You have decided that your children would enjoy a playhouse. Now you are trying to decide what kind of playhouse you are going to put in the backyard. You’ve seen some fancy wood options, and you may be considering one. Before you make 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’re concerned about the appearance of your backyard playground, a wooden building makes perfect sense. You can create something that looks good on its own while maintaining some level of aesthetic consistency with your own home and other outdoor play items. Children will appreciate the good looks of a wooden playhouse.
Secondly, wooden playhouses will give your children something unique and special. Most people opt for the mass produced plastic or resin playhouses. Only a small percentage of buyers are willing to commit time and money to build a high-quality wood alternative. Your child will undoubtedly enjoy having a very special place and will greatly enjoy the realism that only a wooden model can provide.
Cons of Outdoor Wooden Playhouses
The wooden option also has its negative aspects.
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’ll need to consider the value of your time. No matter how you cut, hammer, screw, or glue it, outdoor wooden 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’re harder to clean than plastic or resin units, and they also don’t hold up to the elements. If you decide to go with wood, you have to realize that you will be doing regular repairs and maintenance to keep it strong. These are not “build 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 house, the wooden playhouse probably won’t come with you. Even if the unit does not have an actual foundation, it is likely built with wooden studs that were sunk into the ground and cemented into place.
Those 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’re interested in using wood, or whether you and your kids might be happy with a cheaper alternative.