Collection: Playhouses Ireland

Imaginative play is an integral part of growing up and learning how to interact with the world. It helps prepare children for everyday life in the future, improves brain structure, regulates their stress response, and promotes healthy ambition. You can buy various toys to prompt imaginative play, one of which is an outdoor playhouse. But what should you look for when you buy one? In this article, we’ll answer that question.

Why Should You Buy a Playhouse?
It’s somewhere your kids will spend hours playing together and with their friends. It’ll help expand their imaginations far better than the TV, a tablet, or a smartphone. An outdoor playhouse provides opportunities for them to keep fit, healthy, and happy. They’ll be able to go outside and burn off their energy and be safe.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Playhouse
Before you head out to buy your kid’s playhouse, consider the following factors:

Where you’re going to put it
The best place in your garden is somewhere that you can easily create a level base. There should also be a gap of around 1 metre around the space so you can quickly assemble and maintain the playhouse.

Materials
An outdoor playhouse needs to withstand the elements, which means your choice is limited to either plastic or wood. Wood lasts longer than plastic, but plastic comes in a wide range of colours, and you can clean it easily.

Type of roof
Think about how much room is needed inside when considering the type of roof. Ideally, you want a playhouse that your kids aren’t going to outgrow. Roof types fall into the following categories:

• Pent
  
• Apex roof
  
• Dorner
  
• Dutch-barn
  

Shape and size
Playhouses come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Bigger will probably be better if you want your playhouse to be played in for many years to come. Popular playhouse shapes include:

• Tower
  
• Traditional
  
• Two-storey
  
• Loft
  

Design features
There are many exciting design features to look out for, such as windows and shutters, a balcony, a veranda, or a unique style. Features make a playhouse more fun and provide additional opportunities for imaginative play.

Quality
Buy a playhouse of the highest quality, and it’ll last for many years. Always try to find the best quality playhouse for your budget. Wood should be treated and have an extended anti-rot guarantee. Other features include tongue-and-groove cladding, double-framed corners, sturdy floor joists, solid roof, and floor.
A plastic playhouse should come with UV-protection. It should also be sturdy.

Safety features
Safety is of critical importance. You want your kids to be safe when playing in their playhouse. Consider safety features such as:

• Non-slip ladders
  
• Shatterproof windows
  
• Safety hinges on the doors
  
• Smooth and planed timber to prevent splinters
  

Check whether you need planning permission
Planning permission is not usually a requirement for a playhouse, but it’s best to check with your local planning office just to make sure.

Now you’ve got all the essential information, you can make a more informed decision about your choice of an outdoor playhouse.