Outdoor wooden playhouses: pros and cons

You have decided that your children will enjoy a playhouse. Now, you are trying to decide what type of playhouse to put in the backyard. You’ve seen some fancy wood options and you might be considering one. Before making a purchase, consider the pros and cons of outdoor wooden playhouses.

Advantages of outdoor wooden playhouses

There are very good reasons to consider a wooden playhouse.

First, they look great. If you are concerned about the appearance of your home’s backyard play area, a wooden building makes perfect sense. You can create something that looks good on its own and that retains a certain level of aesthetic consistency with your own home and other outdoor play items. Children will appreciate the good looks of a wooden playhouse.

Second, the wooden houses will give your children something unique and special. Most people opt for mass-produced plastic or resin playhouses. Only a small percentage of buyers are willing to commit to the time and money required to build a high-quality wood alternative. Your child will certainly enjoy having a very special place and will have a lot of fun with the realism that only a wooden model can provide.

Cons of outdoor wooden playhouses

The wood option also has its downsides.

First, they cost more than the alternatives. You may be able to avoid some of the cost by purchasing a DIY kit, but then you will need to consider the value of your time. No matter how you cut, hammer, screw, or glue it, wooden outdoor playhouses are more expensive than the options you’ll find on display at your local toy store.

Second, outdoor wooden playhouses require more maintenance. They are more difficult to clean than plastic or resin units and are not resistant to the elements either. If you decide to go for wood, you need to realize that you will do regular repairs and maintenance to keep it working well. These are not “check it and forget it” options.

Third, the outdoor units become part of the landscape in a way that other options do not. If you move or sell your home, the wooden playhouse probably won’t come with you. Even if the unit does not have a real base, it is probably built with wooden supports that have sunk into the ground and cemented in place.

These are just a few of the pros and cons associated with outdoor wooden playhouses. Considering them should give you a good idea of ​​whether you are interested in going with wood or whether you and your children might be more content with a cheaper alternative.