A playhouse is every little kid's dream toy. It not only offers kids lots of fun but also a toy that stimulates the imagination. Some playhouses also combine pretend play with physical activities that involve climbing, crawling and sliding. Hence, for many parents, an outdoor playhouse is a preferred backyard toy.
However, a playhouse can be quite expensive. Most cost a few hundred dollars with luxurious ones being priced at well above a thousand dollars. Therefore, buying a playhouse requires some serious thinking and research. Listed below are some factors that you should consider before placing an order for an outdoor playhouse.
Type Of Playhouse
Basically, you have a choice between wooden and plastic playhouses. Generally, plastic ones are less expensive although you can also get wooden playhouses at about the same price range. But such wooden playhouses will require additional weather-proofing before assembly as well as periodic maintenance to ensure that it lasts. This means, if you want to settle for a wooden playhouse, there is more work involved compared to a plastic one. Of course, a wooden playhouse may give you a more natural look and those in the higher end of the market can end up looking like a real home. But for playhouses that are in the more affordable price range, plastic models generally have easier assembly and maintenance.
Size Of Playhouse
Before you buy an outdoor playhouse, you will need to take into consideration the size of your backyard. If you have a small space, then you might need to settle for a smaller playhouse so that there is still space left for other things. Furthermore, if you are thinking of getting other outdoor toys for your kids, you will also need to reserve some space for those.
The other consideration is whether you would be setting up the playhouse indoor for those colder months. Some people like to move the playhouse in and out so that their kids can enjoy it the whole year round. If you have the same idea, then you will also need to make sure that the playhouse is of the right size so that it can nicely fit into your living space.
Height Of Playhouse
Different playhouses have different heights. Some can barely fit a toddler while a few others can take in an adult with not much of a problem. Therefore, consider the height of the outdoor playhouse before buying. If a playhouse has a low roof, your kids might be bumping their heads against the doorway after barely a year. Thus, if you want something that your kids can enjoy for a few years or more, you will need to look for a taller playhouse that can accommodate your growing kids.
Playhouse Theme
Some themes are more girl-oriented that boys might find it a little boring. So, if you have both sons and daughters, a more gender-neutral theme may work best. Playhouses that have a little of everything with different theme on each wall can also encourage both girls and boys to play together.
Playhouse Extensions
Some playhouses come with a slide, climber and/or swing set. Buying them as a set may work out to be cheaper than buying them separately. They are also compact which saves on space. Hence, if you are thinking of buying a playhouse, you will also need to work out if your kids will need a climber, slide or swing in the near future. If they do, then an outdoor playhouse that has these attachments may be a better play set in your backyard.
Ease Of Assembly
Apart from the above factors, you will also need to check on the ease of assembly. There is no point buying a playhouse which you can't put together because the instructions are too complicated or the parts don't fit. One good way to find out if a particular outdoor playhouse is easy to assemble or otherwise, is to read up on consumer reviews. Popular outdoor playhouses usually have tons of reviews from parents and you can get a glimpse of the ease of assembly from there.
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