Affordable Wooden Playhouses

Lily Wright | Feb 01, 2021

Baby & Kids

A playhouse is an amazing kid-friendly space that gives your little one's the freedom to explore and imagine. When you're looking for a wooden play structure for your kids, and a lot is riding on your decision. You want them to have fun and to love their new outdoor fort, but you also need to make sure it's safe and it lasts a long time.

One of the most crucial aspects of an outdoor wooden play structure is that it is safe for your kids. You don't want splinters or falls or other mishaps to mar their playtime. Check for safety features, including rounded edges, sealed or coated finishes, and non-toxic materials.

If you're putting up a wooden structure for your kids in your yard, you want to assess the ground to ensure that it is level and free from debris. A lot of play structures include a ground covering to cushion any falls your kids might have.

The playhouse materials directly affect the longevity of the unit. Wood is the perfect material to build an outdoor structure for kids as it weathers well, is durable, and provides endless hours of fun. A lot of forts are made of cedar, which does double-duty as it repels bugs as well. Other models are made from fir that often comes unfinished, allowing you to customize the playhouse to make it fun and colorful.

Most wooden structures are treated to withstand the elements. However, wooden structures require more maintenance as you need to stain your wood every year to make sure it remains impervious to water.

You need to access the inside of the wooden structure to clean or help your kids. If you're going to get stuck halfway in, you will be of no help to anyone. Opt for a model with a larger door frame or a hinged rooftop opening to accommodate you. Some models also come with large open windows that let you easily lean inside to comfortably play with your kids.

Almost tantamount to the fort's safety features is how much your kids like it. It won't matter if your fort has all the safety structures in the world; if your kids don't like it, they won't play in it. Features such as play equipment, decorative embellishments, and bright colors ignite their imagination, ensuring hours of engaged play.

Backyard Discovery Columbus All Cedar Wood Playhouse

This is one of the most solid wooden playhouses on the market. With windows flanking the swing door and wide cutouts in the other walls, you can always keep your kids in sight. With a kitchen set inside and flower pot shelves beneath the windows outside, this cedar structure has everything for your kids to feel at home.

This outdoor structure is constructed of cedar and is stained with a kid-safe wood treatment, so it is impervious to damp and rot. Windows, window boxes, a clock with working hands, a doorbell, and mailbox round out the features on this adorable play structure. Children aged 2 to 8 will love playing for hours in this exceptional fort.

Be Mindful | Solid Wood Outdoor Playhouse in Natural Finish

Created from recycled wood, this outdoor structure has pre-drilled holes for easy assembly. There are no plastic parts in this piece, and the untreated wood lets your family decorate or paint the playhouse to suit your style. A classic house structure with a swinging half-door, two open windows, and a mailbox completes the look.

Big Game Hunters Café Shop Wooden Playhouse 54" H x 44" W x 36" D (Café/ Shop) (Café/ Shop with Floor)

Designed to look like a café from which your kids can serve you imaginary goodies, this outdoor structure is made from untreated fir wood so you can paint or stain it any color you choose. A waterproof strip runs down the middle of the roof to prevent leakage, and you can get this playhouse with or without flooring.

ALEKO Traditional Outdoor Wooden Playhouse with Mailbox, Picket Fence, Serving Station, and Bench

A half-size door that swings in or out and four windows let in light and air, so this wooden structure will let your kids’ imaginations soar. The classic blue, white, and wooden exterior matches any yard and decor. Assembly is simple and straightforward with a paneled structure and all installation hardware included.

This outdoor playhouse provides those little details that make all the difference in your child’s imaginative play. A phone with clicking buttons, a mailbox, and a working doorbell all provide hours of fun. A café-style striped awning protects little ones from the sun, and the plastic, scalloped roofing stops leaks from warping the wood.

KidKraft Ryan's World Outdoor Playhouse 59.3" x 58" x 64.8", Brown

Let your kids enjoy imaginative play inspired by internet sensation Ryan Kaji with this charming playhouse. This playhouse’s look is intentionally nostalgic, with haphazard board placement, angled window panes, and a patchwork roof. Despite appearing as though a child built it, this is a sturdy, well-built structure. It’s made completely from wood and includes a working bird feeder, a utensil set and play kitchen, and a doggy door.

Sportspower Wooden Outdoor Playhouse with Bench

This isn’t just an outdoor playhouse; it also includes a covered bench and seating area with cushions. This fort has push-through doors and a wide window at the back for all sorts of games. Even when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor play, your children can still have fun and stay warm and dry.