild detergent each spring

As children grow, you can repaint the playhouse in different colours — a fun activity to do together.

Free Installation Included

Every playhouse we supply includes free professional installation. Our team will build it safely and securely in your garden, so it's ready for play as soon as we leave.

Browse our range of playhouses to find the perfect little house for your little people.