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.